Can Dogs Eat Eggs? (2024)

Many pet parents wonder which “human foods” are good for their pets. A common question that I get from pet parents at my animal hospital is: “Can dogs eat eggs?”

Here’s everything you need to know about the nutritional value of eggs for dogs.

Are Eggs Good for Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?

The answer is yes, cooked eggs are good for dogs! Dogs can eat hard-boiled or scrambled eggs. The main objective is that the eggs need to be cooked. Do not feed raw eggs to dogs.

Eggs are good for dogs as they provide an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Essentially the entire egg, including the eggshell, can be nutritious for dogs.

Can Puppies Eat Eggs?

Yes, puppies can eat eggs. Eggs offer the same nutritional value for puppies as they do for adult dogs.

Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs?

There is no nutritional benefit in feeding raw eggs to dogs.

There is, however, the risk of your dog contracting Salmonella infection from a raw egg. This bacterial infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

For more information on egg safety, please refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;this information on Salmonella applies to people and animals.

Can Some Dogs Be Allergic to Eggs?

Dogs tend to be allergic to proteins in food. Since eggs have protein, dogs can become allergic to eggs.

Signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction include gastrointestinal (GI) issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes they can have skin issues like itchiness around the ears, paws, and other areas.

If you see any of these signs, seek help from your local veterinarian. For more information about food allergies in dogs, please refer to Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.

Why Are Eggs Good for Dogs? What Are the Health Benefits?

Each part of a cooked egg offers health benefits for dogs: the egg yolk, eggshell, and egg white.

Egg Yolks Contain Fatty Acids and Vitamins

Dogs need fatty acids and vitamins, and egg yolks provide both.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are concentrated in the egg yolk.

Fatty acids are consumed as saturated and unsaturated fats in a dog’s diet. A dog’s body breaks down the fat, and it is absorbed through the GI tract.

Once inside, fatty acids are used to build and maintain body cells.

Fatty acids also provide a delivery system for fat-soluble vitamins. Dogs are not predisposed to heart disease like people, so we don’t worry about their cholesterol.

Vitamins

Vitamins are consumed as water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients in a dog’s diet.

Vitamins serve as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth, and development.

These vitamins are concentrated in the egg yolk:

  • Vitamin A

  • Vitamin D

  • Vitamin E

  • Vitamin K

  • Vitamin B1

  • Vitamin B6

  • Vitamin B12

  • Riboflavin

  • Niacin

  • Folic acid

  • Choline

Eggshells Contain Necessary Minerals

Minerals are also necessary for dogs, and they’re consumed as salts in a dog’s diet.

They serve as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth, and development.

These nutrients are concentrated in eggshells but also found in egg whites and yolks:

  • Calcium

  • Phosphorus

  • Magnesium

  • Sodium

  • Potassium

  • Chloride

  • Iron

  • Copper

  • Zinc

  • Manganese

  • Selenium

  • Iodine

Egg Whites Provide Amino Acids

Dogs need amino acids. Amino acids are consumed as meat and plant-based protein in a dog’s diet.

A dog’s body breaks down the protein, and it is absorbed through the GI tract. Once inside, the protein is used to build and maintain muscles.

These nutrients are concentrated in the egg white:

  • Arginine

  • Histidine

  • Isoleucine

  • Leucine

  • Lysine

  • Methionine

  • Phenylalanine

  • Threonine

  • Tryptophan

  • Valine

How Much Egg Can a Dog Eat?

Eggs can be great as special treats for your dog.

The average egg contains 60 calories and has roughly 6 grams of protein and 4 milligrams of fat.

To figure out how much to feed your dog, you should talk with your veterinarian. The appropriate serving size of eggs as treats for your dog will depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • Size

  • Age

  • Activity level

  • Existing health issues

How to Feed Eggs to Your Dog

The safest way to feed eggs to your dog is to hard boil them and chop them up. It’s safest to feed eggs to your dog immediately after cooking.

Store eggs at 40°F when raw and boil eggs at 160°F to properly cook them. If you’re not serving them right away, it is recommended to refrigerate them at 40°F until ready to serve.

