Can Dogs Eat Egg Whites? Our Vet Answers!
By Dr. Paola Cuevas, MVZ (Vet)
Updated on
Egg whites are a hardy and healthy breakfast food. But can you share your love of this delicious dish with Fido? The answer is yes. Your dog can eat egg whites in moderation. Additionally, the occasional egg white added to your dog’s meal can be beneficial to their health.
If you want to learn more about egg whites and your pooch, keep reading.
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Can Dogs Safely Eat Egg Whites?
As we stated previously, egg whites are perfectly safe for canines to consume. They’re also a healthy addition to their diet.
As a nutrient-dense food, egg whites can provide your dog with easily digestible proteins and the following vitamins and nutrients:
- Folate
- Iron
- B12 vitamin
- Selenium
- Riboflavin
Even better, a single raw white egg contains 0.056 grams of fat and 3.6 grams of protein, both of which are essential for a healthy and happy pooch.
The Possible Drawbacks of Feeding Your Dog Egg Whites
For egg white protein to be in the most digestible form for your dog, it is recommended to gently cook the egg whites. Your dog can get the most nutritional advantage if you serve them this way. If you wish to feed raw egg whites to your dog, it’s critical to do so only in moderation. Routinely feeding your pup large amounts of egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency due to an antimicrobial protein called avidin. Avidin will tightly bind to biotin and interfere with your pet’s ability to properly absorb it. Biotin is critical for skin, hair, and nail health. If regularly fed raw egg whites, your dog could suffer from skin and fur problems.
Another possible problem of feeding your dog raw egg whites is the threat of Salmonella. These dangerous bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
To reduce the risk of Salmonella contamination, always:
- Purchase in-shell pasteurized eggs
- Buy fresh, organic eggs
- Store the eggs in a fridge and never at room temperature
- Dispose of eggs with a dented or broken shell
- Cook or boil the egg white before feeding it to Fido
How to Prepare Egg Whites for Your Dog
Never use an egg with a broken or dented shell. Before feeding your dog egg whites, it is best to either boil or cook them.
What About Egg Shells?
Dogs can eat eggshells in moderation. They provide an excellent source of calcium for canines. To feed your dog eggshells safely:
- Wash the eggshells
- Boil the eggshells
- Place the eggshells on a baking sheet and allow them to dry
- Bake for 10 minutes at 200 °F
- Grind the egg shells in a coffee grinder
- Store in a clean and dry mason jar
- Sprinkle the powder over your dog’s next meal
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Conclusion
Egg whites are perfectly safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Feeding excessive amounts of raw egg whites to your dog might not be the best idea. Be sure to always cook or boil egg whites before serving them to your pet.
Egg whites can be beneficial to your dog’s health when offered as the occasional tasty treat. As with any diet change, consult with your vet before adding egg whites to your dog’s meal.
Related Reads:
- Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Are Eggs Safe for Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide
Featured Image Credit: Jill WT, shutterstock
