A dog holding a basket of eggs in its mouth.

Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse and are a healthy snack for both humans and dogs alike. Eggs can make a great addition to your pup’s diet no matter how they are cooked, such as hard-boiled, poached, or scrambled. Dogs may enjoy the taste of eggs, but can they eat them?

Dogs can easily eat eggs. Eggs are a great source of essential amino acids, vitamins D, B6, and B12, riboflavin, selenium, and fatty acids. They’re also low in calories and a healthy addition to any pup’s diet. However, the eggs must be cooked, and only one should be given to a dog per day. All these nutrients help to keep your dog fit and healthy. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Is It Safe for Dogs To Eat Eggs?

A dog laying down on a kitchen floor, sniffing an egg.
Bit curious about that egg, aren’t you, buddy?

Eggs are safe for dogs to eat as long as they’re cooked (just like fish!). The egg can be a great source of protein for your pup and should be served in moderation. A few hard-boiled eggs are perfect as a high-protein treat, while scrambled or poached eggs can make an excellent meal choice.

Eggs should also be served without any added salt, seasonings, or butter and should be fully cooked before feeding them to your dog. Raw eggs can contain bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can make your pup sick.

Nutritional Benefits Of Eggs For Dogs

The nutritional benefits of eggs for dogs are significant. Eggs contain essential amino acids, healthy fats, and vitamins that will help keep your dog strong and healthy. The main benefits are as follows below.

High-Quality Protein

Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, helping to build and maintain lean muscle mass, which is important for energy levels, joint health, and overall well-being. Protein in the eggs has all the essential amino acids that a dog needs to stay healthy. 

Amino Acids

Eggs are a great source of essential amino acids, like leucine, valine, and isoleucine. These particular amino acids can help to strengthen the immune system of dogs, as well as aid in the healing process for damaged tissues.

Great Source Of Healthy Fatty Acids

Eggs are a great source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help promote the health and shine of your pet’s coat and skin. Omega-3 fatty acids also play a role in the development of healthy brain cells and can even help reduce inflammation in the body. 

Rich In Vitamins And Minerals

Eggs are also a good source of vitamins D, B6, and B12, which help support healthy vision, digestion, metabolism, and nervous system function in dogs. Riboflavin, selenium, and phosphorus are also found in eggs, and these minerals are important for overall health.

Digestible And Low In Calories

Eggs are highly digestible and low in calories, making them a great snack for any pup. With only 74 calories per egg, they’re an excellent source of nutrition without the extra calories and fat other treats might have. Additionally, eggs are easy to digest and can help give your dog more energy throughout the day. 

They Provide Energy

Eggs are full of energy and provide your pup with a boost that can help them remain active. This can be especially helpful for older dogs that may have trouble staying energetic due to age-related issues.

How Many Eggs Can A Dog Eat?

It is recommended that dogs consume no more than one egg per day. Too much intake of eggs can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you’re feeding your pup cooked eggs, make sure they’re not too hot before serving them.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked or Raw Eggs?

Cooked eggs are a much better option as they provide all essential nutrients to your pup without any health risks. Cooking kills harmful bacteria that may be present in raw eggs and can make your dog sick. 

When you are feeding eggs to your pup, cook them thoroughly so there is no risk of foodborne illness. Egg whites can also be cooked safely for dogs, although it is best to feed them only in small amounts occasionally. So, only cooked eggs should be given to dogs. 

Raw eggs should not be given to dogs as they may contain salmonella or other harmful bacteria. Also, raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which can prevent the absorption of biotin, an essential vitamin that is crucial for healthy skin, proper digestion, metabolism, and cell regrowth. 

If your pup eats raw eggs regularly over time, it may start to suffer from nutritional deficiencies.

Are Egg Shells Good for Dogs?

Eggshells are a great source of calcium for dogs and can be added to their diet in small amounts. The shells should be finely ground before adding them to your puppy’s food, as larger chunks may potentially cause a blockage in the throat or intestine, presenting a choking hazard. 

The calcium in eggs shells can help to maintain muscle strength in your pup and may even help reduce the risk of joint problems as they age and are essential for strong bones and teeth.

Different Ways To Feed Eggs To Dogs

Eggs can be served in a variety of ways to make feeding time fun and tasty for your pup. There are a variety of methods you can use to give your pup eggs, including the following.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a great way to feed your pup some nourishing eggs. Just scramble the egg in a pan with some oil or butter and serve to your pup.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs make a great, healthy, and tasty treat for your pup. Simply boil some eggs for about 10 minutes on low heat, let them cool, peel off the shells, and then feed them to your pup. 

Egg Omelette

Add some cooked vegetables, like spinach or carrots, along with eggs and scramble in a pan for a tasty omelette your pup will love.

Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are another great way of feeding eggs to your pup. Cook the eggs in simmering water, break them into pieces, and serve your pup a delicious meal.

In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Eggs can make a great addition to your dog’s diet as they’re packed with nutrition and provide a good source of energy for your pup. However, it’s important that eggs are cooked properly before serving them to your pup, and only one should be consumed in a day.

So, what do you think about dogs eating eggs? Let us know your thoughts and why in the comments below!

Dr. Majid Tanveer (DVM)
Dr. Majid Tanveer (DVM)
Dr. Majid is a licensed veterinarian, writer, and animal welfare advocate. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. He has been working as a senior veterinarian for five years. Over the last few years, Dr. Majid has worked extensively for the betterment of animal welfare and rights in his country. He is also a proud owner of a dog, which he loves dearly. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog and indulging in his hobby of writing.