We are here to solve the egg-citing mystery of eggs. No, we are not talking about “What came first, the egg or the chicken?”, we are talking about the question,”can dogs eat eggs?”
To answer this, YES! Dogs can eat eggs.
As a responsible parent, you may need to walk on eggshells when it comes to dog food. There can be so many questions scrambling for answers. In this 5-minute read, you will know everything about feeding your dog eggs.
Are Eggs Good For Dogs? How Do They Help?
Dogs can be friends with eggs, as it brings nutritional benefits to their body. So, let us crack into the goodness and learn about the health benefits of eggs to your pooch.
1. Protein
Eggs are packed with amino acids and other proteins that help with muscle growth. Including protein in dogs’ diets is essential for their health. They help with the functioning of the body and keep their coat lustrous (article). More protein means more energy to goof around all day.
2. Nutrients
Eggs are rich in nutrients as well! Your dog gets the benefits of Vitamins A and B12. Together, they help strengthen bone and cell formation and improve vision. And their goodness does not end here! The nutrients in eggs can also help with a strong immune system (1, 2). All these help to protect your dog from catching infections and common diseases.
3. Fatty acids
Fatty acids are essential for any individual. Especially for our furry companions, it is necessary not to leave out any nutrients. Eggs have omega-3 fatty acids that promote their health. It helps to keep their fur shiny and healthy. Fatty acids play a huge role in reducing inflammation and improving heart health (article).
4. Skin health
As mentioned, eggs are a great source of vitamin A, which helps to boost skin and fur. Adding eggs to your dog’s diet can help keep their skin smooth and protect them from harmful bacteria. If your dog is also prone to sunburns, it can help nurture the skin with healthy vitamins.
5. Egg-celent digestion
If your dog is often constipated, you can add eggs to their food menu. But always consult with your veterinarian before taking such steps. You should not overfeed the eggs, as it can upset the stomach. Add these sulfur and protein-rich eggs to your dog’s food bowl.
If you are searching for more options to improve your dog’s digestion, add melons, bananas, or other human foods.
Note: Do not feed anything to cure constipation without consulting your veterinarian.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Dog Eggs
Now you must think— why take precautions if eggs are so good? Well, because a lot of mystery is still hidden under the shell. Let’s unscramble it!
1. Cook it!
Technically, you can feed your dog eggs any way they like! Be it Cooked, raw, with shells, or without shells. It does not make a difference but only gives your dog its goodness. However, small dogs can find eating raw eggs with the shell hard. Hence, to make it easier for them, you can cook it!
You can use any cooking method– boiling, making an omelet, scrambled eggs, raw eggs without shells, etc.
2. Allergies
It would help if you kept in mind before serving your dog that eggs can lead to allergic reactions. You must check with your veterinarian and seek advice about your dog’s allergic triggers.
It would help if you started by feeding small amounts of eggs to prevent allergy surprises. Then, once your dog is familiar with it and shows no allergic reactions, you can increase the dose.
Note: Allergic reactions can show signs like— itching, redness, discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. Please seek veterinary attention immediately if it happens.
3. Moderation
Can you substitute chocolate cookies with your lunch just because you love them? No right? Just like that, even though eggs are great for dogs, you should feed them in moderation. Overfeeding anything can lead to digestive problems in dogs. (It can be a nightmare for you and your dog). Depending on their dietary size and body requirements, you can only feed them eggs twice or thrice a week.
This brings us to our next point —
4. BIG NO to seasonings
If you know us, you would know that we strongly stand against giving seasoning to dogs. Most commercial seasonings come with onion or garlic powder, which is toxic to dogs. Also, adding salt or pepper brings no nutritional value but degrades it. Dogs can be susceptible to seasonings and may show signs of allergic reactions (like sneezing or coughing).
Safe Ways to Feed Your Dog Eggs
Honestly, there is no wrong way of giving your dog eggs. Their parts, including whites, yolks, and shells, bring nutritional value to your pooch. But the question arises when shells are involved. Eggshells consist of calcium and help with bone-strengthening of your furry friend.
But shells can be hard to chew for small dogs and dogs with no teeth. It can pose risks and choking hazards. Here are some simple ways to serve your dog whole eggs to prevent that.
- Scrambled eggs always stay in style!
- You can boil eggs and serve without the shells.
- You can boil whole eggs, including the shell, mash them and serve.
- You can serve raw eggs without the shell.
- And lastly, you can make powder out of the egg shells. You can mix them with their kibbles, treats, cookies, etc. This way, small dogs can digest it and not choke on big chunks.
You must note that every dog is different and may like other methods of cooking eggs. Serve them what is best for their health and suits their body requirements. For further information, you can connect with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs! It is safe to say that dogs can eat whole eggs. It is one of the few human food items that they can eat all parts of, which includes the shell, yolk, and whites.
One should ensure that eggs are not substitutes for their primary meals. It does not have enough nutrients to fulfill your dog’s daily requirements. Also, you should only serve them eggs occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs can eat the whole egg, including the egg whites and yolk. But, sometimes, yolk (containing cholesterol) can cause severe problems like pancreatitis. If your dog is obese, you should only give them the whites. Also, before adding anything new to your dog’s food menu, always confirm with your veterinarian.
The answer is NO. If you are serving plain cooked eggs, dogs can enjoy it. But unlike humans, seasonings are harmful to dogs. Using peppers, sauces, salt, and spices can lead to allergic reactions. Cooked eggs alone can provide your dog with nutrients. In contrast, seasonings do not have any nutritional value.
Yes. Dogs love to eat eggs and bacon. The only catch is to cook them thoroughly before serving them to your dog. The two can bring health benefits and a treat for their taste buds. However, you must note that the two should not be a substitute for primary meals. You can serve your dog egg and bacon occasionally as a treat. Also, please remember NOT to add any seasonings.
No. Even though dogs love to eat eggs, they should not be added to their everyday meal. It has cholesterol that can lead to pancreatitis if overfed. Especially for small dogs, it is not recommended to give them eggs daily. Please seek veterinary advice if you want to add eggs to your dog’s diet.
Congratulations, YES. Dogs can eat eggshells. The catch is to cook or boil it. It is also recommended to crush it well into powder before serving. You can mix it into their kibbles. Egg shells can bring calcium and other nutrients. But it needs supervision! Uncooked chunks of eggshells can cause choking hazards, especially in small dogs. It is safe to consume, but you can consult your veterinarian.
