There’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of eggs for breakfast—whether they’re scrambled, made into a golden omelet, or served sunny-side-up, they’re a classic in almost every household. However, just because people can have them, that doesn’t always mean your pet can too. So, can dogs eat eggs ?
The next time you’re taking a bite of your breakfast and notice that your furry family member is staring up at you and wagging their tail, you might wonder if it’s safe for your pup to have eggs or not. After all, you wouldn’t want to give them something that would make them sick.
To ease your mind, we reached out to Dr. Tiffany Ruiz-Dasilva , (AKA @Dr.TiffanyPetFoodVet on Instagram ). As a pet doctor and animal food expert, she breaks down all there is to know about dogs and eggs from if they are healthy to include in your pup’s diet, to if the way they are prepared has any effect on if dogs can eat them or not. Find out if raw eggs are good for dogs, if pups can eat scrambled eggs, the verdict on baked eggs and so much more.
Keep reading to find out what she had to say because when it comes to your furbaby , you always want to put their health and safety first. Then, the next time you’re in the mood for this breakfast item, you’ll know for sure if they are an egg-ceptionally good option to feed your four-legged pal or if you should keep even the crumbs away.
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Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
“Dogs can eat eggs,” Ruiz-Dasilva tells Parade Pets . “However, some dogs can be allergic to eggs, and may show signs of an egg allergy by itching, developing skin rashes, having chronic ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting or diarrhea, or they may excessively lick or scratch themselves.”
If you think your pup may be allergic, she says there is a simple way to find out.
“The only way to tell if your pet is allergic to eggs is by doing a food elimination trial in which you remove eggs from your pet’s diet for eight weeks and then reintroduce them to eggs after that period of time,” she explains. “If they are allergic, then you will notice that your dog has improved over those eight weeks and will only flare up again when eggs are reintroduced to them.”
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What Nutrients Do Eggs Contain for Dogs?
Check out the long list from Ruiz-Dasilva that details all the benefits dogs get when they eat eggs, just in case you were wondering, "Are eggs good for dogs?"
Vitamin A
“This vitamin supports a dog’s vision, immune function and skin health. It’s also crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and overall cellular health,” she notes.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
“This is important for a dog’s nervous system function, energy production and helps them maintain a healthy digestive system. It also helps with the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis,” she tells Parade Pets .
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
“This plays a key role in a dog’s energy metabolism, as well as supports healthy skin, helps break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,” she shares.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
“This vitamin is essential for DNA synthesis and repair. It is also important for the production of red and white blood cells, supporting overall cellular health,” Ruiz-Dasilva explains.
Iron
According to Ruiz-Dasilva, this nutrient helps the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. She says it also supports a dog’s overall energy levels and immune function.
Selenium
“This acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect a dog’s cells from damage and supports the immune system,” she reveals.
Vitamin D
“This vitamin supports a dog’s bone health by aiding calcium absorption.” she says. “It also plays a role in their immune function.”
Choline
“This supports a dog’s brain health, liver function and muscle control. It’s also important for cell membrane structure,” she points out.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
“This promotes healthy skin, coat and nails, and plays a role in metabolism,” she tells Parade Pets .
Protein
“One large egg contains about 6-7 grams of protein. This protein is highly digestible and is an essential nutrient for dogs to function properly,” Ruiz-Dasilva states.
Fatty Acids
“Fatty acids in eggs—such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—play many essential roles,” she says. “These fatty acids help dogs maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin, reducing issues like dryness or itching. Omega-3s, in particular, have anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit dogs with joint issues, allergies or chronic inflammation. They also support brain health and cognitive function, especially in aging dogs.”
Amino Acids
“These are essential for the growth and repair of muscles and tissues, helping maintain a dog’s strength and agility," Ruiz-Dasilva says. "They are also vital for producing enzymes and hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism and immune response. Lastly, amino acids contribute to the production of antibodies, helping the immune system fight off infections and illnesses. Overall, the fatty acids and amino acids in eggs provide essential nutrients that support a dog's overall health, including their skin, coat, muscles, immune system and cognitive function."
