Should i feed my dog a raw egg

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions around the dangers of feeding dogs raw eggs. When talking pet nutrition I think it's always helpful to look at what our pets' feline and canine cousins do in the wild.

Dingos are just one of the species known to eat raw eggs (emu eggs in this case) in the Outback which to me suggests it's a perfectly natural feeding behaviour.

Nevertheless, many pet owners think raw eggs pose threats to their pets' health ranging from high cholesterol levels to the risk of bacterial infections such as salmonella.

Dingos at Taronga Zoo Sydney - Image courtesy of Brian Giesen commons.wikimedia.org

The 'dangers' of feeding eggs

In reality the only possible (minimal) risk to dogs from eating raw eggs is that in large quantities a compound called avidin which is found in raw egg white can create a biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency in dogs, the symptoms of which include inhibited cell growth, inhibited fatty acid metabolism and loss of skin and coat condition.

This so called 'danger' leads many people to write off eggs as bad for dogs, but the truth is you'd need to be feeding about eight to 10 eggs per day to create what is an extremely rare condition.

It's also worth noting that egg yolks actually contain high levels of biotin so, providing you feed whole raw eggs, the yolk should counterbalance the effect of the avidin in the egg white.

In terms of the risk of bacterial infection from feeding raw eggs, provided you source organic eggs from healthy free range hens, and store them in a cool, dry, place, as you would eggs for human consumption, there is minimal risk of infection from bacterium such a salmonella.

So, can dogs eat raw eggs?

Served raw, eggs are one of nature's most perfect proteins and an inexpensive and safe food source. They're highly digestible with a full range of essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein - Vitamins, and minerals including Vitamin A, Riboflavin (Vitamin B), Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron, Selenium and Fatty Acids, making them a nutritious food for dogs.

When feeding your dogs eggs, don't discard the eggshells. Ground up they are a great source of calcium which makes them a good substitute for animals who aren't keen to eat raw bones.

How much egg to feed

While I wouldn't recommend eggs as the lone protein in your dog's diet, as a general rule a couple of raw eggs each day along with a balanced meat diet will provide them with awesome nutrition.

It's also perfectly safe to feed cooked eggs, but, if you want to deliver maximum nutritional benefit, raw eggs are preferable as cooking destroys vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

I'd also advise sticking to eggs from organic free range chooks, (their eggs won't have been sprayed with chemicals to enhance shell shininess), to ensure the nutritional integrity.

Of course, if you notice your pet having any digestive issues when you introduce raw eggs to their diet, stop feeding the eggs and consult your vet.

Author Bio
Dr Bruce Syme BVSc (Hons) is a qualified veterinarian and the founder of Vets All Natural. He has developed this range of foods and supplements purely from his desire to heal more, and a wider range of animals than those seen in his clinic everyday.

You can follow Dr Bruce on Facebook or on Twitter - @DrBruceSyme.

Yes, they can. For us humans, eggs are an exceptional source of protein, essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins – the same goes for dogs.

Let's be real, "human" food always looks pretty appetising to dogs. They're always sniffing out whatever it is you're eating. But when it comes to the health benefits of eggs, their doggy senses are 100% correct.

Eggs can be a delicious, healthy addition to your dog’s diet as well as your own. Essentially the entire egg (including the eggshell) can offer amazing nutritional benefits for our four-legged friends. 

Remember, eggs are readily available, easily digestible and a complete food source – not to mention quick to prepare and inexpensive!

But how do you serve them up to your dog? Well, for starters, on a plate of course.

How To Feed Eggs To Your Dog

Eggs should be always be cooked before given to your dog. Cook or boil the eggs plain without oil, butter, salt, or any other additives. 

We suggest making scrambled eggs, as it's much easier for your dog to digest and can provide quick access to the protein dogs need for maintaining lean muscle and energy. But again, keep them plain. 

Are Eggs Good For Dogs?

Eggs are not only a perfectly safe food source for dogs – they offer much in the way of nutritional benefits. Aside from being rich in protein, eggs are also a great source of linoleic acid, Vitamin B2 and B12 and water-soluble Vitamin A  – all of which are wonderful for your dog’s skin and coat. 

Can I Feed My Dog Raw Eggs?

No. We do not recommend feeding raw or undercooked eggs to your dog. The safest way to serve eggs to dogs is to ensure they are always cooked. Stick with boiled, scrambled or fried eggs.

Just like humans, dogs share the same potential risks in contracting Salmonella if consuming raw or undercooked foods. 

How Many Eggs Can A Dog Eat?

It’s widely recommended that most dogs should not be given more than one full egg per day. Eggs should never be the sole source of protein for your dog, much like dog food contains other much-needed nutrients for a healthy, balanced diet. Think of them more like a treat. 

To determine exactly how many eggs you can feed your dog, it's best to consult with your local veterinarian. A safe serving size of eggs for your dog will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Age
• Size
• Breed
• Activity level
• Existing medical conditions

Are Egg Shells Good For Dogs?

Yes, they are. In fact, a boiled egg is a great meal for a dog. Shell included. However, always be sure to break the egg up a little first to ensure it’s not a choking hazard. 

Egg shells are actually filled with calcium so they can be a great source of additional nutrients for your dog. Plus, the shells are also great for dogs who have difficulty chewing bones. For safety though, always ensure the shells have been cooked/boiled first, as raw eggshells can still pose a salmonella risk.

Once boiled, simply grind up the shells up and sprinkle, or stir them through your dog’s food.

Can I give my dog a raw egg every day?

How much raw egg should I feed my dog?