It’s a topic that is, surprisingly, debated about a lot. Some people say that eggs are too high in cholesterol and cause salmonella and biotin deficiency. But that’s all just myth. Eggs are actually a cheap and nutritious food for dogs.
Eggs are full of ‘the good stuff’. Eggs provide all the nutrition that a chick needs to grow. They contain amino acids, which lead to protein growth. Eggs also include:
- Vitamin A
- Riboflavin
- Folate
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Selenium
- Fatty Acids
Eggs whites contain enzyme inhibitors which can interfere with digestion and leave your dog with an upset stomach, this means that the eggs should not be the main part of the meal. If you plan on having egg as part of your dog’s diet then make sure you only give it to them once per day. If your dog starts showing signs of discomfort then the egg whites are probably giving them stomach aches. If this is the case, cook the egg before feeding it to the dog as this will get rid of the enzyme inhibitors. Unfortunately, this will also get rid of much of the nutrition in the egg once cooked.
Egg whites are said to cause biotin deficiency. Egg whites contain avidin, a Biotin inhibitor. Biotin is a B vitamin and is responsible for cellular growth, fatty acid metabolism and good skin and coat. This helps the chick become healthy and full-grown. Biotin deficiencies are rare as it would take an extraordinary amount of eggs to create one. Again, you can try cooking the egg but it will get rid of many of the other nutrients.
Another rumor is that eggs can cause salmonella. Dogs are insusceptible to bacteria in raw foods and so they are very well equipped when it comes to the bacteria that is found in raw egg. But if you want to make sure that your dog is completely free from harmful bacteria, buy eggs that are produced from hens that are free range and organic. The healthier the hen, the less bacteria in the egg.
Eggs are a cheap and nutritious food for dogs to go in their daily diet. They are full of vitamins to help your dog’s bones and their overall health. Not only that but they are also easy to get and are a great food for both the family and the dog.
