Can I Feed My Dog Raw Egg?
Most veterinarians recommend cooking eggs before feeding them to your dog, but some dog owners feed their dogs raw eggs. There are a few concerns about feeding raw eggs to dogs that owners should be aware of:
Salmonella — Dogs are at risk of contracting salmonella. Owners who feed raw eggs to dogs could also be exposed to salmonella. If a dog eats an egg contaminated by salmonella, they could get an infection called Salmonellosis. The symptoms of Salmonellosis includes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Biotin deficiency — Feeding raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency, as egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that prevents absorption of biotin in the body. Biotin is a vitamin that supports healthy skin, metabolism, cells, and digestion. Biotin deficiencies are rare in dogs, but can happen.
Bacteria — As eggs go bad, they can grow bacteria that can harm your pup.
It’s also possible that your dog will be allergic to eggs. Watch your dog for any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including sneezing, swelling, hives, problems breathing, lethargy, or coughing.
If you plan to feed your pup raw egg, speak to your veterinarian first.
How to Feed a Dog Eggs
Now that you understand the benefits of eggs for dogs, it’s time to learn how to feed your dog eggs.
Your eggs should come from a trusted and organic source to ensure quality. It’s typically best to purchase free-range eggs on an organic diet because the healthier the chicken that laid the egg is, the healthier the egg will be.1 Additionally, consider purchasing eggs that have not been chemically treated.1
You should also keep your eggs for your dog in the fridge as you do with your own eggs. It’s typically best to refrigerate eggs in the carton at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.2
Always feed your dog cooked eggs. Now, if you’re asking yourself, “can dogs eat hard-boiled eggs?”, you’ll be happy to know that you can feed your dog either hard-boiled or scrambled egg whites. What’s most important is that the egg is fully cooked. Its also important to avoid seasoning the egg before giving it to your dog. Your dog does not need added salt or pepper. If you plan to scramble your dog’s eggs, refrain from using any oil or butter.
Never, under any circumstances, feed your dog raw eggs. Raw diets are dangerous for dogs and humans and can result in serious illnesses due to the bacteria. Feeding your dog raw eggs puts them at risk of contracting salmonella and having fever, vomiting, canine diarrhea, and lethargy.1 Expired eggs or those that have been sitting out can also contain harmful bacteria.1
It’s recommended to only feed your pet egg whites because egg yolks have a higher fat content, which can potentially lead to pancreatitis. Additionally, egg whites are the healthiest part of the egg since most of the protein is located here, making them a safer and healthier alternative than eggs with yolks.
How you feed your dog eggs depends on the way you cook them. There are only two safe options for cooking egg whites: hard-boiled and scrambled. Here are just a few ideas for ways you can feed your dog eggs:
If you’re planning on feeding your dog eggs, don’t ever let the egg sit out for more than two hours after it has been cooked.2 If you’re going to use eggs as a food topper, clean your dog’s bowls out when they’re done so they don’t end up eating bacteria that has formed since the egg was cooked.
Some dogs should not have eggs at all. Believe it or not, dogs can be allergic to eggs, so it’s important to know the symptoms of food allergies in dogs to ensure your dog doesn’t have a negative reaction to eggs. Common signs of food allergies include:
Technically, dogs can eat eggshells, but it’s not always the best idea to feed them to your dog. Eggshells are filled with several nutrients, including calcium, but there are safer ways to supplement their diet than feeding them eggshells with sharp edges.1 If you want to feed your dog eggshells for any reason, it’s always best to discuss it with your vet. Your vet may be able to find other options to get your pet the nutrients they need.
Can dogs with allergies eat eggs?
An egg allergy means that your dog’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the egg yolk. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to avoid eggs. Just be sure to double-check food labels. Chicken.
Are Eggs Good For Dogs?
Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency.