Is it OK to give dogs 2 eggs a day
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Ever wonder if you can feed your dog eggs as a treat?
It turns out that not only can dogs eat eggs, they are totally amazing for your pup and letting your pet have their own breakfast omelet wont hurt anybody.
Benefits of eggs for your dog
There are multiple health benefits dogs can reap from chowing down on an egg.
Eggs are a great source of protein and fatty acids, Dr. John Sangiorgio, a veterinarian from CompeteCare Veterinary Center in New York City, told The Dodo.
Plus, they can help calm your dogs stomach down if he has an upset tummy.
Eggs are also great for your pups skin and coat because theyre full of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A.
How your dog can safely eat eggs
When it comes to preparing eggs for your dog, the only thing you really want to do is make sure theyre fully cooked.
Serve your dog whatever style of eggs he prefers (or that you happen to be cooking); slices of hard boiled eggs or soft scrambled ones are equally great. Also leave out any spices and make sure any eggs your feed your pet are completely plain, because dogs dont do well with all spices (and theyll enjoy it just fine without)!
Can dogs eat eggs regularly?
When it comes to eggs, you might be wondering about the cholesterol in them but, surprisingly, that isnt going to be an issue.
Since a normal dog's cholesterol is well over 200 you don't have to worry about raising that, Dr. Sangiorgio said.
What you should watch, however, is if your dog begins gaining too much weight from consuming eggs if youre not sure, you can check with your veterinarian to see how many eggs your individual pup can have daily.
In moderation, however, eggs are a great snack to feed your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Many pet parents wonder which human foods are good for their pets. A common question that I get from pet parents at my animal hospital is: Can dogs eat eggs?
Heres everything you need to know about the nutritional value of eggs for dogs.
Are Eggs Good for Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?
The answer is yes, cooked eggs are good for dogs! Dogs can eat hard-boiled or scrambled eggs. The main objective is that the eggs need to be cooked. Do not feed raw eggs to dogs.
Eggs are good for dogs as they provide an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Essentially the entire egg, including the eggshell, can be nutritious for dogs.
Can Puppies Eat Eggs?
Yes, puppies can eat eggs. Eggs offer the same nutritional value for puppies as they do for adult dogs.
Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs?
There is no nutritional benefit in feeding raw eggs to dogs.
There is, however, the risk of your dog contracting Salmonella infection from a raw egg. This bacterial infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
For more information on egg safety, please refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;this information on Salmonella applies to people and animals.
Can Some Dogs Be Allergic to Eggs?
Dogs tend to be allergic to proteins in food. Since eggs have protein, dogs can become allergic to eggs.
Signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction include gastrointestinal (GI) issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes they can have skin issues like itchiness around the ears, paws, and other areas.
If you see any of these signs, seek help from your local veterinarian. For more information about food allergies in dogs, please refer to Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.
Why Are Eggs Good for Dogs? What Are the Health Benefits?
Each part of a cooked egg offers health benefits for dogs: the egg yolk, eggshell, and egg white.
Egg Yolks Contain Fatty Acids and Vitamins
Dogs need fatty acids and vitamins, and egg yolks provide both.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are concentrated in the egg yolk.
Fatty acids are consumed as saturated and unsaturated fats in a dogs diet. A dogs body breaks down the fat, and it is absorbed through the GI tract.
Once inside, fatty acids are used to build and maintain body cells.
Fatty acids also provide a delivery system for fat-soluble vitamins. Dogs are not predisposed to heart disease like people, so we dont worry about their cholesterol.
Vitamins
Vitamins are consumed as water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients in a dogs diet.
Vitamins serve as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth, and development.
These vitamins are concentrated in the egg yolk:
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folic acid
Choline
Eggshells Contain Necessary Minerals
Minerals are also necessary for dogs, and theyre consumed as salts in a dogs diet.
They serve as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth, and development.
These nutrients are concentrated in eggshells but also found in egg whites and yolks:
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Iron
Copper
Zinc
Manganese
Selenium
Iodine
Egg Whites Provide Amino Acids
Dogs need amino acids. Amino acids are consumed as meat and plant-based protein in a dogs diet.
A dogs body breaks down the protein, and it is absorbed through the GI tract. Once inside, the protein is used to build and maintain muscles.
These nutrients are concentrated in the egg white:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
How Much Egg Can a Dog Eat?
Eggs can be great as special treats for your dog.
The average egg contains 60 calories and has roughly 6 grams of protein and 4 milligrams of fat.
