Can Dogs Eat Egg Whites? Are They Bad or Good?

A common question among dog owners concerns egg whites’ safety and health benefits. “Can dogs eat egg whites?” is a question that deserves a detailed examination, as many dog owners need to understand some fundamental nutritional guidelines before feeding their dogs egg whites. This includes determining whether dogs should be given cooked, fried, or raw egg whites. This article covers everything from the nutritional value of egg whites to potential health risks. We also offer tips on how to feed eggs to dogs safely and answer other commonly asked questions about egg whites for dogs. Let’s dive in!

Are Egg Whites Good For Dogs?

Yes, egg whites are good for dogs. Egg whites are a high source of quality protein essential for dogs. Protein is crucial for the growth and repair of muscles, skin, hair, and other body tissues. It’s especially beneficial for active dogs, puppies, and pregnant or nursing dogs. White eggs’ low-calorie content makes them ideal for those looking to increase protein intake in their dogs without consuming additional fats and cholesterol. Christopher Blesso, associate professor of nutritional science at the University of Connecticut in the US, says, “The egg is meant to be something that has all the right ingredients to grow an organism, so it’s very nutrient-dense.”^[1]

Are Egg Whites Bad For Dogs Toxic?

Based on an ingredient analysis, the chemical composition of egg whites is safe for dogs. When properly cooked and served in moderation, egg whites can be a safe and healthy addition to a dog’s diet.

NOTE: Always consult your vet before giving new foods to your dog, especially human foods. Foods that are safe for some dogs may not be suitable for yours due to factors like age, health, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Health Benefits of Egg Whites For Dogs

Egg whites can provide several important health benefits for dogs.

According to the USDA, 100 grams (or about 4 ounces) of egg whites contain the following nutrients:

Here are a few more reasons why egg whites are good for dogs:

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Egg Whites?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked egg whites. Cooking egg whites is the recommended way to feed them to your dog. Cooking eliminates the risks associated with eating raw eggs. Even though cooking changes the nutrient content in eggs, the overall nutritional value stays pretty much the same. So, whether it’s a raw egg or a cooked one, the amount of nutrients they provide is similar.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Egg Whites?

Raw egg whites are ingredients typically fed to dogs as part of a “raw dog food diet.” Raw egg whites can be safe to feed, but most veterinarians recommend cooking the eggs before giving them to your dog. However, feeding raw egg whites to dogs is a topic that requires careful consideration due to potential health risks:

Biotin Deficiency

One concern with feeding raw egg whites is that they contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin (a B vitamin) and can inhibit its absorption. Biotin is important for maintaining healthy dog skin and coat and metabolic processes. However, this is usually only a concern if a dog regularly consumes large quantities of raw egg whites. Cooking egg whites neutralizes avidin, making them safer for consumption.

Risk of Bacterial Infection

Raw eggs can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can cause food poisoning in both dogs and humans. Dogs may handle certain bacteria better than humans, but they are still at risk of infection, which can lead to serious illness.

How to Safely Feed Egg Whites to Dogs

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

Some of the ways you can safely feed egg whites to your dog include:

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

How Much Egg Whites Can Dogs Eat?

Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning egg whites based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Egg White Serving	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1 tsp	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1 to 2 tsp	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	2 tbsp of egg white	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	1 whole egg white	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	1 to 2 whole egg whites	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Dogs Eat Egg White or Yolk?

Eating egg yolks has been controversial due to their high cholesterol content. This concern is relevant for dogs, too. One egg yolk contains about 187 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol, nearly half of the 325 mg daily rate of cholesterol synthesis (or recommended daily amount) observed in a study involving pedigree dogs on a “cholesterol-free” diet. The study showed that feeding egg yolks led to increased bile acid formation and excretion and decreased cholesterol synthesis in dogs. In simple terms, feeding too many egg yolks can be harmful to dogs.^[6]

Based on these findings, feeding a maximum of two egg yolks to a large dog in a single day is advisable due to the high cholesterol content. Limiting small dogs to one or even half a yolk is best. Egg whites, on the other hand, contain zero cholesterol and are a safer option.

