Parents want the best for their kids, and the same applies to parents with dog kids. The matter of what, why, and how much to feed your dog human food is a case of endless debate.

So, to clear out the mystery, we want to answer the question, “Can dogs eat eggs safely?” 

Yes, dogs can eat eggs with no trouble at all. In fact, eggs are pretty nutritious and have many health benefits for your dog.

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The nutritional value of an egg goes as deep as its layers. Starting with the eggshell down to the yolk core, every part of the egg has its benefits for your dog.

The first thing you should know about egg whites is that they’re packed in protein; a major nutrient that your dog will digest into amino acids. The obtained amino acids are essential for building up and repairing your dog’s muscles.

The egg whites provide your dog with complete protein, which means they contain all the nine essential amino acids:

Another nutritious part of the egg is the egg yolk. The yellow central part of the egg is brimming with vitamins and fatty acids required for maintaining your dog’s bodily functions.

The egg yolk provides water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins, both of which enhance your dog's vitality and immunity.

For example, Riboflavin, a water-soluble vitamin found in the yolk, is pivotal for your dog’s nervous system and metabolic functions.

Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K, and E are paramount for your dog’s skin health and mineral regulation.

On top of that, the portion of the fatty acids preserves your dog’s cells while acting as a vehicle for the fat-soluble vitamins.

Probably, the most surprisingly beneficial layer of the egg is the eggshell. The eggshell and its thin inner membrane contain a high amount of minerals that support your dog’s bones and teeth, including:

A 2016 study carried out using a supplement known as Natural Egg Membrane has shown an improvement in the overall condition of arthritic dogs. 

The supplement is composed mainly of naturally-occurring glycosaminoglycans and proteins that could be found in eggshells and their inner membrane. 

How Nutritious Can Eggs Be For Your Dog?

Now that we unraveled the array of nutrients found in eggs, we’ll discuss the best way to add this valuable treat to your dog’s diet.

The best approach to adding eggs to your dog’s diet is going stepwise.

You’d want to give your dog one cooked and peeled egg at the beginning, then check him for any gastrointestinal disturbances. If no signs of trouble appear on your dog, you could safely include eggs in his diet.

Dogs should eat up to one egg per day. Still, it would be better if you only gave your dog 3-4 eggs per week because eggs are high in protein and calories and might cause weight gain.

The safest way to cook eggs is to hard-boil them and leave them to cool down. After that, peel off the outer shells, chop the eggs, and add them to your dog’s food.

You can also scramble or poach the eggs, but keep in mind not to add any spices, salt, pepper, or butter.

As we mentioned above, the eggshell is rich in minerals like calcium, which helps strengthen your dog’s bones. Yet, the daily calcium intake shouldn’t exceed 0.184 fl-oz/lb.

See, hypercalcemia can lead to chronic kidney failure, vitamin D imbalance, and indigestion.

Another pitfall of feeding your dog eggshells is the sharpness of the chewed shells. Dogs can’t crush the shells enough, which might cause indigestion or gum cuts.

Thus, you should consult your vet before feeding your dog eggshells, and even then, only feed your dog boiled and powdered eggshells. 

How to Incorporate Eggs Into Your Dog's Diet?

Despite the nutritional benefits found in every layer of eggs, there’re a few things to take into account before feeding them to your dog.

Raw eggs could be contaminated by Salmonella, which causes an illness known as Salmonellosis. The symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Furthermore, if the condition persists without seeking treatment, a dog might suffer from severe dehydration and weight loss.

Luckily, the heat you use while cooking the eggs will kill Salmonella and protect your dog from getting infected.

Eggs are known to raise cholesterol levels in humans and cause heart problems. However, dogs are not at the same risk as humans when it comes to cholesterol-related diseases.

The only issue for dogs here would be excessive weight gain due to the high caloric content of the eggs.

Among the proteins found in egg whites, there’s an enzyme called Avidin, which inhibits the absorption of biotin.

The risk of biotin deficiency can cause impairment in skin and coat health.

Luckily, there’re high levels of biotin already found in egg yolks, so the risk of biotin deficiency should be almost non-existent.

Protein in eggs could be a major allergy trigger. Allergic dogs usually suffer from itchiness around the ears, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

For that reason, you should continuously monitor your dog after feeding him eggs for the first time. If you notice any signs of allergy, stop giving him eggs at once.

Concerns About Feeding Your Dog Eggs

Adding eggs to your puppy’s diet should benefit him the same way it’d do an adult dog. Regardless, your puppy’s diet should include a maximum of 10% human food.

Once your puppy is weaned off, you should start introducing soft foods into his diet. A week after that, you can begin adding solid foods like scrambled or boiled eggs.

Can Puppies Eat Eggs?

When it comes to the question, “Can dogs eat eggs?” The answer is definitely yes!

Dogs can get protein, vitamins, and minerals from the different layers of the egg.

To safely feed your dog eggs, you need to cook them thoroughly without additives to avoid Salmonella. Gradually, introduce eggs to your furry friend while checking for any digestive disturbances or signs of allergy.

If everything goes smoothly, you can now give your pup a new delicious snack that’s also packed with many health benefits with more confidence.

Can Dogs Eat Eggs Safely?

How Nutritious Can Eggs Be For Your Dog?

How to Incorporate Eggs Into Your Dog's Diet?

Concerns About Feeding Your Dog Eggs

Can Puppies Eat Eggs?

Conclusion

Can Dogs Eat Eggs Safely?

How Nutritious Can Eggs Be For Your Dog?

How to Incorporate Eggs Into Your Dog's Diet?

Concerns About Feeding Your Dog Eggs

Can Puppies Eat Eggs?

Conclusion

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