Sounds familiar? For most dog lovers, especially during these uncertain times, this is a mind bugging question. As a dog owner, overseeing the diet and making an informed decision to include nutritious food choices is significant for your pet’s development. Read on to know how egg- a superfood is the best health companion for your awesome four-legged friend!
Which way to go- Meat or Vegetarian?
Oh no! Not again! While this meat versus vegetarian diet debate is getting out of hand, you need to know which of the two is more helpful for the growth of dogs. More than often, pet owners show concern about feeding veg or meat diet to their dogs. The intestinal tract and tooth structure adapt to an omnivorous diet because of the dietary needs of dogs. A dog can thrive on a veg diet with a balance of different plant-based sources of protein. But, the only veg diet may lead to nutrition deficiency in dogs. Hence, there is a necessity to combine both diets to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Eggs to the rescue!
Do you know a superfood which supplies all the nutrients to your pupper friends? Yes. Eggs! Eggs have the highest biological value of proteins. Eggs have a lot of protein and fat-soluble vitamins, amino acids that keep the dog healthy.
What is so special about Eggs, mate?
Every pet owner wonders about the significance of eggs. To answer this question, consider parts of eggs-egg yolk, eggshells, and egg white.
Egg Yolks
Essential fatty acids are a must for dogs to maintain healthy skin and haircoat.
Vitamins are consumable as water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients in the diet for dogs. They build the metabolism and immune functions of a dog.
Egg Yolk contains
- Vitamin-A
- Vitamin- E
- Vitamin-B12
- Riboflavin
So, it is a double benefit as Egg Yolk is both rich in fatty acids and vitamins.
Egg Shells
Minerals are necessary for the growth and development of dogs and are consumable as salts.
These are the nutrients in Egg Shells:
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Zinc
Egg Whites
Egg Whites provide the required amino acids. They signify meat and plant-based protein in a dog’s diet and help in maintaining muscles.
Nutrients in Egg Whites
- Arginine
- Histidine
- Lysine
- Valine
Track the doggo-energy need by this simple method!
Your veterinarian can estimate how many calories dogs needs each day based on their lifestyle& body condition score.
The steps to calculate the energy requirements of avg adult dog are:
- Calculate Resting Energy Requirement (RER)
RER= (Weight in kgs) ^¾ x 70.
- Calculate Energy Requirement for Maintenance (ERM)
ERM= Appropriate multiplier x RER.
For example, for a neutered dog (multiplier=1.6) of 20kg,
RER= (20) ^¾ x 70= approx 660 calories /day.
ERM= 1.6 x = 1,056 kcal/day.
Estimating Protein needs
The muscle condition score helps in estimating whether the pet gets adequate protein. Protein needs are almost constant. Usually, adult dogs need 1gram/ pound.
The Burning Question: How to feed Eggs to your doggo?
Now that you know eggs include an adequate amount of all these nutrients, the burning question that arises is: How to feed Eggs to your doggo? To cook or not to cook? That is the question! Dive in to know more about different ways to treat your doggo to an egg meal!
Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs?
Studies show that there is not much nutritional benefit in feeding raw eggs to dogs. Since they can have a Salmonella infection- a bacterial intestinal infection, from a raw egg, it is wise that you avoid it at all.
So, what is the solution?
Worry not! For you can still feed your puppy friend this wondrous protein! The popular methods of feeding eggs to your dog are boiling them, scrambling or making Omelettes with less oil.
How much egg can a dog eat?
An Average Egg contains 60 Calories, 6grams of protein and 4 milligrams of fat.
The serving of eggs depends on
- Age
- Activity level
- Size
- Existing health issues
Oh No! Here come the side effects!
As much as eggs are a nutritious food choice for your pawsome buddy, some side effects affect them.
- Gain in weight of dogs since eggs are rich in fat.
- Too Many Eggs Lead to Biotin deficiency and put dogs at the risk of Salmonella and gas.
- Few dogs are allergic to proteins. Since eggs are rich in protein, dogs can become allergic to eggs.
Some Signs of allergic reactions in dogs are
- Gastrointestinal (GI) issues like vomiting and diarrhoea
- Skin issues like itchiness around ears, paws, and other areas
The Bottom Line
So, yes, Dogs can eat eggs, as they are the most wholesome source of nutrients. Eggs help with their healthy growth and development. Make sure that you treat your lovely canine companion with good quality eggs to avoid any chances of infections. Stay in touch with the veterinarian for a healthy lifestyle for your precious doggo!