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Can Dogs Eat Eggs Every Day?
Just because your pet may want to have eggs every morning, doesn’t mean they should. “I recommend feeding eggs to your dog a few times a week, rather than every day, as overfeeding eggs can lead to excess calorie intake, which might contribute to weight gain,” Ruiz-Dasilva advises.
She continues, adding, “Eggs should generally be an addition to your pet’s regular diet rather than a meal in itself so you can add them to the food or give them as a treat because while eggs are nutritious, they are not nutritionally complete, so they should complement your dog’s balanced diet rather than replace it. Remember that treats should only make up 10% of their daily calorie allotment.”
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How Many Eggs Can a Dog Eat at a Time?
To figure out the answer to this question, Ruiz-Dasilva says it varies from dog to dog because the amount they can consume is based on a couple different things.
“The quantity of eggs a dog has depends on the dog’s size, activity level, and overall diet to prevent overfeeding,” she points out. “Smaller dogs require fewer calories, so a smaller portion helps avoid unbalancing their diet. I would recommend feeding half an egg to a large or medium breed dog and a quarter egg to a small breed dog. As an example, a 20 pound dog should eat around 500 calories per day, which means that they should only be receiving 50 calories from treats. One large egg contains about 70 calories which would go above the treat allotment for the day.”
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The Best Way To Feed Your Dog Eggs
“The best way to feed your dog eggs is cooked without any added fats, oils or seasonings,” Ruiz-Dasilva explains. “Boiled, scrambled or baked eggs are safe, but preparation methods like frying in butter should be avoided.”
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
When it comes to eggshells, Ruiz-Dasilva says you need to keep them away from your pet.
“I do not recommend feeding your dog eggshells to eat for several reasons,” she explains. “First, egg shells are often loaded with salmonella. Second, egg shells can be sharp if not crushed appropriately. Lastly, and arguably the most important, eggshells contain a high amount of calcium and if your dog is already being fed a complete and balanced food that contains the necessary amount of calcium and phosphorus they need, you can end up providing them too much calcium which can lead to health issues.”
Can Dogs Eat Boiled Eggs?
“Yes, dogs can eat boiled eggs,” Ruiz-Dasilva tells Parade Pets . “Boiled eggs are a safe and healthy option as they are cooked without added fats or seasonings, providing a nutritious snack or meal topper.”
Can Dogs Eat Fried Eggs?
“Dogs can eat fried eggs, but it’s best to skip using butter or oil as these added fats can lead to digestive upset or contribute to weight gain. Frying eggs in a non-stick pan without any oil is a better option,” Ruiz-Dasilva recommends.
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Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?
“Yes, dogs can eat scrambled eggs, but they should be prepared without butter, oil, salt or other seasonings that could be harmful,” she warns.
Can Dogs Eat Baked Eggs?
If you’re a fan of this type of eggs, Ruiz-Dasilva says you can share them with your pet.
“Baked eggs are safe as long as they are cooked plain, without added ingredients like onions or spices, which can be harmful to dogs,” she explains.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?
Are raw eggs good for dogs? Unfortunately, Ruiz-Dasilva reveals raw eggs are a big no-no for pets.
“It’s not recommended to feed dogs raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella infection and biotin deficiency caused by avidin, a protein found in raw egg whites,” she explains. “Cooking eggs eliminates these risks, making them safer for dogs.”
Can Dogs Eat Egg Whites?
“Yes, dogs can eat egg whites,” Ruiz-Dasilva shares.
However, she says they can only eat egg whites under one condition. “It’s important to cook them first to avoid the risk of biotin deficiency due to the avidin in uncooked egg whites,” she clarifies. “Cooked egg whites are a good source of lean protein and can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet.”
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