Can dogs eat raw eggs? Can they eat cooked eggs either? What about eggshells are they safe?
Your pup can eat raw eggs. However, raw eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria that are harmful to dogs.
As a pet mama, you care more about what your furry baby eats and you can’t give food poison a chance.
Why are raw eggs considered harmful? What other food boosters can you give your dog.
Continue reading to find more.
Why Are Raw Eggs Bad for Dogs?
Why are raw eggs considered dangerous to dogs? Eggs are said to have high cholesterol that can cause obesity. Moreover, raw eggs can contain salmonella bacteria if not well preserved.
Salmonella bacteria cause biotin deficiency that inhibits cell growth by suppressing fatty acid metabolism. Also, raw eggs are said to contain Avidin that causes Vitamin B7 deficiency.
Healthy fatty acids play an important role in keeping your dog’s coat in good condition. Therefore raw eggs with Salmonella will make your dog’s coat look dull, Making their skin become itchy to the point that it starts to flake.
However raw eggs are also good for your dog’s health. They are a good source of proteins and fatty acids that are essential to your dog’s health.
Raw eggs become dangerous only if they are given in large quantities for instance if you give 10-12 eggs in a day your dog will be obese.
Furthermore, raw eggs that are not well-preserved are at risk of having Salmonella bacteria. Proper storage reduces the infestation of Salmonella.
In addition, egg white contains enzyme inhibitors (avidin) the one thing that worries many dog owners. The egg white is said to interfere with digestion especially in very young dogs or senior dogs.
However, this can only happen when dogs feed a large number of egg whites. nevertheless, If you give your pup a complete diet not only eggs then your dog is safe.
On the other side, egg yolk is safe it contains a high concentration of biotin. The biotin neutralizes the effect of the avidin so it’s advisable to feed the whole egg. Both egg white and the yolk provide nutritional value to your dog.
Nutrition value of eggs
Eggs contain protein that is packed with essential amino acids and fatty acids vitamins A and B12. It also has Folate, Selenium, Iron, Riboflavin which all have essential benefits for canines.
The benefits of eggs to dogs include improved skin and coat health to stronger teeth and bones.
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
Yes, they can. They can eat both egg white, the york, and the shells. Eggs are a complete food and they are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
Feeding them to your dog is a great way to boost protein intake. Eggs also provide minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron, Selenium, and Fatty acids.
Aren’t dogs at risk of salmonella?
It is said that dogs should not eat raw eggs because of the risk of Salmonella bacteria. But dogs are capable of processing more bacteria than humans.
Dogs are scavengers-carnivores and their carnivorous digestive system allows them to process raw meat, bones, and even eggs.
They have an acidic stomach that is able to kill most harmful bacteria including Salmonella. Which allows it to safely pass through the digestive tract without causing any ill effects.
Can dogs eat boiled eggs?
Yes. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Provided they don’t become the main diet since they have high cholesterol and may lead to other health issues.
Can puppies eat raw eggs?
Puppies can eat raw eggs too. Giving them a small portion like half an egg a day is enough too much of it can be harmful. Mix it with the main food as a topper.
How many eggs can a dog eat in a day?
Eggs should be used as a treat not as meal replacement thus one to two eggs in a day is enough. And 1-3 times a week for smaller dogs.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
After cracking the egg don’t throw the shells. They are a good source of minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Potassium that are good for bone formation, healthy teeth, and gums.
How to feed eggshells
For the larger breeds, you can give the whole eggs to crack. They will enjoy playing with it, breaking it, and eating its content both the yolk, egg white, and shells. The process might be messy so prepare a clean area for the dog to play and lick the egg.
Not all dogs will enjoy the whole egg and some eggshells like duck eggs are tough. So if your dog isn’t a fan of eating whole eggs you can crush the eggshells with a mortar and pestle or even grind them. Then you can sprinkle the powder on its main food.
Quail eggs are great alternatives as their shells are much softer. Alternately you can give full eggs or grind the shells and store them for future use. Store the crushed eggshells in an airtight container and store them in a cool dry place they can last for up to a month.
I cracked a raw egg over dog food
This is not a big deal provided you mix it with dog meals. Remember too many raw eggs can be harmful.
Eggs contain protein that is packed with essential amino acids and fatty acids vitamins A and B12. It also has folate, selenium, iron, riboflavin which all have essential benefits for canines.
The benefits of eggs to dogs include improved skin and coat health to stronger teeth and bones.
How to Cook Eggs for Dog
Cooking eggs makes it safe for dogs as it kills any bacteria. There are many ways to cook eggs for dogs.
Scrambled eggs for dogs
The most important thing to consider before giving your dog a scrambled egg is how you prepare them.
When preparing them they should be free from any additives like garlic, avocados, onions, pepper salts, oil, and other species. But you can add cheese (I bet your dog loves cheese).
Scrambled eggs are rich in pantothenic acid that’s vital for creating energy at cellular levels. With scrambled eggs, your dog stands to benefit from Riboflavin which is essential for skin and coat health.
Other ways to cook eggs for dogs can be
- Boiling
- Cooking them together with rice
What Can I Mix with Dog Food
To supplement your dog food you will need food boosters that you can add to dog food to improve their health. Try any of the following.
Goat milk
Goat milk also known as universal milk is full of nutrients that will keep your dog healthy. It has natural probiotics that help in digestion for firm stool. It also keeps your pet hydrated.
Goat milk has small molecules that are easy to digest. Also if your dog has hypoallergenic to cow milk then goat milk is a better substitute. Source goat milk especially from free-range goats that are naturally raised.
Kefir
Kefir, also known as the grain of life, has many health benefits for your dog. It’s compared to yogurt but kefir is more than yogurt on steroids.
It contains fermented foods that are loaded with probiotics and beneficial yeast of over 30 different strains that help word of the pathogenic yeast and bacteria.
If your dog only feeds dry food that contains up to 70% carbohydrates then they might be at risk as the food may contain pathogenic yeast and bacteria. If your dog is smelly, itchy, and loses fur more frequently they have issues with yeast.
Probiotics like kefir will help reduce the bad yeast. For instance, if your dog has been stressed out may be locked in a kennel or under medication which has led to a loss of appetite then kefir to improve digestion and boost its appetite.
It also has antibacterial, antifungals that help prevent candidiasis and allergies.
Sardines
Sardines are small fish that are full of omega 3, fatty acids that are essential for good health. Sardine is also a source of taurine that is essential to your pet’s health. The good thing about sardines is that they mature fast and they are small. They are not like large fish which feed on older fish that have in time accumulated toxins.
Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin is a good food supplement that helps improve digestion. It has fiber that helps with constipation and loose stool. Pumpkin has a considerable amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Making it as a puree is more beneficial as it makes it easy to digest.
Bone broth
Bone broth is good for your dog. Many dogs don’t like water and for those who feed on dry food bone broth can be a good source of dehydration.
Bone broth helps in digestion, helps in detoxing and it adds nutrient supplement that is good for joint health. Feed your pup with homemade broth that has no garlic, onions, and other additives.
Over to You
In short, eggs are good for dogs both cooked and raw. However, they must be well preserved to prevent Salmonella bacteria infection.
Go ahead and treat your fido with scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or rice with eggs but do it in moderation. Food boosters are also great.
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