Can dogs or cats eat eggs?

13 September 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat eggs?

Good news - cooked eggs are a safe and nutritious food for dogs.

Eggs contain high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins like vitamin D, which are great for bone development in puppies. They're also low in calories, making them an excellent treat for weight management!

But don't get scrambled: raw eggs are not safe. They may carry Salmonella or E. coli bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and an upset stomach. We recommend cooking the egg thoroughly until both the yolk and white are firm.

Try serving a small amount of scrambled eggs with no added salt or seasoning. Excessive sodium intake can lead to health problems like hypertension.

If your dog eats eggs and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat eggs?

Cooked eggs can be a safe and healthy addition to a cat's diet. Eggs are high in protein, which is essential for cats as they're obligate carnivores. This means they can't get all the nutrients they need from plant-based food; they must eat meat-based proteins to maintain good health.

Cooked eggs also contain vitamins A, D, E, and B12 that contribute to your cat's well-being.

When feeding cooked eggs to your cat, it's important not to add any seasonings or oils that could cause an upset stomach or other issues. It's best to cook the egg thoroughly until both the yolk and white are firm before serving it to your cat.

If your cat eats eggs and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information purposes only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet poison emergency protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet