Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

For pet parents who love their eggs, the question becomes inevitable—can dogs eat eggs, too?

They sure can! While they shouldn’t be having any of your brunchtime benny (keep all that Hollandaise sauce for yourself!), plain eggs are good for dogs—and yummy, too.

We spoke with veterinarians and pet nutritionists to give you the full story on whether dogs can have eggs. Our guide will explain the nutritional benefits of eggs and how to introduce them to your dog’s diet. Egg-sited to learn more? Let’s get started.

Benefits of Eggs for Dogs

OK so, dogs can eat eggs, but are they healthful for canines? As it turns out, eggs are just as nutritious for your furry friend as they are for you.

Pet nutritionist Dr. Kathy Gross, MS, PhD, PAS, Dipl. ACAN, worldwide director of clinical nutrition for Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Topeka, Kansas, says eggs are a good source of the following nutrients:

• Highly digestible protein
• Fatty acids
• Vitamin A

Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM, strategic advisor for MYOS Pet in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, agrees.

“For this reason, pet parents will turn to this nutritionally-packed food as a treat or a portion of the regular daily diet,” says Dr. Ahn, “as a protein-rich food, eggs can help dogs to build strong muscles.”

In addition to the fatty acids and Vitamin A helping improve the appearance of your dog’s skin and coat, eggs are also “reasonably cost-efficient,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club (AKC), when compared to other sources of protein like chicken and turkey.

Yep, eggs can be good for dogs since they’re both healthy and affordable.

How to Feed Eggs to Dogs

Dogs can eat eggs if fed to them properly. Pet parents should adhere to the following guidelines when it comes to dogs and eggs:

1. Talk to your vet before adding a new food to your dog’s diet. If your dog has never eaten eggs before, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Some dogs may have food allergies or sensitivities to eggs, says Dr. Klein, so ask your pet’s vet what symptoms to watch for.
2. Once you have the green light from your vet, start incorporating eggs into your dog’s diet slowly. “Consider one egg once or twice per week to make sure your dog does not have any gastrointestinal issues afterwards,” says Dr. Klein.
3. Be sure to cook the eggs first to make sure there’s no harmful salmonella. “Feeding raw eggs to dogs has the same risks as people eating raw eggs,” says Dr. Klein. “Cooking eggs reduces that risk.” Eggs need a temperature of about 160 degrees Fahrenheit to properly cook. You should cook eggs without any oil, butter, salt or other additives, adds Dr. Klein.
4. When feeding your dog eggs, make sure to give them the yolk, too. Egg whites contain an enzyme that prevents the absorption of biotin in the body, and dogs that eat raw egg whites over a prolonged period are at risk of developing a biotin deficiency. Biotin is an important vitamin that supports the health of your dog’s skin, digestion, metabolism and cells. “This deficiency can be countered by feeding the entire egg (with yolk) or cooking eggs,” says Dr. Klein.

Here are a few fun ways to feed your dog eggs, courtesy of Dr. Ahn:

• Crumble some hard-boiled egg directly onto your dog’s food.
• Make scrambled eggs and serve them as part of your dog’s meal.
• Boil an egg, slice it into rings, and feed a few rings to your dog as a snack.
• Make an omelet with spinach, diced tomatoes and lean turkey breast. (A favorite of Dr. Ahn’s Golden Retriever, Fenton!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?

A: Yes! As Dr. Ahn suggested, scrambled eggs are a great way to feed your pup eggs.

Q: Can dogs eat eggs everyday?

A: While dogs can have eggs, remember that moderation is key. “Eggs are fairly high in fat,” says Dr. Ahn. Eggs have about 5 grams of fat each. For this reason, says Dr. Ahn, they may not be appropriate for obese-prone or overweight dogs, or everyday feeding. Ask your vet whether your dog is at a healthy weight to help the both of you determine how often your dog can consume eggs.

Q: Can dogs eat eggs and rice?

A: Yes! Dogs can eat eggs and rice, as well. As a bonus, rice provides carbohydrates and fiber and is easy on the stomach.

Q: How much egg can I give to my dog?

A:Generally, dogs shouldn’t eat more than one egg per day—and it’s best to speak with your vet who can take your dog’s weight into account to help you determine the exact amount that’s best for your pooch.