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Dogs of all kinds have very interesting diets. And every dog has different needs when it comes to food: a large dog eats more than a small dog, an old dog needs softer food than a young dog, some dogs are raw fed, some organic, and some fed whatever the owner can get easily at a store.
However, the question all dog owners ask themselves is “What can dogs NOT eat?” That leads us to our current question: can dogs eat raw eggs?
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
Most vets tell dog owners not to feed their dogs raw eggs. When a dog eats raw eggs, it runs the risk of contracting salmonellosis, an infection cause by eggs contaminated with Salmonella.
Your dog can also get biotin deficiency and consume bacteria that may be harmful. Your pet could also be allergic to eggs and could have a reaction upon consumption.
It is always important to speak to your vet when considering feeding your dog a food you are uncertain about.
What kind of eggs are safe for dogs?
With raw eggs out of the question, that brings us to a few derivative questions:
- what kind of eggs can dogs eat?
- can dogs eat egg yolks?
- can dogs eat eggs cooked and, if so, how should they be cooked?
These are all great questions. Eggs should be cooked if you wish to feed them to your pet, but it doesn’t really matter how they’re cooked. This means that eggs can be safely boiled, scrambled, sunny side up, poached, or whatever else.
However, eggs should not be the only protein in a dog’s diet. They also need meats, or peanut butter if you prefer they keep a vegetarian diet.
How many eggs can dogs eat?
When feeding your dog eggs, you should start out small and gradually increase the amount as long as your dog is tolerating it well.
Too much protein can affect your dog’s bowel moments, gastrointestinal tract, and other systems of the body, so be careful not to give it too much.
One egg a day is usually a safe amount for a dog to eat. It’s best that the eggs be organic, but regular, store-bought eggs are fine in moderation.
Also be sure not to cook the eggs in any fats or seasonings such as oil, butter, or salt.
How are cooked eggs beneficial for dogs?
Eggs provide iron, fatty acids, folate, and protein which are all important for our dogs’ health. They also provide vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and riboflavin which help support dogs’ immune systems and overall health.
Egg shells can also be beneficial for dogs with a veterinarian’s permission — they contain the calcium that some dogs lack.
Shells can supplement calcium intake and also help with joint function, especially in arthritic dogs. They do have sharp edges though, so grinding the shells into a powder is recommended.
Conclusion
Overall, eggs can be very beneficial for dogs in moderation and when cooked well. However, it is always best to check with a vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
One more thing to consider is that you should generally avoid feeding your dog pickled eggs because of the high sodium content.
Thanks for reading. Are you considering feeding your dog raw eggs? Feel free to share your situation in the comments below.
