Can dogs eat eggs?

Updated 18/04/2024

Whether you have yours over easy, boiled, scrambled or poached, you might have been wondering - can dogs eat eggs and are eggs good for dogs - filled with all the same health benefits they have for us humans? Well you're in the right place - here we're exploring whether dogs can eat eggs, the potential health benefits, and the safest ways to feed eggs to dogs. By now you've probably guessed - yes, dogs can eat eggs.  In fact, that's the easy question to answer. The hardest is - how does your dog like their eggs in the morning? (And just a quick caveat - eggs are a treat for dogs, and certainly shouldn't be served every morning!)    

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Are eggs poisonous to dogs?

It's always best to tread carefully when it comes to letting your beloved fluffball try new foods. So, you might be wondering - are eggs bad for dogs, and can they in fact be poisonous? Well generally, no, eggs are not poisonous to dogs. They can however, contain salmonella in rare cases, and if served raw, can give your pup food poisoning if consumed. That's why we'd always recommend cooking your dog's egg all the way through, just to steer clear of any potential salmonella.    

Are eggs good for dogs?

Now we've cleared up the question - can dogs eat eggs safely, what about the health benefits of eggs for dogs? Are eggs good for dogs in the same way that they are for us humans? Well when it comes to so-called 'human' foods for dogs, they're simply not nutritionally necessary in a dog's diet, providing your pup is being given a well-rounded diet of dog food that's right for their age, breed and any health issues they're experiencing. With that said, there are a series of micronutrients in eggs that benefit both dogs and humans - we'll explore those below.

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Health benefits of eating eggs for dogs

So, why are eggs good for dogs as the occasional treat? Well the benefits of eggs for dogs are down to the micro and macro nutrients eggs are packed with…

• Protein: both the egg whites and the yolks are a great source of protein. In fact, one egg contains around 13g.
•  Vitamins A, B vitamins, E, D and K: the egg yolk for dogs contains a broad spectrum of vitamins (but remember, your pup's dog food should contain all the nutrients they could possibly need). 

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Feeding your dog eggs

So, now we're sure on the answer to - can dogs eat eggs, let's take a look at how to cook eggs for dogs. As we've mentioned, you'll need to make sure your dog's eggs are cooked all the way through to avoid salmonella poisoning. One of the healthiest ways to do this for your pup is to hard boil the eggs - this way, you're not adding any additional fat into their diet through cooking, and you're killing off any potential bacteria. There are of course other ways you can serve up your dog's eggs, so below we'll explore some of the most common questions around feeding your dog eggs.  

Can dogs eat egg shells?

Are egg shells good for dogs in the same way that eggs themselves can be? Well the long and short of it is no - egg shells contain high levels of calcium which can be dangerous for dogs.

Can dogs eat raw eggs?

And can dogs have eggs raw - are raw eggs good for dogs like cooked are? Sadly no - raw eggs can contain salmonella, and cooking them thoroughly means your pup is at a lower chance of getting ill - that's a no-brainer in our books.

Can dogs have fried eggs?

Cooking in oil is never a good idea when it comes to your canine companion - the high fat levels are simply bad news for pups. With that said, if you have a non-stick pan, dry frying your egg is perfectly fine.

How many eggs can a dog eat in a week?

This really depends on your dog's size, breed and age, plus any health issues they're experiencing. We'd advise contacting your vet - they'll be able to specifically advise you on what's best for your pup.

Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?

And are scrambled eggs good for dogs, or are there any risk factors? Well partly - scrambled eggs are often cooked with salt, pepper and other fats that could be harmful to your pup. The solution? Only feed your pup scrambled eggs if you've cooked them completely plain.

And what about younger dogs - can puppies eat scrambled eggs? Sure - the same rules apply.

Can puppies eat eggs?

It's perfectly safe to feed your puppy fully-cooked eggs. Just be cautious - with sometimes more sensitive stomachs than grown dogs, you may be met with vomiting and diarrhea. Your best bet is to only try your pup with small amounts, and always consult your vet for advice.

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Other egg products

Now we know that dogs and eggs can be a match made in pup treat heaven, what about products that contain eggs? Can they be beneficial for dogs, too? Well eggs are in a whole host of foods we know and love - think cake, quiche and endless rice dishes, just to name a few. Our advice is to take it on a case by case basis, finding out whether your pup can have each of the ingredients present, and making sure the eggs aren't paired with a heap of fat and sugar (cakes - we're looking at you). 

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Other foods that are safe for dogs

Finding out what's safe for your pup to eat is one of your most important responsibilities as a pet parent, so explore a few more products below that are safe for dogs so that you can settle the question - what 'human' foods can dogs eat?  

• Unsweetened yogurt
• Mushrooms
• Apples

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.