To figure out how much to feed your dog, you should talk with your veterinarian. The appropriate serving size of eggs as treats for your dog will depend on a variety of factors, including:
Size
Age
Activity level
Existing health issues
How to Feed Eggs to Your Dog
The safest way to feed eggs to your dog is to hard boil them and chop them up. Its safest to feed eggs to your dog immediately after cooking.
Store eggs at 40F when raw and boil eggs at 160F to properly cook them. If youre not serving them right away, it is recommended to refrigerate them at 40F until ready to serve.
Featured Image: iStock.com/MeePoohyaphoto
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Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Eggs are full of protein and essential amino acids. We know eggs are utterly delicious and nutritious for us humans which is why they feature so often in our breakfasts sunny side up, boiled or scrambled. But how about our four-legged companions? Are eggs good for dogs too? Keep reading to find out.
Can dogs eat eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Although it is not recommended to feed your dog eggs every day, they should not cause harm as the occasional treat. While eggs are full of nutrients, these are not necessary for your pets diet as they will get everything they need from a high quality, complete dog food.
As with everything you feed your dog, moderation is key, so make sure youre not overfeeding your pet. Eggs can be prepared in so many delicious ways: hardboiled, poached, scrambled. Unfortunately, we cant ask our canine friend directly how they like their eggs, but we do know how healthy each method of cooking eggs is. From raw to boiled, here is what you need to know about feeding eggs to your pet.
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
Do not feed your dog raw eggs. One of the main risks of feeding raw eggs is potential Salmonella infection. These bacteria can live on the shell as well as inside the egg and while its relatively rare in the UK, its better not to risk this.
Biotin deficiency is another potential consequence of feeding your dog raw egg whites on a long-term basis. Biotin is otherwise known as Vitamin B7 and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, supporting cell growth and supporting your dogs metabolism. A protein called avidin, found in raw eggs, can bind biotin and reduce your pets intake of this vitamin. The cooking process deactivates avidin, which is why cooked eggs do not cause biotin deficiencies.
For these reasons, it is always better to feed your dog cooked rather than raw eggs.
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?
Scrambled eggs are ok as an occasional treat, as long as you offer them plain scrambled eggs, without any added salt, pepper or butter. This means that you should avoid sharing your breakfast with your pet, as its likely to contain seasoning we humans enjoy, but that can be detrimental to your pets health.
How Many Eggs Can a Dog Eat in a Day?
Dogs can eat eggs, but it should always be in moderation. Too much egg isnt good for them, or you for that matter. If youve ever fed your dog too many eggs in one day, you will know what I mean.
But, in all seriousness, how many eggs can a dog eat in a day before it becomes problematic and bad for them?
I only recommend that dogs can eat one egg in a day, scrambled, or boiled. Some people will also say that your dog can get one raw egg in a day, but I dont advise feeding dogs raw eggs at all and will always make sure the eggs are cooked.
A dog or puppy that has more than one egg in a day can suffer with unpleasant side effects including stomach discomfort. And as with every other human food, your dog should eat eggs in moderation to avoid serious health consequences in the long run.
Read on as I go over dogs and their egg consumption in detail including the health benefits they gain, the best way to prepare your dogs egg, whether its okay for them to consume raw eggs, and a lot more insightful information!
How much egg can I feed my dog?
Love eggs? Youre not alone. Our four-legged are huge fans too!
There are several human foods considered safe for dogs to eat, eggs being one of them. Our four-legged friends find eggs delicious. If he had his way, your dog wouldnt think twice about living on eggs alone and have more than one egg a day.
While most dog parents know that one of the quickest ways to a dogs heart is through serving them eggs, most are unsure of the limit.
So, how much is too many eggs for a dog to eat in a day?
Dogs should only have one egg in a day. Consuming more may cause an upset stomach. Plus, its all about moderation.
As much as its safe for you to feed your dog one egg a day, it doesnt mean that its okay for them to wake up to an egg for breakfast every morning.
Its best if you serve the egg as an occasional treat rather than make it part of their daily meal.
So long as your dog is on a high-quality diet that gives them all the nutrients they need, feeding them a full egg shouldnt be an everyday thing.
The main reason is because of the yolks calorie content.
A single egg has about 70 calories. And thats just an estimate. It may contain more depending on its size.
Now, your dogs daily food also contains a specific number of calories. This amount represents the appropriate number of calories your dog should have each day. If they consume an egg daily, theyll surpass their recommended daily calorie intake.
Your dog or puppy risks getting fat and developing other weight-related conditions like diabetes and kidney diseaseif they eat an egg every other day.
Yolk aside, can they then have egg whites daily?
