Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs? Are They Safe?

Before their domestication, dogs and wild cousins, wolves and coyotes foraged for eggs and ate them whole. They survived that long, so it’s safe to say that eggs are good for dogs. But are raw eggs good for dogs? This question is quite controversial. Some people argue that raw eggs make the dog susceptible to infections and nutritional deficiency, whereas others hold that eggs have enough nutritional value for dogs.

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So, are raw eggs good for dogs? Let’s find out.

Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs?

Eggs are a staple food for humans. You eat them for breakfast, make omelets and have them on salads due to their high protein content, amino acids, and other fatty acids.

So, it only seems logical that feeding your dog an egg is equally nutritious, right? Well, yes. Eggs are an excellent addition to your pup’s diet. Eggs provide a cheap source of proteins and are some of the most accessible food you can get.

Raw eggs are wholesome, and you can include them in your dog’s raw diet.

Nutritional Value of Eggs for Your Dog

Did you know that dogs can eat every part of an egg? From the egg yolk to the whites and the shell!

Benefits of Raw Eggs for Dogs

Every part of the egg contains different nutritional values, with chief benefits including:

• Fatty Acids

Dogs consume fatty acids in concentrated and unsaturated forms. These fatty acids, abundant in the egg yolk, are then digested by the dog’s gastrointestinal tract and absorbed. The pup then uses these acids to build and maintain its body cells. And since dogs are at a lower risk of heart diseases, you don’t have to worry so much about their cholesterol levels.

• Vitamins

Believe it or not, an egg is a rich source of vitamins. Mainly, an egg contains vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12, Riboflavin, and folic acid. These vitamins act as catalysts that help boost your furry friend’s immune system while promoting growth and development.

• Minerals

The eggshell packs a couple of minerals that aid the dog’s growth and development. The shells contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, iron and iodine, manganese and zinc, and traces of copper and selenium.

These minerals are also helpful in aiding the metabolic activities of your dog.

• Amino Acids

Eggs are one of the wholesome sources of proteins for dogs. This is because they contain a high amino-acid content, which the pup uses to build and maintain its muscles.

Now, how are raw eggs good for dogs?

Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs? Health Benefits of Raw Eggs for Dogs

From the nutritional content of eggs, your dog can benefit from taking raw eggs in the following ways:

• The vitamins and minerals help build and sustain your dog’s immune system.
• Owing to the protein content in the egg.
• Healthier bones and teeth, thanks to the calcium and vitamin D contained in the eggs.
• Eggs are suitable for an anemic dog since they have high iron content.
• Eggs, when fed to puppies, support their thyroid health due to their iodine content.
• The significant amount of lutein in eggs promotes eye health and protects your dog’s retina from oxidative damage.
• The carotenoids also found in eggs make your pet’s skin and coat smooth and healthy.

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How to Feed Raw Eggs to Dogs

Before starting a new diet, the first and most crucial step is talking to your vet. Plus, make sure your dog has no food allergies.

So far, you can agree that eggs are suitable for your dog. However, feeding raw eggs to your dog has no additional nutritional value than when cooked. So, how do you introduce your dog to eating eggs?

While fresh raw eggs are appropriate for your canine’s diet, most veterinarians advise that the safest way to feed an egg to your dog is to boil it hard, then chop it up and mix it with other foods. They also recommend that you provide the eggs to your pup immediately after cooling.

Some other tips for feeding your dog with eggs include:

• Always chop the eggs into one bite-size before mixing them with other foods or feeding them to the dog.
• Whenever you get tempted to spice up the eggs or add some salt, RESIST! Dogs cannot digest spices properly.
• You can either feed the eggs as a special treat or incorporate them into the dog’s diet.

Serving Size of Eggs

Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?

By now, you must have realized that eggshells pack quite the nutrients for your dog. However, giving your dog a whole shell seems somewhat wrong. Well, you can make it more appealing to eat the shell by grinding it into powder in your food processor and sprinkling that shell dust on other food or the cooked egg.

Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs? Can Raw Eggs Hurt Dogs?

There are concerns about the safety of feeding raw eggs to a dog. Some people argue that since the digestive tract of dogs is short, then there’s no risk of salmonella. However, this is not proven scientifically, and the best way to avoid exposing your dog to the risk of contracting salmonellosis is by cooking the egg.

Now, to the question of raw eggs good for dogs. Specialists argue that:

1. Uncooked egg whites contain enzyme inhibitors, which could affect your canine’s digestion. However, you can overcome this concern by feeding your dog a balanced diet and not relying only on eggs as your dog’s food.
2. Eggs contain avidin, a biotin inhibitor. Biotin is vital in your dog’s health as it promotes overall health. Some pet handlers raise concerns that feeding your dog raw eggs could result in a biotin deficiency. However, this is only possible if your feed your dog many eggs. A controlled diet regulates the risk. Besides, cooked eggs do not pose this risk since the egg yolks contain high amounts of biotin.
3. If your dog has protein allergies, it might not be the wisest thing to feed them eggs, whether cooked or raw. This is because they could develop gastrointestinal complications such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains.

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Can I Give a Raw Egg to My Dog Every Day?

Are raw eggs good for dogs? The amount of eggs you give to your dog depends on their size, age, activities, and health status. And as you can see, there’s nothing wrong with feeding raw eggs to your dog. The question of how often and how many eggs you should feed your dog will depend on your observation.

Start by feeding your pup one egg now and then and note any changes. Remember, eggs contain a considerable amount of fat. So, you do not want to feed them raw eggs somewhat frequently.

So, are raw eggs good for dogs? Yes, yes indeed. And for more tips on your dog’s diets or consultation with certified vets, Contact us or book an appointment with us at EsaCare.

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