Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Here is All the Information You Need!

As a dog parent, you might often wonder about the health benefits and safety of certain foods commonly found in your kitchen. Eggs, a staple ingredient in many diets around the world, are one such food that people generally consider feeding it to their canine companions. But, can dogs eat eggs? Let’s find out.

Are eggs good for dogs?

Being an excellent source of protein, eggs are immensely good for dogs. They are rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Feeding your pet eggs, including ground eggshells, can contribute to your dog’s overall health and happiness. This nutritious food can be a tasty treat or a healthy breakfast for your pooch.

Potential benefits of eggs for dogs

The simple answer to the question, ‘Should dogs eat eggs?’ is an irrevocable ‘Yes’. Your four-legged friend could benefit greatly from consuming eggs. Eggs provide dogs with iron, fatty acids, folate, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and protein. These are good for your dog’s skin and coat. If you notice your dog does not have a shiny or healthy-looking coat, adding eggs to its diet could do the trick. Moreover, protein is essential for muscle development. This healthy treat can keep your dog lean and give it abundant energy for any tail chasing or fun games.

The overall nutritional benefits of having your dog consume eggs are tremendous. If the whole egg contains protein, then the eggshells contain calcium, which are necessary for good bone health. Eggshells are particularly great for older arthritic dogs as they help with joint pain and improve joint function.

Possible risks and concerns

Although eggs are a superb source of nutritional goodness, there are a few things that you should be careful about. Ensure that you do not feed your dog raw eggs as you may risk your pet contracting Salmonella, which can lead to fever, diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting.

Biotin deficiency is another predicament that could emerge from raw eggs being fed. The vitamin biotin is essential to support healthy skin, metabolism cells, and digestion. This nutrient deficiency is rare in dogs, but it can certainly happen. Moreover, feeding a rotten egg can have disastrous consequences. We should also keep in mind that eggs are one of the most common canine food allergies, which could result in hives, swellings, coughing, sneezing, or lethargy. Before introducing eggs for dogs into your pet's diet, consult with a professional.

Parts of eggs to consider

Your pet can be fed egg whites, egg yolks, and eggshells. You can scramble the egg and once it has cooled down, you can feed it to your dog. Overheated food can cause burns or discomfort.

When feeding your dog eggshells, ensure that you have boiled them first. Once cooked, grind them and add them to your dog’s food. This way you don’t have to worry about your dog choking or hurting itself.

When to avoid feeding eggs to dogs?

If your pet is overweight, adding eggs to its diet might be harmful as it could lead to high cholesterol. Steer clear of eggs if your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatic or diabetes. Avoid feeding your dog eggs if you notice that it breaks into hives, coughs, sneezes, or even vomits upon consumption of the protein. This could mean that your fur baby is allergic to eggs. Some dogs get skin-related issues like itchiness around their ears, paws, and other areas after having eggs.

Alternative protein sources for dogs

Eggs may be a great protein source but should not be the only means of protein. Here are a few other protein sources you can consider:

• Fish
• Poultry
• Lean red meats

In conclusion, make sure that you cook eggs and eggshells, be alert for allergic reactions, include other sources of protein, and avoid feeding eggs if your dog is overweight.