Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Safe for dogs

Yes. Fully cooked eggs are a nutritious treat for dogs.

Why

Eggs provide high-quality protein, fatty acids and vitamins. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs are easy to prepare and easy to digest.

Raw eggs are not recommended. They can carry Salmonella, which can make both dogs and people sick, and raw egg white contains avidin, which can interfere with the absorption of biotin if fed often.

What to watch out for

  • Raw or undercooked eggs
  • Butter, oil, salt or seasonings used in cooking
  • Calories: one large egg has about 70 kcal, a lot for a small dog
  • Rarely, egg allergy: itching or digestive upset

How to serve it

  • Hard-boil or scramble without butter, oil or salt.
  • Chop into small pieces or mix into regular food.
  • Count the egg as part of the daily treat allowance.

How much?

Up to one egg a day for a large dog, much less for small dogs.

Treats, including human foods, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Related foods

← All foods

Sources

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
  • American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).