Many pet owners wonder which “human foods” are good for their pets. A common question I hear from pet owners at my veterinary clinic is, “Can dogs eat eggs?”
Here’s everything you need to know about the nutritional value of eggs for dogs.
Are eggs good for dogs? Can dogs eat cooked eggs?
The answer is yes, cooked eggs are good for dogs. Dogs can eat hard boiled or scrambled eggs. The eggs must be cooked. Do not feed raw eggs to dogs.
Eggs are a good food for dogs as they are a good source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and protein.
Essentially, the whole egg, including the shell, is nutritious for dogs.
Can puppies eat eggs?
Yes, puppies can eat eggs and they have the same nutritional value as adult dogs.
Are raw eggs good for dogs?
There are no nutritional benefits to feeding raw eggs to dogs.
However, there is a risk that your dog may become infected Salmonella infection Transmitted through raw eggs, this bacterial infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
For more information on egg safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; About this information Salmonella Applies to humans and animals.
Do some dogs have egg allergies?
Dogs tend to be allergic to proteins in their food, and eggs contain proteins, so they may develop an egg allergy.
Signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction include gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, and may also show up as skin problems such as itching around the ears, paws, and other areas.
If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian. For more information on food allergies in dogs, Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, Tufts University.
Why are eggs good for dogs? What are the health benefits?
Each part of a cooked egg (yolk, shell, and white) has health benefits for dogs.
Egg yolk contains fatty acids and vitamins
Dogs need fatty acids and vitamins, and egg yolks contain both.
fatty acid
Egg yolks are rich in concentrated fatty acids.
Fatty acids are provided in your dog’s diet as saturated and unsaturated fats. Your dog’s body breaks down fats and absorbs them through the digestive tract.
Once in the body, fatty acids are used to build and maintain body cells.
Fatty acids also act as a delivery system for fat-soluble vitamins. Dogs are not prone to heart disease like humans are, so you don’t need to worry about cholesterol.
vitamin
Vitamins are provided in a dog’s diet as both water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients.
Vitamins act as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth and development.
Egg yolk is rich in the following vitamins:
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Vitamin A
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Vitamin D
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Vitamin E
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Vitamin K
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Vitamin B1
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Vitamin B6
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Vitamin B12
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Riboflavin
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Niacin
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Folic acid
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Colin
Egg shells contain essential minerals
Minerals are also necessary for dogs and are obtained as salt in their diet.
They function as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth and development.
These nutrients are concentrated in the egg shell, but are also found in the egg white and yolk.
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calcium
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Rin
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magnesium
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sodium
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potassium
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chloride
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iron
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copper
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zinc
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manganese
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selenium
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Iodine
Egg whites provide amino acids
Dogs need amino acids, which come from meat and plant proteins in their diet.
Your dog’s body breaks down protein and absorbs it through the digestive tract, where it is used to build and maintain muscle.
Egg whites are rich in the following nutrients:
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Arginine
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Histidine
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Isoleucine
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Leucine
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lysine
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Methionine
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Phenylalanine
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Threonine
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Tryptophan
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Ballin
How many eggs can a dog eat?
Eggs are a great special treat for dogs.
An average egg contains 60 calories, roughly 6 grams of protein and 4 milligrams of fat.
Consult your vet for advice on how much to feed your dog. The appropriate amount of egg to give your dog as a treat will depend on a number of factors, including:
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size
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Year
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Activity level
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Pre-existing health problems
How to feed eggs to dogs
The safest way to feed eggs to dogs is to hard-boil them and chop them into small pieces. It is safest to feed eggs to dogs immediately after cooking.
Raw eggs should be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and boiled at 160 degrees Fahrenheit to cook properly. If not serving immediately, we recommend refrigerating them at 40 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to serve them.
Featured Image: iStock.com/MeePoohyaphoto
