Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? Benefits & Safety of Raw Eggs for dogs

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6 Minute Read
Updated March 23, 2023

How does your dog like his eggs? Scrambled? Over-easy? Chances are he's not picky about how his eggs are cooked, but what about raw? Can dogs eat raw eggs?

Eggs-traodinary Benefits: Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?

Dogs eat eggs in the wild on occasion. Offering your dog raw eggs is acceptable. Wolves have eaten raw eggs for generations.

An egg is one of nature's perfect protein sources and are full of amino acids and fatty acids that are extremely good for your dog's skin and coat. They also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, and Selenium, making raw eggs for dogs a superfood source and a great additive to yore dog's diet.

In fact, eggs are already used in many commercial dog foods, like NutramBlue Buffalo, and Carna4.

Are Raw Eggs Good? Eggs-posing Common Egg Myths.

Are raw eggs safe for dogs? 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.

Myths about feeding raw eggs to dogs:

Myth # 1

We are told not to let dogs eat raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella, which is true. Salmonella from eggs can affect your dog but keep in mind that dogs are capable of processing more bacteria than us. However, some dogs do suffer from food allergies that may cause breakouts on the dog's skin.

Dogs are scavenging carnivores, and it's their carnivorous digestive system that allows them to safely eat raw foods, like meat, bones, and eggs. The highly acidic environment of their stomachs and bile content allows harmful bacteria, like salmonella, from populating your dog's digestive system. 

Though some recommend avoiding raw food such as eggs because of the bacteria risks, anyone who has fed raw will know that high-quality ingredients and proper storage and handling will minimize the risk of any adverse effects. 

That being said, dogs that are sick or immune-compromised should be more cautious. Fortunately, cooked eggs are still very nutritious.  

Myth # 2

Another misconception is that egg whites contain a biotin (vitamin B7) inhibitor called Avidin.

While this is true, the yolks contain very high levels of biotin that balance out the Avidin effects in the whites. As long as they are fed together, the risk of biotin deficiency is almost non-existent.

You would have to feed your dog an absurd amount of eggs to provide enough Avidin to have harmful effects on your dog's biotin intake. As long as eggs are fed in moderation, your dog will get adequate amounts of biotin. 

raw-dog-food-bowl-1

 

Dogs Eat Eggs Frequently

This one is super simple; just crack a fresh egg right on top of your pet's food source. For smaller dogs, a whole egg may be a lot, so make sure you are feeding eggs in appropriate portions to accommodate their caloric and nutrition needs.

This may mean limiting eggs to 1 per week split over a few meals for smaller dogs to ensure that you are not overfeeding.

Larger dogs can have 2 or 3 eggs per week; just make sure you consider the extra calories and modify their meals or increase activity to make sure you are not overfeeding. 

  • Feed only eggs from healthy chickens (the healthier chickens produce the best eggs)

  • Store eggs in the refrigerator when adding to your dog's meals.

  • Watch for any signs of allergic reaction to the eggs

  • Handle raw foods with caution to prevent bacterial infection.

Are Eggshells Really What They're Cracked Up to Be?

eggshells

 

raw-scrambled-eggs (1)

After you crack the egg, don't throw the shell away. Allow your dog to eat that, too! Eggshells add a nutritional boost that is pretty amazing.

Eggshells have calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other nutritious minerals that are good for bone health, muscle strength, healthy teeth, and gums. Dogs eat eggshells happily.

For larger dog breeds, you can give the whole egg and allow them to open it themselves. Most dogs consider this a special treat.

How Many Eggs Should I Feed My Dog?

Depending on the size of your dog and his caloric needs, pet parents can feed eggs multiple times per week.

There are many variables to consider, including the breed, age, weight, the dog's current activity level, and how healthy the pet is. There are about 55-75 calories in one egg.

To Cook or Not Cook

As many dog owners know, cooking can destroy or denature nutrients, making it harder to digest and more difficult for your dog's body to absorb the nutrients. Cooking eggs are a great option. The cooked egg is rich in nutritional value and yummy.

If you aren't convinced that raw eggs are safe for your pooch, then lightly scramble the eggs. Even if the cooking process slightly reduces the overall nutrition, scrambled dog eggs still offer protein, fatty acids, and plenty of flavour to your dog's meal. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are eggs good for dogs? 

Eggs are one of the best sources of protein for dogs. They are easy to digest and offer a complete range of essential amino acids for dogs. Dogs love egg yolks - cooked or raw - so feed the entire egg, including egg shells.

Can a dog eat just one egg raw?

You might be concerned about the safety of feeding raw eggs. Much like consuming raw meat, dogs are equipped to handle bacteria like salmonella better than humans. This means that there is a very low risk of dogs getting sick from eating properly stored and handled raw egg white.

Is it OK to feed raw eggs in my dog's food?

Healthy dogs, especially those who eat a raw diet, can eat raw nutritious eggs in their food. They have an acidic stomach environment that protects them from harmful bacteria, like salmonella, from populating their digestive tract. Remember to also feed eggshell for adding nutrients.

Can I give my dog a raw egg everyday?

Adding eggs to your dog's diet can be healthy treat, but make sure that you are not throwing off the balance of the diet by adding an egg to an already complete diet too often. Feeding raw eggs a couple of times a week is more than sufficient to boost your pet's nutrition. Eggs also do not contain too many calories.

Is it better to feed raw eggs or cooked eggs?

Either is fine. Cooked and raw eggs offer very similar nutrient profiles, so it comes down to a matter of preference. If you feed a raw diet, you may prefer to feed raw egg, but cooked eggs can also be used as a meal topper. Many pet owners like to toss their pup a boiled egg to play with and enjoy. Also feed raw eggshells as a nutrient boost.

Can I give my dog an egg a day?

Feeding your dog an egg every day may not be ideal. While an egg can be a part of a balanced diet for dogs, they should not make up the majority of their food. It's important to provide a variety of nutrient sources to ensure a well-rounded diet.

eggs-in-carton

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Written by

Krystn Janisse

Krystn is a passionate pet nutrition enthusiast. She has worked in the pet industry for over a decade and loves to share her passion for animal welfare with others. She is currently working for one very rebellious cat, Jack, and hanging out with a goofy but loveable doggo named Roxy.

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