Egg yolks are also rich in vitamins, including A, B-6, B-9, B-12, D, E, and K, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. However, when considering egg yolks for your dog’s diet, it’s essential to balance the nutritional benefits with the cholesterol content, particularly for dogs with specific dietary needs or health issues.

Are Eggs Whites Bad For Dogs?

Egg whites are not bad for dogs. Eggs offer valuable protein and other nutrients, but it’s important to be mindful of the quantity your dog feeds.

Possible Side Effects & Risks of Egg Whites In Dogs

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to egg whites.

What Should I Do If My Dog Reacted Badly to Egg Whites?

If your dog reacts badly to a food that’s generally considered safe, like egg whites, you should first stop feeding them the food and remove their access to any more of it. Ensure they have access to fresh water to maintain hydration. It’s important to call your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or if you’re concerned about your dog’s condition.

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

Egg Whites vs. Whole Eggs: What’s Better for Dogs?

When evaluating “whole eggs vs egg whites for dogs,” the choice depends on the specific needs and health of the dog. Whole eggs offer more comprehensive nutrition but are higher in calories and fat, making them suitable for active, healthy dogs. Egg whites are a better choice for dogs requiring high protein, fewer calories, and less fat. As with any dietary choices, what’s best for dogs should be determined based on individual health, weight, and nutritional needs. Consulting with a veterinarian can help make the best dietary decisions for a dog’s overall health and well-being.

Nutrient	Egg White	Whole Egg
Calories	18	71
Protein	4 grams	6 grams
Fat	0 grams	5 grams
Cholesterol	0 mg	186 mg
Vitamin A	0% of the DV	27% of the DV
Vitamin B12	0% of the DV	19% of the DV
Vitamin B2	11% of the DV	18% of the DV
Vitamin B5	1% of the DV	15% of the DV
Vitamin D	0% of the DV	19% of the DV
Choline	0% of the DV	27% of the DV
Selenium	8% of the DV	27% of the DV

Egg White For Dog Diarrhea

Scrambled egg whites make a good protein source for dogs suffering from diarrhea. A bland flavor, high protein, and low fat content make egg whites suitable for sensitive stomachs.

Egg White For Dog Vomiting

The whites of eggs can help your dog with vomiting. Offer a small amount of cooled eggs every couple of hours; if this is tolerated, gradually increase the amount. You can add plain cottage cheese or plain boiled rice as things improve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Have Egg Whites? Conclusion

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In conclusion, egg whites can be a safe and nutritious addition to a dog’s diet, provided they are prepared and served correctly. It is crucial to cook the egg whites to neutralize avidin. This substance can interfere with the absorption of biotin and eliminate the risk of bacterial infections such as Salmonella. However, moderation is key in feeding egg whites to dogs. They should be served appropriately as part of a balanced diet, not as a replacement for a dog’s regular meals. Always ensure that the egg whites are plain, without added salt, spices, or fats, and consider the individual health needs of each dog. Introducing egg whites gradually is important to monitor for allergic reactions or digestive issues. Consulting with a veterinarian is advisable, especially for dogs with specific dietary requirements or health conditions.

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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.

1. Brown, J. (2019). The truth about eating eggs. Bbc.com; BBC Future.
2. Matsuoka, R., & Sugano, M. (2022). Health Functions of Egg Protein. Foods, 11(15), 2309.
3. Réhault-Godbert, S., Guyot, N., & Nys, Y. (2019). The Golden Egg: Nutritional Value, Bioactivities, and Emerging Benefits for Human Health. Nutrients, 11(3), 684.
4. National Institutes of Health. (2017). Office of Dietary Supplements – Choline. Nih.gov.
5. Kim, J. E., Ferruzzi, M. G., & Campbell, W. W. (2016). Egg Consumption Increases Vitamin E Absorption from Co-Consumed Raw Mixed Vegetables in Healthy Young Men. The Journal of Nutrition, 146(11), 2199–2205.
6. Pertsemlidis, D., Kirchman, E. H., & Ahrens, E. H. (1973). Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism in the Dog. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 52(9), 2353–2367.