Eggs are considered one of the highest-quality protein sources available for dogs. They're highly digestible and contain a complete amino acid profile, making them an excellent ingredient in dog food.
Nutritional Benefits
- Complete protein: Contains all essential amino acids in ideal proportions
- Highly bioavailable: Dogs can utilize nearly all the protein
- Healthy fats: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Choline: Supports brain and liver function
- Vitamins: A, D, E, B12, riboflavin
- Minerals: Selenium, iron, zinc
Forms in Dog Food
- Whole eggs: Fresh eggs including yolk and white
- Dried egg: Dehydrated whole egg, concentrated nutrition
- Egg product: May include shells, varies in quality
Why Eggs Are Valued
Eggs are often used as the reference protein against which other proteins are measured. Their amino acid profile is nearly perfect for dogs, and digestibility approaches 100%.
The combination of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients makes eggs a premium ingredient found in many high-quality dog foods.
Considerations
- Eggs are relatively expensive, so they're more common in premium foods
- "Dried egg" is a concentrated form with similar nutrition to fresh
- Raw eggs can contain salmonella and should be avoided
- The avidin in raw egg whites can interfere with biotin absorption
Cooked vs. Raw
Dog food uses cooked/processed eggs, which are safe and nutritious. If you're adding eggs to your dog's diet at home, cook them first to eliminate bacteria risk and improve digestibility.