Eggs for Dogs

Bird Eggs as Protein Sources

Are eggs good for dogs? They are. You can also use eggs as a protein source in a cancer-friendly diet.

Bird eggs contain protein, fat, and important minerals.¹ The shell is generally discarded, but you don’t have to throw it out … because dogs can eat eggshells and may even enjoy that crunch.

Chicken eggs are easy to find at any grocery store, and eggs from other poultry sources, such as duck and quail, can also be used. These are more difficult to find and are often available only at specialty stores.

Note: if your dog is allergic to poultry meat, they may also be sensitive to their eggs.

An Incredibly Healthy Food

Eggs are a healthy and nutritious food. They are a good protein and fatty acid source and highly digestible.

Some of the nutrients eggs contain include:¹

• Protein
• Fatty acids
• Vitamins and minerals
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Vitamins B1, B6, B12
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Folic acid
• Choline

Eggshells themselves also have a high nutritional value and contain:¹

• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Chloride
• Iron
• Copper
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Selenium
• Iodine

Egg whites are a complete protein as they contain all essential amino acids.¹

In people, eggs have been suggested to promote eye health³ and sharpen the mind.⁶

When Not to Feed Eggs

Raw eggs are not a good idea, as they may contain the Salmonella bacteria, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.⁷ Generally, dogs tolerate bacteria better than humans, but there is still a risk. This is especially important for cancer patients or those with a suppressed immune system.⁴

If your dog is allergic to the bird, they are likely allergic to its eggs. Clinical signs of an egg allergy include gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and allergic skin issues.

There are no known drug interactions between eggs and medications that your dog may be taking.

How to Prepare Eggs for Dogs

There are many ways you can prepare eggs.

• Dogs enjoy scrambled eggs.
• Hard-boiled eggs are also good: feed your dog the whole egg or remove the shell before feeding.

One large chicken egg has 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat, so be sure you are not overfeeding.²

A small dog can eat one-quarter to half an egg per day, and a large dog can eat a whole egg.

Use Egg Shells for Minerals

For occasional mineral supplementation, eggshells can be ground in a food processor and mixed into other food.

However, since they are a rich source of calcium, be sure you are not exceeding the safe maximum amount of calcium or the calcium:phosphorus ratio.

Check with a nutritionist for proper amounts if you want to feed eggshells more than once or twice a month.

Choosing Eggs for Dogs

In general, the healthier the environment a hen enjoys, the higher quality eggs she lays. Truly free-range, pasture-raised hens produce eggs with a moderately better nutrient profile … but commercial eggs are healthy and safe, too.⁸

Frozen or freeze-dried products do not reduce the risk of bacterial poisoning, so still cook these items.⁴