Domesticated dogs primarily originated from different types of hunting dogs or gatherers, they would instinctively snatch and run off with bird eggs for themselves to eat.
So if you are asking the question, are eggs good for dogs, then the answer is yes, eggs provide the much-needed dose of protein to dogs as they do for humans.
Eggs are known to be a great source of nutrition for dogs, as they are in the cases of humans. They are a great source of vitamins, fatty acids, and high protein content.
But when it comes to how, when, or what type of eggs you should feed your dog, this is when you should consult your vet first. To keep on reading this article, scroll down below and know more about the question can dogs eat eggs?
Are Eggs Good For Dogs?
As I said before, there is no reason to suggest that eggs are bad for your dogs. They provide the dogs with energy and protein in high quantities.
Eggs are a great source of fat-soluble vitamins, linoleic acid, and Vitamin A. All these nutrients are great for the coat and skin of your dog.
But before you decide on feeding your dog eggs, you should definitely consult your vet as your pet might have some kind of a medical condition, due to which feeding them eggs can be problematic.
Also, it is important to ask your vet whether your dog is allergic to eggs or not, if your dog is not allergic, only then will you feed them eggs.
Certain problems like obesity and an upset stomach are a few ways eating eggs can be a health problem for your dog. For such cases, it is better that the main meal of your dog doesn’t have an egg, but feed the eggs only as occasional treats.
How Do Eggs Help Dogs?
Eggs contain a lot of necessary nutrients that are really important for both dogs and humans. For a dog, all these nutrients are important to have a healthy and proper dog coat and skin.
Such ingredients are as follows.
- Fatty Acids
- Iron
- Protein
- Folate
- Vitamin A
- Selenium
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin B12
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked eggs. In fact, cooked eggs can be a nutritious treat for your canine companion. Here’s why:
Packed with nutrients: Eggs are a good source of protein, fatty acids, and vitamins, all of which can benefit your dog’s health.
Protein source: Cooked eggs are a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids your dog needs. This can be helpful for senior dogs or ones with health conditions requiring a high-protein diet.
Healthy fats and vitamins: Eggs contain linoleic acid, a fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and coat, and vitamins A, B12, and riboflavin, which are important for overall health.
However, you need to keep a few things in mind when feeding cooked eggs to your dog. These are as follows:
Cook them thoroughly: Raw eggs can contain salmonella bacteria, which are harmful to dogs.
Skip the extras: Avoid adding butter, oil, salt, or pepper to the eggs, as these can be unhealthy for dogs.
Moderation is key: Eggs should be an occasional treat, not a regular part of your dog’s diet. Too much protein can be difficult to digest and strain their kidneys.
It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions. Your vet can advise you on how much-cooked egg is safe for your dog to eat.
Can I Feed My Dog Raw Eggs?
The way you wanna feed eggs to your dog is totally up to you. While most people, especially veterinarians, prefer to cook the egg before feeding it to their dog. But there are dog owners who prefer to give feed their dogs raw eggs.
And so the question arises, can dogs eat raw eggs? And the answer is Yes, dogs can eat raw eggs. Although there are no problems when it comes to dogs eating raw eggs, there are certain concerns that the owners should be aware of.
- Salmonella – Contracting salmonella from consuming raw eggs is a potential risk, both in humans and in dogs. So if you are feeding your dogs raw eggs, make sure that they are not exposed to diseases like salmonella.
Just in case your dog contracts salmonella, they are going to suffer from a disease called salmonellosis. Keep in mind the signs of salmonellosis in your dog, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. It is a disease that occurs if you ingest foods that are contaminated by fecal matter. Keep in mind the signs of salmonellosis in your dog, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever.
- Biotin Deficiency – A disease called biotin deficiency can also happen in dogs if they are given raw eggs. The deficiency occurs when an enzyme avidin that is present in the egg whites prevents the biotin from getting absorbed in your body.
Biotin is known to be a vital vitamin that promotes healthy digestion, skin, cells, and also metabolism. Although biotin deficiency is a potential risk, the disease is rarely found in dogs.
- Bacterial Poisoning – If suppose, without your knowledge, the egg has gone bad, it can cause bacterial poisoning inside the dog. So it is very important to make sure that the egg you are feeding your dog has not gone bad or has bacterial growth in it.
Bacterial food poisoning in dogs caused by eating bad eggs can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs. Some of the common ones include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and fever. Remember that the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the type and amount of bacteria ingested, as well as your dog’s overall health. In case, your dog’s symptoms are severe, then you should take them to the Veterinarian immediately.