This also isnt a great idea.
For starters, yolks are super nutritious forget the cholesterol for a second. Some of the nutrients in yolks arent present in egg whites. So, if you only stick to egg whites, your dog will miss out on some amazing nutrients.
Sure enough. Egg whites are great because theyre packed with proteins, essential vitamins, and zero cholesterol.
The problem is the egg whites high protein content. Your dog daily diet already has the right amount of protein. Not more, not less. Just what your dogs body needs daily.
If egg whites become part of your dogs everyday diet, their daily protein intake will be in excess.
Remember whats said about too much of everything? Thats right when your dog has too much protein every day, health problems will soon come knocking.
Lets just say an egg a day wont keep the vet away.
Handy Hint: If you plan on treating your dog to an egg, go for the organic ones. Organic eggs are much healthier for your furry friend since theyre free from chemicals and other quality issues.
What makes egg good for dogs (in moderation)
Theres more to eggs than just the yummy taste. Well, that may be the only thing that makes your dog crazy over eggs.
But there are so many nutritional wonders wrapped up in just one egg, including:
- Protein that helps with proper muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamin A that improves your dogs skin and coat health, nervous system functioning, and heart health.
- Vitamin D, E, and B12 that support your dogs bone growth, protect their cells against damage, keep their teeth healthy, and strengthen their immune system.
- Iron that ensures your dogs blood-producing cells (red blood cells) remain healthy.
- Biotin, which keeps your dogs thyroid glands healthy, helps your dog maintain muscle mass, and improves the health of their skin, hair, and nails.
- Antioxidants that lower your dogs risk of eye diseases.
How many raw eggs can a dog eat in a day?
I dont recommend you let your dog have any raw eggs in a day. Cooked vs raw eggs for dogs is often a hotly-debated topic.
While some think serving your dog a raw egg is no big deal, others believe that if you got to offer your dog an egg, it should be cooked.
So, which is which?
Our furry friends dont have a preference when it comes to eggs. To them, a raw egg is still as tasty as a cooked one.
If you often leave eggs sitting on the counter, you know what Im talking about. Youve probably spotted your dog sneaking out of the kitchen with yolk dripping down his snout.
Heres the thing.
Dogs enjoy raw eggs, do doubt. But its not the safest option health-wise.
The biggest problem with uncooked eggs is they carry bacteria specifically E.Coli and Salmonella that can make your furry friend sick if they eat raw eggs regularly.
Heat, or rather cooking, kills these bacteria.
On top of this health risk, its harder for your dogs body to absorb some of the essential nutrients if the egg is in raw form. Your dog will miss out on key nutrients.
Cooking the egg makes all nutrients easily digestible and absorbable.
Whats the best way to cook your dogs egg?
As you prepare your dogs egg, dont bother with seasoning, salt, butter, cheese, or any other ingredient you use to make a fancy egg dish.
Your furry friend should only have a plain egg.
It can be boiled, scrambled, poached: whichever cooking method you prefer. Just keep things plain and best believe your dog wont mind the bland taste.
Any additives will make them unwell shortly after enjoying their egg.
You can cut the egg into tiny pieces, then mix it with their food. Or simply let them eat the egg as it is (But dice it up to avoid choking accidents).
But before you cook your canine pal an egg, keep in mind these three important things:
- Start with a small amount first. Its pretty common for some dogs to develop allergic reactions after eating an egg. If its your first time serving your furry friend one, give them way less than a full egg.
In case of any reaction, the symptoms wont be severe. And if your furry friend shows unusual signs after consuming an egg, contact your vet.
- Consult with your vet first. Your dogs health history, current health status, or medications will also determine whether eggs can be part of their treats or not. Its best if your vet gives you the go-ahead.
- Also, seek your vets guidance before giving your dog eggshells from a boiled egg. These shells usually have lots of calcium.
Adding more calcium to your dogs already calcium-friendly diet may cause health issues arising from too much calcium intake.
FAQs on feeding egg to dogs
How many eggs for a dog per day?
A dog can only consume one plain egg in a day. But they shouldnt have an egg daily only occasionally.
How much egg can I feed my dog?
Your dog should only have one plain egg as an occasional treat
How many eggs can a 50 lb dog eat?
Like all other dogs, a dog weighing 50 lb shouldnt consume more than one egg in a day. And the egg must be given as an occasional treat, not as part of their everyday meal.
Conclusion
Dogs can eat eggs in moderation providing they are cooked. I recommend no more than one egg a day for a dog, but even then, that doesnt mean my dog eats eggs every day.
Keep it sensible and in check.
