Eggs are a rich source of protein not only for humans but also for dogs. Historically, dogs stole eggs from birds nest and consumed it raw with the shell. As in today’s world, no pet parents allow their dog to wander about nor hunt for their own foods hence adding eggs to the diet especially homemade diets are only the choice that one is left with.
Can eggs be added to the dog’s diet?
The answer to this is definitely “yes”. However, dogs diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and diabetes need to refrain from it. Just scramble an egg without any spices or veggies and feed your pooch. Refrain from making a scrambled egg for a dog the way you make for your kid or family.
Pros and cons of including eggs in a dog’s diet.
The following section explains the facts about feeding the dogs with eggs.
1. An egg is a complete food source.
An egg is a complete source of nutrition not only for the chick growing into it but also to many predators around. It is the cheapest source of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins.
2. Eggs are a good source of the following nutrients:
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin B12
* Riboflavin
* Folate
* Fatty acids
* Iron
* Selenium
3. Egg white contains digestion disruptors.
The egg white contains enzyme inhibitors that disrupt the digestion procedure. This will only be a problem of concern if and only egg is the main diet for the dog. Providing a balanced diet to the fido will nullify the effect, or including a cooked egg in the diet solves the problem but the nutrition content is seen to be alleviated.
4. Biotin deficiency is caused by egg white.
Biotin is one of the pivotal vitamins that is required for cellular growth, fatty acid metabolism, and shiny skin and coat. The avidin present in the egg white is seen to inhibit biotin. Hence a vet will be the right person to guide on the percentage of eggs that can be included in the diet. As long as a pet parent feeds the complete egg not many deficiencies are experienced. Again cooking the egg is seen to nullify this problem.
5. Eggs contain salmonella.
Dogs are well equipped to handle any bacterial species in raw food. To avoid the growth of harmful bacterial colonies storing the eggs at the right conditions is critical.
6. The egg shells are nutritive.
The eggs, when fed to the dogs as a whole with the shell, is seen to provide complete nutrition. The shells are a valuable source for pooches who find it difficult to eat bones.
The shells can be fed to the dogs in the following ways
* As a whole egg with the shell.
* Dry the shell and powder it to smooth powder and sprinkle it on the dog’s food.
7. The cholesterol in the egg is not bad for dogs.
The egg cholesterol is bad for humans but not for dogs. The cholesterol disorders that the human and dog suffer are not alike. Including a lot of egg in the dog’s diet will not cause cholesterol disorders but is only seen to enhance the body weight.
Final thoughts
The eggs that are available in the market today are chemically sprayed hence opt to buy organic eggs from the farmers directly. A pet parent only needs to bear in mind that an egg contains 70 calories and one needs to feed only the prescribed amount of egg in any form based on the a dog’s physical attributes and age. Sticking to the rule of only 10% of dog treats in balanced diet aid in maintaining the pooches overall health, so always remember to make the egg only a part of the dogs treat section, not the main food.
Sources
- Can dogs eat eggs? https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-eggs
- Can dogs eat eggs? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-eggs/
- Eggs: Why your dogs needs them. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/feeding-your-dog-raw-eggs-good-or-bad/
- Can dogs eat eggs? And are eggs good for the dogs? https://www.certapet.com/can-dogs-eat-eggs/
