Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

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Throughout history, dogs ate eggs. They even ran around, and they would eat unguarded bird eggs. These days, there aren’t many dogs that could go into the wild and find birds eggs they could eat, which is probably a good thing. However, one thing hasn’t changed - eggs are still great for dogs.

Eggs (alongside bacon) are one of our favorite breakfast options. Even though eggs are great for dogs, you probably shouldn’t share your breakfast with your dog. If you are interested in enriching your dog’s diet, eggs could be a good idea, but there are some things you should know before you start giving your dog eggs.

Are eggs good for dogs?

The shortest possible answer to that question would be - yes. Eggs are good for dogs; they are a great source of protein and other healthy nutrients. When it comes to protein sources, eggs are as close to perfection as it gets. They are nearly 100% pure protein. Here are some of the best nutrients eggs can offer;

• Protein - Protein is an absolute necessity when it comes to a well-balanced diet. They are responsible for creating and repairing body tissue. Only 50% of protein can be created by your dog’s body; the rest must come from a healthy diet.
• Healthy fatty acids - Healthy fatty acids are vital for several body functions. They also help prevent stroke, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and several other potential health problems.
• Linoleic acid - Linoleic acid is a less-known nutrient, but it plays a vital role in controlling LDL cholesterol. Some studies have shown that it helps with insulin sensitivity and blood pressure.
• Vitamin A - Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It boosts the immune system, keeps the skin and other organs healthy.

Do you know which human foods are not safe for dogs? Check out this article - Human Foods That Can Kill Your Dog.

Can eggs be bad for dogs?

There are some cases where eggs can be bad for dogs. However, if they are adequately prepared, they can be a delightful addition to your dog’s everyday diet. Keep in mind to avoid giving your dog raw eggs.

Raw eggs

Cracking an egg over their dry food can be risky. Eggs that are not adequately prepared can contain harmful pathogens. Two things come from raw eggs and can be potentially very dangerous for your dog - salmonella and other bacteria.

Salmonella

Even the cleanest eggs can contain salmonella. The salmonella infection happens when the bacteria is ingested by an unknowing host. This bacteria is usually distributed through feces because it lives in human or animal intestines.

Other bacteria

Other bacteria can start developing when the egg starts going bad. You should give a wif when you crack the egg and check the smell. If it smells bad, it has gone bad, and you should avoid feeding it to your dog. It likely contains different bacteria or even mold.

Do you know which human foods are safe for dogs? Check out this article - Healthiest Human Food Dogs Can Eat.

Can dogs eat eggshells?

Eggshells are actually nutritious. They contain two essential nutrients that your dog’s body needs for proper functioning. The only safe way to feed your dog eggshells is by grinding them up. However, there are easier ways you can safely give those nutrients to your dog. The two healthy minerals in eggshells are;

• Phosphorus - Phosphorus plays a massive role in forming teeth and bones. It also helps regulate the use of carbohydrates.
• Calcium - Calcium is one of the most important minerals. It helps the heart, nerves, and muscles function correctly. It is also vital for building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

If you are worried about your dog’s health, you can ask your vet for advice on how to get more of these minerals into your dog’s diet. There are better ways than grinding eggshells.

Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?

Technically, yes - dogs can eat scrambled eggs. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you do not salt the eggs or prepare them in oil. A tiny bit of virgin olive oil can be good, but dogs can’t handle too much oil or salt. They have a delicate sodium balance, and giving them salted food can cause an upset. They can start vomiting or get diarrhea.

Dogs love fruit, and if you are interested in finding out which fruits are safe for dogs, check out this article - Healthy Fruits That Are Safe For Dogs.

How to safely feed your dog eggs?

There are several ways you can safely feed your dog eggs. Make sure you don’t use seasoning and that the eggs are fresh. You don’t want to end up giving your dog a rotten egg and causing them a world of trouble and discomfort. You can try one of these ways.

Sunny-side up

This is a traditional way of preparing an egg. Crack an egg on a hot pan and wait till it’s fully cooked. Make sure it is well done because bacteria in the yolk can survive it hasn’t been adequately processed.

Boiled

The safest way to feed your dog eggs is to boil them. The safest way to do it is to cook them for at least 11 minutes in boiling water. That way, you can be sure it will be hard-boiled, and all the bacteria wouldn’t survive. You can cut the egg into pieces and feed directly to your dog or add it to their usual meal.

How much can my dog eat?

The safe amount will depend on the size of your dog. Larger dogs can have more than smaller ones, but that doesn’t mean that you should overfeed your dog on eggs. The golden rule to follow is to keep treats to less than 10% of your dog’s total food intake. That is how you should treat eggs - like a treat.

Your dog’s industrial food is already well-balanced, and they get all the necessary nutrients from their food. Even if you feed your dog raw, home-prepared food, you should include all necessary nutrients, even without eggs. If you give them eggs every now and then, your dog will get a lovely treat they can safely enjoy.

If you are not sure which dog food you should choose, maybe this article can help you - Best dog food.

World Dog Finder team