Raw eggs are a great supplement to dogs’ diets as they offer a healthy dose of B-vitamins, healthy fatty acids, and selenium. However, feeding raw eggs to dogs has been a source of contention among professionals and dog owners alike.
This article will answer the most frequently asked questions by dog owners about feeding raw eggs to dogs.
Are raw eggs good for dogs? What are the health benefits of raw eggs?
Raw eggs are rich in proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids. They are also good sources of vitamins A, B2, B12, iron, and selenium. Dogs can get a lot of calcium and phosphorus from eggshells as well.
Your dog can get a handful of health benefits from eating raw eggs. These include obtaining an extra energy boost and having healthy and glossy skin and coat. Raw eggs help in strengthening bones too, especially for growing puppies.
Are raw eggs safe for dogs?
There are a few concerns when it comes to feeding dogs raw eggs. Below are a few things you need to take note of should you decide to include raw eggs in your dog’s diet:
Allergic Reaction
Dogs with food allergies are usually allergic to proteins. Eggs, together with pork, chicken, lamb, beef, rabbit, and fish, are the most prevalent triggers of allergic reactions in dogs. If it is your dog’s first time consuming raw eggs, give him only a small amount.
Once he is done eating, watch out for signs of allergies such as vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, itchiness, redness of the skin, and scratching. Bring him to the vet right away if he displays any of these symptoms.
Biotin Deficiency
Another concern when it comes to raw eggs for dogs is the danger of biotin deficiency. Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for cellular growth and the metabolism of fatty acids. A dog with balanced biotin levels will noticeably have healthy skin and coat.
Raw eggs, specifically raw egg whites, contain avidin, a protein that acts as a biotin inhibitor. This hinders the biotin’s function in the body and thus may result in biotin deficiency. However, it is important to note that it takes large amounts of avidin for this condition to occur.
According to raw egg feeders, an average dog would need to consume at least ten eggs per day to experience biotin deficiency. If you feed raw eggs to your dog in moderation, it is less likely to cause this condition.
Moreover, the egg yolk is also a good biotin source, which helps balance the biotin-avidin scales.
Risk of Salmonella Contamination
Raw foods, including chicken products such as eggs, are prone to salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a food-borne disease that can affect both dogs and humans.
The most common symptoms of this health condition are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, appetite loss, and fever. Puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised pooches are significantly at risk of contracting salmonella.
With that said, in general, it is rare for healthy dogs with strong immune systems to get salmonella from uncooked eggs.
The truth is, we are in more danger of catching salmonella than our furry companions. The fear of dogs having salmonellosis is spurred by the abundant cases of humans contracting the disease from contaminated raw eggs.
It is believed that a dog’s short and highly acidic digestive tract prevents salmonellosis. That’s because it hinders the bacteria from growing and thriving in the pooch’s digestive tract. Regardless, it is always a good idea to be cautious when feeding your dog raw eggs.
Make sure that the raw eggs come from a trustworthy source. If possible, opt for organic eggs or free-range eggs. Then store the eggs in a clean, cool, and dry place. This will minimize the risk of salmonella contamination.
Nutrition Imbalance
Adding raw eggs to your dog’s food can change the nutritional balance of your pet’s daily diet. This is quite common in small dog breeds such as the Maltese.
One egg yolk already takes up a considerable chunk of the breed’s total calorie intake and its total food volume. This may lead to the dog acquiring fewer nutrients and running the risk of malnutrition.
A study on humans shows that our bodies can absorb 90% of the proteins from eggs when they are cooked. Meanwhile, when it comes to raw eggs, our bodies are only able to absorb 50% of the proteins.
It is assumed that this may be the same case for dogs too. However, more research is required to prove this since this study was focused on humans rather than dogs.
How much raw eggs can dogs eat?
Raw eggs are good for dogs if they are given occasionally. In general, treats such as raw eggs should only make up 10% of their daily calories. Dogs can have 1-2 raw eggs per day at most, and it can be fed to them about 1-2 times a week.
Be sure to consult the vet first before making any changes to your dog’s meals. They will help you figure out if it is an appropriate addition to his diet. They can also provide you with information on how many raw eggs a day is okay for him to consume.
When you are starting to incorporate raw eggs into your dog’s diet, start small. Our furry companions have sensitive digestive systems.
An abrupt alteration in their food can result in digestive problems such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting. Therefore, never feed him excessively on his first try at eating raw eggs.
Can puppies eat raw eggs?
No, do not feed raw eggs to puppies as puppies are more vulnerable to catching salmonella. The same goes for senior dogs and immunocompromised pooches. Their immune systems are weaker than healthy canines and cannot efficiently protect them from harmful diseases such as salmonellosis.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Yes, dogs can eat eggshells. Do not give your dog whole eggshells since they are quite sharp when chewed. They can damage your dog’s teeth and gums and cause choking.
The small pieces of eggshells can also get stuck inside his digestive tract and cause stomach irritation.
Make sure to grind dry eggshells into powder to prevent any accidents. If your dog has homemade food, you can mix a half teaspoon of eggshell powder with every pound of his food to make them more palatable.
Are eggs okay for dogs if they are cooked?
Can dogs eat cooked eggs? Yes, they can. It is safe to feed cooked eggs to dogs; cooking eggs reduces the risk of salmonella. On the other hand, it can dissolve some of the vitamins and minerals found in eggs.
Scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, fried eggs, and poached eggs are healthy foods for dogs. However, all of these should be cooked plain.
As much as possible, steer clear of store-bought egg-based food products. These include egg rolls, egg salad, and egg noodles. They are often high in salt, fats, and spices.
They may contain other harmful ingredients as well, such as raisins, garlic, and onions. Feeding them to your dog will only result in dangerous consequences in the future.