The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Eggs: Risky or Healthy?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat eggs, and this protein-packed food can be a nutritious and tasty addition to their diet. But before you scramble up breakfast for your pup, consider a few important things. While eggs provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and healthy fats, feeding them improperly or in excess may lead to digestive issues or other health concerns. Plus, should you serve them raw or cooked? What about the shells? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate eggs into your dog’s diet.

Are Eggs Good For Dogs?

Yes, when given in moderation, eggs can be a highly nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.

Always ensure you feed cooked, plain eggs without any added salt, butter, oil, or seasoning. Avoid raw eggs, as they may carry a risk of salmonella and can interfere with biotin absorption over time. Also, skip the eggshells unless they’ve been finely ground and approved by your vet, as large pieces can be sharp or difficult to digest.

Benefits

One large egg (typically weighing 50 grams or 1.7 ounces) contains the following nutrients:

Large Egg Nutrition Chart (50g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Eggs to Dogs

While eggs can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion.

1. Raw vs. Cooked Eggs

Raw eggs (not recommended): While some dog owners feed raw eggs, they carry a higher risk of Salmonella contamination. Raw egg whites also contain avidin, an enzyme that can block the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin essential for skin, coat, and metabolism). Long-term consumption of raw egg whites may lead to biotin deficiency, though this is rare and typically only a risk with frequent feeding.

Cooked eggs (recommended): Boiled, scrambled, or poached eggs, prepared without added salt, butter, or seasonings, are the safest way to consume eggs. Cooking neutralizes avidin, making the nutrients more bioavailable.

2. Egg Whites vs. Egg Yolks

Egg whites: High in protein but contain avidin, which inhibits biotin (Vitamin B7). If fed raw frequently, this may lead to biotin deficiency. Cooking destroys avidin. When properly cooked and served in moderation, egg whites can be a safe and healthy addition to a dog’s diet.

Egg yolks: Contain healthy fats, vitamins (A, D, E, B12), and choline, but also high in cholesterol. While cholesterol isn’t a concern for dogs like it is for humans, excessive consumption could contribute to obesity in sedentary dogs. Egg yolks are recommended as long as they are cooked and given in moderation.

3. Eggshells – A Natural Calcium Source?

Eggshells are rich in calcium, which supports bone health and muscle function. If crushed into a fine powder, eggshells can be an excellent calcium supplement, especially for dogs on a homemade diet. Whole eggshells or large pieces can be sharp and hard to digest, potentially causing irritation or choking hazards. Always grind eggshells into a powder before adding them to food.

4. Other Considerations

Are Fried & Seasoned Eggs Safe?

No, fried eggs or eggs cooked with butter, oil, salt, onions, or garlic are unsafe for dogs.

• Butter & oil: Unnecessary fat, leading to pancreatitis risk.
• Salt: Excessive sodium intake can lead to dehydration and kidney problems.
• Onions & garlic: Toxic to dogs – even small amounts can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.

Are Dogs Allergic to Eggs?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to eggs.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Eggs

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining eggs or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Eggs to Dogs

When feeding eggs to your dog, it’s best to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Way to Feed Eggs

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust. 

Best Dog Food With Eggs

If you’re looking to incorporate eggs into your dog’s diet while supporting digestion and muscle health, consider Nom Nom Beef Mash. This gently cooked recipe is crafted with real ground beef as the first ingredient, paired with russet potatoes, carrots, peas, and eggs — all carefully portioned by veterinary nutritionists. Nom Nom’s human-grade meals offer a clean, nutrient-dense option for dogs who thrive on minimally processed, wholesome foods.

Best Egg Dog Treat

For those who want to provide the benefits of eggs in a convenient, nutrient-rich form, BLACK FOX Freeze-Dried Chicken Egg Yolk Dog Treats offer a naturally delicious and protein-packed snack. Made from 100% pure egg yolk, these single-ingredient treats are rich in healthy fats, essential vitamins, and choline, supporting brain health, a shiny coat, and immune function. Their freeze-dried texture makes them an easy, mess-free option for training or everyday treating.

How Many Eggs Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats, such as eggs. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning eggs based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Egg Serving (Feed Occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	¼ to ½ of a whole egg, 1-2 times per week	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	½ to 1 whole egg, 2 times per week	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	Up to 1 whole egg, 2-3 times per week	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	Up to 1.5 eggs, 3 times per week	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	Up to 2 whole eggs, 3-4 times per week	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Eggs?

Yes, puppies can eat eggs, as long as they are cooked and given in moderation and smaller amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with a small portion, such as a teaspoon of scrambled or boiled egg. Feeding them too many eggs at once could lead to digestive upset due to the richness of the protein and fat, so moderation is key. Avoid introducing multiple new foods on the same day when introducing eggs or any new food. Puppies can have food allergies or sensitivities, and if they experience any issues, it will be easier to pinpoint the cause if you introduce only one new food at a time. Try offering a small amount of cooked eggs, then wait a few days to observe how their digestive system reacts before introducing another new treat.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to eggs that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Yes, dogs can safely eat eggs; they are one of the most nutritious and beneficial foods you can offer your pet. Packed with high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and healthy fats, eggs can support muscle growth, brain function, skin and coat health, and overall well-being. However, like any food, they should be fed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. You can also get creative in the kitchen with homemade dog treat recipes for a natural and wholesome reward. Are you curious about other common human foods? Learn if jelly belongs on your dog’s do-not-feed list.

In conclusion, when served correctly, eggs are safe and incredibly beneficial for dogs. Whether as an occasional treat, a protein boost, or part of a homemade diet, eggs can be a healthy and tasty addition to your dog’s meals. If you have concerns about your dog’s specific dietary needs, always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.