Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Feeding Guide for South African Pet Parents

Eggs are unquestionably one of the favourite breakfast options for humans. But is this nutrient-rich food equally good for dogs? That’s an important question to ask. While opinions are divided about the safety and benefits of feeding eggs to canines, this comprehensive guide will come in handy for you and all fellow South African pet parents.

Keep reading to learn about whether and how to feed eggs to dogs, the health benefits of eggs for them, and whether eating eggs can be bad for dogs.

Can dogs eat eggs?

The answer is a big yes. Eggs are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Adding eggs to your furry companion’s diet can be beneficial for their health. However, eggs should only be given as a supplementary food and should not replace your fur baby’s balanced meal. When fed as a treat, eggs (along with the other treats, if any) should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s total diet.

How to feed eggs to dogs?

All parts of an egg, i.e., eggshell, egg yolk and egg white, offer one or more health benefits. But it is important to give only cooked and not raw eggs to dogs, to ensure that they get only the good from this simple yet nutritious food.

Here are a few ways you can feed eggs to your four-legged friend:

• Feed boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs to your canine without adding salt, butter, oil, or seasoning.
• Cook the egg white without adding salt, pepper or butter, and feed it to your pet.
• Bake or boil eggshells properly, and then grind them into a fine powder. You can sprinkle a small amount of this powder over your dog’s food. Eggshells are rich in calcium and trace minerals. Ensure that you feed eggshells to your dog only under a veterinarian’s guidance, as they can examine and determine whether your pet needs this extra dose of calcium or not.
• Hard-boil eggs and chop them into small pieces. You can give this as a treat or sprinkle it on your pet’s kibble to make the meal interesting.

Benefits of eggs for dogs

Just like humans, eggs also offer various benefits to dogs. Here is a list of a few benefits of this delicious food:

• Good protein source: Eggs contain easy-to-digest & complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Giving eggs to your fur baby may be helpful for their muscle development and tissue repair. These amino acids are also important for healthy skin & coat.
• Offers healthy fats: Eggs (egg yolk) contain omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to your dog’s coat shine and skin health.
• Rich in vitamins & minerals: Eggs are rich in vitamins, like A, D, E, and various B vitamins, which are important for metabolism, immune function, and general growth and development. Eggs are also a good source of minerals, such as iron, selenium, and phosphorus, which help support antioxidant defence, and bone & teeth health.

Can eggs be harmful to dogs?

Eggs, when fed cooked and in moderation, can surely be beneficial for dogs. But, overconsumption or consumption of raw eggs can have a negative impact on your pet’s health. Here are some of the risks involved with feeding eggs to dogs:

• Raw eggs may contain bacteria, like Salmonella. Feeding raw eggs to dogs may lead to problems, like vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration.
• There is a protein, called avidin, in raw egg whites. Avidin can hinder the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin that is essential for skin health & metabolism.
• Excessive consumption of eggs may lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhoea in some dogs.
• The high fat content in egg yolks can contribute to weight gain or obesity. So, feeding in moderation is important.

In a nutshell

Eggs, the ever-enchanting delicacy for humans, are equally nutritious for dogs. However, there can be some health risks if your furry companion overeats or eats raw eggs. Feed cooked eggs to your dogs occasionally as a treat, or regularly in a controlled quantity to add a nutritional punch to their regular meals. Consult a veterinarian, where necessary, to get guidance for the ideal quantity or the method of feeding eggs to your canine friend.