Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Cooked, Raw and Shells

Yes, dogs can eat eggs. A plain, fully cooked egg — boiled or scrambled without butter, oil or salt — is a safe and nutritious treat for most dogs. Raw eggs are a different story, and it's best to avoid them.

Eggs are cheap, easy to cook and loved by most dogs, so they're one of the most popular human foods to share. Here's how to do it well.

Why eggs are good for dogs

Eggs are a whole-food source of high-quality protein. They also provide:

• Amino acids that support muscle and tissue.
• Fats that contribute to skin and coat health.
• Vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, several B vitamins (including riboflavin and B12), iron and selenium.

That said, a complete dog food already provides everything your dog needs. Think of eggs as an occasional topper or training reward, not a replacement for a balanced diet.

The risks

Raw eggs

Raw eggs can carry Salmonella bacteria. Dogs can get ill from it — vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and lethargy — and some carry it without showing signs, passing it on through their saliva and faeces. That puts the people in the house at risk too, especially children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.

There's also a less well-known point about raw egg whites. They contain a protein called avidin, which binds to biotin (a B vitamin) and stops the body absorbing it. In practice, this is only likely to cause a problem if a dog eats a lot of raw egg white over a long period, and it's rare. Cooking deactivates avidin, which is one more reason to cook eggs first.

Eggshells

Shells are mostly calcium, but broken shell has sharp edges that can scratch the mouth and throat. Complete dog foods are already balanced for calcium, so adding more can tip the balance — something that matters a lot for growing large-breed puppies. Only give eggshell, finely ground, if your vet recommends it.

Fat and calories

The yolk is rich in fat. Too many eggs can lead to weight gain, and fatty extras can trigger a stomach upset or pancreatitis in dogs who are prone to it.

Allergies

A small number of dogs are allergic to egg. Signs include itchy skin, ear problems, and vomiting or diarrhoea. If you notice any of these, stop feeding eggs and speak to your vet.

How to cook eggs for your dog

• Hard-boiled: the easiest option. Peel, cool and chop into small pieces.
• Scrambled: cook in a non-stick pan with a splash of water instead of butter or oil.
• Plain only: no salt, pepper, cheese, milk, onion, garlic or chilli. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs even in small amounts — see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.

Don't share fried eggs, omelettes or egg dishes from your own plate, which usually contain fat, salt and seasoning.

How much egg can a dog eat?

Treats should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. One large egg contains roughly 70–80 calories, which is a large share of a small dog's daily allowance.

Ask your vet before adding eggs if your dog is overweight, has had pancreatitis or is on a special diet.

Can puppies eat eggs?

Healthy puppies can have small amounts of plain cooked egg once they're eating solid food. Keep it to a few small pieces and introduce it on its own so you can spot any tummy upset. Avoid raw egg and eggshell entirely for puppies — they're more vulnerable to infection, and extra calcium can interfere with healthy bone growth.

Alternatives

If eggs don't suit your dog, other plain options include small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey with no skin or bones, or plain cooked white fish with every bone removed.