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As with so many foods, there is not always consensus on whether dogs can eat eggs. First of all, dogs can eat eggs of any conceivable consistency. You should only make sure that the eggs are not seasoned and that your dog does not eat too much egg yolk.
The Most Important Things Summarized
- Eggs contain a whole range of healthy ingredients that have a positive effect on the metabolism not only in humans but also in dogs.
- Basically, you can boil, fry, or scramble eggs. You can even feed the raw egg yolk and the eggshell is also extremely healthy.
- However, you should refrain from giving your dog raw egg white or seasoning the egg during preparation.
Eggs Contain Many Valuable Nutrients
Eggs are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and contain numerous vitamins, trace elements – and of course protein. These ingredients are therefore also healthy for dogs.
- The egg white is a good source of protein and at the same time easily digestible.
- The yolk contains not only unsaturated fatty acids but also the minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins A, B1, and B7 (biotin).
- The calcium contained in the peel has a positive effect on bones and teeth.
The cholesterol contained in the yolk is an important component of nerve cells, cell membranes, and hormones. In large quantities, however, there is a risk of metabolic diseases, especially in small dogs, since cholesterol is difficult to break down. Lecithin, on the other hand, is good for cell formation and strengthens brain functions.
At the same time, you should note that some of the vitamins are water-soluble and some are fat-soluble, so it makes sense to feed the egg with other foods to ensure optimal absorption in the body.
Raw, Cooked, or with Skin?
Dogs can eat eggs in any form. When it comes to boiled eggs, most animals prefer the yolk. However, some caution is required here with the dosage. The albumen from boiled eggs is unproblematic – but not all dogs like it.
In addition to the boiled variant, you can also fry eggs or prepare them like scrambled eggs, but you should definitely avoid spices.
In addition to the egg itself, the shell is also healthy because it contains a lot of calcium. However, the shells should always be clean and not soiled with feces, as there is also a risk of bacterial transmission. Ideally, you use the crushed shells of boiled eggs that have been thoroughly cleaned beforehand. With boiled eggs, however, most of the calcium goes into the water, so the amount is significantly lower than if you simply clean the eggs thoroughly.
No raw egg whites for dogs!
At the same time, you should avoid feeding dogs raw protein. This contains the substances avidin and trypsin inhibitor, which in turn prevent the organism from absorbing biotin (also known as vitamin H or B7). You are most likely to recognize a deficiency by a shaggy and dull coat or itching. If the deficiency persists, there is a risk of hair loss, brittle nails, loss of appetite, severe tiredness, pallor, or even skin changes. By boiling the egg, the avidin is neutralized and no longer poses a threat to the dog.
Only feed fresh eggs
With raw eggs, freshness is of course crucial. You can tell how old an egg is by the position it takes in a glass of water. Fresh eggs remain horizontal while older ones continue to stand up and at some point begin to float in the glass. Always make sure to feed your dog only fresh egg yolks to avoid salmonella poisoning.
How long do boiled eggs keep?
When it comes to the shelf life of boiled eggs, what matters most is whether they have been quenched or not. Shocked eggs will only last a few days, as will eggs with a crack in the shell. Eggs that have not been quenched after cooking can last as long as four weeks. On the other hand, whether the core is still soft as wax or has been well-cooked through does not play a decisive role in the shelf life.
How Often Should Dogs Eat Eggs?
As with any food you give the dog out of order, the amount matters. Basically, eggs are healthy, but you should not overdo it here either. A guideline you can use as a guide is:
- small dog breeds: 1 egg per week
- medium dog breeds: 1-2 eggs per week
- large dog breeds: 1-3 eggs per week
Organic Eggs are Particularly Healthy for Your Dog
Of course, an egg is basically healthy. However, as with any diet, the food the animal eats also affects the nutritional content. For example, organic or free-range chickens contain significantly more omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins E and D than cage-raised eggs.
Alternatives
If all you want is for your dog to have a nice, shiny coat, there are better alternatives to eggs. These are e.g. B. cold-pressed cooking oil, such as linseed oil, salmon oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, black cumin oil, or pumpkin seed oil. If you alternate regularly when using the oils, your four-legged friend will always be supplied with different nutrient compositions.