What type of eggs can dogs eat

Yes, they can. For us humans, eggs are an exceptional source of protein, essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins – the same goes for dogs.

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Let's be real, "human" food always looks pretty appetising to dogs. They're always sniffing out whatever it is you're eating. But when it comes to the health benefits of eggs, their doggy senses are 100% correct.

Eggs can be a delicious, healthy addition to your dog’s diet as well as your own. Essentially the entire egg (including the eggshell) can offer amazing nutritional benefits for our four-legged friends. 

Remember, eggs are readily available, easily digestible and a complete food source – not to mention quick to prepare and inexpensive!

But how do you serve them up to your dog? Well, for starters, on a plate of course.

How To Feed Eggs To Your Dog

Eggs should be always be cooked before given to your dog. Cook or boil the eggs plain without oil, butter, salt, or any other additives. 

We suggest making scrambled eggs, as it's much easier for your dog to digest and can provide quick access to the protein dogs need for maintaining lean muscle and energy. But again, keep them plain. 

Are Eggs Good For Dogs?


Eggs are not only a perfectly safe food source for dogs – they offer much in the way of nutritional benefits. Aside from being rich in protein, eggs are also a great source of linoleic acid, Vitamin B2 and B12 and water-soluble Vitamin A  – all of which are wonderful for your dog’s skin and coat. 

Can I Feed My Dog Raw Eggs?

No. We do not recommend feeding raw or undercooked eggs to your dog. The safest way to serve eggs to dogs is to ensure they are always cooked. Stick with boiled, scrambled or fried eggs.

Just like humans, dogs share the same potential risks in contracting Salmonella if consuming raw or undercooked foods. 

How Many Eggs Can A Dog Eat?

It’s widely recommended that most dogs should not be given more than one full egg per day. Eggs should never be the sole source of protein for your dog, much like dog food contains other much-needed nutrients for a healthy, balanced diet. Think of them more like a treat. 

To determine exactly how many eggs you can feed your dog, it's best to consult with your local veterinarian. A safe serving size of eggs for your dog will depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • Age
  • Size
  • Breed
  • Activity level
  • Existing medical conditions

Are Egg Shells Good For Dogs?

Yes, they are. In fact, a boiled egg is a great meal for a dog. Shell included. However, always be sure to break the egg up a little first to ensure it’s not a choking hazard. 

Egg shells are actually filled with calcium so they can be a great source of additional nutrients for your dog. Plus, the shells are also great for dogs who have difficulty chewing bones. For safety though, always ensure the shells have been cooked/boiled first, as raw eggshells can still pose a salmonella risk.

Once boiled, simply grind up the shells up and sprinkle, or stir them through your dog’s food.

Golden retriever looks at some eggs on the counter

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If you’ve ever looked into increasing the protein in your diet, you’ve probably been told to consult the common chicken egg. Even if you didn’t delight in doing so, you might have gotten some level of satisfaction in knowing you were giving your body something it needed (even if you had to smother it in hot sauce and hold your nose while the slimy thing went down).

Or maybe you just really enjoy a plateful of eggs in the morning. Does your dog get the same benefit from that food choice as you do? If you, say, gave your dog the last few bites of your eggs after a big Saturday breakfast, is that cool?

Health Benefits of Eggs

The short answer: Yes, dogs can eat eggs, but with some important things to note. In fact, the egg is a powerhouse of nutrition (including the shell!). Eggs contain all the essential amino acids and are a highly digestible source of protein with a high nutritional value. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals, too. Plus, eggs are a perfect source of protein.

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Ideally, you want to choose eggs from free-range or pastured chickens or organic, omega-3 enriched eggs, which come from hens who were fed flax. These eggs contain the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic (ALA), plus two other omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA). When giving your dog eggs, introduce them slowly to ensure they do not cause an upset stomach.

How to Cook Eggs for Dogs

There are so many ways to feed eggs to your dog. Ready to add eggs to your dog’s food bowl? Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

Cook them (simply).

You can give your dog hardboiled, scrambled, fried, poached...the sky’s the limit! Just make sure you serve them plain. You might be able to take all that salt, pepper, and chili sauce, but your dog should keep it simple.

Steam hard-boiled eggs.

Hard-boiled eggs for dogs are quick and easy and steaming is the best, most foolproof way to cook eggs. Place cold eggs on a rack in a pot with 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and cook for 10 to twelve minutes, depending on the size of the egg. Drain, then place the eggs in cold water for just a few minutes.

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Make an omelet or frittata.

Just don’t add ingredients that can harm your dog (such as onions, chives and garlic), and go light on the salt and pepper. 

Turn them into a topping.

You can chop up cooked eggs and use them as a topper to enhance your dog’s usual meal. (Make sure you take into account the calories in an egg before supplementing your dog’s food.) 

Grind up the shells.

This is a great and very affordable source of calcium for your dog because eggshells are made of 94 percent calcium carbonate. Prepping eggshells to make calcium carbonate is easy. Rinse the cooked eggshells or boil raw shells for five minutes (to kill any bacteria). To dry them out, spread them on a baking sheet and place them in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes. Cool the shells, then grind them to a very fine consistency in a coffee grinder or a blender. Store them in a glass jar in the refrigerator. One eggshell contains 380-400 mg of calcium per gram. Half a teaspoon of eggshell powder is roughly 800 mg of calcium.

Consult with your veterinarian on how much calcium supplement is suitable for your dog. Soon, you’ll be packing in those nutrients together.

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Claudia Kawczynska

Claudia Kawczynska was co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Bark for 20 years. She also edited the best-selling anthology Dog Is My Co-Pilot.

What type of cooked egg is best for dogs?

Some foods can lose nutrients while they are cooked, but the protein in eggs isn't. Cooking really helps make them more digestible. So however they are prepared–boiled, scrambled, sunny side up–cooked is best for your dog.

Can I give my dog an egg per day?

One egg a day for your dog is all that is recommended. If you want to introduce eggs to your dog's diet, add a cooked egg to their diet. Make sure it doesn't cause stomach issues like vomiting or diarrhea. If there are no problems, you can start giving them eggs more often.

Is it OK to give dogs raw eggs?

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? Although cooked eggs can be a nutritious treat for your dog, raw eggs are dangerous. As with humans, raw eggs can expose dogs to harmful salmonella, which can then spread back to their pet parents (especially those with a compromised immune system).

How do you make scrambled eggs for dogs?

Make Eggs for Dogs: The Ultimate Egg Recipe Your Pet Will Love.
Crack an egg into a bowl and mix this vigorously with a fork..
Place into a hot skillet with a tiny bit of water to help avoid sticking to the pan..
With a spatula move this egg around, creating a scrambled look..
Once the egg is done, serve to your dog!.