Can Dogs Taste Eggy Food?

Introduction

It's hard to see your pup under the table or hanging around the kitchen and not want to share. Their big, beady eyes and tilted head make it almost impossible to say no. But it is important to consider what kind of food is being "begged" for and how it might affect your furry friend's health. We already know that chocolate and even onions can cause problems, but what about eggs?

While the short answer is that your dog can, indeed, consume eggs, there continues to be a debate on how eggs should be served to our canine companions. The most important thing is to discuss any dietary concerns with your veterinarian. Read on to find out more!

Signs Eggy Food isn't Good for Your Dog

Generally speaking, eggs are healthy foods for our pups. Eggs are packed with protein, fatty acids, and amino acids, all of which are beneficial for health. Eggs can even help settle an upset stomach! Eggs are also beneficial because they have vast amounts vitamin A and B12, riboflavin, folate, iron, and selenium.

It is important to understand that not every egg “presentation” is ideal for dog digestion. For instance, scrambled eggs probably won’t cause any harm, but there are healthier ways to prepare eggs that don't carry risk and potential health damage.

Veterinarians believe that it is best to serve eggs cooked or boiled and plain. However, everything should be done in moderation. There are some signs you can look out for to determine whether a diet with eggs is good for your pooch.

Body Language

As noted above, eating eggs may not work with every pup. If you have been feeding your pup eggy snacks, watch out for signs that the food isn't sitting well:

Barking
Panting
Dropped Ears
Sleepiness

Other Signs

Other signs to look out for include:

Weight Gain
Abdominal Pain
Vomiting
Constipation
Fever
Gassy
Lack of Appetite

The History Behind Dogs Tasting Eggy Food

Taste is one of the oldest senses in our pups. In general, eggs tend to be good for our canine companions, and research shows that eggs are even part of a dog's diet in the wild. Every part of the egg - from shell to yolk - contains some kind of nutrients that are beneficial for dogs.

As dogs evolved, their taste system became more specialized and sophisticated. The ability to taste for survival evolved into the ability to taste for pleasure, especially as dogs became human companions.

However, moderation is key, as well as how eggs are served to dogs.

The Science Behind Dogs Eating Eggy Food

Just like humans, a doggo's sense of taste depends upon special receptors in the tongue, commonly known as"taste buds." Taste sensitivity really depends upon the number and type of taste buds located around the mouth and on the tongue. While humans have around 9000 taste buds, man's best friend has only about 1700.

Most food is only good in moderation. Because eggs can be high in cholesterol, they can cause an upset stomach in your pooch. If consumed regularly and in hefty servings, your dog might gain weight, ultimately hurting the rest of your pup's health. It is recommended that dogs should not be given more than one full egg per day. However, always speak with your veterinarian first.

There also runs the risk of salmonella, which can be found in uncooked eggs. Generally, if dogs have healthy immune systems, they cannot get food poisoning from salmonella. However, dogs with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to getting sick. Fully cooking eggs before giving them to your pooch reduces the risk of getting food poisoning.

As with most foods, there is a possibility that your pooch reacts to eggs poorly. This can be from minor gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. Remember - if you have any questions or concerns, speak with your veterinarian!

Feeding Your Dog Eggs

If you decide you want to try feeding your dog eggs, you should begin by mixing them with your pup's normal food. Take your veterinarian's advice as well as your individual dog’s needs into consideration in determining how to cook the egg.

Boiling eggs is one of the simplest ways to cook eggs, keeping messes to a minimum. It is best to not use any butter, oils, spices, or additives that may adversely affect your pup's health and digestive system.

You should always go to your veterinarian first to determine whether eggs are safe for your pup. Some dogs have health issues that may be worsened by egg consumption. You should also discuss with your veterinarian whether and how the eggs should be cooked. Your vet can also help determine the appropriate serving size for your furry friend.

Safety Tips for Dogs Eating Eggs:

Cook eggs before giving them to your pup.
Bland eggs (eggs without butter, cheese, etc.) are best for our dogs.
If you want to make any dietary changes, talk to your veterinarian first!
Everything in moderation is key!