Eggs are one of the most nutrient-rich foods in existence, and they’re also a low-cost option for both people and beagles. They’re high in protein and healthy fats, and we can prepare them in a variety of ways. That’s why many beagle owners are wondering if it’s safe to feed eggs to their beagles.
The short answer is yes—beagles can eat eggs! However, there are lots of facets to that question that need to be considered individually. How do you know if your beagle is allergic or intolerant to eggs? Should you be concerned about salmonella? What about raw eggs? This post will answer every question you have regarding whether you should feed your beagle eggs.
Let’s start with the first question:
Are eggs safe for beagles?
Yes, eggs are safe for beagles to eat, but introduce them slowly. It’s best not to feed your beagle too much egg at once as too much egg can cause digestion issues. Cooked egg is a better option because it makes the nutrients more available and easier to digest.
If you’re feeding eggs to your beagle for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs. While rare, some beagles can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, discontinue feeding eggs and consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Benefits of eggs in beagles
Feeding eggs to your beagle can provide a bunch of benefits, including:
Protein: The protein in an egg is one of the easiest proteins for your beagle to digest.
Vitamin B-complex: Eggs contain riboflavin, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which are all super important for your beagle’s health.
Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant that helps keep cells healthy and protects your pet’s body from oxidative damage.
Vitamin A: This vitamin supports a healthy immune system and keeps eyesight sharp.
Iron: Most people know that iron is important for good blood health, but it also helps with muscle development and brain function.
Oleic acid: This fatty acid can help support heart health in older beagles.
Do all beagles like eggs?
Unfortunately, no. Your beagles may not like eggs. But that’s okay! beagles have food preferences, just like we do.
Some beagles may be allergic to eggs, so if your beagle is showing signs of discomfort after eating eggs, don’t force it. Instead, try other beagle-friendly protein sources like beef, turkey or chicken. Always consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your beagle’s diet.
Can my beagles have eggs every day?
There are a lot of misconceptions about eggs and beagles, but you can give your beagle eggs once or twice a week. Don’t give them every day, though—eggs contain high levels of protein, and too much of that can lead to obesity or other health issues.
Can beagle puppies eat eggs?
Yes, puppies can eat eggs! But if your puppy is under two months old, wait.
Puppies are on a specialized puppy diet for the first two months of their lives, so it’s best to avoid introducing any new food until they’re past that point.
After that, though? Eggs can make a great addition to their diet. Start with just a small bite of cooked egg once or twice a week—egg whites in particular are a great source of protein and amino acids—but keep careful track of how your puppy reacts to it.
Puppies have delicate digestive systems. If they seem uncomfortable at any point, or if they vomit or have diarrhea, call your vet right away. You’ll want to consult them before introducing any new foods to your puppy’s diet anyway, but keep them on speed dial for the first few weeks after you introduce eggs.
How much egg can beagles eat?
Many people ask us, “How many eggs can my beagle eat?” The answer is simple: it depends on the age, size, and activity level of your beagle. Like with any food, you should always consult with your vet to find out how much—and how often—your pooch can enjoy eggs.
But you came here for a number, right? Here’s a general rule of thumb: If you have a smaller pup breed (<20 lbs), offer one cooked egg per week. If you have a medium-sized pup breed (21-50lbs lbs), offer two cooked eggs per week. And if you have a large pup breed (>50 lbs), offer three cooked eggs per week.
Portion control is important, though: even if your beagle can handle more, start slow and see how they respond—if there are no bad reactions, you can offer more.
How to serve eggs to your beagles?
Are you considering adding eggs to your beagle’s diet? If so, first check with your vet. (It’s always important to check with a professional before changing your beagle’s diet.) Some veterinarians will recommend feeding only organic eggs, while others are less picky. But no matter what type of egg you choose to feed your beagle, make sure it is clean and not cracked.
You can cook the egg simply. For example, you could steam or hard boil the egg. Or you could scramble it or make an omelet or frittata with chopped veggies and diced meat. You can even turn the eggs into a topping by chopping them up and sprinkling them onto your pup’s kibble or canned food. Whatever way you choose to feed the eggs to your beagle, make sure they are fully cooked before serving them. And be sure not to feed raw eggs because they can cause biotin deficiency in beagles.
When cooking eggs for your beagle, don’t add spices or butter, which can both upset their stomachs—just keep it simple! You should also grind up the shells before feeding them to your beagle because hard shells can pose a choking hazard for beagles who aren’t used to eating them.
When are eggs bad for beagles?
Eggs are a great source of protein for your beagle, but there are some instances where you should avoid feeding your beagle eggs.
If your beagle has any underlying health issues like allergies, pancreatitis, or cancer, avoid feeding them eggs. If your beagle is a puppy, egg whites can rob their body of biotin, which can cause skin and coat problems.
It’s also important to make sure not to overindulge your beagle with eggs because they contain high amounts of fat and cholesterol.
Raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency in beagles, so it’s best to cook the eggs before you feed them to your beagle.
Also, make sure that the eggshells are ground up because they can be too difficult for your beagle to digest whole.
What happens when your beagles eat too much egg?
Vomiting: If your beagle has eaten too many eggs, they might vomit. The vomiting should subside within a few days. If it doesn’t, take them to the vet.
Diarrhea: If your beagle has eaten too many eggs, they might have diarrhea. The diarrhea should subside within a few days. If it doesn’t, take them to the vet.
Bloat: If your beagle has eaten too many eggs, they might bloat. Bloat is a serious condition in which your beagle’s stomach fills with gas and puts pressure on surrounding organs. If your beagle bloats, take them to the vet immediately.
Obesity: If your beagle has eaten too many eggs, they might become obese. Obesity can lead to several other health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. If your beagle has become obese from eating too many eggs, work out a plan with your vet to help them lose weight safely and get back to good health.
Other human foods Beagles can eat
What other human foods can beagles eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your beagles can eat.
So, can beagles eat eggs?
Yes, beagles can eat eggs. Eggs are rich in protein, riboflavin, and selenium and contain high-quality protein, making it an excellent treat for beagles. However, a beagle should only eat eggs that are fully cooked. Raw eggs may contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which are harmful to both humans and beagles.
If you want to give your beagle an egg, scramble it or hard boil it first. Hard-boiled eggs can be given plain or mixed into your beagle’s food or favorite treat. For example, you can use them as an ingredient when making homemade beagle treats.