Boiled, scrambled or poached… eggs are a staple on our breakfast table. But what about eggs for your dog? Can our furry companions eat eggs too?
As pet parents, we constantly fret about what to feed and what not to feed our furry. So, let’s answer the question Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
CAN DOGS EAT EGGS?
The simple answer to this is Yes! However there are some restrictions on eating eggs in case your dog has some preexisting conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis or is allergic to eggs.
Scrambling or boiling a full egg is perfectly fine for your family dog but avoid salt, pepper, onion and other types of spices on the egg.
Eggs are a complete food source for your dog. They are good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Selenium and Fatty Acids. They are also one of most complete sources of amino acids, which are the building blocks for proteins.
FACTS ABOUT EGGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE MAKING EGGS A PART OF YOUR DOG FOOD
1. Egg white contains enzyme inhibitors which can interfere with the digestion of your furry, especially the younger and older ones. This does not mean that you eliminate eggs from the diet but simply that eggs should not be the mainstay. It is perfectly safe to feed some eggs in a week as long as you do not notice a digestive upset in your furry.
2. Egg white contains Avidin, a Biotin inhibitor. One of the B Vitamins, Biotin is important for cellular growth and fatty acid metabolism. It also helps to improve the quality of the skin and coat. However, the inhibiting effect of Avidin can be reduced by cooking the egg.
The egg yolk, on the other hand, is high in Biotin, so as long as you feed the whole egg to your doggo, you are safe.
3. Eggs contain salmonella so it is best to avoid raw eggs unless you are sure that the eggs come from organic, free-range chickens. Proper storage in a cool temperature and cooking it well before serving will help to manage the harmful bacteria in the egg.
CAN DOGS EAT RAW EGGS?
We do not recommend raw eggs unless you can source them from a natural, organic, free-range chicken farm.
It is best to serve cooked eggs as any pathogens or chemicals that may have seeped into the egg will be nullified with cooking.
Another benefit of popping the egg in boiling water for some time before feeding is that it reduces the effect of Avidin that is present in raw egg white.
IS THE CHOLESTEROL IN EGG BAD FOR MY DOG?
Cholesterol does not have the same effect on your dog as it does on humans. Dogs generally do not get the same cholesterol related diseases as humans. If you feed too much egg to your furry, weight gain would be the first indicator due to the extra calories before other cholesterol-related issues start arising.
HOW MANY EGGS CAN YOU YOUR DOG EAT?
As with all good things, moderation is the key. Eggs are dense in calories, minerals and vitamins, so moderation will help in maintaining the nutritional balance.
Dogs can eat a little bit of egg every day. Feed eggs as you would feed treats and follow the 10% treat rule. Eggs contain about 60-70 calories so you must accommodate for the extra calories.
• For small dogs: 1- 2 eggs in a week is enough for small dogs.
• For large dogs: One egg 3-4 times a week for large dogs.
DON’T FORGET THE EGG SHELL
Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium and protein for your pet. This is essential for strong teeth and bones. Half teaspoon of crushed egg shells sprinkled over regular food is an excellent way to feed them this natural source of calcium.
To avoid harmful pathogens and or any sort of poisoning, it is best to boil the eggshells for some time and dry them thoroughly before grinding to a fine powder.
If you dry the eggshells thoroughly before grinding then it can be safely stored in an airtight container for a week.
Eggs are a cheap and easily obtained source of nutrition for your dog. It contains many health benefits in a single source that you will otherwise have to obtain through multiple sources.
An excellent way to make eggs a part of their diet is to start FurrMeals Home Cooked Pet Food. With eggs and eggshell powder as part of our recipes- Herbed Chicken & Rice and Chunky Lamb & Brown Rice, we make sure that your furry gets his weekly dose of eggs without going overboard.
All our recipes are vet formulated and vet approved. We make sure that we follow AAFCO guidelines and mix the ingredients in the right proportion to give optimum health benefit to your furry. Start with a FurrMeals Monthly Plan and see the effect that a fresh food diet gives your furry within a few weeks.
To try FurrMeals fresh dog food, order our Trial pack today.
