When looking for healthy food options for dogs, eggs are one of the first things that come to mind. Chicken eggs are usually the primary choice of many dog owners.
Another bird (quail) of the pheasant family lays eggs about 1/4th the size of chicken eggs. Although not very common worldwide, quail eggs are considered a delicacy in some parts of Europe and Asia. But are these spotty eggs safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat quail eggs? Are there any benefits of quail eggs for dogs?
Can dogs eat quail eggs?
Quail eggs are safe for dogs to eat. They are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals like zinc, iron, potassium, selenium, etc. The eggs are also rich in vitamins, including vitamins A, E, B12, B6, and B2. However, due to their high-calorie count, you should feed quail eggs in moderation to pooches.
Quail eggs are a great nutrient-dense food choice for dogs. While they are healthy for pooches, eating too much can lead to health issues.
Ingesting excess amounts of quail eggs can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Furthermore, continuous immoderate consumption can lead to obesity in the canines.
What are the health benefits of quail eggs for dogs?
Quail eggs are full of nutritional value for your furry companion. The tiny, mottled eggs are a source of a wide variety of nutrients beneficial for a dog’s health. Nutrients present in quail eggs include:
- Iron: Iron is involved in the formation of red blood cells. The deficiency of this essential mineral can lead to anemia. It is also required to make hemoglobin which helps circulate oxygen throughout the dog’s body. Quail eggs are a decent source of iron for pooches.
- Protein: Quail eggs are rich in protein. The nutrient is required to maintain a healthy bodily function. It aids in the development and repairing of muscles. The amino acids present in protein also promote healthy skin and coat in the canines.
- Potassium: From a normal kidney and heart function to a healthy bone density, potassium offers several health benefits in dogs. The mineral also helps regulate fluid levels in the dog’s body.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus is also found in quail eggs. It helps maintain healthy bones and teeth in pooches. Phosphorus also supports motor neurons that support normal functions like walking, chewing, etc., in dogs.
- Zinc: Zinc is found in abundance in quail eggs. The nutrient enhances the immune system and boosts thyroid function in canines.
- Selenium: The mineral is in charge of antioxidant function and DNA synthesis in Fidos. Selenium is also involved in the process of reproduction in dogs.
- Vitamin A: In quail eggs, vitamin A supports a healthy vision in pooches. It also helps improve immune function in dogs. A balanced intake of vitamin A is required for healthy brain growth.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin accounts for normal organ function in pooches. It keeps the heart, liver, and kidneys in good shape. It also protects the furball from harmful skin diseases.
- Vitamin B12: It helps manage a healthy nervous system in pooches by protecting the nerves by creating protective tissues around them. This also increases the control of the dog on its physiological functions.
- Vitamin B6: Quail eggs also carry vitamin B6. It helps in several functions ranging from the production of glucose and red blood cells to gene activation and regulation of hormones in dogs.
- Riboflavin: Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, plays a vital role in digestion. It helps the dog’s stomach easily metabolize fats, carbs, and proteins.
- Healthy fats: The eggs also contain fats that are good for dogs. Feeding your dog quail eggs in moderation will keep them energetic and healthy.
How many quail eggs can dogs eat?
Dogs heavier than 60 pounds can eat 3 to 4 quail eggs per day. Meanwhile, dogs weighing 30 to 60 pounds can eat 2 eggs per day. If a dog weighs less than 30 pounds, it should be fed not more than 1 egg a day.
Quail eggs are high in calories. Eating too much can deteriorate a dog’s health. Short-term complications include vomiting and diarrhea. Excessive consumption over time can lead to obesity in canines.
How to serve quail eggs to dogs?
You can serve quail eggs raw or cooked to pooches. Raw eggs are slightly more nutritious than cooked ones. Dogs can also eat eggshells as they are filled with calcium. However, you need to be cautious as eggshells can choke your Fido.
When quail eggs are cooked, some of their nutritional value is lost due to intense heat. It’s better to give them raw to your furry companion.
You can give your dog raw eggs with shells. But shells can have sharp edges that can be harmful to dogs. Moreover, eggshells are also a choking hazard.
It’s best to remove the shells and pour quail eggs into a bowl for your Fido. You can also add quail eggs to your dog’s regular meals.
Quail eggs vs. chicken eggs for dogs?
Some dogs are allergic to chicken eggs. Quail eggs can be a great alternative for them. Most dogs don’t show an allergic reaction to quail eggs. Furthermore, quail eggs carry a reduced risk of salmonella than chicken eggs. Lastly, quail eggs are slightly more nutritious than chicken eggs.
Salmonella is a common disease associated with consuming eggs. Quails have a higher body temperature than chickens and don’t carry salmonella in them. Thus, they don’t pass salmonella bacteria into their eggs. This significantly reduces the risk of contracting salmonella compared to chicken eggs.
Where to buy quail eggs for dogs?
You can buy quail eggs from your local store or visit a nearby farm where quails are raised and bred. If buying from a farm, look out for the living standards of the birds. If the quails look sick, avoid buying eggs from there. Eggs from sick quail birds can lead to the ingestion of harmful bacteria in your furry friend.
Related FAQs to quails and dogs!
Can dogs eat cooked quail eggs?
Cooked quail eggs are safe for dogs. However, cooking them can cause a small loss of nutritional value. Still, they are healthy enough for pooches to consume.
Are quail eggshells good for dogs?
Quail eggshells are a great source of calcium for the dog’s bones and teeth. But, eggshells can have sharp edges that damage a dog’s insides. The risk of choking is also associated with swallowing eggshells.
Are there any side effects of quail eggs for dogs?
Dogs can consume quail eggs safely as long as they are not allergic to them. Just feed them the eggs in moderation. Eating immoderate quantities of quail eggs can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even obesity in dogs.
Final words on feeding quail eggs to dogs!
Quail eggs are a superfood for dogs if served in moderation. While most dogs are not allergic to quail eggs, it’s better to introduce them to your pooch slowly. If your dog seems fine after consuming the eggs, you can make them a part of your dog’s regular diet.
The speckled eggs can also be a treat for special occasions. So, stop worrying and grab the nutrient-dense exotic eggs for your dog to munch on.
