Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Cooked vs Raw, Shells and Portions
Cooked eggs are a safe protein treat for most dogs. Learn why raw eggs are risky, how to prepare them and how many your dog can have.
PawFacto Editorial Team
4 min read
Short answer: Yes, cooked eggs are a safe, protein-rich treat for most dogs. Boil or scramble them plain, with no salt, butter or oil. Raw eggs carry a salmonella risk and shouldn’t be a regular part of the menu.
Eggs are one of the few human foods that make it onto both vets’ “fine in moderation” list and dog owners’ “my dog goes wild for it” list. The catch is mostly about how you cook them.
Are eggs good for dogs?
Cooked eggs are a nutritious snack. They’re a good source of protein and contain fats, vitamins and minerals. The American Kennel Club notes that eggs can make an excellent occasional treat or supplement, but they shouldn’t be your dog’s main meal. Eggs are also one of the foods some dogs are allergic to, so introduce them gently.
Cooked vs raw eggs
| Cooked egg | Raw egg | |
|---|---|---|
| Salmonella risk | Eliminated by thorough cooking | Present; can affect dogs and the people handling them |
| Avidin (blocks biotin) | Neutralised by heat | Active in the egg white |
| Vet advice | Generally recommended | Generally advised against |
Why raw eggs worry vets
Salmonella. Raw eggs can carry bacteria such as salmonella, which can make a dog sick with vomiting, diarrhea and fever. These bacteria can also spread to people through contact with an infected dog or its mess, so a raw egg is a risk for the whole household.
Biotin. Raw egg white contains avidin, a protein that binds biotin (vitamin B7) and stops it being absorbed. A deficiency is rare and usually needs a lot of raw egg white over a long time, but it can affect skin and coat. Cooking breaks avidin down, so cooked eggs don’t have this problem.
If you feed a raw diet, talk to your vet about whether eggs belong in it and how to handle them safely.
How to prepare eggs for your dog
- Boil or scramble. Hard-boiled, soft-scrambled or poached all work. Cook until fully set.
- Keep it plain. No salt, pepper, butter, oil, milk, cheese or onion.
- Cool and chop. Serve lukewarm and cut into small pieces.
- Start small. Offer a few bites on the first day, and watch for stomach upset or itching.
- Wash up. Clean hands, boards and bowls after handling raw eggs.
How many eggs can a dog eat?
Treats generally should stay under about 10% of daily calories. For a small dog, a few bites of egg is plenty. A medium or large dog might have half an egg, or an egg a few times a week. The yolk is rich in fat, so dogs prone to pancreatitis, or on a low-fat diet, should only have eggs if their vet agrees.
What about eggshells?
Eggshells contain calcium, and some owners grind them into a powder. The AKC advises talking to your vet before giving shells, because dogs on a balanced diet usually don’t need extra calcium, and too much can cause problems. Sharp shell fragments can also irritate the mouth and gut. It’s safest to leave them out unless your vet recommends otherwise.
Who should skip eggs?
- Dogs with a known egg allergy or food sensitivity
- Dogs with pancreatitis or on a restricted-fat diet
- Dogs on a prescription or elimination diet
If your dog develops itching, ear trouble, vomiting or diarrhea after eating eggs, stop and talk to your vet.
Quick answers about dogs and eggs
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, if they’re cooked plain with no butter, oil, salt or seasoning, and kept to a small portion.
Can dogs eat boiled eggs?
Yes. A hard-boiled egg, peeled and chopped, is one of the simplest ways to serve it.
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
It’s not recommended. Raw eggs can carry salmonella, and raw egg white contains avidin, which can interfere with biotin absorption.
Can puppies eat eggs?
Cooked egg in a very small amount is usually fine. Puppies’ immune systems are still developing, so avoid raw egg and keep their main diet as a complete puppy food.
Are eggs good for a dog with an upset stomach?
Some vets suggest plain cooked egg as part of a short bland diet, but it depends on the dog. If your dog is unwell for more than a day, call your vet.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
- ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
