Are eggs actually a good supplement for your dog?
Many people believe that dogs need eggs to supplement their pet’s protein intake.
If you’re feeding a healthy diet, giving your dog eggs is probably not essential but there are still a few advantages which we’ll dive deeper into below.
Oh, and you might be surprised at how dogs eat eggs too.
Benefits of Feeding Eggs
Eggs are high in healthy protein, linoleic acid, and vitamins.
They are especially good for dogs with digestive issues and improve the skin and coat of your pet.
The eggshells (yep, heard that right) are also nutritious and contain phosphorus and calcium which are very important for your dog’s joints and bones.
Not sure which vitamins and minerals are covered by eggs? I’ve got your back.
| Calcium | Strong bones and healthy teeth |
| Iron | Transportation of oxygen |
| Selenium | Prevention of cell damage |
| Phosphorus | Bones and energy production |
| Vitamine B12 | Production of red blood cells |
| Vitamin D | Balance of calcium and phosphorus |
| Vitamin A | Healthy coat |
| Pyridoxine | Metabolic processes |
| Riboflavin | Energy production, healthy skin |
| Pantothenic | Cell energy production |
Can Dogs Eat Eggs Raw?
This type of question usually arises when we’re unsure whether or not our furry friends are truly as though as their ancestors.
It was actually quite common for dogs to steal eggs from bird nests in which case eating them raw was the only option.
The digestive system of our domesticated dogs is different though, so is this still possible?
Vets often recommend that you should cook/boil your dog’s eggs for two reasons.
The most obvious one is the same reason why humans shouldn’t eat raw eggs: Salmonella infection risk.
Furthermore, raw eggs contain enzymes that block the absorption of biotin in the dog’s body which could lead to biotin deficiency.
When you are choosing to feed your dog raw eggs, you can always ask your vet if he recommends it.
A healthy adult dog with a healthy immune system is not prone to get infected by bacteria.
Old dogs and puppies might be more sensitive to bacteria.
Personally, I do feed my dog raw eggs occasionally as part of her raw diet.
When buying the eggs, go for free-range and organic eggs that have been laid by healthy hens.
If you have the possibility, I’d recommend buying them from a local farmer. This way, you’ll know exactly where the eggs come from and how the animals are treated, fed, and so on.
Myth-busting: Many people also fear cholesterol but veterinarians confirm that it doesn’t have the same effect in dogs as it has in people.
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
Eggshells are an incredible source of calcium and together with the egg yolk and
In short, yes dogs can definitely eat eggshells (my Rottie is a firsthand witness).
You can either feed the eggshells in whole or crush them first.
You do not have to put them in a grinder, I usually crush them with my fingers right before I put them on my dogs meal.
Even though there have been no salmonella infections reported from feeding raw eggshells, cooking the egg as mentioned above will let you play it safe (let it cool down afterwards though).
As dogs cannot fully digest eggshells, you might find some white flocks in their stool.
The poop actually tells you quite a lot, especially if you’re feeding a balanced barf diet or a raw diet.
With these diets, the calcium and phosphor intake is not as essential but still great if you’re balancing it with the other meals.
To make sure there’s no diarrhea or other issues, start with a small amount and work your way up (I’m never feeding more than the shell of one large-sized egg for my 100 pound Rottweiler).
Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Whether the egg is cooked, poached or scrambled doesn’t really matter.
It’s essential that you don’t use any butter or oil if you choose to scramble it.
You can also use the eggs to create some yummy homemade dog treats.
Here’s a recipe from Pretty Fluffy that I actually use for my own dog. These banana almond puppy treats are yummy, soft and suitable for puppies and adult dogs.
For this recipe you will need: 1 egg, 1/3 of banana, 3/4 cup of almond butter and 1 tsp of cinnamon.
Mash the banana into a bowl, add the other ingredients and stir until well combined.
Use two spoons to separate the dough into little drops (the size you want your treats to be) and place them onto your baking paper.
Place them in the preheated oven at 350°F/180°C for 10 minutes.
How Should I Feed My Dog Eggs?
As I said, it’s possible to feed your dog eggs cooked, boiled, or raw. Always without any oil, butter or seasoning (unless something harmless like coconut oil or almond butter as part of a treat recipe).
Eggs are also high in fat so you shouldn’t be feeding them too often. A few times a week would be best to get all the health benefits from them without putting your dog at risk.
If you are uncertain about feeding eggs to your dog, you can always consult your vet first as he will be able to give you more tips.
How Many Eggs Can a Dog Eat in a Day?
A single egg contains 70 calories and too much of that could cause your dog to gain weight. You should see the eggs more like a treat.
One egg per day is fine for dogs, depending on the size. As mentioned, I’m not feeding my Rottweiler more than one egg per day.
Also, don’t feed your pooch eggs every day.
One egg every other day will be enough and you can also switch your regular treats with the recipe for homemade treats mentioned above.
How to Cook Eggs for Dogs?
You can cook the eggs just like you would for yourself, just about 5-6 minutes. Let them cool down completely before giving them your dog.
If your dog refuses to eat it in whole, just crush the shell with your fingers and mash the egg with a fork.
And remember to not put any seasoning nor oil on the eggs – your dog will love it anyway!
Britty
Monday 12th of August 2019
Thanks for all the tips! My girl absolutely loves eggs and feed them to her every second day.
Danielle
Wednesday 14th of August 2019
My dog loves eggs too! Thanks for visiting Pawleaks.