Conditions apply

Can dogs eat raw eggs?

Cooked eggs are an excellent food for dogs. Raw eggs carry a salmonella risk and, if fed constantly, can interfere with a B vitamin.

If your dog reacts badly

Not usually needed. See a vet for persistent diarrhoea or fever.

Signs to watch for

vomiting
diarrhoea
fever
lethargy
poor coat and skin (long-term biotin deficiency)

When: Salmonella signs within 1–3 days.

What makes it harmful

Avidin in raw egg white; Salmonella contamination

Avidin binds biotin and blocks its absorption, though this only matters with sustained raw-white feeding. The more practical concern is salmonella, which affects the dog and can also be shed into the household.

How much matters

Occasional raw egg rarely causes problems in a healthy dog. Biotin deficiency needs long-term feeding of raw whites specifically.

How to prepare it

Cook them. Scrambled or boiled, no butter, salt or oil. Cooking also deactivates avidin.

Portion

A whole egg is roughly 70 kcal — a meaningful share of a small dog's treat allowance.

How confident is this

established

Well established in the veterinary literature and consistent across sources.

Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology of Food-Associated Hazards
FDA guidance on raw pet food handling

Check another food

Informational only, and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and this page cannot account for your dog's age, size, health conditions or medication. If you are worried, phone a vet — that call is always the right call.