April 18, 2025, 12:02 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Eggs are a popular snack not just during Easter, and many dog owners want to treat their pets as well. But are eggs healthy for dogs? PETBOOK editor and biologist Saskia Schneider explains what to watch out for.
Fried, scrambled, or boiled: Eggs are a popular snack. Especially at Easter, colorful eggs are a must. During breakfast or celebrations, some might want to treat their four-legged family member. It’s obvious that colorful chocolate eggs are a no-go for dogs. Real eggs, on the other hand, can be healthy for dogs to eat—but there are a few things to consider. PETBOOK editor and biologist Saskia Schneider explains what those are.
Overview
Can Dogs Eat Boiled Eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat boiled eggs. Just like for humans, they are a good source of protein for our four-legged friends. However, eggs should be given in moderation. Additionally, dogs should ideally eat hard-boiled eggs to ensure the egg white is no longer raw.
But caution: Some dogs may be allergic to eggs. If you’re unsure or if your dog tends to have food intolerances or allergies, you should start with small amounts and observe if your pet shows any reaction.1
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?
Eggs should generally be served cooked. Otherwise, there is a risk of salmonella infection. Only the yolk can also be served raw—either in raw feeding (Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding) or as a special treat. However, the egg should be fresh for this.
How Many Eggs Can Dogs Eat?
The number of eggs a dog can eat depends on the size of the animal and its individual nutritional needs. An average medium-sized egg contains about 70 to 80 kilocalories (Kcal). These come mainly from the egg white and yolk, both rich in protein, fats, and vitamins. The yolk contains more calories than the egg white due to its higher fat content.2
For a small dog weighing five kilograms, the daily basal metabolic rate is about 210 Kcal. An egg would already cover a quarter of the daily calorie requirement. Therefore, the egg should ideally be subtracted from the total food amount. In general, the rule of thumb is:
- half an egg per day for small dogs
- one whole egg per day for larger dogs
Are Eggs Healthy for Dogs?
In addition to protein, eggs also contain vitamins and are therefore healthy for dogs. The A and B vitamins can especially help strengthen the dog’s immune system and support healthy skin and coat. However, you should ensure that the eggs you give your dog are fresh and not damaged. Damaged eggs are more likely to contain bacteria or germs. A cracked egg in the carton should therefore be thrown away rather than given to the dog, even if you want to make use of it as a “second chance” treat.3 4
Good to know: Dogs can also eat duck or goose eggs, as long as they are served cooked. Additionally, the eggshell—if the dog likes to eat it—is rich in calcium, an important mineral for dogs.
What Nutrients Do Eggs Contain?
Eggs offer many nutrients that can also benefit your cat. Eggs generally contain:
- Biotin
- B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, B9, B12): Contribute to normal energy metabolism, support the nervous system, and blood formation
- Folic acid (Vitamin B9): Important for cell division, blood formation, and nervous system development
- Antioxidants
- Minerals
- Proteins
The yolk additionally contains:
- Vitamin A: Supports vision, the immune system, and skin health
- Vitamin D: Contributes to bone maintenance and muscle function
- Vitamin E: Protects cells from damage by free radicals
- Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health
Can Dogs Eat Eggs with Shells?
Eggshells can be a good source of calcium. The mineral can strengthen the bones and teeth of dogs. The shells should be well washed beforehand, as many eggs may still have traces of feces or dirt.
Theoretically, dogs can crack the shell with their teeth. However, you can also grind it into a fine powder and sprinkle it over the dog’s food. This way, the dog can absorb the nutrients better than if it simply swallows large pieces of the eggshell.
But be careful: Too much calcium can be harmful to dogs. Feeding eggshells is, therefore, especially suitable for animals that are raw-fed or if the commercial food has a low calcium content. The calcium requirement of an adult dog is about 50 mg per kg of body weight per day. 5
Can Dogs Eat Colored Eggs?
In general, colored Easter eggs are safe for human consumption. Most commercially available dyes and coloring agents used for Easter eggs are safe and non-toxic. However, you should avoid giving your dog colored eggs, as some of the dyes and coloring agents used could be toxic to animals.
If you want to dye eggs yourself and make them suitable for your dog to eat, you can use natural dyes like turmeric or chamomile flowers. Or you can buy colorful eggs from happy hens of various breeds. They bring joy to both dogs and humans, not just at Easter.
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What to Consider When Feeding Eggs
If you want to feed your cat eggs, you should pay attention to the following:
- Dogs should always receive whole eggs cooked
- Feed raw yolk only from fresh eggs
- Small dogs should receive a maximum of half an egg per day
- Larger dogs can receive one whole egg per day
- Eggshells are a good source of calcium