Fact-checked and reviewed by Pala Petfoods

This article is part of a series “Can My Dog Eat X” by Pala Petfoods, where our dog nutrition experts review the benefits and dangers of different foods to dogs. Our mission is to help you make informed decisions that prioritise your furry friend's health and break some bad myths in the process.

VERDICT - IT DEPENDS

The Benefits

• Nutritional Content: Raw eggs are a good source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can supplement your dog's diet.
• Healthy Skin and Coat: The fatty acids in eggs can contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
• Bioavailability: Nutrients in raw form are more bioavailable, meaning they can be absorbed and utilized by the dog's body more efficiently.

The Dangers

• Risk of Bacteria: Raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning in both dogs and humans handling the eggs.
• Biotin Deficiency: Egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that can interfere with the absorption of biotin (vitamin B7), potentially leading to a deficiency if fed in large amounts.
• Unbalanced Diet: Relying too heavily on raw eggs can result in an unbalanced diet, lacking in essential nutrients not covered by eggs alone.
• Allergic Reactions: Some dogs can be allergic to eggs, and feeding them raw may trigger adverse reactions.
• Consistency Issues: Some dogs may experience difficulty digesting raw eggs, which could lead to gastrointestinal upset.

The Details

Before beginning to feed your dog raw eggs, take into account the following important aspects:

• Consult Your Veterinarian: Always discuss dietary changes with your vet, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
• Start Slowly: Introduce raw eggs into your dog’s diet gradually to monitor for any adverse reactions or allergies.
• Source Quality: Use high-quality eggs from reliable sources to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Egg Preparation: Make sure the eggs are fresh. Wash the shell thoroughly if you’re planning to feed it to your dog since it may carry bacteria.
• Quantity Control: Feed eggs in moderation, considering your dog’s size, activity level, and overall diet to prevent obesity or nutritional imbalances.
• Observe Hygiene: Practice good hygiene when handling raw eggs to prevent the spread of bacteria to humans and other surfaces.
• Balance the Diet: Ensure that eggs are part of a balanced diet. They should not be the sole source of nutrition for your dog.
• Monitor Health: Keep an eye out for any changes in your dog's digestive health, behavior, or appearance of their coat and skin, which might indicate a reaction to the eggs.
• Avoid Certain Dogs: Avoid feeding raw eggs to immunocompromised dogs or those with chronic health issues without veterinary supervision.
• Nutritional Balance: Remember that raw eggs can affect the absorption of certain nutrients like biotin, so consider supplements or a balanced feeding plan.
• Understand the Risks: Be aware of the risk of Salmonella and the signs of infection in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
• Frequency of Feeding: Decide how often you will include eggs in their diet; some owners prefer to give eggs as a treat rather than a regular meal component.

Following these guidelines can help you responsibly include raw eggs in your dog's diet while mitigating potential risks.

Other Things To Note

Raw or cooked eggs – which is better?

The question of whether raw or cooked eggs are better for your dog doesn't have a definitive answer, as both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which might be more suitable for your pet:

Raw Eggs:

• May retain more naturally occurring nutrients that could be lost during cooking.
• Pose a higher risk of containing pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause illness.

Cooked Eggs:

• Cooking reduces the risk of foodborne illness by killing most bacteria present in the egg.
• Cooking also neutralizes avidin, the enzyme in raw egg whites that binds to biotin (vitamin B7) and can cause a deficiency in this nutrient.
• Heat can alter or reduce certain nutrients in the egg but still leaves a highly nutritious food item.

 

As always, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog's diet to ensure they're safe and beneficial for your pet specifically. Check out our other articles in this series for more information on what you should or should not feed your dog.