Eggs are a very nutritious food to add to a dog’s diet. We’ll explain why, plus give our tips to get the most benefit from them.
What’s so good about eggs?
- “Eggs provide virtually all the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals your pet needs… Eggs are nature’s multivitamin!” says Dr Becker from Common Sense Veterinary Medicine. An egg contains “all ten amino acids dogs need for muscle growth and regeneration“
- They’re packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals (the unstable molecules that cause inflammation and cellular damage). For example, antioxidants help protect the eyes from developing cataracts.
- They’re high in choline, which is needed for brain function, and to help treat or prevent cognitive decline. This well-designed study of older people (not dogs, but still interesting) who took egg yolk choline daily for 6 weeks, found their verbal memory significantly improved. There are many choline supplements now available to help treat or prevent ‘doggy dementia’.
- They are high in Omega 3 and 6, which help manage inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, and diabetes.
- Eggs contain good quantities of fatty acids, folate, iron, vitamin A, Selenium, B vitamins and of course, protein.
Why use free-range or pasture-raised eggs?
Biomed Nutrition explains that “diets high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 fatty acids can exacerbate inflammation.” “Free-range eggs offer superior omega-3 content and a more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which can positively impact health, particularly in terms of reducing inflammation and supporting heart and brain health.”
Free-range hens are generally better nourished, eating a wider variety of foods more in keeping with their natural omnivore diet.
What about egg shells?
Egg shells are packed with calcium and other goodies – see here and here. Egg shells are particularly helpful for older and arthritic dogs, and significantly reduce joint pain and inflammation. See here. This is why our 100% Pure Egg Chips, and 100% Pure Egg Topper contain the whole egg, including the shell. We have managed to retain the nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Are raw eggs safe?
There’s some division among veterinary advice. The chances of a dog contracting salmonella from raw eggs is much lower than people, as their gastro-intestinal tract naturally contains salmonella, and they have stronger digestive juices than people. That’s why my dogs can eat a raw chicken wing, and I can’t (the only thing I’m not jealous about my dogs’ lifestyle). However, many vets point out that there is still a risk, and dogs do get food poisoning, so it’s a risk not worth taking when it’s so easy to poach (or scramble) an egg. If you haven’t the time or inclination for regular home cooking, try ours!
Hen images by Aluxum and Tadphoto.com on iStockphoto.com