Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
A staple of human breakfast, eggs are packed with proteins and fatty acids. It only seems logical that we would want to feed them to our dogs as well. However, when it comes to dogs eating people food, always be cautious by confirming that the food you are about to give isn’t going to make them sick. Logically, many people ask, can dogs eat eggs? Here is the lowdown on dogs eating eggs.
Cooked Eggs Are Nutritious for Dogs
Whether you choose to boil eggs or scramble them up, they will be equally as nutritious for your dog. However, don’t ever make the mistake of giving your dog raw eggs as it can cause illness.
Eggs are packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Whether your dog is a puppy or a senior, eggs provide your dog with the same nutritional value.
Don’t Feed Raw Eggs to Dogs
According to Pet MD, eggs lose all of their nutritional benefits when they are fed raw to dogs. In addition to this, feeding raw eggs to your dog risks them contracting a Salmonella infection. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning in dogs can be found here.
Some Dogs Have an Egg Allergy
It is common for dogs to be allergic to proteins in food. Because eggs have protein, this means some dogs might have an issue with them.
If you feed eggs to your dog, keep your eyes open for any of the following signs: vomiting, diarrhea, and skin itchiness around the paws and ears.
Should you notice these signs, get in touch with your local veterinarian for help.
Vitamins Found in the Egg Yolk
Vitamins are a completely necessary element in bodily functions such as immune function, metabolism, and cellular growth. The yolk of the egg contains a concentration of the following vitamins that are beneficial to your dog:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1, B6, B12
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Choline
- Folic acid
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
Amino Acids in Egg Whites
Dogs require significant amounts of protein in their diet. Dogs consume amino acids when they eat meat or plant-based protein. These amino acids are needed in order to build muscle. There are 10 amino acids found in the egg white that offer your dog pure protein.
Feeding Your Dog the Eggshells
If you like, you can even feed your dog the eggshells after boiling the eggs. Eggshells are beneficial to your dog’s diet because they contain a wealth of essential minerals. They are a concentrated version of the minerals that are found throughout the yolk and white.
Feeding Eggs to Your Dog
The safest way to cook eggs for your dog is to hard boil them and then chop them. Immediately feed the cooked eggs to your dog instead of waiting. If you need to serve them later, refrigerate them right away.
You may be wondering how many eggs are appropriate to give your dog and how often. The answer is to talk with your veterinarian. This is because there isn’t one answer that fits every dog. The number of eggs you should give your dog as treats will depend on factors such as your dog’s size, age, activity level, and health issues.