Debunking the Myth: Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Eggs?

There are countless folk tales surrounding the consumption of eggs with dogs, with some of the most common myths including:

1. Dogs will suffer from a biotin deficiency if they eat egg whites.

2. Dogs cannot digest egg whites.

3. Eggs will lead to high cholesterol levels in dogs.

Let's debunk these myths one by one:

1. Biotin Deficiency from Egg Whites (Myth 1)

This is another case of "all or nothing" thinking. We've mentioned before that discussing toxicity or effectiveness without considering dosage is misleading. While raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that can interfere with the absorption of biotin, studies show that it would take an intake of 18.5% of the total diet to cause a deficiency. This is an extremely high proportion, far beyond what a normal person or dog would consume.

2. Dogs Cannot Digest Egg Whites (Myth 2)

This statement is simply not true. Egg whites are highly digestible and have one of the highest biological values for protein among egg types. The only drawback is that they lack taurine, an amino acid found in animal tissues. However, this doesn't diminish the high costeffectiveness of eggs. If you're concerned about your dog's taurine intake, you can supplement with other sources like organ meats or seafood. Additionally, egg whites contain almost no phosphorus, making them an excellent protein source for dogs with kidney issues.

3. Eggs Lead to High Cholesterol in Dogs (Myth 3)

This myth has been debunked in the field of human nutrition. Recent dietary guidelines in China and the United States have removed cholesterol limits, as cholesterol is primarily synthesized by the body rather than consumed from food. Therefore, both dogs and humans have no need to fear high cholesterol levels due to the consumption of eggs.

How to Feed Eggs to Dogs?

1. Egg Whites and Yolks: Both can be served raw or cooked.

2. Frequency: Aim for three to four eggs per week, depending on your dog's preference.

3. Raw vs. Cooked: Dogs that are accustomed to a raw diet can eat raw eggs, but it's advisable to deworm them regularly. For dogs not used to raw food, cooked eggs are the safer option to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.

4. Special Considerations: Dogs that have been on a commercial dry food diet for a long time may have a more simplistic and fragile gut microbiome. These dogs may have a "sensitive stomach" and are not encouraged to eat raw eggs. Instead, cooked eggs are recommended.

OxyPet Doctor's Tip: Dogs that have been on a commercial dry food diet for an extended period may have a more simplistic and fragile gut microbiome compared to those on a natural diet. These dogs may have a "sensitive stomach." We do not recommend feeding raw eggs to such dogs and suggest cooked eggs instead.