Can German Shepherds Eat Eggs? (inc. Raw Eggs, Cooked Eggs, Egg Shells)

Can German Shepherds Eat Eggs? (inc. Raw Eggs, Cooked Eggs, Egg Shells)

Can German Shepherds Eat Eggs? (inc. Raw Eggs, Cooked Eggs, Egg Shells)

So, can German Shepherds Eat Eggs? Yes, Eggshells, Raw Eggs and Cooked Eggs are suitable for your German Shepherd. Eggs are high in protein, and therefore, possess all the building blocks that will help your dog grow. 

There are loads of reasons Eggs are healthy for your German Shepherd, there are also some risks that are associated with Eggs. Let’s dive in and take a look – 

There are a number of benefits your German Shepherd can reap from eating eggs , these include:

Vitamin A

Eggs have Vitamin A which is responsible for a shiny and healthy coat, leaving your dog looking all lovely and healthy. Vitamin A also promotes growth, especially in young German shepherds. Your dog’s eyesight will also greatly improve, enabling it to see well at night.

 

Riboflavin

There is high riboflavin content in eggs which plays an important role in food metabolism. As a result, your German Shepherd will easily convert food into energy. Riboflavin in combination with other minerals spearheads the formation of antibodies which are responsible for fighting off diseases and infections. This egg component also helps in iron absorption.

 

Folate

Eggs contain folate which plays several roles in your German Shepherd’s body. Folate helps in cell production and maintenance, which your furry friend needs to stay alive. Folate also lowers the chances of Cancer, which is one of the leading German Shepherd killers. Lastly, it plays a huge role in puppy development while still in the womb by reducing the chances of cleft palate.

 

Vitamin B12

Eggs are a good source of Vitamin B12 which every German Shepherd needs. Vitamin B12 promotes intestinal health and the overall functioning of your dog’s brain. This vitamin also contributes to red blood cell formation. Lack of Vitamin B12 predisposes your dog to several conditions. You therefore, risk rearing a German shepherd who is always lethargic, depressed or overly unhappy.

 

Iron

Eggs are rich in Iron, which is needed in the synthesis of hemoglobin and the functioning of different enzymes. Iron also helps in temperature regulation, which is important to your German Shepherd. You ,therefore, stand rearing a lively energetic German shepherd, thanks to an increase in red blood cells.

 

Selenium

Eggs contain Selenium which is important for your German Shepherd. Selenium plays a major role in cell protection by keeping your dog’s cells from getting oxidized. Just like folate, this key component found in eggs help prevent cancer, keeping your German shepherd healthy and safe. Selenium also ensures that different parts of your dog’s body function properly. Your dog will, therefore, have improved pancreatic function, thyroid function and properly functioning hips.

 

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are also a component of eggs that every dog needs. Fatty acids are responsible for healthy glowing skin which ensures that your dog looks healthy and attractive. Fatty acids are also good for the immune system, saving you from constant trips to the vet. You should see your dog healthy, and as a result, this component promote cell growth, giving you a lovely amazing pet.

Potential Health Risks From Eggs

Salmonella

Salmonella is one of the biggest diseases your German Shepherd can get from eating eggs. It is prevalent in dogs who feed on raw eggs. Do not freak out though. There are high chances that your dog will handle raw food well. Just make sure that you do not give it too many raw eggs.


Biotin Deficiency

Biotin deficiency is a major concern when it comes to eggs. Eggs are good for your dogs, but with time, they suppress the absorption of biotin which your dog needs for good health. The best way to avoid this is to give your dog just the right amount of raw eggs.

 

Digestion Complications

Too many eggs can also cause digestion problems to your dog, condition that is prevalent in old and younger German Shepherds. Just like humans, therefore, do not feed your dog too many eggs.

Can German Shepherds Eat Egg shells?

Yes. You should feed your dog the entire egg if you can. However, make sure that you first wash the eggshell to reduce the risks of contamination. Adult dogs can handle the shell well, but you can also break the egg if you feel that your German Shepherd may not be comfortable eating an entire egg.

You can also store the eggshells from the different eggs you feed your dogs and leave them to dry. Afterward, make a point to crush them until they are fine enough or in powder form and then sprinkle them on top of your dog’s food. Eggshells are rich in calcium which benefits your German Shepherds bones.

Your dog also benefits from the entire egg if you allow it to feed on the eggshells. Therefore, on top of the benefits that it derives from the York and the egg white, it also reaps from the shells. Eggshells also come in handy if you notice that your dog finds it hard to eat raw bones. These two feeds carry the same calcium content. The shells are way easier to crush compared to bone, making them a better alternative.

Another reason why you should feed your dog eggshells is because of the thin membrane that exists between the egg white and the inner walls of the shell. This thin membrane contains hyaluronic acid and collagen, which your German Shepherd needs. The eggshell also contains several essential minerals such as Zinc, magnesium, and selenium, that will boost your dog’s body metabolism

Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Eggs?

Normally there is no issue with giving your Shepherd Raw Eggs. Raw Eggs are a great source of protein as they contain all the essential fatty and amino acids unaffected by the cooking process. Raw Eggs can also help settle a dog’s upset stomach.

You can likely serve your dog a raw egg from time to time without any problems, however by doing this you run the risk of salmonella exposure if you come across a bad egg. And a regular diet of raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency. (Biotin is a B complex vitamin that supports healthy digestion, metabolism, and skin and cell growth.)

Some adorable German Shepherd puppies tucking into some Raw Egg.

Can German Shepherds eat cooked eggs?

Yes. It is, in fact, advisable that you cook eggs before feeding them to your German Shepherds. Cooking eggs beforehand denatures albumin which binds with biotin, leading to biotin insufficiency. Biotin is an important component, whose deficiency comes with a number of side effects. Raw eggs might also be already contaminated with Salmonella and e-Coli bacteria, which are bad for your German Shepherd. You do not want to constantly pay the vet a visit.

Cooked eggs, therefore, eliminate the possibility of contaminating your dog with either any potential bacteria.

If giving your German Shepherd cooked eggs make sure they are not mixed with anything that is potentially bad for your dog. Check out our definitive guide for more information.

How Many Eggs Can A German Shepherd Eat?

There is no hard and fast rule as to the exact amount of eggs a German Shepherd can eat. The amount will depend on your individual pup and how well it can tolerate them.

The recommended amount of Eggs a German Shepherd can be fed is usually around 1-4 Eggs each week. It’s not uncommon however for German Shepherd owners to crack an egg over their dogs meal every day.

Too many eggs can be problematic for your furry friend and can lead to a Biotin Deficiency or weight gain.

 

Summary

Eggs are an amazing protein source for your German Shepherd. They provide your pup with a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. 

It’s perfectly safe to feed cooked eggs, but, if you want to deliver maximum nutritional benefit, raw eggs are preferable, as cooking destroys vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. However, it is entirely up to you whether you want to take the risks, even if they’re small. You are the one to decide if they outweigh the benefits or not.

Do you feed Eggs to your Shepherd? Anything we’ve got wrong or missed? Let us know in the comments.

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