One of the most common questions that many veterinarians here are whether or not dogs can eat eggs every day. There are plenty of misconceptions out there on this very topic, which makes it very confusing for pet parents.
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If you’ve been wondering about this same question, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a look at whether or not dogs can eat eggs every day and more! Let’s get started!
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
The quick answer is yes; dogs can eat eggs. Wild canines do, in fact, eat eggs on a regular basis. These may be found in birds’ nests and then eaten raw. Canines have been eating raw eggs for thousands of years. However, these days, our domesticated dogs don’t go around hunting for raw eggs.
The fact is that eggs are a good source of nutrition for dogs. That’s because they’re rich in protein, vitamins, fatty acids, and more. If you choose to feed your dog eggs, it’s better to choose eggs that come from free-range farms. On these farms, the chickens are allowed to roam and eat a completely organic diet freely. This makes their eggs much healthier and nutritious.
Nutrients Found in Eggs
What makes eggs so good for dogs? It’s because they’re filled with lots of minerals and vitamins that a dog needs to be healthy, including:
- Iron
- Fatty acids
- Folate
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Pantothenic acid
- Pyridoxine
- Calcium
- Iron
- Phosphorus
Each of these vitamins and minerals works to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy.
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Ask a Vet Live NowTalk to the Vet First
Before choosing to feed your dog eggs, it’s a good idea to talk with the vet first. Your dog may have some medical conditions that make eating eggs on a regular basis unhealthy for him. And eating too many eggs can make a dog become overweight or even obese.
Keep in mind that eggs should never be the main source of your dog’s nutrients. Instead, they can be used as once in a while treat.
Can my Dog Eat Raw Eggs?
Your vet will probably recommend that your dog eat only cooked eggs rather than raw eggs. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Salmonella: raw eggs may expose your dog to this dangerous infection.
- Biotin deficiency: egg whites contain an enzyme called avidin, which keeps biotin from being absorbed by the body. This is a vitamin that’s necessary for healthy skin, cells, digestion, and metabolism.
- Bacteria: bad eggs can make your dog very sick.
- Allergies: some dogs may even be allergic to eggs.
So, before feeding your dog raw eggs, be sure to check with the vet first.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs Every Day?
While eggs are extremely nutritious for dogs, too many eggs can cause problems. Dogs that eat too many eggs can become overweight or obese. They can also become quite stinky and develop too much cause if they eat too many eggs.
So, eating eggs is probably not a good idea every day. However, be sure to ask your vet about your dog to see if this might be a healthy option for him. Your vet may say it’s OK to feed your dog one egg a day, depending on your fur baby’s overall health.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs When Sick or Recovering?
When dogs are sick or recovering from surgery or an illness, they do need extra nutrition and energy. And sometimes dogs in this condition may not feel like eating. In these cases, eggs may be the answer.
Most dogs love eggs, no matter how the eggs are cooked. The eggs are also easy to digest for dogs who have a sensitive stomach. What’s more, dogs who have anemia can definitely benefit from eggs, which provide vitamin B9 in the egg yolks.
Dogs who have heart issues may also benefit from eggs. This is because heart problems can sometimes lead to protein loss in diseases that affect the kidneys and pancreas. Dogs with cancer may also benefit from eating eggs. In this case, dogs may lose body fat and lean muscle mass. Eggs provide the nutrition and calories these dogs need.
Can Eggs Be Bad for Dogs?
Yes, there are times when eggs are not the best things for a dog. As mentioned earlier, this can be if the eggs are bad, your dog is allergic to eggs and more.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?
Definitely! And your vet will probably recommend cooked eggs rather than raw eggs for your canine companion.
Dogs can eat cooked eggs in just about any configuration. This includes boiled, scrambled, fried, poached, and more. However, you’ll need to be careful of the ingredients included when cooking the eggs for your dog. Stay away from adding too much fat (including butter), salt, and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
This means to avoid adding onions and garlic to the eggs you give your dog.
What About Egg Shells—Can Dogs Eat These, too?
You may be surprised to learn that, yes, dogs can eat eggshells. The shells are filled with many of the same nutrients that come from the bones of animals. Eggshells contain high amounts of calcium, which dogs need. Not only that, but eggshells also contain glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and collagen. This means eggshells can be an excellent way to help dogs who have developed arthritis.
Before serving eggshells to your dog, be sure to clean and boil the shells first. Then finely crush the clean shells. You can then mix the crushed shells into your dog’s food. However, make sure the shells are very finely ground. Otherwise, they could cause your dog to choke.
So, can dogs eat eggs? Yes, eggs can be a healthy part of a dog’s diet. Plus, eggs are usually easy to buy and cook while offering excellent nutrition at the same time.
Just remember to ask your vet how many eggs are safe for your dog to eat and how often. The vet will also give you information on whether raw or cooked eggs are best for your dog.
Your dog may have a lot more energy and feel much better for eating eggs more often!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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