Before humans domesticated canines, dogs (or their ancestors) were excellent hunters and quite able to provide for themselves. However, modern-day canines don’t need to go a-hunting or gathering – not with concerned pet parents around. Nonetheless, dog owners often have diet-related queries like – can my dog eat eggs?
The answer to the question – can my dog eat eggs – is just a teensy weensy bit tricky. In other words, it’s not the eggs that can cause problems; instead, it’s how you feed your pet eggs that may lead to concerns. So, for example, one thing you should never do is feed your canine raw eggs.
Before you get too anxious about egg-related dangers for your doggo – relax. We’ve got you more than covered. All you need to do is read our egg-specific article to get all the answers you need.
Can my Dog Eat Eggs – Everything you Need to Know
Nutritional Value of Eggs
Here’s a list of nutrients a single large egg can provide your canine:
- Protein – 6 grams
- Healthy Fats – 5 grams
- Calories – 77
Apart from all that, eggs have much to offer in the way of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Phosphorus, Selenium, Omega 3 fatty acids, etc.
Benefits of Eggs For Dogs
Now that we’ve gone over the actual nutrients – let’s discuss what benefits your pet can gain from them.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential part of your doggo’s diet. It can help maintain your pet’s well-being in terms of skin, coat, muscle, and nerve health. A vitamin A deficiency can lead to your canine’s coat looking dull, muscle weakness, and may lead to night blindness in extreme cases.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a necessary component of your pet’s health for optimal muscle health and immunity.
Vitamin E can also help promote the function of your canine’s circulatory system. Though it’s rare for dogs to develop a vitamin E deficiency, it can happen. Low levels of this vitamin in canines can lead to problems like impaired immunity, neurological and night vision problems.
Phosphorus
Calcium and phosphorus contribute to bone health in canines. Optimal calcium to phosphorus will contribute to skeletal health and help your pet avoid concerns like rickets and muscle and bone weakness.
Selenium
As a trace mineral, selenium is a necessary component of a doggy diet and helps enhance your pet’s immune system, helps fight off free radicals, and promotes healthy skin and coat.
Dangers of Eggs For Dogs
Eggs aren’t short on calories, and feeding your dog eggs too often can result in the following concerns:
Obesity
Like humans, canines are prone to obesity too. That’s why ensuring their diet has the right amount of fat and calories will help keep your canine trim and away from related health issues like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, bladder stones, etc.
Additionally, obesity in dogs can also negatively impact their life span and quality of life.
If your doggo happens to be a large-sized canine with a large frame, being over-weight can put extra pressure on its joints and pressure points – which can make movement and exercise painful.
Digestive Upsets
Egg whites contain certain enzyme inhibitors that can cause digestive upsets or pain in canines. Although puppies and senior dogs are more at risk of developing digestive upsets from eggs in their diet, it’s something worth remembering if you’re planning on feeding your pet eggs.
Bottom Line
Eggs are a powerhouse of health benefits and can make an excellent snack option for canines – if fed in moderation. If your canine’s diet consists of high-quality dog food – it’s unlikely that’s its nutritional needs aren’t being met. However, you can feed your pet eggs to change up their diet and add some variety.
Another thing dog parents asking ‘can my dog eat eggs?’ should remember is that you should never feed your pet raw eggs. Raw eggs contain bacteria and salmonella, which can lead to problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in canines if ingested.
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