Why Organic, Pasture-Raised Eggs Are a Game Changer for Your Dog’s Health
And why that cheap carton at the grocery store might not be doing your pup any favors.
Eggs really are nature’s multivitamin — packed with protein, essential amino acids, and key nutrients like choline, B vitamins, and selenium. But here’s the truth: not all eggs are created equal.
The nutritional quality of an egg depends entirely on what the chicken eats and how she lives.
Why Egg Quality Matters
Pasture-raised, organic hens spend their days foraging for grass, bugs, and seeds — a natural diet that produces healthier eggs with a more balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
Conventional hens, on the other hand, are raised indoors on grain-heavy corn and soy diets — both loaded with omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid.
That imbalance shows up right in the egg.
Conventional eggs can have omega-6:omega-3 ratios as high as 20:1.
Pasture-raised eggs? Typically 6:1 or better.
Too much omega-6 (especially linoleic acid) can drive inflammation, affect metabolism, and even contribute to skin and joint issues over time — in both humans and dogs.
So yes, eggs are an excellent food — but only when they come from the right source.
👉 Choose organic, pasture-raised eggs from local farms whenever possible.
They’re richer in omega-3s, lower in linoleic acid, and have a nutrient profile that truly supports vitality — for both you and your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Absolutely! Eggs are one of the easiest, most affordable, and most complete whole-food additions you can make to your dog’s diet.
Each whole egg delivers:
Vitamin A, B2 (Riboflavin), B5, B12, Iron, Selenium
High-quality protein and essential fatty acids
Choline — vital for brain, liver, and cellular health
Eggshell membrane nutrients that support joint health
Even the eggshell has value — it’s a great natural source of calcium and phosphorus (in the right ratio) for those feeding homemade diets.
Some dogs will crunch down the shell like a treat. Others prefer it ground up or pulsed through a food processor with veggies. You can also make eggshell powder to sprinkle into meals — especially if you need to boost calcium levels in raw or home-cooked recipes.
🐾 Pro tip: If your dog eats kibble, adding eggs two or three days a week is an easy way to upgrade the bowl with fresh, bioavailable nutrition. Just remember: eggs add calories, so adjust other portions accordingly.
Raw vs Cooked Eggs — Does It Matter?
For years, many holistic practitioners (myself included) have fed dogs raw eggs with excellent results. After all, no dog in nature would have ever “cooked” the egg they found in the henhouse!
That said, science has something interesting to add. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition looked at how cooking affects egg nutrient absorption and protein digestibility (PubMed 9772141).
Benefits of Feeding Raw Eggs
Raw eggs retain more delicate, heat-sensitive nutrients:
33% more Omega-3s
36% more Vitamin D
33% more DHA
23% more Choline
20% more Biotin and Zinc
Benefits of Gently Cooked Eggs
Cooking helps denature proteins in the white, making them easier to digest. It also increases biotin availability, an important nutrient for skin and coat health.
According to holistic veterinarians Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib (2021), the best option is a soft-boiled egg — where the white is about 70% cooked and the yolk stays runny. That gives you the best of both worlds: safe, digestible protein and maximum nutrients.
A Handy Tip — Freeze Those Eggs!
If you buy farm-fresh eggs in bulk, don’t let them go to waste. You can freeze eggs for later use:
Crack one (whole or scrambled) into an ice cube tray.
Freeze solid, then transfer cubes to a zip-top bag.
Thaw a few at a time for easy meal additions.
Perfect for quick breakfasts — or a fresh food topper for your dog’s bowl.
So, Are Eggs Good for Dogs?
Absolutely. But the kind of egg matters.
When you choose organic, pasture-raised eggs, you’re getting:
A better balance of essential fatty acids
More vitamins and minerals
Cleaner, more ethical sourcing
Less inflammation-promoting linoleic acid
They’re a simple, nutrient-dense way to add real food back into your dog’s diet — whether you feed kibble, raw, or home-cooked meals.
Want to Learn More About Building a Better Bowl?
If you’d like to see exactly how to balance your dog’s meals, boost whole-food nutrition, and support longevity with real ingredients —
👉 Submit an inquiry here and let’s talk about a personalized wellness plan for your pup.
Or dive deeper into dog nutrition inside the Well Oiled K9 Library — packed with practical guides, recipes, and seasonal tips:
https://welloiledk9.com/library
FDA Disclaimer: Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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See our blog post on Making Egg Shell Powder Too!