But if your dog has only vomited once or twice and has mild diarrhea, then there is a good chance that they will recover on their own. Make sure they are comfortable, give them plenty of fluids and plain but nutritious food and your dog will feel better soon. However, you can always consult your vet about any supportive care your dog needs.
Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Eggs in general are a good source of nutrition for your dog. Therefore, you can give your dog eggs in any way you choose. Keeping up with that logic, It is safe for the dog to eat scrambled egg. But, vets have a different opinion when it comes to scrambled eggs. In order for the scrambled egg to be effective for your dog, you have to make the egg in such a way that it is devoid of butter, pepper or salt. Therefore, you cannot share your scrambled egg with your dog in anyway, as we humans enjoy our eggs seasoned.
If you really want to feed your dog eggs, vets suggest that the best way to proceed is boiling the egg. Vets consider boiled eggs as the healthiest way of giving eggs to your dog. It retains all the necessary nutrients , minus the extra elements that can be detrimental for the dog’s system. The best way to serve boiled eggs to your dogs is to first remove the shell. Once the shell is removed, consider slicing up the egg into small pieces. Subsequently, you can separate the yolk from the albumin as it would make it easier for the dog to eat the egg. Do not give your dog a whole boiled egg, as it is a major choking hazard for the dog. Cutting it up into pieces negates that risk.
Are Egg Shells Nutritious For Dogs?
There can be a debate on the question,” can dogs eat egg shells.” It is well known that egg shells are rich in phosphorous and calcium. But instead of giving your dog egg shells, there are food supplements to replace them.
So before you feed your dog eggshells, ask your vet for a consultation, then, only should you make the decision to feed your dog eggshells. They know better whether your dog needs to have egg shells in their balanced diet.
Can Dogs Eat An Egg A Day?
While it is possible that your dog is not able to digest eggs on a daily basis, it is important for them to eat a few pieces of egg on a daily basis. You can feed your dog eggs like a special treat on a daily basis, just in tiny bits and pieces.
According to Nutritionist Jan Dempsey, “Eggs are about 70 calories each, so how much you feed depends on your dog’s size. Keep the 10 Percent Treat Rule in mind. The egg you feed should only make up 10 percent of your dog’s total daily calories. That way, he has his complete and balanced meals and no extra calories.”
Can Puppies Have Eggs As Well?
Although not recommended, puppies can have eggs if needed. Vets suggest that instead of eggs, pet owners need to provide a balanced diet consisting of age-specific food. This would ensure that your puppy gets the right nutrient at the optimal ratio. Also, puppies a essentially babies, therefore they too react to sudden dietary changes in the same way a baby might react. therefore, it is best if you approach the situation carefully.
One way you can approach the situation is if you introduce egg as a treat and not self-sufficient food. While training your puppy, cut up a hard-boiled egg into pieces. Every time your pup nails a command, provide him a small egg treat. This would help you to build up the tolerance of your puppy, and will help you to know if your puppy is tolerant to eggs.
Alternatives To Eggs For Dogs
If you are dog is allergic to eggs, then dont worry. There are several alternatives to eggs for dogs, depending on what you’re using them for:
Binding agent in treats
If you are dog is allergic to eggs, then you can use the following items as an alternative to eggs as binding agents in treats and other dog-safe baked goods.
- Mashed banana: This adds moisture and sweetness and works well in dog-safe cookies.
- Applesauce: Similar to mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce binds and adds moisture.
- Plain yogurt: Use unflavored, low-fat yogurt for binding. This option provides some probiotics for gut health, too.
- Ground flax or chia seeds: Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water to create a gel-like substitute for one egg.
Source of Protein
Eggs are considered to be a complete source of protein because they contain all the essential amino acids that dogs need. But if your dog is allergic to eggs, you can consider feeding them the below-mentioned food items as alternate sources of protein.
- Cooked lean meats: Cooked chicken, turkey, or fish are excellent sources of protein for dogs.
- Cottage cheese: A low-fat, lactose-free option that provides protein and calcium.
- Tofu: Silken tofu can be used in recipes like quiches or crumbled for a meaty texture, but be sure it’s plain and unsalted.
Wrapping Up!
So if you have the question, “can dogs eat eggs,” then you can be well assured that this article is going to help you properly understand whether you should feed your dog eggs or not.
But when it comes to eating eggs, feeding your dog raw eggs is something no vet is going to recommend to you.
So if you think that your dog loves to eat eggs, then you can feed them egg sunnyside up, hard-boiled or scrambled, it doesn’t matter how you prepare the egg, as long as it’s cooked. Also, if you like this article, then make sure to give this article a like and comment down below, and let us know whether your dog loves to eat eggs or not.
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