Why dogs can have it
Eggs are rich in good-quality protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, so a cooked egg is a good occasional addition to a dog's food.
Raw eggs can carry salmonella. On top of that, a substance in raw egg white stops biotin, one of the B vitamins, from being absorbed when raw eggs are given regularly. An egg is high in calories, so it should stay a treat, not a daily replacement for food.
How to give it
- Hard-boil them, or scramble them without butter, milk, salt or seasoning.
- Peel, let them cool and cut them into pieces.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
- Give them now and then, as a treat.
What to watch out for
- Raw eggs can carry salmonella.
- Raw egg white given regularly stops biotin from being absorbed.
- Scrambled eggs with butter, salt or seasoning can upset digestion.
- Eggs are high in calories and can add to weight gain.
- Some dogs are allergic to eggs.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Cooked egg
SafeA well-cooked egg without salt or seasoning is fine for a dog.
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Raw egg
Not safeA raw egg can carry salmonella, so give eggs only thoroughly cooked.
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Shell
Not safePieces of shell are sharp, so it is better to peel the egg.
What to give instead
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning makes a good treat for a dog, but do not give bones or raw meat. Safe
- Fish Yes, well-cooked fish without bones or seasoning is fine for a dog, but do not give raw, smoked or salted fish. Safe
- Turkey Yes, plain cooked turkey without skin, bones or seasoning is fine for a dog, but do not give festive turkey with stuffing and gravy. Safe
- Rice Yes, plain cooked rice is fine for dogs: it is easy to digest, as long as it has no salt, seasoning or sauce. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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