Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Eggs are amazing for dogs and full of good nutrients and energy! Dogs can eat eggs, and we often include them in their diet. Rich in protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals, eggs provide the necessary energy to fuel muscles and power fun and happy adventures for your dog.

You’ve probably already heard the term “superfood,” where some people claim that certain foods are so rich in nutrients that they basically give your body superpowers. While those foods don’t exist, I have to say if they did, eggs would be the king of superfoods.

But there are some myths we want to bust here, like whether dogs can eat raw eggs, how to prepare eggs for dogs, and concerns about potential allergies. Stay tuned, as always I’ll dig through research papers, tell you what I learned while getting certification in dog nutrition, and share facts so we can all learn together!

Can dogs eat raw eggs?

Ah, the important question for anyone who believes that “natural” is always better. Some people believe that cooking eggs destroys their valuable nutrients. The idea is that raw eggs are what you find in nature and that the healthiest diet for dogs is a raw diet.

These raw eggs are supposed to have more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that will boost a dog’s hair and coat, giving them a shiny, silky look.

While that kinda sounds plausible, the reality is that dogs don’t need raw eggs in their diet, and it’s actually cooked eggs that will give them the nutrients they need to thrive. Here’s the science behind this!

First, all raw eggs, even free-range, high-quality organic ones, come with the risk of bacterial infections like salmonella, which can affect not only your dog but your whole household!

There’s a second thing to consider, which is true in theory but unlikely to have a real effect unless a dog eats a dozen raw eggs daily… Raw eggs contain a compound called avidin in the whites, which can block the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin essential for skin, coat, and nail health). But for this to become an issue, dogs would have to consume an absurd amount of eggs, so you can safely disregard this.

Last but not least, eating raw eggs can lead to foul-smelling and runny stools—no one wants that! You can read more about it in The Diet of the Dog, published by the Canadian Journal of Medicine.

Can dogs eat cooked eggs? What are the best options for them?

Dogs can eat cooked eggs, and they are the best option for them! Cooked eggs are healthy for dogs, are very high in protein that dogs really need in their diets, and are also rich in other nutrients that improve general health.

The best options for your dog would be fresh, free-range chicken eggs—the same ones you’d buy for yourself and your kids. But honestly, any supermarket eggs are just fine and very healthy for both your dog and the rest of your family!

Now, how you prepare your eggs is very important for dogs! You need to avoid using too much oil, even if it’s olive oil or other healthy options. Also, avoid butter, extra salt, or pepper, and let’s look at the best way to make them. Let’s explore some of the options!

Hard-boiled eggs are the best option for dogs

You’ve probably wondered if dogs can eat hard-boiled eggs, and not only can they, but they are also the best option for your dog! These eggs are fully cooked, easy to chew, swallow, digest, and very easy to make. Just make sure not to give your dog the whole egg with the shell; otherwise, feel free to share!

Scrambled eggs

Dogs can eat scrambled eggs, especially if you make them on a non-stick pan with very little oil. When you make some eggs, make sure you don’t add salt or seasonings to your dog’s egg, and enjoy your morning breakfast! If you’re making an omelet and adding some fancy ham, salami, or maybe sausages, make sure to check the amount of salt in each and don’t overdo it, as greasy processed meat is bad for dogs.

Fried eggs

Fried eggs are okay for dogs in moderation, but if you have to use a lot of oil, it might be better to give them something else. However, a small amount of oil used for frying eggs in moderation isn’t likely to harm your dog. If your dog handles it well and they’re not at risk for pancreatitis, you don’t need to worry!

Soft-boiled eggs

While dogs can eat soft-boiled eggs, remember that they are only partially cooked, with firm whites but a runny yolk. There’s a small chance of bacteria risk (pregnant women avoid soft-boiled eggs for the same reason), so it’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth it. Hard-boiled eggs are a 100% safe option for dogs, so you might want to stick with those.

Poached eggs

Poached eggs might be fancy and delicious with some sourdough, but they are undercooked and runny. While dogs can eat poached eggs, there’s a higher chance of salmonella, and it could make a mess. It’s probably best to serve your dog something else, but it’s up to you!

Sunny side up eggs

Like poached eggs, sunny side up eggs aren’t the best option for dogs because the yolk is still left runny, which means there’s still a risk of bacteria like salmonella. It’s a small risk if you trust the eggs you’re buying, but when it comes to dogs, we at Dog Inspector believe it’s not worth the chance!

Are eggs good for dogs? Some health benefits of eggs you should definitely know about!

So, by now, you know that eggs are good for dogs, but if you want to know exactly why eggs are so good for dogs, I’m going to break it down!

