Yes, dogs can eat eggs. They are indeed necessary for a dog’s diet. From the shell of the egg to the yolk, they are high in nutrition.
“Be sure to include the yolk because egg whites alone can cause a biotin deficiency”
– Dr.Karen Becker
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain many essential fats, vitamins and minerals. Just like humans, when we include eggs as a part of our dog’s meal, especially in homemade dog food, it helps in improving dog’s overall health.
Why are eggs good?
Apart from protein, including eggs in your dog’s meal is an easy method to offer necessary nutrients like – Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron and Selenium.
Eggs from pastured hens are high in Omega-3, which is an essential fatty acid for animals. Increased intake of omega-3 in dogs would benefit in strengthening their joints, heart, skin and brain.
Dogs will earn that extra boost of energy from eggs when they are sick. So, it is good to provide a considerable amount of egg in their meal. You can also include egg to cure their upset tummy and to stimulate their appetite.
Be mindful in choosing your dog’s eggs as it directly affects his health. Choose eggs from free-range chickens or organic chicken.
Do’s and Don’ts for feeding your dog with eggs
There are many ways to include egg in your dog’s food. You can serve them as a hardboiled, scrambled, raw or poached egg. Make sure to avoid oil, seasonings and harmful human ingredients. Preparing scrambled eggs without onions and garlic will favour to their health. A dash of salt and pepper will cause no harm. You can mix eggs with rice or use it as a meal topper.
However, there are a few things to be kept in mind before serving eggs:
Salmonella:
There are chances for a dog to contract Salmonella when a raw egg is offered. As a dog owner, be aware of the type of eggs that you provide – choose organic and quality eggs. Try to avoid the growth of bacteria on them by keeping them cool.
Biotin Deficiency:
Egg whites consist of avidin, which inhibits a vitamin called biotin. They usually hold an important place in cell growth and metabolism. If they are provided in an excess amount to our pooch, it might cause a biotin deficiency. A few experts suggest that providing an equal amount of egg yolks can substitute the deficient.
Food Allergy:
Some dogs develop an allergy to certain foods at any time of his life. It could be due to the body’s reaction to certain protein rich food. So, watch out for any symptoms of itching or breathing problems when you feed egg.
Eggshells:
Eggshells are a great source of calcium for dogs. You can grind the shells and mix it with their food to avoid difficulty while eating. Keep in mind to clean and boil the egg with shell before serving them as they could have chemicals sprayed on top.
There are many myths about cholesterol in eggs being bad for dog’s health. They are not a threat to your pooch’s health. Increased intake of egg might make him gain weight but cholesterol-related diseases will not occur in them.
Have It The Right Way
Dogs can eat eggs in less amount, every day. They are a complete package of necessary nutrients and has a huge effect on their energy level. But it is important to know the correct amount of egg to be fed. A dog’s diet must be balanced with other necessary nutrients, apart from the egg. Be aware of the number of calories that you feed your dogs, along with their treats and usual meal. Also, before you include egg in your dog’s meal, consult with your veterinarians to know the proper amount for feeding.
Oscar Daisy uses high quality and safe eggs, and other ingredients which are 100% human-grade and wholesome to prepare our vet-formulated healthy recipes for your dog. It’s pure food for your pooch with no nasty preservatives and harmful additives.