As a passionate dog owner, I believe in providing the best nutrition for my furry friend. One of my favorite resources for understanding how to feed dogs a wholefood diet is "Give Your Dog A Bone" by Dr. Ian Billinghurst. Although I am not a veterinarian, I rely on insights from top experts in the field of pet nutrition. One particular chapter in Dr. Billinghurst's book caught my attention – it delves into the incredible benefits of eggs in a dog's diet. Today, I want to share with you the wonders of this humble and cost-effective superfood for your canine companion.
The Humble Egg: A Powerhouse of Nutrition
Eggs, often overlooked as a dog food, are incredibly affordable and packed with essential nutrients. To ensure the best quality, opt for organic eggs, even if they might be a little more expensive – the benefits outweigh the cost. Eggs are a wholefood, containing all the nutrients required for the growth of a new chicken. Best of all, they come completely unprocessed and raw, preserving their natural goodness.
Perfect Protein and More
The egg is considered the benchmark for protein quality, surpassing all other protein sources. It provides a complete spectrum of minerals, excellent levels of calcium (mostly in the yolk), and all vitamins except Vitamin C. Additionally, eggs offer a range of high-quality saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, lecithin, enzymes, and other longevity factors inherent in raw foods. To maximize the nutritional benefits, you can even crush up the eggshell and add it to your dog's meal for a calcium boost.
Using Eggs to Feed Dogs
One of the simplest ways to utilize eggs is as a brilliant protein supplement. Incorporating eggs into your dog's diet provides a bonus of numerous other vital nutrients, such as vitamin A, B vitamins, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, zinc, and more. These nutrients support your dog's overall health and well-being, promoting a shiny coat, strong bones, and a robust immune system.
A Word of Caution with Egg Whites
While eggs are generally beneficial, some dogs may have issues with egg whites. If your dog experiences digestive problems like IBS, it's best to stick with feeding them just the egg yolk. Egg whites contain an enzyme inhibitor that can be challenging to digest for very young puppies, sick or older dogs, and those with pancreatic issues. Moreover, egg whites contain AVIDIN, which binds with vitamin biotin, making it unavailable for your dog. However, it's essential to note that this situation usually occurs in extreme cases when a biotin-deficient diet is combined with a high intake of raw egg whites over several weeks.
Incorporating Eggs into Your Dog's Diet
The versatility of eggs makes them easy to include in your dog's meals. You can combine them with other foods like wakame or arame. By hydrating the wakame for about 10 minutes and adding the raw egg yolk on top, you create a nutritious combination. However, avoid mixing eggs with fruits, but they blend well with many vegetables. Pureeing vegetables like zucchini and celery and adding the egg as a topper makes for a delightful and nourishing meal for your dog.
In conclusion, eggs are a liquid goldmine of nutrition for your canine companion. Their ability to provide high-quality protein at an inexpensive price makes them a wonderful addition to your dog's diet. They are especially crucial during certain life stages, such as pregnancy, nursing, puppyhood, and for older dogs requiring smaller amounts of good quality protein.
Egg yolks, in particular, can work wonders for dogs with skin problems, thanks to their content of sulfur-containing amino acids, biotin, Vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and zinc.
By thoughtfully incorporating eggs into their meals, you can contribute to their overall well-being and provide them with the best possible nutrition for a long and happy life with you.
So, the next time you think of protein for your dog, remember the humble egg – a nutritional powerhouse within reach.
Reference: "Give Your Dog A Bone" by Dr. Ian Billinghurst.
xoxo,
Emanuela
In Loving Memory of My Sweet Sonnie Boy