Can you feed raw eggs to dogs and cats? You can feed raw eggs! There are several benefits of adding raw eggs, but there are also common misconceptions that cause pet owners to avoid this healthful addition to their pet’s diet.
Here are three of these misconceptions and a detailed look at the truth.
Myth #1: Eggs contain salmonella.
The number one concern of people who want to feed raw eggs to their dogs and cats is the risk of salmonella. We know that if we come in contact with salmonella there could be a very serious outcome. While dogs have a different bacteria in their digestive systems that equips them to handle many more bacteria than the human digestive system can, salmonella can be a concern.
However, we’ve been taught to fear that all uncooked eggs could contain salmonella. The truth is that it is the health of the hen and the cleanliness of her surroundings that determines the bacteria that her eggs will carry. Unhealthy egg laying hens that are kept in unsanitary, confined spaces are more likely to transmit bad bacteria to their eggs.
The safest way to feed raw eggs to your dog or cat is to choose eggs from organic, free range chickens.
Myth #2: Egg whites interfere with digestion.
It is true that egg whites contain an enzyme that can interfere with your pet’s digestion. However, there is no reason for this to stop you from feeding your dog raw eggs. When eggs are a staple of an animal’s diet they will inhibit their digestion- as with anything that is overfed such as oils, fats and bones. This is why a balanced diet is so important.
It is perfectly safe to feed your dog eggs as a regular part of his or her diet as long as you don’t see any evidence that your dog’s digestive system becomes upset after eating them.
Myth #3: There’s risk of a biotin deficiency.
Biotin is a B vitamin that contributes to your dog’s healthy skin and coat, his cellular growth and his ability to metabolize fatty acids.
Avidin is a B vitamin inhibitor found in egg whites, but the truth is, to create a level of deficiency your dog would have to eat a large number of eggs on a regular basis. In addition, egg yolks are high in biotin, thus making up for the avidin in the egg whites.
Feed Raw Eggs For These Nutrients
Not only are eggs and inexpensive way to add a safe source of nutrients to your dog’s diet, they are also a complete source of nutrition. If you’re interested in adding eggs to your dog’s food (and you should be!) you first need to know how to do so in a healthful way.
Eggs are one of the most complete sources of amino acids. They are also good sources of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, fatty acids and selenium.
Here’s a bit more about each…
- Amino Acids: Amino acids are necessary for creating new enzymes and are needed for proper protein digestion.
- Vitamin A: Also known as carotene, this vitamin is beneficial to your dog’s coat, nerves, skin, vision and muscles.
- Riboflavin: Also known as vitamin B2, riboflavin aids in the growth of new cells and helps dogs metabolize energy from fats and proteins.
- Folate: Folate (or vitamin B9) is needed for the formation of healthy blood cells.
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin helps your dog’s nervous system function properly and aids in cell growth.
- Fatty Acids: Fatty Acids not only help your dog’s skin and coat look healthy, they also control inflammation, aid in joint health, improve the function of organs and help rid dogs of allergies.
- Selenium: Selenium has a wide range of benefits from cancer prevention to preventing skin problems, heart disease and arthritis.
For eggs to be a complete source of nutrition it’s best that they are given with the egg shells.
Because eggs are such an inexpensive source of nutrition for your dog, it’s important not to skimp on quality. To make them look shiny and appealing most store-bought eggs are sprayed with a chemical to enhance their appearance, so it’s essential that you buy eggs that are from a local organic farmer.
In buying local you’re also able to see firsthand where your eggs come from. Are the hens healthy? Do they have a clean place to live? Are they treated with care?
All of the above questions are important to consider. The number one fear people have about feeding raw eggs to dogs is the risk of them contracting a bacteria. It’s the health of the hens and their habitats that determine the safety of the eggs, so knowing where your eggs are coming from is very important.
Dos And Don’ts Of Feeding Raw Eggs
Do: Feed them raw! Raw eggs are a complete source of nutrition just as they are.
Don’t: Cook them. Cooking eggs removes many of their essential nutrients. Always feed them raw!
Do: Buy organic and buy local. Commercially bought eggs are sprayed with wax and chemicals to enhance their appearance. These enhancements are harmful to your dog. If you can’t find a source for fresh, local, eggs, stick to organic store bought and feed without the shell.
Don’t: Toss the shells (if you’re buying local and organic). Egg shells contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other microelements. One medium-sized egg shell is approximately 750-800 mgs and contains about 90% calcium which is essential for bone formation, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission and blood coagulation. If you’re able to buy organic eggs from a local source, keep the shells on.
Do: Feed raw eggs regularly. Raw whole eggs can be fed two or more times a week. So long as your dog’s diet is balanced he should be able to eat raw eggs regularly. However, if you do notice that your dog’s digestive system is upset, cut back on how often you’re feeding raw eggs until you find your dog’s happy balance.
Don’t: Overfeed. Eggs should never be a staple of a dog’s diet. Instead, raw eggs should be fed as a nutritional bonus. As mentioned above, your dog’s digestion will be affected if he is being fed too many eggs. One per meal is ideal and 2-4 times a week is suggested. However, every dog is different. It’s up to you to feed according to your dog’s individual needs.
Feeding Egg Shells To Picky Eaters
As healthful as egg shells are, not all dogs are going to like their crunch and texture. At least, not at first.
The last thing you want to do is toss the shells. Egg shells contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other microelements. One medium-sized chicken egg shell is approximately 750-800 mgs and contains about 90% calcium which is essential for muscle contraction, bone formation, nerve impulse transmission and blood coagulation.
Instead of throwing the shells out you can give them to your dog ground up and sprinkled on their food.
The easiest way to do this is to rinse the shells and store them in the freezer. When you’ve collected enough shells, grind them down to a powder in your blender and store them in a container in either your freezer or refrigerator (depending on how long it will take you to use the entire container).
To slowly introduce your picky eaters to egg shells, start by grinding them into a powder, then, as time goes on, grind them less and less until eventually you can crunch them up by hand and sprinkle them over their food without them giving it a second thought.
Soon enough you’ll be able to add cracked, then whole eggs, to your dog’s meals.
Disclaimer: All content provided on this website, WhitneyLiving.com is for informational purposes only. The materials contained here are not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed veterinary professional.