Can my dog have a raw egg

Before we feed our dogs anything new, it’s always smart to check (and then double check) if their bellies can handle it, the recommended portion side, and if it should be raw, cooked, etc. So if you’re here to learn about how to best give your pup raw eggs, you’ve come to the right place!

Dogs are always down to eat just about anything! I have yet to meet a pup who will turn anything down. All “hooman” foods are foods in the eyes of our four-legged pals.

This is why it’s so important to protect them, keep trash away from them when leaving our pups unattended, and not feed them what we are eating. Even foods one may consider healthy are not okay for our dogs to have.

In this article, we discuss raw eggs. We know of their nutritional value cooked and boiled, but do dogs get the same benefits? What about raw?

Are raw eggs safe for dogs?

This is a big, fat NO.

Please do not ever feed your dog raw eggs. As PetMD sites that, while cooked or hard-boiled eggs are safe and even good for dogs, they can’t and should not consume raw eggs.

Properly cooked eggs can even be enjoyed by puppies, their bodies will love soaking up all the nutrition, but not raw.

The source shares that, just like a human would, giving a dog raw eggs can cause a Salmonella infection. This can result in vomiting and diarrhea or worse, depending on your dog and the amount of raw eggs consumed. Bacteria can also hurt your dog in other ways.

Contact your vet if you have any questions. The American Kennel Club also warns that some pups may be allergic to eggs, so feed them a small amount, first.

Pumpkin and bananas, however, are safe for your pet, in moderation.

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they’re hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes. But before you start giving your dog eggs every day, there are some things you should know. 

Are Eggs Safe for Dogs?

By and large, eggs are safe for your dog. And, they are healthy. They’re high in protein and a great supplement to your dog’s meals.

They can even be good for your dog’s digestive system. Eggs can be a great source of: 

• Vitamin A
• Riboflavin
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• Iron
• Selenium
• Fatty acids

One thing to watch out for is raw egg whites. Egg whites contain a protein called avidin, and consuming them uncooked prevents your dog’s body from absorbing biotin. Biotin is an important vitamin for:

• Healthy skin
• Good metabolism
• Cell regrowth
• Proper digestion

With a balanced diet, additional eggs during the week can provide nutritional value. 

Getting eggs from a trusted source is as important for your dog as it is for you. Free-range farm hens with a good diet lay healthier eggs to eat. 

You should talk to your vet before regularly feeding your dog eggs. If your dog has medical conditions, you’ll need to check if adding eggs to their diet can cause problems. Your vet will also help you know the right amount of eggs to give your furry friend. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?

There are people who prefer to give their dogs raw eggs as part of a raw, “natural” diet. But most veterinarians will recommend cooking the eggs before giving them to your dog. There are some risks to raw eggs. 

Salmonella. If your dog eats an egg contaminated with salmonella, they could get an infection called Salmonellosis. Symptoms include: 

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy

Bacterial infection. If you feed your dog expired or old eggs, bacterial growth can upset your pup’s stomach.

There is no real nutritional benefit to giving your dog raw eggs. The risk is higher than the reward. Feeding your dog raw eggs could lead to vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to steer clear of this form of eggs. 

Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?

While eggshells contain minerals that dogs need for metabolism, immune function, growth, and development, feeding a whole egg to your dog isn’t recommended. Nutrients in the egg’s shell are also in the egg whites and yolks. 

The calcium in the eggshell is the exception. But if your dog has a calcium deficiency, there are better ways to include more calcium in your dog’s diet. In addition to the risk of salmonella, eggshells can be sharp if not crushed properly and can get stuck in your dog’s throat on the way down. 

Dogs can eat raw eggs. However, there are still some risks in eating raw eggs. You should not feed your dog eggshells. If the salmonella bacteria is present, most of it will be in the shell. 

How Many Eggs Can a Dog Eat in a Day?

One egg a day for your dog is all that is recommended.

If you want to introduce eggs to your dog’s diet, add a cooked egg to their diet. Make sure it doesn’t cause stomach issues like vomiting or diarrhea. If there are no problems, you can start giving them eggs more often. 

Eggs shouldn't be the only source of protein your dog gets. If your dog is eating too many eggs and too much protein, you’ll start to see weight gain from the extra calories. You should treat eggs as more of a treat for your dog. A typical large egg has about 60 calories and six grams of protein, with four milligrams of fat. You can talk to your veterinarian about the right amount to give them. They will use several factors to determine how much you should be feeding them eggs. These include: 

• Size
• Age
• How active they are
• Any existing health issues

Can Dogs Eat Eggs Every Day?

Now that you've seen that cooked eggs can be a great addition to your dog's meal plan, you might wonder if you should include them every day. While there are many benefits when prepared the right way, you should stick to feeding your furry friend eggs a few days a week. 

Every day can be a lot, and the extra protein can cause your dog to become overweight if you're not considering the extra calories the eggs add to your dog's daily food. Talk to your vet about the right amount of egg to add to your dog's diet.