Dog Care
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Raw, Boiled, Scrambled and Shells
Yes, dogs can eat eggs, as long as they are cooked. Plain hard-boiled or scrambled eggs are a nutritious treat, packed with protein. Cook them without butter, oil, salt, onion or garlic, and keep the portion small. Raw eggs are not recommended because of the risk of Salmonella.
Below: which kinds of eggs are safe, how many a dog can have, and when to skip them.
Are eggs good for dogs?
Cooked eggs are a good source of easily digestible protein, plus fat, vitamins and minerals. That's why egg is an ingredient in many commercial dog foods. As an extra treat, though, eggs add calories: a large egg contains roughly 70 to 80 calories according to USDA FoodData Central, which is a big share of a small dog's daily needs.
Which kinds of eggs can dogs eat?
| Type | Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-boiled eggs | Yes | Peel and chop. One of the easiest ways to serve eggs. |
| Scrambled eggs | Yes, plain | Cook in a non-stick pan with no butter, oil, milk, salt, pepper, cheese, onion or garlic. |
| Poached eggs | Yes | Cook until the white and yolk are firm. |
| Fried eggs | Not ideal | Added fat and butter can upset the stomach and contribute to pancreatitis. |
| Raw eggs | Not recommended | Risk of Salmonella for your dog and your household; raw egg white also contains avidin, which can interfere with biotin if fed often. |
| Eggshells | Ask your vet | Sharp pieces can irritate. Don't use them as a calcium supplement unless your vet recommends it. |
| Egg dishes (omelettes, quiche, egg fried rice) | No | Usually contain onion, garlic, salt, cheese or fat. |
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
It's best not to. Raw eggs can carry Salmonella, which can make dogs ill and can spread to the people in your home, especially young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system. The US Food and Drug Administration advises caution with raw pet foods for this reason. Cooking the egg removes this risk and keeps all the protein.
How many eggs can a dog eat?
Keep all treats, eggs included, to no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. As a rough guide:
- Small dogs: a spoonful of chopped egg, or a quarter of an egg
- Medium dogs: up to half an egg
- Large dogs: up to one egg
A few times a week is plenty for most dogs. If eggs become a regular part of the diet, reduce their main food slightly so they don't gain weight, and ask your vet for advice.
How to cook eggs for your dog
- Boil an egg for about 10 to 12 minutes, or scramble it in a non-stick pan with no fat or seasoning.
- Let it cool completely.
- Peel (if boiled) and chop into small pieces.
- Serve as a treat, a training reward, or a small topper on their usual food.
When to skip eggs
- Egg allergy: eggs are one of the foods some dogs are allergic to. Watch for itching, ear problems or tummy upsets.
- Pancreatitis or a low-fat diet: ask your vet first, as yolks are fatty.
- Weight management: the calories add up quickly for small or overweight dogs.
- Kidney disease or a prescription diet: check with your vet before adding any extra protein.
Can cats eat eggs?
Yes. Cats can eat plain cooked egg in small amounts as an occasional treat. Like dogs, they shouldn't have raw egg.
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Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat eggs?
Yes. Plain cooked eggs, such as hard-boiled or scrambled without butter, oil or seasoning, are safe and nutritious for most dogs in small amounts.
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
Raw eggs are not recommended because they can carry Salmonella, which can make dogs and people ill. Cook eggs before feeding them.
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, if they are cooked plain without butter, oil, milk, salt, cheese, onion or garlic.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Eggshells can have sharp edges, so don't feed them unless your vet recommends a properly prepared calcium supplement.
How many eggs can a dog have a day?
Keep eggs within the 10% treat rule: about a quarter of an egg for small dogs, half for medium dogs and up to one for large dogs, a few times a week.
Sources
Guidance follows the American Kennel Club, the US FDA and USDA FoodData Central. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
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