Yes, dogs can eat eggs! Eggs are super nutritious for both humans and dogs. There are plenty of ways dogs can get protein-rich eggs into their diet, but some are safer than others.
In this article, let’s get into the ways in which eggs are good for dogs, and the best ways to serve them to your hungry hound.
Are eggs good for dogs?
Yes, eggs are bursting with nutrients for dogs. They’re high in fat, however, so should also be fed in moderation.
What are the health benefits?
Let’s unpack the humble egg and its benefits for a dog’s health.
High in protein. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and maintenance, and for energy.
Vitamin A is brilliant for a dog’s skin and coat, good vision and a healthy immune system.
Complex B vitamins in eggs contribute to skin and coat health as well as brain function. They also boost immunity, help enzyme production and improve the nervous system.
Can puppies eat eggs?
Puppies can have egg in moderation, as part of a balanced diet that’s specially formulated for puppies. Be sure it’s cooked well (maybe hard-boiled), as raw eggs are of higher risk to them. If they don’t digest egg very well, of course avoid feeding them in future.
When are eggs unsafe for dogs?
Eggs that are spoiled or raw carry a high risk of upsetting your pooch’s stomach with bacteria such as E.Coli or salmonella. Be sure to feed eggs to your dog that are within their sell-by date - the fresher the better. Serve eggs in a safely cooked way (hard or soft-boiled, ideally), without any seasoning or flavourings - and keep an eye on them afterwards to see how their body reacts.
Can dogs be allergic to eggs?
Dogs can have an egg allergy. If they develop any of the following symptoms after feeding, assume they have an allergy or intolerance and don’t include eggs in their diet.
- Reddening, swelling or itching of the skin
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- Stomach pains, bloating
- Wheezing, difficulty breathing
- Change in behaviour, lethargy
If these symptoms persist, your pooch may have become sick from bacteria in the eggs - so you should get them to a vet for immediate medical attention.
Can dogs with pancreatitis eat eggs?
Pancreatitis is a condition which affects the pancreas and its ability to break down/filter fats. Therefore, if owners of dogs with pancreatitis are keen to keep fat levels low, just the white of the egg could be served up. Alternatively, there are other ways your pancreatic pooch can get protein, like in lean chicken.
Can eggs make dogs sick?
Eggs can make dogs sick, especially if they carry bacteria such as E.Coli or salmonella, which is more prolific in raw or spoiled eggs.
If your dog has an egg intolerance or allergy, this can also make them sick. They are also high in fat, while being nutrient dense - which means dogs with pancreatitis could get sick from eggs.
How to safely give eggs to your dog
Eggs are versatile, that’s part of their appeal - but what’s the safest way to serve eggs to your pooch? The best way is to hard-soft or soft-boil fresh eggs in a pan of water, and add it chopped to their regular food without any added salt or seasonings.
You can also serve poached eggs, or scrambled so long as there isn’t butter or salt added.
How many eggs is safe to give your dog?
How many eggs to feed your dog really depends on their size and breed. In general, one or two eggs per week is considered adequate - one egg for smaller dogs, and two eggs for bigger dogs. Feeding eggs to your dog every day isn’t recommended, due to their high fat content.
What kinds of eggs can dogs eat?
Now that we know eggs can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet, which eggs are safest to give your pooch?
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
It’s not recommended. There are raw food advocates who would feed raw eggs to their dogs as they’re still protein rich, however raw eggs carry too high a risk of transferring harmful bacteria to your dog. Cooked eggs are much safer.
Should dogs eat scrambled, poached or fried eggs?
We recommend feeding soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs, however, poached, scrambled or fried are all ok, too. Fried will have more oil, so will be higher fat and less healthy. If you scramble eggs, don’t add extra butter in order to retain its nutrition as a suitable dog snack.
Can dogs eat eggs shells?
It won’t exactly harm your dog if they eat some egg in the shell - the shells are a nutritious source of calcium. It’s not as palatable for your dog to eat egg shells, but there’s no harm in them trying it. If you do this, be sure the whole egg is cooked with the shell attached - don’t feed your pooch discarded eggshells on their own.
Can dogs eat scotch eggs?
Don’t feed your dog scotch eggs - the breaded sausage exterior is high fat and likely to contain ingredients your dog won’t digest well. It’s unlikely to cause them harm if they do snaffle a scotch egg, but don’t consider it a regular snack for a dog.
Can dogs eat duck or quail eggs?
There’s no harm in feeding your dog duck or quail eggs, as they’re still very nutrient rich. Serve them in the way you would chicken’s eggs - cooked, plain and without any additional flavourings.
Can dogs eat pickled eggs?
Pickled eggs are much too heavy in vinegar for dogs - it could cause them issues in digestion. This also goes for any other eggs that have been prepared ahead of time - devilled eggs, huevos rancheros or shakshuka. When it comes to dogs, plain eggs are the way to go.
Can dogs eat out-of-date eggs?
No. Your pooch should eat eggs that are as fresh as possible - and at least within the sell-by date. Spoiled eggs could make your dog sick, or carry bacteria that could cause them harm.
Conclusion
Eggs are a tasty, nutrient-dense snack for hungry dogs, packed full of protein and vitamins. They are however, high in fat, so unsuitable for pooches with diabetes or pancreatitis. Be sure to feed eggs in moderation, no more than one or two eggs a week, and serve them cooked and plain with no additional seasoning.
What other foods can dogs safely eat?
If you’re looking to add more protein into your dog’s diet but you’re not into eggs, try these alternatives…
High protein dog food to get a boost of protein alongside fresh ingredients such as pumpkin, chickpeas and supplements.
Pumpkin - a source of tasty fibre as well as vitamins A, C and E, and it’s low in fat.
Banana - a sweet fruity treat that provides energy while being full of fibre and potassium.
Meaty Treats for dogs - irresistible dog treats packed with shrimp, turkey and duck with added probiotics to improve gut health.
If you’re looking for protein-rich foods for your dog, our grain-free dog food and healthy dog treats are packed full of lean proteins and fresh fruit and veggies, to satisfy your pooch in both body and mind.
