Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on Earth!
They’re a staple in many households, and for good reason. Not only are they inexpensive and widely available, but they’re also nutritionally rich—they contain almost every vitamin and mineral you can think of.
So it’s no surprise that many Maltese owners wonder whether their furry friends can benefit from eating eggs, too. After all, Maltese are omnivores, so it makes sense that they’d be able to eat eggs along with their regular food—right?
The short answer is yes, you can feed eggs to your Maltese. But there are lots of questions surrounding this topic—Will they find them tasty? Are they healthy? Is there anything special required when feeding eggs to the Maltese? In this article, we’ll answer every question regarding this topic that you may have. Let’s start with the most basic question:
Are eggs safe for Maltese?
Yes, eggs are safe for the Maltese. If you’re introducing eggs to your Maltese’s diet for the first time, it’s best not to feed them too many eggs at once, as they can suffer from digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or an upset stomach.
Cooked eggs are a better option than raw eggs because they’re easier to digest. Raw eggs can also carry salmonella bacteria, which is harmful to both you and your Maltese.
If you’re feeding your Maltese eggs for the first time, be sure to watch for any abnormal signs that could show a food intolerance or allergic reaction. While rare, food allergies can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If you observe any of these symptoms in your Maltese, discontinue feeding them eggs immediately and seek medical attention from your veterinarian.
Benefits of eggs in Maltese
Here are 6 benefits of feeding eggs to your Maltese:
Protein. Eggs have high protein content and amino acids that help a Maltese build muscle mass, keep their coat shiny, and aid in other essential functions like growth and repair. Egg protein has been said to be one of the most easily digestible proteins out there.
Vitamin B-complex. B vitamins are essential for energy production and nervous system function. They also help bolster a Maltese’s immune system.
Selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps the immune system work better, which can protect against diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an important nutrient that Maltese need in order to maintain healthy eyesight, skin, teeth, hair, and more.
Iron. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body—so it’s pretty important! Anemia can result from iron deficiency.
Oleic acid: Supports a healthy heart.
Do all Maltese like eggs?
Unfortunately, no, not all Maltese like eggs! Just like humans have food preferences, so do Maltese. Some Maltese may be allergic to eggs. If your Maltese’s favorite treats are eggs and they are licking their lips while they eat it, then it is a good sign that they like it.
You should start feeding your Maltese protein-rich diets with eggs, but don’t force it if your Maltese doesn’t seem to like them. Instead, try other Maltese friendly protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish or beef. If you wish to include eggs in your Maltese’s diet for the first time, then consult with your vet before introducing a new food to their diet.
Can my Maltese have eggs every day?
Your Maltese can have eggs once or twice a week, but they should not eat them every day. Maltese can have up to 10% of their daily caloric intake from eggs. If you are feeding your Maltese a balanced diet, that means that they will have enough room in their diet for an egg each week.
Can Maltese puppies eat eggs?
Yes, they can! But you should wait until your Maltese puppy is at least two months old to introduce eggs into their diet. In the first two months, puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet.
Once they’re two months old and have been eating only puppy food, consult with your vet about introducing eggs. They may want you to start by feeding your puppy just a small bite of cooked egg once or twice a week, so you can watch for any digestive issues that might arise.
Puppies have a delicate digestive system, and there’s always the risk of an allergic reaction. It’s important to consult your vet before introducing any new food into your puppy’s diet. When starting them on eggs, it’s best to cook them thoroughly and mash them up before giving them as a treat.
How much egg can Maltese eat?
Eggs are a great source of protein, as well as vitamin B12 and riboflavin, so they’re a great option to add to your Maltese’s diet. But you should make sure that you’re not giving them too much. If you give your pup too much egg, it can cause an upset stomach or even pancreas problems, so portion control is important.
How much you give your Maltese depends on their age, size, and activity level. It’s probably a good idea to consult with your vet before introducing eggs into your pup’s diet for the first time so that you can get an individual recommendation for how much to feed them safely.
But in general, you can give a small pup breed under 20 pounds one cooked egg per week; medium-sized breeds between 21 and 50 pounds two cooked eggs per week; and large breeds over 50 pounds three cooked eggs per week. Start with a small serving size and if there are no noticeable signs of gastric distress like vomiting or diarrhea, then you can offer more.
How to serve eggs to your Maltese?
There are lots of ways you can share eggs with your canine friends! It’s important to check with your vet first, but after that, it’s time to get cracking.
Make sure you’re only serving organic eggs to your pups—they shouldn’t be eating any extra chemicals. Then, clean the egg thoroughly in hot soapy water to prevent the spread of salmonella.
For a simple treat, steam hard-boiled eggs and cut them up into small pieces for your pooch. A scrambled egg or omelet is also a great idea—just make sure it’s not too spicy and there aren’t any onions or garlic in the mix. You could even make a frittata and add some Maltese-friendly veggies like steamed broccoli or carrots (just skip the green tops).
Another option is to turn cooked eggs into a topping—try mixing it in with their regular food or adding some on top as a reward for good behavior. And don’t throw out those shells! Grind them up after cooking and sprinkle them over your pup’s food for an extra calcium boost. They might get some splinters from the shell, so make sure you break it down finely enough before you give it to your Maltese.
When are eggs bad for Maltese?
While we consider eggs healthy for Maltese, there are a few situations in which you shouldn’t give your Maltese eggs.
If your Maltese has an allergy to eggs, has pancreatitis (which is an inflammation of the pancreas), or has a history of eating raw eggs, you should not feed them eggs. Giving your Maltese too many eggs can lead to digestive upset and nutritional imbalances.
It’s also important that if you do give your Maltese eggs, cook them thoroughly and without oil or butter. Egg shells should be ground as well before being given to your Maltese, as they could pose a choking hazard if left whole.
What happens when your Maltese eat too much egg?
Vomiting: Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms associated with eating too many eggs. If your Maltese experiences vomiting, avoid giving him or her any food or water for between 12 and 24 hours. When you do give them food again, start with a bland diet.
Diarrhea: If your Maltese experiences diarrhea after eating too many eggs, it’s important to monitor their hydration level and other symptoms. If the diarrhea persists for two or more days, call your vet.
Bloat: One of the most dangerous symptoms associated with eating too many eggs at once is bloat. This condition occurs when a Maltese’s stomach fills with gas and then rotates, trapping the gas in the stomach and causing abdominal pain, nausea, and shock. Symptoms of bloat include pale gums, weakness, excessive drooling, and visible discomfort in the abdomen. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Maltese after they’ve eaten too many eggs at once, seek immediate emergency care.
Obesity: Maltese who eat too many eggs will often become obese because they’re eating so much extra protein. This weight gain can lead to other serious health issues such as diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) or heart disease later on down the line.
Other human foods Maltese can eat
What other human foods can Maltese eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Maltese can eat.
So, can Maltese eat eggs?
Yes, Maltese can eat eggs. Eggs are rich in protein and amino acids, making it an excellent treat for the Maltese. However, you should always consult with your vet before giving your Maltese new foods.