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Eggs are healthy for humans, but what about dogs? You may have seen some family members or friends who feed their dogs raw eggs. But is that a good idea? Have you thought about cracking raw egg over your dog’s food? Can raw eggs be bad for dogs?
We’ve put together some information about whether cracking raw egg over dog food can make a dog sick or not. Let’s get started!
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Eggs can be good for dogs in moderation. In the wild, canines regularly eat bird eggs, shells, and all! Each part of the egg contains nutrients that dogs need. However, dogs should only eat eggs in moderation.
Most vets recommend cooking eggs for dogs; however, other veterinarians say that cooking eggs destroy valuable nutrients dogs need.
So, if you’re not sure if your dog can eat eggs or not, then it’s a good idea to check with the vet.
Why Are Eggs Good for Dogs?
First, eggs are high in protein, healthy fatty acids, and amino acids. These are nutrients that dogs need to be healthy and happy. Eggs are healthy for dogs (in moderation), they can also help picky eaters eat their dog food. Eggs may also help when a dog has nausea and doesn’t want to eat. He may eat the egg alone, without dog food, in that case.
Eggs also contain vitamins A & B12, riboflavin, folate, iron, and selenium, all of which benefit a dog’s health.
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Ask a Vet Live NowCan Eggs Be Bad for Dogs?
Eggs can cause some health issues in dogs. For instance, they are high in cholesterol and may cause nausea if too many eggs are eaten at one time. They can also lead to obesity if a dog eats eggs too often.
Most dogs do well eating one egg a day, not more. However, it’s always best to check with the vet on how many eggs are healthy for your dog.
Do Raw Eggs Carry Risks?
If you’re thinking about cracking a raw egg over dog food, you need to understand the possible risks involved.
Salmonella & E.coli Infections
While it is possible to crack an egg over your dog’s food, there are some ways the egg could make your dog sick. For one thing, raw eggs may carry salmonella. Salmonella is a nasty bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. This is one of the leading reasons for dog food recalls.
Salmonella is one of the reasons vets don’t recommend feeding dogs raw eggs. In addition, raw eggs can cause other problems. Eating raw eggs on a regular basis can cause biotin deficiency. Egg whites contain an enzyme called avidin, keeping the body from absorbing biotin. One egg may not cause this health issue; however, eating raw eggs regularly can lead to biotin deficiency.
Raw eggs can also carry E.coli, another nasty bacteria that cause major digestive upset. Salmonella and E.coli can cause mild or more severe illnesses in dogs (and humans).
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has salmonella or E.coli infection:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Collapse
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Skin problems
- Loss of appetite
- Fast heartrate
- Poop filled with mucus
- Lethargy
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, then call the vet immediately. This is an emergency. Your dog needs treatment now.
Allergic Reaction
In addition, raw or cooked eggs can also cause other problems. They can cause an allergic reaction in dogs sensitive to eggs. This can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, plus all the symptoms that go with an allergic reaction. In rare cases, dogs may even have an anaphylactic reaction to eggs.
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has an allergic reaction to eggs or other things in the environment:
- Constant licking
- Rubbing
- Scratching
- Greasy skin
- Yeasty smell
- Hardened, irritated skin
- Red, itchy skin (including hives)
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing
- Mucus from nose and eyes
If your dog shows these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This could be an emergency. Your dog may be having a severe allergic reaction (an anaphylactic reaction). He needs medical treatment now.
Too Many Eggs Can Cause Obesity in Dogs
Dogs require protein, which is found in eggs. However, too many eggs can lead to a dog becoming overweight or obese. This is because eggs contain about 78 calories each.
If a dog is filling up on eggs and not getting enough exercise, he will soon become overweight. The longer this goes on, the dog could run the risk of becoming obese.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?
Yes! While there are risks to be aware of, we want to be responsible and show the benefits of a dog eating raw eggs, too!
Raw eggs can help dogs who have arthritis. The eggshells and their interior membranes contain magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous, which are very healthy for dogs. What’s more, eggshell membranes can help treat joint pain in dogs. You can find eggshell membrane supplements that are already processed, which are safer for your dog. It’s not recommended that you feed your dog eggshells and their membranes. And it’s a good idea to check with the vet to see if these supplements are safe for your fur baby.
Raw egg on top of a dog’s food may make him eat better, especially if he’s ill and/or underweight after being sick. Most dogs love the taste of raw egg on their dog food!
While there are many benefits of feeding raw eggs to your dog, we strongly recommend talking with your vet before trying this. The vet will tell you whether it’s safe and healthy for your canine companion to eat raw eggs. So, be sure to follow your vet’s guidance before serving raw eggs to your dog.
How to Serve Your Dog Raw Eggs
Many pet parents break a raw egg over their dog’s food and stir them in. This can be done with dry kibble or wet dog food.
If you’d like to cook eggs for your dog, then the easiest way is to hard boil them. Hard boiling eggs are healthier for dogs because no other ingredients are included in the eggs. It’s the eggs only! However, it’s possible to cook the eggs other ways, too. Be sure not to add salt or other ingredients (including butter, oil, spices, and more) to the eggs. Your fur baby will love them plain!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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