Can You Add Cracked Raw Egg Over Dog Food? Yes, and Here’s Why…

Cracked raw egg over dog food sounds like a messy endeavor but can benefit your pup!

But are there associated risks with raw eggs over dog food?

Yes!

Let’s explore cracked raw egg over dog food a little further.

This article will discuss the benefits and potential risks of feeding your dog a cracked raw egg over dog food.

7 Benefits of Cracked Raw Egg over Dog Food

1. Raw Eggs Encourages Feeding for Picky Eaters

If your dog is a picky eater, adding a raw egg to their food can help increase their interest in eating. The rich flavor and smell of the egg can be enticing for even the most finicky dog food eaters!

It is also worth noting a picky-eating dog may be suffering from an underlining health condition, and you should consult your veterinarian.

2. Raw Eggs are an Excellent Source of Additional Protein

Protein is a building block for every cell in your dog’s body, and it helps them grow, heal and maintain a robust immune system.

Protein benefits your pup’s muscles, skin, hair coat, and organs. It is also necessary for enzymes and hormones.

Dogs require at least 18% protein in their diet, and raw eggs can be a great way to help reach that number.

3. Raw Eggs Contain Essential Fatty Acids

Feeding raw eggs to your canine friend provides them with essential fatty acids for their overall health. 

These acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat and support brain and eye development and joint function.

Essential fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis.

4. Raw Eggs Contain Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 amino acids, 10 of which are essential for dogs. This means they must be obtained through the diet, as the body cannot produce them independently.

Eggs are a great source of all nine essential amino acids for dogs. This makes them an excellent addition to the diet, especially for growing puppies or dogs recovering from illness or injury.

5. Raw Eggs Contain Vitamins Your Dog Needs

A significant part of your dog’s health, vitamins are essential nutrients that support everything from vision and metabolism to the immune system.

Eggs are rich in vitamins B2, B12, and D. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for energy production, while vitamin B12 supports the nervous system. Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption and bone health.

6. Eggshells Contain Minerals that Promote Joint and Bone Health

Feeding eggshells to dogs may seem odd, but they contain a number of minerals that can benefit joint and bone health. These include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in eggshells and is essential for strong bones, teeth, muscle contraction, and nerve function.

If feeding your dog shells, we recommend grinding them to a powder using a blender or coffee grinder. This will make them easier to digest and prevent any potential choking hazard.

7. Raw Egg can be Beneficial for Arthritic Dogs

The cartilage in joints acts as a cushion, allowing bones to move smoothly against one another. This cartilage can break down over time, leading to the development of arthritis.

The fatty acids in eggs may help to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis. The eggshell minerals can also help strengthen bones and reduce joint pain.

Feeding raw eggs to dogs with arthritis may help to improve their quality of life and increase their mobility.

According to a 2016 study, the membranes from egg shells helped 51 dogs improve their mobility within 4-6 weeks with no adverse side effects.

Risk Associated with Feeding your Dog Raw Eggs

Feeding raw eggs to your dog does come with some risks, and the biggest concern is the risk of salmonella poisoning.

Here are the most prominent risk associated with feeding raw egg:

• Salmonella – Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning in dogs (and humans). Symptoms of salmonella include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. If your dog becomes infected with salmonella, it will likely need to be hospitalized for treatment.
• Biotin deficiency – Eating raw eggs can lead to a biotin deficiency. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin essential for metabolism, healthy dog skin and hair, and nerve function. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include dry skin, hair loss, and seizures. If your dog is not getting enough biotin in their diet, it may be at risk of developing a deficiency.
• Avidin – Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and prevents its absorption. This can lead to a biotin deficiency if egg whites are the only source of protein in your dog’s diet.
• Bacteria – Raw egg whites also contain a bacteriostatic agent called lysozyme. This enzyme can kill good bacteria in the gut, leading to an imbalance of the gut flora.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Feeding Dogs Raw Eggs

Are cooked eggs better than raw eggs?

Cooking eggs kills bacteria, so they are generally safer than raw eggs. However, cooking also destroys some of the nutrients in eggs.

How many eggs can I feed my dog?

We recommend no more than one egg per week for dogs.

Can puppies eat raw eggs?

We recommend cooked eggs for puppies, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed, and they are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses.

Are hard boiled eggs healthy for dogs?

Yes, hard boiled eggs are safe for dogs to eat, and they are a good source of protein and other nutrients, with no risk of salmonella poisoning.

Does cracked raw egg over dog food help a dog’s digestive system?

Yes, the fatty acids in raw eggs can help to reduce inflammation in the gut and support a healthy digestive system.

How often can I add raw eggs to my dog’s food?

If you choose to feed your dog raw eggs, we recommend doing so no more than once per week.

Conclusion

Feeding cracked raw egg over dog food has many benefits for dogs, including joint health, a shiny coat, and a healthy digestive system. However, some risks are associated with dogs consuming raw eggs, such as the risk of salmonella poisoning.

If you choose to feed your dog raw eggs, we recommend doing so no more than once per week. Hard boiled eggs are also a safe and healthy option for dogs.