Eggs are a popular item in most American refrigerators. We use them in a wide variety of recipes, so it is only natural to wonder if our dogs can eat them as well. The short answer is yes. Your dog can eat eggs, and they are very healthy. However, there are times when eating eggs can be bad for your pet as well. Keep reading while we look at the health benefits as well as risks associated with feeding your dog eggs so you can see if it’s something you want to do with your pet.
Are Eggs Good For My Dog?
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient that your pet needs for building muscle and staying active. Puppies require more protein than adult dogs, but they will require a significant amount as well, and eggs can be a great source as they contain a high-quality source.
Fatty Acids
The yolk of the eggs contains a good amount of helpful omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fats help your dog maintain a healthy, shiny coat, and It can also promote smooth skin as well as improve brain and eye development. Veterinarians also use Omega fats to treat arthritis and manage the progression of kidney disease.
Folate
Folic acid is another important nutrient found in eggs that can help your dog avoid a deficiency resulting in anemia and several other health problems. Some breeds, like the Golden Retriever, and Boxer are predisposed to a Folate deficiency through genetics, so these dogs will do especially well with eggs in their diet.
Are Eggs Bad For My Dog?
Salmonella
Salmonella is only a concern when feeding your dog raw eggs, and it’s the main reason most experts recommend cooking them first. However, new sterilization methods such as in-shell pasteurization remove that risk.
Avidin
Avidin is a chemical found in raw egg whites that can prevent the absorption of biotin, leading to a biotin deficiency. Biotin is an important nutrient that helps your pet maintain healthy skin. It also plays a part in your pet’s digestion and metabolism. Though rare, a diet high in raw eggs could lead to a biotin deficiency, so most experts recommend cooking the eggs before serving.
Bacteria
There are other types of bacteria besides salmonella that can grow in raw eggs as they begin to go bad. If your dog ate wild eggs, you would need to watch them for signs of illness for a day or two.
How can I feed eggs to my dog?
Additional Information
Are eggshells bad for dogs?
Though the shells can have salmonella and other bacteria on them, making them dangerous to eat, there is no danger with properly disinfected shells. They are high in calcium and phosphorus, so they will provide your pet with some bone nutrients.
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Conclusion
Eggs are a protein-based treat that makes a great alternative to the fatty, high-carb treats we find in the store, as long as your dog isn’t sensitive to them. You can feed them several times a week without side effects, and they are inexpensive and easy to prepare. You can even boil several ahead of time, and they will last for several days. If your dog ate some wild eggs while you were on a walk, you’d just need to watch for signs of digestive distress and be aware of the possibility of salmonella poisoning, but the risk is fairly low, and your dog will almost certainly be fine. If you notice vomiting, we recommend calling the vet.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over our look into the safety of this common food for your pet and feel better about feeding it. If we have added another item to your pet’s diet, please share this guide to feeding your dog eggs on Facebook and Twitter.
See our full list of human foods your dog can eat here!