Featured Image: iStock.com/MeePoohyaphoto

Can Dogs Eat Eggs? (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Eggs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

Can dogs eat cooked eggs? ›

The answer is yes, cooked eggs are good for dogs! Dogs can eat hard-boiled or scrambled eggs. The main objective is that the eggs need to be cooked. Do not feed raw eggs to dogs.

Can I give my dog scrambled eggs? ›

Eggs should be cooked before being given to a dog. Cook or boil eggs plain, without oil, butter, salt, seasoning, spices, or other additives. It doesn't matter how your dog likes their eggs — sunny side up, scrambled, or hard-boiled — as long as they are fully cooked.

Can I feed my dog an egg every day? ›

You can feed your dog eggs as long as they are cooked. So, your pet can enjoy a variety of preparations, such as hardboiled or scrambled, Purina reports. Dogs can have eggs as an occasional treat. However, it's not recommended to feed them eggs every day, Purina reports.

Is it OK to put raw egg in dog food? ›

Yes, eggs are healthy for dogs both raw and cooked. In fact, they are rich in nutrients and can promote healthy skin and strong bones. Unlike some human foods, eggs are a great way to promote your dog's health as long as you don't feed too many eggs.

Why can't dogs eat cooked eggs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

Is it better to give dogs raw or cooked eggs? ›

Eggs should be always be cooked before given to your dog. Cook or boil the eggs plain without oil, butter, salt, or any other additives. We suggest making scrambled eggs, as it's much easier for your dog to digest and can provide quick access to the protein dogs need for maintaining lean muscle and energy.

Can dogs have cheese? ›

In most cases, yes, dogs can eat cheese. When given in moderation, it can make a great high reward training treat (particularly when there's lots of distractions). Most dogs adore the taste of it too! It's important to remember that some cheeses have added ingredients, which need to be avoided.

What is the best way to cook an egg for a dog? ›

Hard-boiled eggs for dogs are quick and easy and steaming is the best, most foolproof way to cook eggs. Place cold eggs on a rack in a pot with 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and cook for 10 to twelve minutes, depending on the size of the egg. Drain, then place the eggs in cold water for just a few minutes.

Are bananas good for dogs? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Can dogs eat peanut butter? ›

Whether speaking to new or seasoned pet parents, veterinarians are often asked 'can dogs eat peanut butter? ' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

Tuna is one of the most commonly eaten fish, so it makes sense to wonder if our canine companions can safely consume it too. The answer is yes, dogs can eat tuna safely and it is not toxic to them. In fact, this fish is even included in some commercial dog foods.

Can dogs have bread? ›

In short, the answer is yes, dogs can eat bread safely in moderation, as long as it's fully baked and doesn't contain toxic ingredients like raisins, garlic, seeds or chocolate.

How much cooked egg can a dog eat? ›

Large dogs can safely consume up to one whole egg in a day while smaller dogs should be limited to one small egg per week, and no more than ¼ of an egg per day. Make sure to factor in the extra calories you're feeding—remember one egg is about 70 calories—and don't exceed your dog's daily caloric allowance.

How many cooked eggs can a dog eat? ›

How Many Eggs Should I Feed My Dog?
Breed sizeMax. eggs per dayMax. eggs per week
Toy (up to 6 kg)¼½-1
Small (6 kg-10 kg)½1
Medium (11 kg-25 kg)11-2
Large (26 kg-45 kg)12-3
1 more row
Aug 10, 2023

How should I cook eggs for my dog? ›

Hard-boiled eggs for dogs are quick and easy and steaming is the best, most foolproof way to cook eggs. Place cold eggs on a rack in a pot with 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and cook for 10 to twelve minutes, depending on the size of the egg. Drain, then place the eggs in cold water for just a few minutes.

Can dogs eat eggs sick? ›

Eggs are a rich protein source, and dogs love them. Although they are a healthy meal option, they might not be optimal for all sicknesses as some can worsen after eating an egg. If you see that your dog is vomiting regularly, then avoid eggs completely. If this is not the issue, eggs can be a great meal.

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