Eggs are highly nutritious food, providing a vast range of highly digestible protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, raw eggs also contain an enzyme that can impede on your dog’s ability to absorb biotin, which can lead to other health issues. Dogs are well equipped to handle the bacteria in raw foods. It may make you wonder if raw eggs are a good choice for your dog. Some people advocate feeding eggshell as a source of calcium for your dog. By clicking "Continue" you are agreeing to this use, in accordance with our. While your dog likely won’t suffer from slurping up an egg you dropped in the kitchen, or eggs they’ve stolen from a nest outside, raw eggs shouldn’t become a staple of your dog’s diet. The risk of salmonella infection combined with the fact that raw eggs aren’t more nutritious than cooked make raw eggs more trouble than they’re really worth. Although most dogs can eat eggs, some of them could be allergic to this food item. However, the risk of feeding a raw egg to a healthy dog infrequently is very small. You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Fried Eggs?” or “Can My Dog Eat Scrambled Eggs?”. Another bacteria, E. coli, may also be involved. Sign up and get $25 off pet sitting and dog walking! Even very clean eggs can have it inside. What’s more, they’re an excellent addition to his diet! But Can Dogs Eat RAW Eggs? They’re a perfect protein source and easy to digest. Raw eggs aren’t safe at all. While raw eggs aren’t a good nutritional option for dogs, cooked eggs remain protein powerhouses packed with loads of essential fatty and amino acids. Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? The controversy over the feeding of raw eggs centres in the danger of bacterial contamination as opposed to any potential nutritional benefit lost by cooking. Egg yolks contain high levels of biotin so feeding a whole egg probably negates this effect. (2013) Cambridge University Press 2013, Neutering dogs - Bitch spay operation: a step by step guide, Ask a vet online - 'my dog only has one testicle down - what is the best age to have him neutered? Home » All Posts » Dogs » Can dogs eat raw eggs? “They can be a source of Salmonella. That they can build muscle fast, that they can help underweight individuals gain weight quickly, the list goes on. This temperature also preserves the yolk membrane, so fewer bacteria transfer into the rich food source of the yolk. A member of our team will investigate this further. We do not use this information to track individuals once they have left the page. In fact, cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein, fatty and amino acids, riboflavin, and selenium. However, you may need to monitor your dog if eggs make up a large part of their diet. Just Watch These Border Collie Puppies Meet Sheep for the First Time, Cat Shaming: Rank These 52 Cats Getting Hilariously Roasted for Their Crimes, Rescue Dog Kratu Plays His Way through Agility Competition and We Are Here for It, 8 Dog Supply Organizers to Declutter Your Pet’s Stuff, Sit Back and Get Cozy With These Dog-Themed Reality Shows, Streaming on HBO Max, Feeding your dog bits of plain boiled egg, Using bits of fully cooked egg as cost-effective training treats. Dogs with underlying conditions that suppress their immune systems, puppies and old dogs are more likely to contract severe disease if they eat a contaminated egg. This means that raw eggs tend to … Looking at the information above, while dogs can eat raw eggs, they likely shouldn’t. Eggs are known for solving digestive problems in dogs but giving them raw, especially when the eggs are not chicken’s has caused a lot of serious health issues in the dogs. Since Wally’s a medium size dog, he can have 2 duck eggs per week. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? Introduce eggs carefully and slowly into a dog’s diet to reduce this eye-watering effect. So while the raw egg myths persist, they’re likely not going to serve your dog better than any cooked alternatives. Wear gloves when cleaning up after them. Salmonella is also zoonotic, which means your dog can pass the infection on to you. (Those that have been treated are marked as pasteurized on the packaging.). There are pet parents who feed their Fidos raw eggs as many as a couple of times per week or more. My dog's coat is beautiful and I attribute the shiny coat to the nutrients from the eggs. Registration confirmation will be emailed to you. In fact, a study in Leuven, Belgium, found that protein absorption from raw eggs was only 50%, while cooked eggs absorbed at 90%. Eggs should also be brought to room temperature before cooking. These eggs may not be subject to the same controls. Our website uses cookies. It’s not recommended. I have always given my dogs raw eggs. RELATED: Best Gently Cooked Dog Food. Wash your hands after handling your dog or their excreta. Both diseases are zoonotic, so can be spread to humans through an infected dog’s faeces, vomit or saliva. Feeding a lot of eggs can result in a particularly unpleasant side effect, flatulence. Excessive salt intake may lead to salt … If you want to feed raw eggs, then feeding one or two carefully sourced and handled eggs a week is unlikely to harm a healthy dog. Disinfect any areas which have been contaminated with vomit or diarrhoea. Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers. The highly acidic environment of their stomachs and bile content allows harmful bacteria, like salmonella, to safely pass through their digestive system without populating or causing any ill effects. Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on earth. However, a dog’s stomach is much stronger and can handle the bacteria. Handle food, water bowls and toys carefully to avoid becoming infected. Like raw meats, raw eggs can contain bacteria like salmonella. ', Ask a vet online - ' Is too many wormer tablets bad for my dog? They have a short digestive tract and an acidic stomach. That’s a 40% difference, and that’s not the only absorption issue with raw eggs. The danger of bacterial contamination is also sparsely corroborated. Because an enzyme in the eggs can … (2012) Food research international 45 (2):745-754, Harker KS, Lane C, Gormley FJ and Adak GK. Protein-rich foods like eggs, meat, dairy products, and soy products are common causes of allergies in dogs. A single egg fed infrequently will not cause biotin deficiency (which results in poor skin and coat quality). Protein Absorbtion and Other Concerns 20. It will strength your dog’s coat and buildup his muscles. However, your dog’s digestive system will have some negative things when using too many eggs. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. There is no evidence of nutritional benefit from feeding raw eggs, but there may be some degradation in vitamins and mineral content. They are a rich source of protein and calcium. That discrepancy often has something to do with the way the egg in question is cooked and is less an example of raw eggs being healthier. Careful food hygiene and storage reduces the chance of contamination. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Cooked eggs are safer for dogs as any contaminating bacteria are killed. Now, while dogs have been known to lap up the yolks and whites of raw eggs, there are some potential risk factors when it comes to feeding a dog raw eggs. Evenepoel P, Geypens B, Luypaerts A, Hiele M, Ghoos Y and Rutgeerts P. Digestibility of cooked and raw egg protein in humans as assessed by stable isotope techniques. Eggs should be stored below 200 C as this reduces the growth of the bacteria. Can dogs eat raw eggs? Just FYI: smaller dogs can have 1 egg per week if you’re feeding duck eggs or chicken eggs, and 2-3 eggs per week if you’re feeding quail eggs. Wash the egg thoroughly before breaking and avoid purchasing loose, broken, cracked, or dirty eggs. the risk of feeding a raw egg to a healthy dog infrequently is very small. Salmonella is the foremost culprit in bacterial contamination of raw eggs (2,3). As bacterial infection is possible, it may be safer to feed cooked egg. There are also concerns that the protein avidin, contained in raw egg whites, can block biotin absorption. Cooked eggs may even help calm your dog's upset stomach. Also, consider your health status and that of other family members and pets. Salmonella serovars isolated from table eggs: An overview. Raw diets may also consist of unpasteurized milk, uncooked eggs and raw fruits and vegetables. If a dog eats an egg contaminated by Salmonella bacteria, they run the risk of contracting Salmonellosis, an infection caused by the bacterium. Also known as B7, biotin is a B complex vitamin that supports healthy digestion, metabolism, and skin and cell growth, so a deficiency in this nutrient could cause issues in your furry best friend. A concern people have about giving their dog raw eggs is that they may contain salmonella. Great hub! But what about raw eggs? Required fields are marked *. You’ve likely heard plenty of things about the supposed health benefits of raw eggs for humans. Dogs (depending on their weight) can eat a cooked egg every day, as long as nothing else is added. Yes, you can feed your dog raw egg. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. (1998) The Journal of Nutrition 128 (10):1716-1722, Martelli F and Davies RH. Most large-scale commercial egg producers in the UK adhere to a strict code of practice which virtually eliminates salmonella. Dogs can eat raw eggs. While raw eggs are known for having mostly the same nutritional value as a cooked egg, they do tend to contain fewer calories and fat than cooked eggs. The truth is, yes, dogs can eat raw eggs. Supplementing calcium during pregnancy can lead to eclampsia post-whelping which is a severe disease resulting from calcium deficiency. Dogs should never eat raw or undercooked eggs. First, contact your vet and pay special attention to hygiene. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, and it's their carnivorous digestive system that allows them to safely eat raw foods, like meat, bones, and eggs. '. Well the good news is they are fine to feed to your dogs, lots of dogs love the taste of eggs and, they’re … Overly Salted Foods Dogs and bones – the truth about canine health and safety. When feeding raw eggs to dogs, store them at a temperature between 44-56 degrees Fahrenheit. Although individual dogs have suffered disease from contaminated eggs, there have been no major outbreaks in dogs. Learn how your comment data is processed. Dogs have eaten raw eggs for centuries and the majority have not succumbed to severe disease. Dogs most at risk are older dogs and puppies, though even healthy dogs can become infected. Infection can lead to symptoms like diarrhea , fever, and stomach cramps—probably not worth the risk when scrambling them only takes a few minutes. Raw eggs are protein and this is very useful and nutritious to dogs. The biggest concern dog owners express is salmonella, which is a serious bacterial infection among humans. Immunosuppressed people will also suffer severe disease. Eggs are the staple of a classic Australian brunch menu but dog owners are sometimes cautious about feeding them to their four legged friends. The symptoms of Salmonellosis in dogs are: While these aren’t the only symptoms Salmonellosis may cause, it’s a good idea to take a trip to the vet to have your dog tested. Dogs shouldn't eat raw eggs, however, they can eat cooked eggs. Read on to learn the nutritional