Eggs are rich in essential nutrients and a great source of protein. They’re a great addition to your dog’s diet but not a replacement for dog food and other sources of protein! Also, keep in mind that while these nutrients are awesome, your dog still needs a balanced diet.

Now, let’s look at the nutrients!

Can all dogs eat yolks?

Egg yolks are very healthy—full of vitamins, iron, and healthy fats. They are great for your dog’s immune system, pretty coat, and skin, and they provide lots of energy.

Egg yolks also have vitamin D, which helps your dog absorb calcium and phosphorus, both important for strong bones and teeth.

So, with all these vitamins and minerals, are they a safe food? Well, maybe not for all dogs. But before I explain more, I have to stress this—talk to your vet about these things! They are the best person to provide answers, run tests, and help you create a balanced diet for your dog.

The truth is not all dogs can eat egg yolks, especially if they have certain health issues. For example, dogs with pancreatitis or liver disease can’t really handle high-fat foods. Egg yolks can worsen their condition. Also, if your dog is overweight or has high cholesterol, egg yolks might not be a good option. But your vet will tell you more!

Eggs, eggs, and more eggs: What types can dogs eat?

Chicken eggs are the most popular choice for people and for dogs! However, they are not the only ones. If you visit farmers’ markets, you’ll find other types of eggs that can be a cool choice for your dog.

Chicken eggs (white, brown, and colorful varieties)

Chicken eggs are the go-to in most households, and yes, dogs can eat them safely as long as they are cooked! Organic eggs are often considered a better option due to the hens’ diet and living conditions, but all properly cooked chicken eggs are healthy for your dog.

Can dogs eat quail eggs?

If you never had an iron deficiency as a kid, then you’re lucky because you don’t know how awful it is when your mom makes you eat raw quail eggs! But quail eggs are an amazing source of iron and zinc. Like chicken eggs, they also have protein and other nutrients. If you have them or are buying them for your child, you can share some with your dog, but honestly, it’s not necessary for them to have quail eggs. The important thing to know is that dogs can eat quail eggs, so if you ever have the chance to share, go for it.

Can dogs eat duck eggs?

Dogs can also eat duck eggs, but they have a higher percentage of fat, so be careful, as dogs don’t handle too much fat very well. You most likely won’t find duck eggs in a supermarket, but you can get them from your local farmers market—or maybe you have ducks!

Duck eggs are great deviled and amazing for baking, as they make baked goods more moist and “eggy” since they have a stronger taste.

Turkey eggs: Can dogs eat them?

Yes, dogs can eat turkey eggs, but they’re much less common because turkeys lay far fewer eggs than chickens, which makes them more expensive and harder to find. However, turkey eggs are definitely edible and larger, meaning they also have more calories, fat, and protein. If you ever decide to share, just make sure they are thoroughly cooked.

In case of accidents, it’s good to know the answer – can dogs eat eggshells?

While eggshells are not toxic to dogs, and dogs can eat them, it’s important to know that they can get stuck in your dog’s teeth or even throat, where they can cause digestive issues. This rarely happens, but it’s still good to be aware of.

Eggshells contain magnesium and phosphorus, but here’s the thing—the egg whites and yolk also have those nutrients, so your dog can get the benefits from eating cooked eggs without needing to consume the shells.

I mention accidents because your dog may eat a whole cooked or raw egg with the shell. You should also be careful to make sure your dog doesn’t rummage through the trash. For a calcium boost, you can choose safer options like yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese.

How many eggs can dogs eat?

There’s no specific number of eggs that dogs can eat, but it’s sensible to include them in moderation. Eggs make a great food topper, but they are still a treat. Talk to your vet about this, but at my house, Ricco eats eggs once per week. I eat eggs three times per week, so I don’t always make a portion for him, but when I do, it’s usually a hard-boiled egg.

Keep in mind that my dog is a small German Spitz. Larger dogs can eat more, but they shouldn’t eat too much, as eggs are high in calories.

Can puppies eat eggs?

Puppies can eat eggs, just like adult dogs can, but since they are smaller, it’s best to give them a piece of hard-boiled egg and see how they like it. You can make them a treat bowl with cooked egg, some cooked veggies, and lean meat.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat raw quail eggs?

Raw quail eggs are not toxic to dogs, and they can eat them without issue. However, it’s not recommended to give dogs raw eggs since there’s always a risk of bacterial contamination, and they can also be harder on a dog’s stomach.

Can dogs eat raw eggshells?

Dogs can technically eat raw eggshells, but it’s not something they should regularly consume. While eggshells are easy to crack, thin pieces can still get stuck in your dog’s teeth or hurt their gums. Additionally, the minerals found in eggshells are also present in high concentrations in the cooked egg itself, so there’s really no need to feed your dog eggshells. If they eat some, it’s okay—don’t worry about it.