Eggs are extremely common in the human diet. They are a great source of protein, vitamin D, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, copper, and iron. Packed with a lot of nutritional benefits, it leaves a lot of dog owners with one question in mind: Can dogs eat eggs?
The answer is yes, but only when the eggs are properly cooked.
The Dangers of Feeding Dogs with Raw Eggs
Eating raw eggs in large quantities can put dogs at risk of biotin or vitamin B7 deficiency. This condition causes loss of skin and coat, reduced fatty acid metabolism, and inhibited cell growth.
However, for your dog to develop this deficiency, he needs to be fed about 8 to 10 eggs per day which is actually rare.
Another thing is that egg yolks contain a good amount of biotin. So, when you feed your dog with whole raw eggs, you’re actually removing the risk of causing biotin deficiency.
And then, there’s the risk of salmonella.
Similar to humans, dogs can also get Salmonella from eating raw eggs. This infection causes diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, and depression.
Most cases of salmonella in dogs are generally mild and can be fought by dogs’ immune system. More serious cases, however, may require hospitalization and intravenous fluid.
Another reason why most dog owners avoid giving their dogs eggs is due to the enzyme inhibitors they contain. These inhibitors can interfere with digestion and cause stomach upset, particularly in very young and old dogs.
Know Your Eggs
Even though giving your dog cooked eggs is considered safe, knowing what’s inside those eggs can make a huge difference to your dog’s health.
So, before you buy some eggs, consider where they came from or what the chickens that laid them were fed.
Most chickens are fed with soy and this ingredient can cause some allergy symptoms in dogs. It can also cause several health issues that can affect your dog’s liver, reproductive system, and thyroid. If you know your dog has allergy issues, you have to be really careful in serving eggs.
Apart from what chickens eat, you should also take the time to know how they are being handled. Chickens that are given synthetic female estrogen hormones to make their development quicker can pass their toxins and foreign DNA to their eggs.
How to Cook Eggs for Dogs
The easiest way to prepare eggs for dogs is to boil them. While this can reduce the amounts of nutrients in eggs, the process can reduce the risk of salmonella infection.
If you want a bit of variety, you can prepare your dogs scrambled eggs. They are also perfectly fine for your dogs but you need to be extra careful about what you put in them.
Make sure that you don’t add any garlic, onion, pepper, salt, avocado, or other spices. You can, however, put a bit of cheese.
You also have the option to serve fried eggs. In doing so, make sure not to cook your eggs in the same oil you used to cook onions.
Additionally, think about your dog’s weight. Fried eggs contain a bit more calories than boiled eggs.
When serving eggs, start with really small portions to see how your dog’s stomach will react. This is important not all dogs have the same level of tolerance.
Now, if your dog refuses to eat the eggs you prepared, try establishing a more strict eating schedule. Only put the food out when it’s time for him to eat.
Check how many times you are giving your dogs treats. If you are giving too many treats, they can fill up your dog.
In case your pet is extra picky, you need to think of other ways to prepare your eggs. Try researching for other options to get them to eat. One good trick is to add cheese in your egg recipes.
How Much Egg Is Safe to Feed Your Dog
It’s safe to feed your dog with a couple of eggs each day, provided that you serve them with a balanced diet. Never give eggs as your dog’s lone protein source.
If you notice any digestive issues in your dog, simply stop feeding him eggs and take him to the vet. Some digestive issues can clear up on their own and without the need for medical intervention. For serious cases, however, it’s best to check with your vet.
What About Eggshells?
Eggshells are a great source of calcium which can be beneficial to your dog. Now, the question is how you can safely serve them to your pet.
Some dog owners break eggshells and let their dogs work on them. Others put a bit more effort into grinding the shells to turn them into a fine powder they can sprinkle over their dogs’ food.
As a guide, it’s best to consider how picky your dog is, the condition of his teeth, and his risk of choking. Some dogs may not find broken eggshells appealing to eat while older dogs with dental issues may have a hard time eating them.
One warning, though.
Keep in mind that many eggs are typically sprayed with chemicals to make them look shinier and more appealing. With that, try your best to purchase your eggs from an organic farmer in your area.
In Conclusion
Can dogs eat eggs?
Yes, but make sure that you serve them cooked. During preparation, remember not to put any spices or ingredients that can harm your dog, like onions and pepper. Additionally, make sure that you are serving organic eggs to prevent your dog from getting exposed to chemicals and toxins. You should also be mindful of how much eggs you’re feeding your pet.
Don’t forget to closely observe your dog, particularly if it’s his first time eating eggs. Some dogs develop digestive issues after eating eggs. If your pet develops a few of those issues, stop giving him eggs and take him to the vet right away.