differences between raw and cooked eggs, and if raw eggs are right for your dog. It has the same health benefits as cooked egg and eating it raw actually makes it easier for your dog to absorb all the nutrients. It is important for your dog’s health that they receive a balanced complete food so they should not require extra calcium in their diet. This bacteria can be anywhere in an egg that hasn’t been pasteurized, which is a good portion of those sold in grocery stores. Egg allergy is possible in the dog but rare. In reality, there are no problems related to using raw eggs as well. Although it’s a raw, meat-based diet, it may also include cooked grains. Your email address will not be published. This aids to avoid bacterial infection. Salt: Limit. Severely affected dogs will need hospitalisation, intravenous fluid therapy and may need antibiotic therapy to prevent sepsis. They may then develop a high temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea. If a pregnant bitch is given supplementary calcium her body will not manage her own calcium levels and when the pups are born she will not be able to maintain her blood calcium levels and develop tremors, seizures and a slow heart rate, this is rapidly fatal if untreated. There are certain advantages of giving raw eggs to dogs, one of them been that of them having a shiny coat. Initially, dogs may appear lethargic, lose their appetite and appear depressed. If you want your dog to have eggs as part of their diet, it’s recommended to feed them cooked, without oil or seasoning. An egg can be a healthy treat, each one providing 60 calories, with 6g or protein and 4 mg of fat. In all other ways, however, a raw egg is nutritionally identical to a cooked egg. Are they somehow safer for dogs than humans? Raw meat and bones diets for dogs: are they fab or are they a fad? Both bacteria can cause gastrointestinal disease ranging from mild nausea and abdominal discomfort to profuse vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. They last about a month in the fridge. Larger dogs are fine with 3 duck eggs per week. What Happens If My Dog Eats Raw Egg? Although dogs can eat raw eggs in some cases, it is not really recommended. We use cookies to allow us to provide functions e.g. Salt should be limited in your dog’s diet. But as we have already mentioned, you could effectively give food poisoning to your dog if you aren’t … We will look further at the risk of bacterial contamination. Your email address will not be published. Eggs are very beneficial to dogs. National outbreaks of Salmonella infection in the UK, 2000-2011. In reality the only possible (minimal) risk to dogs from eating raw eggs is that in large quantities a compound called avidin which is found in raw egg white can create a biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency in dogs, the symptoms of which include inhibited cell growth, inhibited fatty acid metabolism and loss of skin and coat condition. When thinking about raw eggs and dogs, the first and foremost concern is salmonella. Temperature fluctuations encourage bacterial growth and penetration through the shell and egg membrane. Here’s why: For starters, there’s a specific enzyme in raw eggs that can prevent the absorption of a B vitamin called biotin. Thank you for your help. While these studies are centered on humans, it’s not a large leap to assume that similar issues can arise in dogs, and that’s not even considering bacterial concerns. Consider this more carefully if your dog is unwell, very young or old. It is possible that the egg protein is more digestible when cooked, this was found in one small human study that measured digestibility (1). We offer a collection of articles on foods that are healthy or dangerous for dogs to eat, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables. For this reason, we have included raw eggs as foods dogs can’t eat. Dogs who eat raw eggs or other food contaminated by Salmonella can shed it in their feces, potentially infecting people and other pets in the household. Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? However, some eggs sold in the UK are imported and bought by wholesalers. Egg white contains avidin which inhibits the availability of a useful vitamin, biotin (B7). I used to feed my dog a raw egg once in awhile, especially if I had a recipe that called for only egg whites…until he got salmonella and almost died. They can eat raw eggs because it makes dogs have a Heathy diet and shiny and clean fur! Live Chat, to connect to other services such as our Facebook page and determine how people are using the website. I had heard some of the warnings, too, but ignored them because years ago a vet advised one of my aunts to feed her dog raw eggs. Cracked and dirty eggs should not be used as the bacterial load may be higher. Sourcing your eggs from a free range, high welfare source protects the welfare of the hens and reduces the possibility of poor standards encouraging salmonella contamination. Susan October 7th, 2014 at 9:44 am. If you do want to feed eggshell to your dog it is best to grind it in a coffee grinder or blender so that he shards do not cause oral injury. It is because of the raw egg yolk mainly and this also answers people’s questions where they ask whether ‘can dogs eat egg yolk or not’. Perhaps chop up a recently boiled hard boiled egg or scrambled egg with no fat or spices added. Can dogs eat raw eggs? We have to be aware of canine calorie intake as dogs need fewer calories than we do; so adding treats to a balanced, complete diet can lead to obesity. There are many ways to introduce cooked eggs into your dog’s diet, including: There are also commercial treats that contain eggs, such as these crunchy egg and cheese dog treats.