Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs? Here’s What the Experts Say
Updated: Nov. 10, 2022
Your dog would love to get his paws on your scrambled eggs, but is this a good idea—or should you keep this food away from your pup?
What you need to know about dogs and eggs
When your pup wants a bite of your food, he’s relentless. He sidles up right beside you, patiently (or not-so-patiently) waiting for you to drop something or, better yet, just give in and give him a bite. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist, especially when it comes to a healthy food like eggs. But can dogs eat scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, omelets and more?
It’s definitely one of the things your dog wishes you knew … as long as the answer works in his favor, of course. We spoke to vets to find out if dogs can enjoy this delicacy, whether it’s Dolly Parton’s famous scrambled eggs or a scrambled egg recipe of your own, or if eggs are among the foods toxic to dogs, even the healthiest breeds. Once you know the answer, turn your attention to another favorite food and find out if dogs can eat ice cream.
Can dogs eat eggs?
We’ve got some good news for you—and your pup. “Dogs can eat eggs almost any way you like to cook them,” says veterinarian Brian Evans, DVM, the medical director at pet telehealth company Dutch. “They can be boiled, scrambled or poached.” What’s more, they’re a nutritious choice. They are a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, Dr. Evans adds.
That said, while the majority of dogs can eat eggs without a problem, there are some exceptions. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, for example, talk to your vet before offering eggs or any other new food item, since they could cause inflammation. Other dogs may be naturally sensitive to eggs or even allergic to them. Symptoms to watch for include diarrhea, itching, hives, facial swelling, scooting, ear infections and inflamed skin.
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?
Let’s face it: Dogs can eat just about anything they find appealing, and that goes for mind-boggling things including grass and poop. However, the real question here isn’t: Can dogs eat scrambled eggs? It’s actually: Should dogs eat scrambled eggs? The short answer is yes, says veterinarian Cherice Roth, DVM, chief veterinary officer at online vet service Fuzzy. But scrambled eggs for dogs shouldn’t contain foods that are toxic to dogs. No, dogs won’t turn up their nose at the deluxe versions of scrambled eggs we enjoy, but tasty add-ins like butter, mushrooms, onions and bacon could harm your pooch.
How do you make scrambled eggs for dogs?
Can dogs eat cooked eggs with cheese? How about spinach and a dash of turmeric? Interestingly, there are many human foods that are good for dogs, including cancer-fighting foods like turmeric, but before you offer gourmet scrambled eggs to your dog, it’s best to start with a basic version to avoid a doggy dietary disaster.
When you offer scrambled eggs for the first time, cook them plain without butter. Start with half of a scrambled egg to see if your dog likes it and digests it without any issues. “For pets with a very sensitive stomach, consider just adding the egg to their normal food and not offering the egg alone,” Dr. Roth advises.
Can scrambled eggs upset a dog’s stomach?
Anything is possible, but Dr. Roth says it is extremely rare for cooked scrambled eggs to cause any issues in dogs. Some dogs can be naturally sensitive to eggs, but limiting the added fats when cooking them and other ingredients can fend off gastrointestinal upset.
It may be hard to tell if your eggs don’t agree with your dog because an upset tummy isn’t always noticeable. Other times, the signs your dog is in pain are obvious, since they cause vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, if your usually hearty eater isn’t interested in food or you observe excessive drooling and lip licking, they could be feeling nauseous.
This sort of tummy trouble will likely run its course, but you should stop feeding your dog eggs and give your veterinarian a call if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs every day?
Absolutely! But you don’t want to add an egg to their daily meal plan without doing some math first. “Pet parents have to watch out for the calorie content and be sure that eggs are not the only thing the pet is eating,” says Dr. Roth. Commercially prepared dog food provides dogs with all the necessary nutrients, so if you only feed them eggs, they’ll miss out on other essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
If you want to try adding scrambled eggs to your pup’s meals, keep in mind the average egg has around 70 calories and 5 grams of fat. Dogs can also have cooked duck and quail eggs. Duck eggs are about 130 calories and higher in fat‚ at 9.5 grams, while quail eggs have only 14 calories and 1 gram of fat. Simply subtract the calories of the eggs and decrease the other food (including healthy dog treats) so your dog doesn’t become obese by accident, Dr. Roth advises.
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
If you like to cook your eggs in a people-pleasing way with butter and diced onions and mushrooms, it might seem more convenient just to crack a raw egg and mix it in with dry dog food. That way, you won’t have to make a separate dog-friendly version of scrambled eggs for your pup. Unfortunately, there are downsides to feeding your dog raw eggs. “For the same reasons eating raw eggs can be dangerous to people, the same risks exist for dogs,” says Dr. Evans. “Raw eggs have the potential to expose your dog or members of your family to salmonellosis, which can cause them to become very sick.”
Dr. Roth adds: “Signs of salmonella in pets are vomiting, decrease in appetite and profuse watery diarrhea.” If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, this type of food poisoning in dogs clears up with rehydration and a food-restriction diet. Still, puppies, senior dogs and those with compromised immune systems might require antibiotics and/or hospitalization. Resist giving your dog raw eggs (and meat) to avoid the risks of salmonella and digestion issues.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Dogs thrive when they have fun and challenging dog brain games to keep them busy. But while an unpeeled hard-boiled egg might keep them busy as they lick or gnaw off pieces of the shell, the tiny, broken bits might have sharp edges that could get painfully lodged in their teeth and gums, Dr. Evans says. It’s challenging enough to clean your dog’s teeth without trying to retrieve something like this. Thankfully, you can quickly peel a hard-boiled egg in no time and give your pup a healthy treat.
That said, eggshells have a great mineral content. You can grind them up and feed them to your dog, but most dogs don’t need extra minerals when eating veterinarian-approved dog food. If your dog needs added minerals, there are easier ways to get them, like by adding a supplement to his diet.
Sources:
- Brian Evans, DVM, medical director at Dutch
- Cherice Roth, DVM, chief veterinary officer at Fuzzy
- Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: “When to See a Veterinarian for a Dog’s Stomach Ache”
