Dogs are not omnivorous animals, although they are able to digest foods other than meat. Today let’s find out if they can eat eggs.
You have probably wondered whether or not dogs can eat eggs. You may have asked yourself this question after making a list of the products this animal can consume, as many guardians try to expand their dogs’ diets for therapeutic purposes.
It might seem obvious, but the answer to this question may surprise you. If you think offering your dog an egg sporadically is a bad idea, we encourage you to read on.
The digestive system of dogs
Before knowing if dogs can digest eggs properly, it is good to learn a few things about their digestive system . In the following lines, therefore, we will provide you with some hints on this topic.
Is the dog carnivorous or omnivorous?
This question may arise when we realize that dog food or diets include foods other than meat and, nevertheless, the dog is able to digest them without too much difficulty.
This phenomenon is due to the fact that the stomach of dogs specializes in the digestion of meat proteins . At the same time, however, it is able to digest vegetable proteins, thanks to the pepsin enzyme.
Hence, the dog can digest nutrients from different foods. Nevertheless, it is necessary to underline that it is not an omnivorous animal , but that it belongs to the category of facultative carnivorous animals.
The importance of the microbiota
Thanks to the different species of bacteria present in its intestine, the dog is able to digest different nutrients . The reason is due to the fact that the colonies of microorganisms maintain the dog’s proper intestinal functioning.
Specifically, only some bacterial strains exert a beneficial function on the body. Among these, we find in abundant quantities the genera Lactobacillus , Streptococcus or Clostridium .
Nonetheless, it is possible that these bacteria are better known to the general population due to their presence in foods containing probiotics . These foods or dietary supplements help regulate the intestinal flora of both dogs and humans.
In particular, it is generally recommended to administer it during times of stress or during antibiotic-based treatments. In this way it is possible to avoid that the bacteria useful for the intestinal tract reduce their presence and that microorganisms harmful to the body can proliferate.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Now that we’ve briefly reviewed the digestive system of dogs, we can provide answers to a variety of questions, such as the one that leads us to ask whether or not dogs can eat eggs. We give you the answer in the following lines.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat and drink eggs, sporadically. Eggs are a food with a high nutritional content, which makes them suitable for consumption by dogs. In fact, they contain the following elements:
Proteins . They are of high quality and their essential amino acids are indispensable for dogs.
Essential fatty acids . In general, they are essential nutrients for the body, since among them we can find Omega-3 acids.
Vitamins . Eggs contain vitamins A, D, E and K.
Minerals . In addition, they also contain minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium or phosphorus. Together with vitamins, these compounds have a positive effect on the dog’s nervous system.
Beware of salmonella!
So that dogs eat eggs is good for their bodies. Nevertheless, it is good to remember that, before introducing it into their diet, the egg must have been cooked. In this way it is possible to avoid the problem of salmonellosis, which can occur if the animal is repeatedly given raw eggs.
Additionally, raw egg white contains avidin protein . This protein hinders the absorption of vitamin H: consequently, to deactivate it, it is necessary to cook the egg. In this way the brace can help the animal to properly assimilate all the nutrients contained in its diet .
How Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
So, in order to properly administer the egg, it must first be cooked, fried or boiled. This eliminates the risk of infection for the animal by the Salmonella bacterium or another microorganism. Even if it is administered concomitantly with a BARF diet , it is necessary to be very careful with raw egg or its derivatives.
Diets of this type consist of a diet for the animal consisting of several raw foods. However, as we have seen, some foods should only be given after they have been cooked . Among these foods we find mainly eggs, fish and meat.
Also, the diet should be planned by a veterinarian. In this way, it will be adapted to the specific conditions of the dog, taking into account several parameters, including his state of health and his physical activity.
On the other hand, it must always be remembered that each dog has some characteristics that are its own . For this reason, before feeding eggs to an animal continuously, the guardian must first let him try a small amount and check that it does not cause any kind of unwanted reaction.
In this way, if the animal is allergic to the egg, the guardian will be able to act quickly: he will know that it is a food that he cannot give to his pet, even if dogs are normally able to digest it.
We can conclude that the answer to the question that opens this article is affirmative. Thanks to the nutrients they provide, cooked eggs are an excellent supplement to the dog’s diet.
However, as we have said previously, before making any changes in the animal’s diet it is good to seek the advice of a veterinarian . In this way the guardian can be sure that the nutrition received by his dog is balanced and suitable for his needs.
