Boiled, fried, scrambled, poached – eggs can be enjoyed in so many ways but the crucial question is, can dogs eat eggs?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what human food can dogs eat, we don’t blame you, meal planning for humans is tough enough without having to throw your furkid into the mix too. While it would certainly make the weekly grocery shop a lot easier if you could both eat the same thing, it’s important to carefully consider what human food you let your hound eat.
For the most part, we recommend sticking to the best dog food for your canine companion’s staple diet and then adding in a few safe treats now and again to add some variety. Does the incredible egg make the cut? Let’s find out!
Are eggs good for dogs?
The good news is that eggs are perfectly safe for dogs to enjoy. Eggs can support your canine inside and out, thanks to them being high in protein, fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. This includes iron and vitamins A and B12, which help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Although they should never be given as a main meal, eggs make the perfect occasional treat. It’s also important to remember not to cook them with any seasoning, oil, butter, or other additives, which would not be good for your dog’s digestion.
Eggs have also been known to help settle upset stomachs for some dogs, but they have also been known to cause it too, so it’s best to supervise your pup the first time they try one to make sure they can tolerate it well.
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When are eggs bad for dogs?
Just like us, chickens are only as healthy as what they eat. It’s important to choose eggs that are from trusted sources, such as free-range farm hens that are fed an organic diet. Healthier chickens tend to lay more nutritious eggs after all.
Also, many vets advise owners to steer clear of feeding their dog raw or undercooked eggs to avoid the risk of things such as salmonella and biotin deficiency (a condition that can affect their skin, metabolism, and digestion).
Before introducing your dog to any new food – whether it’s pet or human food – it’s important to discuss it with your vet. Certain medical conditions may mean that dogs can’t eat eggs.
Also, feeding your dog too many eggs can lead to weight gain, so it’s certainly something to keep track of.
Tips on feeding your dog eggs
If your pooch is getting bored of eating the best dog treats from your local pet store, then eggs can be a really good substitute – in moderation, of course. There are plenty of homemade dog treats you can make, but here are a few suggestions on how to serve the nutritious egg as a snack to your favorite four-legged friend:
Suggestion 1 – Let them bite into a hard-boiled egg so that they can experience a new texture.
Suggestion 2 – Sprinkle scrambled egg on their usual dog food for a special surprise.
Suggestion 3 – For an extra special treat, you can even top your dog's food with a fried egg (providing it is completely plain and not fried in anything).
Eggs and dogs - worth a crack?
Eggs are an incredible source of protein, so certainly worth trying if it’s not something your pooch is allergic to or shouldn’t be eating as a result of an existing medical condition. Plus it doesn’t matter how you serve them so long as it’s cooked and without any extras, such as oils or seasoning.
