Are eggs suitable for your dog?
Eggs are a common food that is mostly consumed by humans, but did you know that they can also be good for your dog? They are a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals and have a high nutritional value. In this article, we will look at what their benefits are, the different types of eggs and the best way to prepare them.
Egg structure
Egg yolk
A real superfood is the yolk of the egg. It contains 13 different vitamins. Among them are fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E and water-soluble B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin and pantothenic acid). Almost a third of the yolk consists of fats, and 65% of them are unsaturated fatty acids. One egg has about 250 mg of cholesterol. The yolk contains lecithin, which has a nerve-strengthening, detoxifying effect, and biotin, which takes care of a shiny and healthy coat.
Egg white
Unlike the yolk, the egg white contains almost no fats and carbohydrates, it consists of 90% water.
Eggshell
Eggshell is a great supplement to the BARF diet because it is a high-quality source of calcium, collagen, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and glucosamine. Calcium promotes natural blood clotting, nourishes muscles and bones.
Benefits
High nutritional value
Proteins
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which are essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues and cells, healthy coat and skin.
Vitamins
Eggs are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B12, which boost the immune system, nervous function, and metabolism.
Minerals
Eggs are also a great source of minerals such as iron, selenium, and phosphorus, which take care of bones, teeth, and overall body function.
Regulate weight
Eggs are low in calories and high in protein, making them an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. They will satiate your four-legged friend for a longer period of time and regulate his weight.
Suitable for allergies
Eggs are a great alternative for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to other protein sources such as beef or chicken. They are also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and are often used as a bone substitute to provide the necessary amount of calcium.
Types of eggs
Chicken eggs
They are the most common type of egg. Chicken eggs contain 13 vitamins and minerals and have about 70 calories. The largest percentage of nutrients is contained in its yolk. It is a rich source of lutein, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and magnesium. The egg is one of the few foods that contains vitamin D.
Quail eggs
They are smaller in size, but are 3 to 4 times richer in micronutrient content than chicken eggs. Quail eggs do not contain bad cholesterol, which makes them indispensable in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
Salmonella is not found in them, as the thick membrane behind the shell and the small pores of their surface do not allow the penetration of the dangerous bacteria. And the birds that lay them have a higher body temperature – 42 degrees, which is why they are more resistant to infections. This means that they are treated much less with drugs and the eggs are cleaner in terms of chemical content.
One egg contains nearly 2% iron, about 1 g of protein and 1% calcium. In addition, it is rich in vitamins A, B, D, riboflavin, phosphorus, copper, cobalt, glutamic acid, potassium, sodium, selenium
Duck eggs
Duck egg is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It weighs almost 70 g and contains about 130 calories, of which almost 30% protein, over 60% fat and 5% carbohydrates.
Duck eggs are kept fresh longer than hens. In addition to proteins and vitamins, they contain more fatty acids and provide the body with alkaline substances. It is recommended to consume them in moderation, as they contain more cholesterol.
How and how often are they consumed?
The biotin contained in raw egg yolk is a water-soluble B vitamin and is found in every cell. On the other hand, avidin, which is found in crude protein, is a much larger protein that binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed by the body. The relationship between these two elements is one of the strongest in microbiology.
Egg white weighing 33 g contains about 0.05% avidin, which corresponds to about 1.8 mg. The biotin in egg yolks is about 10 mg. One molecule of avidin can bind 4 molecules of biotin. In relation to this relationship, we can conclude that it is not advisable to consume egg yolk and white together in its raw state every day.
To get the maximum nutritional value from eggs, the best option is to serve the yolks raw, the shells ground, and the whites thermally processed. This way you can add one egg to your dog’s portion every day.
Salmonella risk
You may still be wondering if raw eggs are safe for your dog. As humans, we’ve been taught that raw eggs carry a risk of salmonella, and while that’s true, it’s important to remember that your dog’s stomach is designed to process raw foods.
Dogs have short, simple digestive tracts and high levels of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. They are anatomically designed to get their nutrients from raw animal proteins, fats, and bones. The high level of acids in the stomach helps them easily cope with the bacteria in raw foods.
If your dog is healthy and in good shape, there is nothing to worry about. Avoid raw eggs only in adolescents, adult dogs or those with a weak immune system or food allergy.
It is important to be careful when choosing eggs. We advise you to select fresh eggs from reliable sources and store them at the right temperature.
And have you ever thought about whether dogs can eat raw meat…
The answer is yes, dogs are biologically created to eat raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables.
Find out more about the BARF raw feeding method here.
In conclusion, eggs served in the right way and in moderation can be a great addition to your dog’s BARF diet. They can support your pet’s overall health.
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