✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last reviewed: 2026-07
Can dogs eat eggs?
The full picture
Cooked eggs are a nutritious, complete protein source for dogs. Scrambled (no butter, milk, or salt), boiled, or poached all work. The whites contain an enzyme called avidin when raw that interferes with biotin absorption, but cooking destroys this. Cooking also kills any salmonella or campylobacter. Eggshells contain calcium, and some owners grind them into food for this reason — but only if you trust the source. Start with small amounts; some dogs have egg sensitivities.
Risks to watch for
- Salmonella from raw eggs
- Biotin deficiency from repeated raw whites
- Allergic reaction in some dogs
Potential benefits
- Complete protein
- Vitamin A, B12, riboflavin
- Selenium
- Healthy fats
Safe portion size
Half an egg for small dogs, one full egg for large dogs, a few times per week.
Cooked vs raw — the salmonella and biotin questions
Cooked eggs (scrambled, boiled, or poached, with no butter, oil, salt, or seasoning) are the safer and generally recommended way to feed eggs to a dog. Raw eggs carry a real salmonella risk — the same bacteria that makes raw eggs a food safety concern for humans applies to dogs, and while dogs are somewhat more resistant to salmonella than humans, they're not immune, and a contaminated raw egg can still cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Raw egg whites specifically also contain avidin, a protein that binds biotin (a B vitamin) and can interfere with its absorption if raw egg is fed regularly over time — this isn't a concern from occasional raw egg, but it's part of why cooked is the more consistently recommended choice, particularly for dogs eating eggs as a regular addition rather than a one-off.
Shells — a genuine, if minor, nutritional bonus
Crushed eggshell is a natural source of calcium, and some raw-feeding and home-cooked diet plans include finely ground eggshell powder as a calcium supplement for exactly this reason. Whole or large shell fragments aren't recommended — they can be sharp enough to cause minor internal irritation and don't offer any benefit over finely ground shell. This isn't something to improvise casually; if you're interested in eggshell as a calcium source, it's worth discussing proportions with a vet rather than guessing, since calcium balance in a dog's diet needs to be reasonably precise, especially for large-breed puppies.
Common questions
How much eggs can I give my dog?
Is eggs good for dogs?
What are the benefits of eggs for dogs?
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