Can dogs eat eggs? Boiled, raw, yolk and shells
Checked against 3 sources
Yes — a fully cooked, plain egg (boiled or scrambled, no oil, butter or salt) is a safe protein treat for most dogs, in small amounts1. Raw egg is a different matter: it carries a salmonella risk and an enzyme in the raw white that can block biotin absorption, so cook the egg through first, and skip the shell12.
A dog that's eaten raw egg may show no signs at all, or may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or lethargy over the following day or two — call your vet if any of these show up .
- Eggshells
- Skip them — sharp edges can hurt the mouth, throat or gut1
- How much
- A treat, not a meal — a quarter to half an egg for most dogs, within the usual treat limit13
- This page is for
- Dogs. The same cooked-only rule is the safer choice for cats too1
On this page
Why cooked, not raw
A fully cooked egg is one of the more complete protein sources a dog can get from a human kitchen: egg provides protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals when it's plain and cooked through1. Raw egg changes the picture. Raw eggs can carry salmonella, which can make both a dog and the people handling the food unwell, with signs like fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy1. Raw egg white also contains an enzyme called avidin that interferes with the body's absorption of biotin, a vitamin — over time this can affect a dog's skin and coat12.
Cooking the egg through — boiled or scrambled, plain, with nothing added — removes the salmonella risk and breaks down the avidin, so it's the simple fix for both concerns1. There's no vet source recommending raw egg over cooked for a dog.
Eggshells
Eggshells aren't recommended: their sharp edges can injure a dog's mouth, throat or gut on the way down1. Some home recipes grind shells for calcium, but that isn't something our sources recommend doing yourself — a dog on a complete, balanced dog food doesn't need extra calcium from shells, and it's simpler and safer to just throw the shell away.
How much egg, and how often
Treat it as an add-on, not a meal: a hard-boiled egg is calorie-dense enough that a quarter of one large egg already counts as a full treat portion for many dogs, and treats overall should stay to a small share of a dog's daily food3. Exactly how much egg is right for your dog depends on his size, age, activity and health, so there's no single fixed number — start small and keep it occasional rather than a daily habit, and ask your vet if your dog has a weight, kidney or pancreas condition, since egg yolk is fairly rich in fat1.
A little plain cooked egg mixed into food most days is fine for most healthy dogs, as long as it stays a small part of the day's food and not extra calories on top of a full meal13.
What about cats?
This page is written for dogs. Cats can also have a small amount of fully cooked, plain egg, and the same raw-egg risks (salmonella, biotin) apply to them too — ask your vet for a cat-appropriate amount before making it a habit1.
If your dog ate raw egg, a shell, or too much egg
Checked against vet sources. Not yet reviewed by a vet.
- A dog that's eaten raw egg may show no signs at all, or may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or lethargy over the following day or two — call your vet if any of these show up1.
- A swallowed eggshell piece can scratch the mouth or throat; watch for pawing at the mouth, drooling or reluctance to eat, and call your vet if these don't settle quickly.
- Too much egg as a one-off is more likely to cause an upset stomach than anything serious — call your vet if vomiting or loose motions don't settle within a day, or your dog seems unwell1.
- For the full list of signs that mean go to a vet now, see pet emergency: when to go, and who to call.
Not fully clear yet
Official sources disagree or leave gaps on these. Confirm before you rely on them.
Sources and how we check
Facts checked against the official and veterinary sources below by Thapki. Not yet reviewed by a vet. Written with AI help from the sources below, then checked line by line; the Thapki team reads and approves every page before it goes live. How we check
- 1Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
- 2People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- 3Treat Options for Dogs and Cats Without Unbalancing Their Diet