Are Eggs Good for My Dog?

Eggs are a well-rounded food humans eat for the nutritional content they offer. Eggs are incredibly high in protein for their size, and they provide fatty acids and amino acids essential to our bodies. Eggs tend to get a bad rap when it comes to dogs, however. Dog owners pose many questions about them. Is it safe to give your dog eggs? Are they good for your canine buddy? Can they cause problems for your dog? 

Talk to your veterinarian about a healthy diet specific to your dog's breed and needs. But also look at supplementing your dog's diet with eggs occasionally so they can reap the benefits of this nourishing food as well.

Eggs Benefit

Eggs make a fun, healthy, and nutritious snack for your dog. Not only do they offer amino acids and fatty acids your dog's body, but they are also high in protein. Your dog should have protein in every bite they eat. Protein is essential to your dog’s diet. Eggs have been known to settle upset tummies in dogs, but they have also been known to cause upset stomachs, too. So, the best way to approach giving your dog eggs is to start small with little treats and add to one meal a day over time and see how your dog's body reacts.

Eggs are a food source packed with nutrition. One egg can provide amino acids, essential fatty acids, riboflavin, vitamin B12, biotin, iron, folate, vitamin A, selenium, and more. Offering protein to your dog is imperative, but an egg packs high contents of amino acids which are known to be the building blocks of protein. Though dogs should not be given them at every meal, for the occasional treat or supplemented in a meal now and then, they are an excellent source of nutrition.

Why the bad rap?

The controversy surrounding raw eggs in dogs is as big as the debate with people eating raw eggs. Some believe raw eggs pose a Salmonella and E. coli danger for dogs as it does with people. Egg whites, when given to your dog raw, can cause a biotin deficiency. The flip side of these arguments is dogs rarely get Salmonella or E. coli. Dogs have been known to have stomachs of steel and can handle just about anything. If your dog were a wild dog, they would be feeding on the nests of birds and eating raw eggs every day. 

Biotin is found in egg yolks, so although the component of raw egg whites, avidin, which creates a biotin deficiency is clearly an issue, your dog will still be getting increased biotin levels by eating the yolks. And, in reality, for a biotin deficiency to occur, your dog would have to eat a lot of eggs.

However, the nutrients and protein found in the egg are not reduced by cooking. And, a cooked egg is much more digestible than raw. So, play it safe and only give your dog cooked eggs. Scrambled, boiled, or poached – your pup will be happy with any style.

To note, overfeeding your dog this healthy food may result in weight gain. Either give the egg a few times a week as part of their meal portion, or add a small topping of this nutrient powerhouse at every meal.

An "eggstra-special" treat

Veterinarians and dog owners alike may feel differently about giving eggs to dogs. In cooked form, the bottom line is they are a safe food to give to your dog in moderation. They are an excellent source of nutrients your dog’s body requires, and they can also be a great tasting protein-packed treat for your dog. 

Just like people, every dog is different. Eggs may cause gas or upset tummies for some dogs, but other dogs will reap the benefits and love the taste. Next time you are offering your dog a treat, consider giving them a little bit of cooked egg and see how much they enjoy it.