I feed eggs to Izzy, my greyhound.
If you read the internet for advice on dog nutrition, you’ll probably find references about not feeding raw eggs because this could lead to biotin deficiency. Egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that interferes with biotin.
Biotin is one of the complex B vitamins group and it’s linked to a number of key health benefits, including:
- Healthy skin and coat
- Proper muscle formation
- Healthy digestion
- Normal growth
- Improved energy
- Thyroid and adrenal gland function
What these references rarely say, however, is that the egg yolk is very high in biotin. So if you are feeding the entire egg – not just the egg white – there really shouldn’t be a major risk.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you feed your dog eggs as a steady diet – let’s remember that old adage about “everything in moderation.” Rather consider eggs to be a pretty nifty package of nutrition. They are a great source of bio-available protein and, for most dogs, they are highly digestible.
An egg or 3 a week (small dogs require less) for dogs that are at their ideal weight, is a nutritious and easy source of fresh food and nutrition.
I like to feed Izzy her eggs cooked – with a little dried tripe as an omelette:
Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 