Can my dog have eggs?

Not only are eggs full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and calcium, they’re also a convenient and inexpensive treat for your dog. They’re a safe snack to share with your canine companion with a few eggceptions. It’s best to buy free-range organic eggs from a local farmer or market instead of at the grocery store to be sure that they’re free from chemicals.

Can dogs eat raw eggs?

Even though some people feed their dogs a raw diet, The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Trusted Source American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Not-for-profit organization representing 97,000+ vets. Go to source frowns upon it because of the potential risk of salmonella and E. coli, which are both pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria. Not only is this a concern for your precious pooch, but it also poses a risk to you. People, especially those who are young or immunocompromised, are very susceptible to food-borne illnesses.

Feeding raw eggs to your dog can cause them to have a biotin deficiency, which could negatively impact their skin, digestion, and metabolism. Cooking eggs, whether you boil or scramble them, destroys bacteria through denaturation.

What about the eggshell?

Eeeeek! Finding a bit of the shell in that otherwise delicious omelet is so off-putting! There’s just something about that texture that humans find very unappealing, yet most dogs feel quite the opposite. They don’t seem bothered by that crunchy texture at all and will benefit from the calcium found in eggshells. Calcium is essential for puppies and dogs to support healthy teeth and bones and aids in the passing of information between cells.

To avoid sharp edges, it’s a good idea to crush eggshells or turn them into powder before feeding them to your dog. The best way to turn eggshells into powder is to bake them at 230 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes to dry them out. Then, grind the dried eggshells in a coffee grinder or blender. You’ll be left with a fine powder that’s safe to mix with your dog’s kibble.

👉  Make sure the powder equals no more than 1 teaspoon, which is the equivalent of one large egg.

From bonding over a special treat to the essential fatty acids, digestible protein, and nutrients they provide, eggs can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet.

Nutritional value of eggs

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, and vitamins (including vitamin A and vitamin B12), which your dog needs to stay in tip-top shape. Eggs also contain folate, riboflavin, and selenium. One large, boiled egg has 80 calories Trusted Source Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University Veterinary school. Go to source . Eggs should be fed as a treat and not as your dog’s main meal. They should instead supplement your dog’s well-balanced diet. To keep your dog’s diet balanced, only 10% of their daily calories should come from treats.

It’s always important for dog owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian before introducing any new food to their pup’s diet.

Can dogs be allergic to eggs?

Yes. An allergic reaction is different for a dog than for a person; dogs have almost no chance of having an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms of a potential egg or food allergy in dogs include:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Itching
• Skin infections
• Ear infections

Some dogs are allergic to certain proteins, so, some may be allergic to the protein found in eggs. If your pet is allergic to chicken or other types of poultry, there’s a possibility that they’ll also be allergic to eggs. The safest way to prevent a problem is to avoid eggs altogether.

Dogs with these medical conditions shouldn’t eat eggs

Eggs shouldn’t be given to dogs with certain health conditions. As previously mentioned, dogs with poultry and egg allergies shouldn’t have eggs. According to our veterinarian, Dr. Patricia Shanteau, DVM, eggs are an unsuitable choice for pups with these conditions.

• Pancreatitis. If your dog is prone to pancreatitis, whether acute or chronic, they should never have eggs.
• Kidney disease or irritable bowel disease (IBS). Because eggs have a high protein content, don’t give them to dogs that suffer from kidney disease or IBS.
• Bladder stones. Dogs with a history of bladder stones shouldn’t have eggs because of their high calcium content, and should only eat a prescription diet. Any deviation from that could contribute to future bladder stones.
• Overweight. Dogs that are on a weight loss diet can have egg whites but not egg yolks.

First, make sure the eggs you’re using are farm fresh and chemical-free. Hard-boiled eggs and scrambled eggs are both safe choices for dogs. You can even sprinkle a bit of cheese on top of them if you’d like.

• Hard boiling tip. Boil for nine to 10 minutes to cook the yolk all the way through.
• Scrambling tip. Add a small amount of water to the hot skillet to prevent sticking since butter and oil should be avoided.

👉  Remember not to add anything extra including fats such as oil and butter, salt, spices, garlic, onions, and ketchup. 

There are some human foods that pet parents and dogs can share. Eggs are delicious, provide a nutritious snack for your dog, and are a wonderful addition to a well-balanced diet. From the convenience and delicious flavor to the health-boosting protein and vitamins, eggs are a nutritious treat for most dogs.