Dogs · Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Cooked vs Raw, Shells and How Many
Yes, dogs can eat eggs, as long as they're fully cooked and plain. Eggs are a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Boiled, scrambled or poached are all fine, cooked without oil, butter, salt or seasoning. Don't feed raw eggs: they can carry *Salmonella*, and raw egg whites contain avidin, which blocks biotin. As a treat, give about ¼ of an egg for tiny dogs up to 2 eggs for giant breeds, once or twice a week.
| Safe for dogs? | Yes, fully cooked and plain |
|---|---|
| Not safe | Raw eggs (Salmonella risk; avidin blocks biotin) |
| How to cook | Boiled, scrambled or poached, with no oil, butter, salt or seasoning |
| How many | ¼ egg for tiny dogs up to 2 eggs for giant breeds, 1–2 times a week (see table) |
| Skip yolks if | Your dog has pancreatitis, is overweight or is on a low-fat diet |
Are eggs good for dogs?
Cooked eggs are nutritious: they provide protein, healthy fats, vitamins A, D, E and B vitamins (including riboflavin, folate and B12), and minerals such as iron, selenium and zinc.
They're still a treat, not a meal. A complete, balanced dog food should make up at least 90% of your dog's daily calories.
Why not raw eggs?
- Salmonella: raw eggs can carry bacteria that cause vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration in dogs, and can also make the people who handle them ill.
- Biotin: raw egg whites contain avidin, which binds biotin (a B vitamin) and stops the body absorbing it. Cooking neutralises avidin.
If your dog eats a raw egg, watch for signs of illness and call your vet if you're worried.
How to cook eggs for your dog
- Hard-boiled: boil until the white and yolk are both solid, cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces
- Scrambled: cook in a non-stick pan with no oil or butter
- Poached: cook fully in plain water
- Keep it plain: no salt, butter, oil, seasoning, cheese, onion or garlic
- Store cooked eggs in the fridge and use within four days
How many eggs can a dog eat?
Follow the 10% rule: all treats together should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. Too many eggs can cause weight gain, gas or diarrhoea.
| Dog size | Weight | Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small | 2–10 lb (1–4.5 kg) | ¼ of an egg |
| Small | 11–20 lb (5–9 kg) | ½ an egg |
| Medium | 21–50 lb (10–23 kg) | 1 egg |
| Large | 51–90 lb (23–41 kg) | 1½ eggs |
| Extra-large | 91 lb+ (41 kg+) | 2 eggs |
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Only with your vet's guidance. Eggshells contain calcium, but they have sharp edges that can hurt your dog's throat or gut. If your vet recommends them, they'll usually suggest baking and grinding them into a fine powder.
When to be careful
- Pancreatitis, obesity or low-fat diets: egg yolks are high in fat, so feed only the whites or skip eggs
- Egg allergy (uncommon): watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, itching, hives, swelling or breathing trouble
- Puppies: small amounts of cooked egg are fine; introduce gradually and keep portions smaller
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, if they're fully cooked without oil, butter, salt or seasoning.
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
No. Raw eggs can carry Salmonella, and raw egg whites contain avidin, which blocks biotin absorption.
How many eggs can a dog eat a week?
As a treat, about ¼ egg for tiny dogs up to 2 eggs for giant breeds, once or twice a week.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Only with veterinary guidance. Shells have sharp edges; if your vet recommends them, they're usually ground into a fine powder.
Can dogs eat egg yolks?
Yes, but yolks are higher in fat and calories than whites. Dogs with pancreatitis or weight problems may need whites only.
Can puppies eat eggs?
Yes, small amounts of fully cooked egg, introduced gradually.
Sources
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different; ask your vet before changing your pet's diet or care, especially if they have a health condition, are overweight, or have a sensitive stomach.