Dog parents always want the best for their canine companions, and often wonder which foods are the best for them. One of the most frequently asked questions is, can dogs eat eggs? Let’s take a closer look into this matter.
Can dogs eat eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat eggs. In a surprising variety of ways, too: cooked, raw, scrambled, boiled, and so on. Eggs are a highly digestible source of protein with a high nutritional value, and every part of the egg, from the shell to the yolk, contains beneficial nutrients. It’s important to note that eggs and all of their parts need to be offered in the right way and in the right quantities.
What are the health benefits of eggs?
Each part of an egg provides specific health benefits. Let’s take a look below:
-Fatty acids
Fatty acids are concentrated in the egg yolk. These acids help to build and maintain body cells, and they also provide a delivery system for fat-soluble vitamins.
-Amino acids
Structural components of protein, especially found in egg whites. Dogs absorb the essential amino acids to build and maintain healthy muscles.
-Vitamins
Once again, egg yolk is the main source. Full of vitamin A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, and choline. These vitamins serve as building blocks for metabolism growth, immune function and development.
-Minerals
Magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, chloride, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese. Those minerals are highly concentrated in egg whites, yolks and shells.
What should I be aware of when offering eggs to my dog?
The average egg contains 60 calories. Eggs can be great as treats (remember, they shouldn’t account for more than 10% of the daily intake of calories) or as an addition to the regular diet:
- Small sized dogs – 1/2 eggs per week
- Medium sized dogs – 2/3 eggs per week
- Large sized dogs – 3/ 4 eggs per week
Ideally, it’s best to choose free-range or organic eggs. The safest way to offer them is after cooking, because you will avoid any risk of exposure to salmonella. However, if you want to offer raw eggs, make sure you talk with your vet first.
Eggshells and eggshell membranes can also be offered (always ground), as they contain a lot of calcium and other minerals. But, once again, don’t make that decision without consulting your vet, as the dog’s whole diet needs to be evaluated first.
For a deeper dive into this subject, including tips for including eggs in different diet types, check out Should My Pet Eat Eggs? Pros, Cons and Tips.
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