Furr-ever curious about the best diet for your feline and canine friends? Look no further!

We've got the scoop on a popular food item that's been debated among pet owners for years: eggs.

Are they good for our furry friends or not? Let's crack into the details and find out!

As pet owners, we all want to make sure our furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. While dogs and cats have different dietary needs, one food item that often comes up in discussions is eggs.

CAN YOU FEED EGGS TO YOUR PETS?
"Can my pet have eggs?" "Are eggs good for cats and dogs?" These are common questions pet owners ask. The answer, as with many things in pet nutrition, is not a straightforward one.

The best thing you can do is dive into the specifics of eggs and whether they're a nutritious addition to your pet's diet.

Some healthy dog foods contain egg as a primary content, while some healthy cat foods have raw eggs but only as a treat.

Before taking an egg out of the carton and emptying it into the kitty bowl, you may want to consider how much and when you can give it.

EGG-CELLENT NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF EGGS AS HEALTHY PET FOOD
First, let's talk about the nutritional benefits of eggs. It is evident that they are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals like biotin, selenium, and vitamin B12.

Let’s not forget that eggs are often used as a complete diet as they contain many enzymes, protein content, minerals, and fats that help in various physiological and developmental functions in animals.

If you’re considering adding this healthy treat to your pet’s healthy diet routine, have a look at what you’re getting yourself into as a reward:

HIGH PROTEIN CONTENT
Just like humans, protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining strong bones, and supporting a healthy immune system in cats and dogs as well.

Eggs are packed with high-quality protein, making them a perfect addition to your pet's diet. And just like we’ve all read in our science subject, protein is also a major component responsible for energy production.

There’s no harm in giving a little energy-boost snack to your small happiness-filled creature.

RICH IN VITAMINS & MINERALS
These nutrients are crucial in supporting the overall health and wellness of your pet. If you feel that your cat or dog is feeling a little dull and mulls over instead of jumping with joy, it might mean that it needs vitamins and minerals.

That’s where eggs may come to the rescue. But then again, always ensure the safety of your pet before feeding them something they get excited for.

SOURCE FOR FATTY ACIDS
Let us give you a little “Sticky note” for your mental map.

Eggs are a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat. These fatty acids also help to reduce inflammation and improve brain function.

THE “SALMONELLA SCARE”
Eggs are small ovals super-packed with nutrition and numerous benefits. They may even cheer your pet and fulfill their cravings in minutes.

So far, so good, right? But before you start whipping up scrambled eggs for your pet, there are a few important things to consider.

First, not all pets can tolerate eggs. Some pets may have an allergic reaction to the proteins in eggs, which can cause digestive upset, skin irritation, or other health problems. If you're unsure whether your pet can handle eggs, it's best to consult your veterinarian first.

Second, raw eggs can contain salmonella or E. coli bacteria, making your pet sick. Even though sometimes raw pet food and raw eggs are good for cats as they have readily available enzymes, you should analyze which type of egg to feed.

What’s the safest solution to this “Salmonella Scare”?

The easy way out is that eggs should be cooked before feeding to your pet. Cooking the eggs will kill off any harmful bacteria and make the eggs safer for your pet to eat.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FORM OF EGG FOR PET NUTRITION
Once you've determined that your pet can handle eggs and you've cooked them properly, you can add them to your pet's diet in moderation.

Too much of a good thing can still be bad, and too many eggs can lead to an imbalance of other essential nutrients in your pet's diet.

As now you’ve entered into another tunnel of confusion, let us present to you a few of the common egg types to choose from.

You might find cage-free, free-range, organic, and pasture-raised eggs in your nearest superstore. Even though washed free-range eggs might be safe, it is better to choose organic and pasture-raised eggs for your previous pets’ healthy food.

EGG SHELLS AS RAW PET FOOD
Another thing to consider is whether you're feeding your pet the entire egg, including the eggshell.

While eggshells are a great source of calcium, they should be crushed or ground into a fine powder before being added to your pet's food. Whole eggshells can cause digestive upset or blockages, especially in cats.

HOW TO GIVE RAW EGGS AS PET FOOD
What you can do is always wash the eggs thoroughly before serving to remove any bacteria for a safe “egg-sperience”.

Another thing to consider is to offer raw egg yolks, not raw egg whites. Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin that can prevent the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin essential for a healthy coat and skin.

Plus, introduce raw eggs gradually into your cat's diet to avoid digestive upset. And most importantly, consider feeding raw eggs as a treat, not as a regular part of their diet.

A point to ponder: Raw eggs should not make up more than 10% of a cat's diet.

HOW TO GIVE EGGS TO YOUR FURRY FRIENDS?
Whether you choose to feed them boiled, scrambled, or in their shells, eggs are a simple and affordable way to give your furry friends the nourishment they need.

So go ahead, crack open an egg, and give your pet the gift of good health.

Here are a few things that might help you in your furry-cious nutrition journey:

GIVING EGGS TO CATS AND DOGS SAFELY
The serving size of eggs for dogs depends on the size and weight of the dog. As a general rule, the serving size should be proportional to the dog's weight and nutritional needs.

Here are some guidelines for serving sizes:

  • Small dogs (up to 20 pounds): 1/4 to 1/2 egg per day
  • Medium dogs (21 to 50 pounds): 1/2 to 1 egg per day
  • Large dogs (over 50 pounds): 1 to 2 eggs per day

If you plan to feed eggs as a significant part of your dog's diet, it's best to provide a balanced and varied diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

GIVING EGGS TO CATS
The serving size of eggs for cats can vary based on the cat's size, age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule, cats can have one or two egg yolks per week as a treat.

Use this as a reference for feeding your fabulous feline:

  • Kittens: 1/4 egg yolk per week
  • Adult cats: 1/2 to 1 egg yolk per week
  • Senior cats: 1/4 to 1/2 egg yolk per week

While you’re at it, always know that eggs should not be a significant part of a cat's diet and should only be fed as a treat.

TAKEAWAY FOR AN EGG-CEPTIONAL PET DIET?
It might not come as a surprise that eggs can be a nutritious addition to your pet's diet as long as they're cooked and fed in moderation. If you have any concerns about your pet's ability to tolerate eggs, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.

Remember, every pet is unique, and its nutritional needs will depend on its individual health, age, and activity level.

So, are eggs good for cats and dogs?

The answer is yes, but with some important caveats. As long as you take the necessary precautions and keep in mind your pet's individual needs, eggs can be the perfect add-on ingredient to your healthy pet shopping cart on Fetching Dog.

After all, who wouldn’t want a convenient little package of pawsitively scrumptious nutrients?