Eggs are an Inexpensive Superfood for Dogs
By: Nandini Maharaj
Tags: Food, Pets, Health, Education, Dogs

Education

Eggs are an Inexpensive Superfood for Dogs

Photo by Misael Moreno on Unsplash

Eggs contain omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA) which are crucial for brain and eye development in puppies. DHA helps guard against cognitive decline and arthritis in older dogs. The protein in eggs keeps skin and coats hydrated, and repairs damage to tissue and muscle. Vaccines and environmental toxins (e.g. pesticides, chemicals) put a good deal of stress on your dog’s body. The supply of vitamins A and B-12 in eggs is an important line of defense for your dog’s immune system.

1. What kind of eggs should I get?

Eggs from hens are the most common and widely available but there are others including duck, quail, goose, and ostrich eggs. These animal-based alternatives can be found in pet stores, grocery stores, and farmer’s markets. They can be substituted for chicken eggs provided that your dog does not have an allergy or sensitivity to poultry.

Conventional eggs in your grocery aisle come from hens that are grain-fed and given vitamin and mineral supplements. These eggs come in different grades such as non-cage-free, organic, and free range. Organic and free range are preferable to non-cage-free (i.e. hens are caged). Organic eggs come from hens that can choose when and how much they eat. Compared to non-cage-free eggs, organic tends to be higher in proteins and nutrients such as potassium which helps to prevent the breakdown of muscles including those supplying blood to the heart.

To meet USDA standards, free-range eggs must come from hens that have regular access to the outdoors, space to move about freely during laying cycles, and unrestricted access to food and water. Omega-3-enriched eggs are a good option if your dog is not getting enough fatty acids from other sources (e.g. fish, nuts and seeds, plant oils). These eggs come from hens that are given flaxseed in their feed.

2. How should I serve them?

Raw

Eggs can be served raw as a meal topper or mixed in with rice or legumes to bind these dry ingredients. Start with one egg per week and increase as desired. It’s best to feed the whole egg as the whites and yolk are high in protein. In addition, the biotin-rich yolk helps to counteract the biotin inhibitor (avidin) found in egg whites. Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, is part of the vitamin B family and helps to keep your dog’s skin healthy and free of irritation.

Dogs’ digestive systems are designed to process raw, living food and minimally processed food (e.g. freeze-dried, air-dried food). According to Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, the combination of stomach acid, bile, and pancreatic enzymes allows dogs to handle bacterial loads that would cause illness in humans. As for concerns about contracting Salmonella infection, Dr. Becker explains that these bacteria along with others are a normal component of a dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract whether they are fed raw or not. GI issues such as vomiting and diarrhea may be caused by allergies or sensitivities to the proteins in meat and eggs rather than the result of a bacterial infection.

Cooked

Boiled or poached is the simplest way to cook eggs without any extra fat. Plain boiled (cooking for 10 min in a cup of boiling water) eggs can help calm an upset stomach or be fed to dogs recovering from surgery or illness. Hard-boiled eggs are a convenient snack for outdoor excursions. Scrambled eggs, omelettes, and frittatas are a good way to incorporate additional flavors. Ensure the ingredients are safe (i.e. no garlic or onions) for dogs and that salt is kept to a minimum. Healthy options include veggies such as spinach, kale, zucchini, or collard, and dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese, or cheddar cheese.

3. Is the shell safe for my dog?

The yolk and whites are not the only source of nutrition in an egg. You can ditch the compost bin for an affordable calcium supplement. Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate which is needed for enzyme support (i.e. absorbing nutrients from food) and maintaining bone and muscle health. Eggshell calcium supplements can be purchased from a pet store or made at home (see directions below).

Consult with your veterinarian regarding the amount of calcium your dog needs based on his/her age and weight. A good rule of thumb is ½ teaspoon of eggshell supplement per 500g of raw food. Dogs with poultry allergies can still enjoy the benefits of this supplement as long as the eggshells have been rinsed thoroughly and baked at an adequate temperature.

Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

Homemade Eggshell Calcium Supplement

· You will need 12 eggshells. Wash shells thoroughly and keep refrigerated until ready to prepare.

· Cook shells in boiling water for 10 min to eliminate any pathogens or bacteria. Allow them to dry for at least 4 hours.

· Preheat the oven to 200˚F.

· Spread the shells on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 min or until crispy.

· Once cooled, grind the shells in a blender or coffee grinder until they are a fine powder.

· Store in an air-tight container in the fridge or at room temperature (lasts up to 2 months).