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.
Can dogs eat raw eggs? Salmonella and the biotin question
Some raw-feeding guides recommend raw eggs. The main problem is Salmonella. A dog can carry it and shed it in saliva and stool without looking sick, and the people in the house, especially children and older adults, can pick it up from bowls, hands and the yard. The FDA has repeatedly warned about Salmonella in raw pet foods for this reason.
The biotin concern is real but often overstated. Avidin in raw egg white binds biotin, a B vitamin. Cooking breaks down avidin, and the yolk itself is a source of biotin. A deficiency is only a realistic risk when a dog eats raw egg whites often, over a long period. Cooking the egg solves both problems.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Eggshells are mostly calcium carbonate, and some people grind them into powder as a calcium supplement. This is not something to do on your own.
Dogs eating a complete commercial diet already get the calcium they need. Too much calcium can be harmful, and in large-breed puppies it has been linked to problems with bone and joint development. Whole or coarsely broken shells can also have sharp edges. If you cook for your dog at home and think calcium is missing, ask your vet or a veterinary nutritionist how to balance the diet.
Deviled eggs, egg salad and breakfast leftovers
Eggs in human dishes rarely come alone. Check before sharing.
- Deviled eggs and egg salad: mayonnaise adds fat, and many recipes include onion or chives, which damage a dog's red blood cells.
- Fried eggs: cooked in butter or oil and often salted.
- Breakfast plates with bacon or sausage: high in fat and salt, and fatty meals can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs.
- Quiche and frittata: often contain onion, garlic, cheese and cream.
Common questions
Are eggs good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Eggs provide high-quality protein, fatty acids and vitamins. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs are easy to prepare and easy to digest.
Are eggs bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: raw or undercooked eggs.
Are dogs allowed to have eggs?
Yes. Hard-boil or scramble without butter, oil or salt.
Sources
Topic references
General care and safety
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).