The short answer: Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat boiled eggs. In fact, due to their numerous benefits, eggs can be a delicious, healthy addition to your Australian Shepherd’s diet. Moreover, Australian Shepherds can also eat scrambled and fried eggs.
Nutritional Value of Eggs
According to the National Institutes of Health, eggs are a 'source of':
- Vitamin A: Important for normal vision and helps your heart, lungs, and other organs work properly
- Vitamin D: Important for typical growth and development of bones and teeth
- Vitamin B12: Helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy
- Biotin: Supports your skin, hair, and eye health
- Riboflavin: Also called Vitamin B2, converts food into fuel, which is used to produce energy
- Selenium: Acts as a powerful antioxidant
- Iodine: Helps the thyroid gland, in the neck, to make the hormone thyroxine
- Protein: Helps your body create antibodies to ward off illnesses and infections
- Monounsaturated fatty acids: Help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood, therefore lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Pantothenic acid: Also called Vitamin B5, helps the body use fats and protein
- Folate: Also called Vitamin B9, is important for healthy cell growth and function
- Phosphorus: Helps filter out waste in the kidneys and reduce muscle pain
As you can see, the health benefits of eggs are numerous. They can provide the same benefits to dogs as they do to humans.
How Many Boiled Eggs Can Australian Shepherds Eat in a Day?
Generally, it is recommended that dogs, including Australian Shepherds, eat only one egg a day. This recommendation, however, is for adult dogs. Puppies, on the other hand, should be fed one egg per week, and no more than ¼ of an egg per day. Additionally, many experts advise against seasoning eggs for dogs.
Just boil the egg, put it in cold water for some minutes, remove the shells, and add it to your Australian Shepherd's food. Once again, remember to remove the eggshells, as they can be sharp if not crushed properly and as a result can get stuck in your dog’s throat, leading to esophageal blockage.
Can Australian Shepherds Eat Eggs Every Day?
Although eggs contain several health benefits, it's widely recommended that you stick to feeding your dog eggs a few days a week. According to WebMD, every day can be a lot. That's because eggs add extra protein and calories to your dog's daily food, which can cause your Aussie to become overweight. WebMD recommends treating eggs as more of a treat for your Australian Shepherd dog.
Alternatively, you can consult with your vet regarding the right amount of egg to give your Aussie. Factors veterinarians use to determine how much you should be feeding your dog eggs include age, size, energy level as well as any existing health problems.
Should I Give My Australian Shepherd Raw Eggs?
The short answer: No, you shouldn't give your Australian Shepherd raw eggs. Veterinarians advise against feeding raw or undercooked eggs to your dog. For us humans, eating raw eggs comes with a potential risk of Salmonella food poisoning – the same goes for dogs as well. Salmonella is described as a bacteria typically found in food that causes several health issues including:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
According to WebMD, about one in 20,000 eggs contain Salmonella. The WebMD article also states that feeding raw eggs to your dog can prevent their body from absorbing biotin, which is an important vitamin for:
- Boosting metabolism
- Cell regeneration
- Healthy skin
- Digestive health
Feeding your dog raw eggs poses a significant risk that far outweighs any potential nutritional benefits. Raw eggs have the potential to induce vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, according to WebMD. As a result, it is strongly advised to avoid feeding your Australian Shepherd raw eggs altogether.
Can Australian Shepherds Eat Eggs and Be Allergic?
Food allergies are a common occurrence among Australian Shepherds. According to Lucy Pet Foods, eggs are one ingredient that some Aussies may have issues with. If your Australian Shepherd is allergic to eggs, they may show symptoms after eating them. These include excessive drooling, coughing, vomiting, skin rashes, and ear infections.
To be safe, when feeding your Australian Shepherd eggs for the first time, give them just one egg. If your dog shows no signs of allergy or sensitivity after a day or two, then you can continue feeding them eggs. Otherwise, it is strongly recommended that you transition your dog to a limited-ingredient diet.
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