Are raw eggs ok for dogs to eat

Yes, they can. For us humans, eggs are an exceptional source of protein, essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins – the same goes for dogs.

Dingos at Taronga Zoo Sydney - Image courtesy of Brian Giesen commons.wikimedia.org

The 'dangers' of feeding eggs

In reality the only possible (minimal) risk to dogs from eating raw eggs is that in large quantities a compound called avidin which is found in raw egg white can create a biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency in dogs, the symptoms of which include inhibited cell growth, inhibited fatty acid metabolism and loss of skin and coat condition.

This so called 'danger' leads many people to write off eggs as bad for dogs, but the truth is you'd need to be feeding about eight to 10 eggs per day to create what is an extremely rare condition.

It's also worth noting that egg yolks actually contain high levels of biotin so, providing you feed whole raw eggs, the yolk should counterbalance the effect of the avidin in the egg white.

In terms of the risk of bacterial infection from feeding raw eggs, provided you source organic eggs from healthy free range hens, and store them in a cool, dry, place, as you would eggs for human consumption, there is minimal risk of infection from bacterium such a salmonella.

So, can dogs eat raw eggs?

Served raw, eggs are one of nature's most perfect proteins and an inexpensive and safe food source. They're highly digestible with a full range of essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein - Vitamins, and minerals including Vitamin A, Riboflavin (Vitamin B), Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron, Selenium and Fatty Acids, making them a nutritious food for dogs.

When feeding your dogs eggs, don't discard the eggshells. Ground up they are a great source of calcium which makes them a good substitute for animals who aren't keen to eat raw bones.

How much egg to feed

While I wouldn't recommend eggs as the lone protein in your dog's diet, as a general rule a couple of raw eggs each day along with a balanced meat diet will provide them with awesome nutrition.

It's also perfectly safe to feed cooked eggs, but, if you want to deliver maximum nutritional benefit, raw eggs are preferable as cooking destroys vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

I'd also advise sticking to eggs from organic free range chooks, (their eggs won't have been sprayed with chemicals to enhance shell shininess), to ensure the nutritional integrity.

Of course, if you notice your pet having any digestive issues when you introduce raw eggs to their diet, stop feeding the eggs and consult your vet.

Author Bio
Dr Bruce Syme BVSc (Hons) is a qualified veterinarian and the founder of Vets All Natural. He has developed this range of foods and supplements purely from his desire to heal more, and a wider range of animals than those seen in his clinic everyday.

You can follow Dr Bruce on Facebook or on Twitter - @DrBruceSyme.