You sit down to breakfast and look away for a moment. You look back, and you have less scrambled eggs than you cooked, and your dog looks suspiciously satisfied. Which brings to mind, can dogs eat scrambled eggs? The answer is more nuanced than you may think.
Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Maybe. A small amount of scrambled eggs served plain and cooked without oil or butter every now and again won’t cause your dog any serious harm, but be mindful of how you’re cooking them. It’s best to serve eggs plain or added as a side to your dog’s usual diet, or as a part of your favorite treat recipe. Be cautious of sharing your own favourite scrambled eggs, which require butter or oil, and humans find delicious with adding salt, pepper or even hot sauce. These unnecessary fats undermine the health benefits, not to mention that some spices and flavorings are bad for dogs.
Eggs are a great source of protein. They also contain essential fatty and amino acids. Eggs, well cooked, can even help settle a dog’s upset stomach, and they can make a surprisingly good training treat.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs in General?
Eggs are widely considered a great source of protein for dogs, whether scrambled or hardboiled. They contain a range of essential fatty and amino acids, including lutein and Vitamin A, both linked to eye health.
While raw eggs are not recommended for dogs, plain cooked eggs can be a great healthy treat for your dog, packed with protein and other nutrients they need. Learn more about how dogs can eat eggs.
Is Salmonella a Concern?
Did you know that dogs can get salmonella? Did you know that it’s zoonotic, which means your dog can pass the infection on to you?
Salmonella can exist in any uncooked unpasteurized egg, which is a good portion of those sold in grocery stores in the US. (Those that have been treated are marked as pasteurized.)
If a dog eats an egg contaminated by salmonella bacteria, they run the risk of contracting Salmonellosis, a bacterial infection.
The symptoms of Salmonellosis in dogs are:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Refusal to eat (Anorexia)
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
While these aren’t the only symptoms Salmonellosis could cause, it’s a good idea to take a trip to the vet to have your dog tested if they display any of these symptoms.
Dogs most at risk for Salmonellosis are older dogs and puppies, though even healthy dogs can become infected.
Thankfully, cooking eggs kills salmonella. Just make sure the yolk and white are firm and you should be safe.
Can My Dog Eat Scrambled Eggs Every Day?
An average large egg contains 70 calories, 1.5 g of saturated fat, 185 mg of cholesterol and 6 g of protein. While these aren’t close to your dog’s daily recommended allowances, it’s still a good idea to keep most of your dog’s calorie intake to their main food, whether you buy dry food, wet food, raw food or make your own.
It’s generally best to keep to the 10% rule. Only 10% of your dog’s recommended daily calories should be treats, with the rest of their nutrition to come from meals.
So, your dog can eat scrambled eggs daily, but they’re not recommended as a meal replacement.
Can Scrambled Eggs be Dangerous For My Dog?
Eggs by themselves aren’t dangerous to your dog, but many scrambled egg and omelet recipes call for ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs, and if you cook your scrambled eggs in butter or oil, you run the risk of your dog ingesting too much fat. This can result in conditions developing over time, such as pancreatitis or diarrhea.
Serving Idea: Scrambled Egg Dog Treats
Do you want to serve your dog the healthiest version of scrambled eggs? Try our Power Egg Puff homemade treats for dogs, featuring healthy greens, fat-free cottage cheese, and yes, scrambled egg.
Some other ways to share scrambled eggs with your dog:
- On top of their normal food as an enticing topper
- Scramble one egg and serve as a fun snack
- Bits of scrambled egg as training treats
- Sharing a piece of your non-seasoned breakfast eggs with your furry best friend
What about Egg Allergies?
Eggs are among the more common food allergies for dogs. If your dog has an egg allergy, you’ll notice symptoms like dry, itchy skin, redness, and even sores.
A true food allergy means your dog’s immune system overreacts to the protein in the egg. If you suspect that your dog is having an allergic reaction to eggs or anything else in their diet, be sure to check with your veterinarian.
Your pet sitter or dog walker should also know if your dog has any food allergies.
For More Information
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are healthy or dangerous for dogs to eat, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables.
You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Raw Eggs?”
