Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?
If you're wondering whether dogs can eat raw eggs, you're not alone. Many dog owners want to provide nutritious treats, and eggs are often considered a wholesome option. But when it comes to serving them raw, there are some important considerations.
The Nutritional Value of Eggs for Dogs
Eggs are packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Both the yolk and the white offer nutrients like vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin E, iron, selenium, fatty acids, choline, and B12. Eggshells even contain calcium, collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid — all beneficial for bone and joint health (if fed carefully).
- Iron
- Folate
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
- Vitamins A & B12
- Fatty acids
- Choline
Eggs also contain amino acids like taurine and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin that support vision and overall well-being. The fatty acids in yolks help keep your dog's skin and coat healthy.
Raw Eggs: The Risks
Some people do feed their dogs raw eggs as part of a raw feeding regimen. However, most veterinarians advise against this practice. Why? Raw eggs can carry bacteria like salmonella that may cause infections in both dogs and humans. While it's true that dogs have digestive systems somewhat better equipped to handle certain bacteria than humans do, the risk isn't zero.
There's another issue: avidin. This protein in egg whites can interfere with biotin absorption if consumed in large quantities over time — potentially leading to a deficiency. Cooking deactivates avidin's effects.
- Bacterial contamination (salmonella)
- Biotin deficiency risk from avidin in egg whites
If You Choose to Feed Raw Eggs
If you still want to feed your dog raw eggs occasionally:
- Sourcing matters — only use eggs from healthy chickens.
- Handle the eggs properly to reduce contamination risk.
If your dog has never had eggs before or has a history of food allergies, introduce any new food slowly. Watch for signs of allergy such as vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, swelling, hives, itching or breathing problems.
The Safer Option: Cooked Eggs
The safest way to serve eggs is cooked — boiled or scrambled without salt, oil or seasoning. Cooking makes nutrients more digestible and kills harmful bacteria. Poached eggs (plain) are also fine. Avoid fried eggs (extra fats), Scotch eggs or anything mixed with mayo or spices.
- Boiled (hard or soft), plain
- Scrambled without added fat or seasoning
How Much Egg Should Dogs Eat?
Treat eggs as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. For tiny breeds: no more than one egg per week; larger breeds can handle more but shouldn't exceed a few per week due to calorie content (too many can lead to obesity). Puppies can have cooked eggs in moderation for growth benefits.
Eggshells: Extra Calcium With Caution
If you want to add extra calcium from shells, crush them finely before feeding — large pieces can be a choking hazard. Too much calcium isn't recommended for all dogs.
Special Considerations
- Puppies benefit from cooked egg nutrients in small amounts.
- Dogs with pancreatitis or on low-fat diets should stick to egg whites only or consult their vet first.
