Over the years, more and more people are implementing raw diets for their dogs instead the good old kibble.
The topic is too hot to share an opinion of whether or not a raw diet is better overall.
However, there are some raw foods that are really good for dogs.
Can I Give My Dog Raw Egg Every Day?
No, you shouldn’t give your dog raw egg every day especially if you feed a balanced fresh feed, raw, or kibble. The egg white prevents nutrients and vitamins from being absorbed by the dog’s body. You can however give your dog raw egg three times a week, but not with a meal.
First of all, raw eggs shouldn’t be fed with a meal because the egg white contains Avidin and Trypsin inhibitors that are depriving your dog of nutrition.
When raw egg whites make up only 7% of your dog’s diet it immediately affects the protection and digestibility of a dog’s food.
Avidin is a protein found in egg whites that binds to biotin, also known as vitamin B7. This binding prevents the absorption of biotin by the body and can lead to biotin deficiency if consumed in large amounts.
Trypsin inhibitors found in egg whites are probably more problematic than avidin. These compounds work to inhibit the proteolytic activity of trypsin enzymes, reducing their ability to break down proteins within the body.
This can lead to digestive problems and other health issues in dogs if they ingest large amounts of raw egg whites.
You can potentially feed your dog raw eggs separately to avoid them blocking the protein and vitamin absorption found in other foods. Or, you can simply cook the eggs because it denatures the avidin and trypsin inhibitors.
What Are The Benefits of Raw Eggs For Dogs?
Benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs include protein intake which is great for the dog’s muscles, essential fatty acids which keep the skin and coat healthy, and omega-3 fatty acids which can improve joint health.
Protein
Firstly, the protein in raw eggs helps with muscle development and growth. Raw eggs provide dogs with an excellent source of proteins and minerals.
The protein in raw eggs helps to build muscle for a healthy body, while also providing essential amino acids that aid in the support of healthy skin and coat.
Raw eggs also contain iron which is important for supporting blood health and delivering oxygen to cells throughout the body.
Good for the dog’s skin and coat
Raw eggs are also rich in essential fatty acids which help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Raw eggs are also packed full of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can boost the overall health of your pup.
The fats found in raw eggs can also help give your dog a shiny coat by improving its skin and fur condition.
Good for joint health
Additionally, raw eggs provide a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids which can improve joint health.
Omega-3s also provide anti-inflammatory benefits to dogs, which can help support joint health and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
Promotes eye health
Egg yolk contains lutein, an antioxidant that can help protect your dog’s eyesight and reduce the risk of age-related ocular disorders. Lutein also helps to prevent cataracts and other forms of vision-related degeneration in dogs.
It can also help boost overall eye health by improving blood circulation to the retina. In addition, lutein can help reduce inflammation in the eye and protect cells from oxidative damage that can lead to vision-related disorders.
Potential Risks Of Feeding Raw Eggs To Dogs
Raw eggs can be a nutritious part of a dog’s diet, but there are potential risks to consider when feeding them.
Salmonella
Raw eggs may contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of animals and humans.
When a dog eats raw or undercooked eggs, they are at risk of becoming ill from salmonella infection. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache.
To reduce the risk of illness, make sure to cook all egg dishes until both the white and yolk are firm.
If you choose to feed your dog raw eggs, buy pasteurized products instead as they have been heated enough to kill any harmful bacteria.
Biotin deficiency
Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed. This is why eating raw eggs can lead to a biotin deficiency in dogs.
Cooking the egg destroys avidin, allowing biotin to be absorbed properly in the dog’s body. That’s why it is always recommended that you cook your eggs before feeding them to your dog.
Raw eggs also contain trypsin inhibitors, which are proteins that prevent the digestion of certain proteins by inhibiting the digestive enzyme trypsin. These inhibitors can interfere with normal protein digestion and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Is It Good To Mix a Raw Egg With Dog Food?
No, you shouldn’t mix raw eggs with dog food because the egg white contains Avidin and Trypsin inhibitors which prevent the dog’s body from absorbing proteins from foods. This is why it is best if you serve the raw egg separately.
Avidin and trypsin inhibitors are naturally occurring proteins found in raw eggs that interfere with the digestion of proteins.
Avidin binds strongly to biotin, a vitamin also known as Vitamin B7, which is important for metabolism.
Trypsin inhibitor prevents the enzyme trypsin from breaking down proteins into smaller components during digestion.
Together, these two proteins can make it difficult for the dog’s body to absorb nutrients from egg whites and other protein-rich foods.
Therefore, it is best to cook the egg before adding it to your dog’s food. Additionally, eggs should always be fed in moderation.
Too many eggs can lead to an unbalanced diet or digestive problems for your pup. If you decide to feed your pup raw eggs, make sure that the shell has been thoroughly washed and inspected for any signs of damage or contamination before feeding.
In Conclusion
You shouldn’t feed your dog raw eggs every day because it prevents the dog’s body from absorbing proteins. Instead, you can feed your dog raw eggs three times a week.
Always make sure that the raw eggs are served separately.
Otherwise, the egg white will prevent the absorption of protein.
While you think that your dog ate proteins, in reality, they will not be absorbed by the body.
