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Pawrennial

Can dogs eat eggs?

Yes, in small amounts.

Plain, fully cooked eggs are a healthy treat for most dogs, packed with protein. Skip raw eggs and seasoning, and treat eggs as an extra rather than a meal.

Are eggs good for dogs?

Eggs are an easily digested source of protein, and they contain vitamins and fatty acids that support skin and coat. Most dogs love them, so a little chopped egg is a handy reward or food topper.

Cooked, not raw

Cook eggs fully before sharing them. Raw eggs have a few problems:

  • They can carry Salmonella, which can make dogs and the people around them sick
  • Raw egg whites contain avidin, which blocks biotin (a B vitamin) and over time can affect skin and coat
  • They spoil quickly if left in a bowl

How many eggs can a dog have?

A large egg has about 70 to 80 calories, so it's a big treat for a small dog. Keep treats to about 10 percent of daily calories. For most dogs that means a few bites of egg a day, up to one egg for a large dog, and not every day for small dogs.

Too much can cause weight gain or an upset stomach. Dogs with pancreatitis or on a special diet should check with their vet first.

How to cook eggs for dogs

  • Hard-boiled and chopped
  • Scrambled in a non-stick pan with no butter, oil, milk, or salt
  • Mixed into their usual food as a topper

Don't add onion, garlic, chives, or seasoning, all of which can harm dogs. Eggshells have sharp edges, so it's best not to feed them unless your vet suggests a ground eggshell supplement.

Helpful tools and guides

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat raw eggs?

It's not recommended. Raw eggs can carry Salmonella, and raw egg whites can block a B vitamin called biotin. Cooking the egg removes both problems.

Can puppies eat eggs?

Yes, small amounts of plain cooked egg are fine for most puppies. Their puppy food should still provide almost all their nutrition.

Can dogs eat eggshells?

Whole or broken shells have sharp edges and aren't a good idea. Some vets suggest finely ground eggshell as a calcium source for home-cooked diets, but only use it with your vet's advice.

Sources

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