Can dogs or cats eat eggs?

It’s common to consider feeding eggs to pets given their nutritional value and health benefits reported in people.There's good news: eggs are safe for dogs and cats to eat, as long as you follow our guidelines on preparation and feeding. 

To understand more, our veterinarian answers pet owners top questions on feeding eggs to pets. 

Are eggs good for dogs? 

Eggs are a nutrient dense protein source. Rich in all nine types of amino acids, omega oils, vitamins and antioxidants, they pack a nutritional punch for their relatively small size.

Can puppies eat eggs?

Yes, if cooked plain, without any extra seasoning such as garlic or salt (which can be toxic to dogs). A puppies digestive system is sensitive, so introduce the cooked egg slowly to avoid tummy upsets. 

Try using small bits of cooked egg as a treat or reward for good behaviour as they enjoy this. Less than 10% of your puppies diet should be treats, so reduce their biscuit or wet food if feeding treats. 

Can senior dogs eat eggs?

Yes, senior dogs can eat cooked eggs, and the fatty acids are beneficial for skin and joint health. Seniors will benefit from the antioxidants eggs contain, and their soft texture is easy to eat and digest, important in older dogs who may be missing teeth as they age. 

Eggs are high calorie, and this can be an easy way to get extra calories into a more senior dog, who are prone to muscle and weight loss as they age. 

Feeding eggs safely to dogs

The best way to feed your dog eggs is to boil them for 10 minutes then allow them to cool. This ensures the egg yolk has cooked completely, reducing any risks of eating raw or undercooked egg. Frying or scrambling eggs adds extra fat to the meal, which can cause tummy upset, so is best avoided. 

How many eggs can dogs eat a week?

Dogs can safely eat one to three eggs a week, depending on their size. Always check with a vet if you're unsure where your dog fits on this scale. 

Overfeeding eggs, especially if your dog doesn't usually eat them, can cause a tummy upset, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, flatulence and diarrhoea. Whilst they respond well to medical treatment, it can be unpleasant for both dogs and their owners to go through! 

Can dogs eat eggshells?

Did you know, your dog can eat a small amount of the eggshell? Wash and dry, then crush into small pieces and add as a crunchy meal topper. The shells are a natural source of calcium carbonate, a compound that promotes digestion and neutralises extra acid in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Can dogs eat raw eggs? 

As a veterinarian, I would not recommend feeding your dog raw eggs, when safer alternatives exist. Raw eggs can contain bacteria such as salmonella, which causes illness to dogs, but also to people so there's double the risk when feeding raw eggs, especially around young or immunocompromised members of the family. 

Cooking has an added benefit, in making the proteins present in eggs more easily digestible, so your dog will actually get MORE protein from a cooked egg than a raw one. 

If your dog accidentally eats lots of raw eggs (more than three in one sitting) a vet visit is needed. They are likely to have gastrointestinal signs, needing medication to bring relief to aching tums. 

Allergic reactions to eggs 

Dogs can get an allergic reaction to eggs, same as all foods. The good news is that of all food allergies, eggs amount to a mere 4% of the food items that are linked to allergic reactions. This means the chances of your dog reacting to eating eggs is fairly low. The most common signs are gastrointestinal upsets and skin rashes. In very rare cases anaphylactic reactions can occur and this is a medical emergency. 

Signs include swelling of the face and neck, difficulty breathing, collapse and bloody diarrhoea. These signs are severe and hard to miss. Take your dog to a vet immediately.