Cracking the Truth: Can Cats Eat Eggs?

Eggs are a delicious way to start your day. They’re packed with protein and rich in vitamins and minerals. But are they safe for cats? Are they healthy? Will cats even enjoy them?

In this guide, Freeze Dry Australia will help you crack the truth about eggs and your feline friend. We’ll cover everything from serving size to keeping safe from H5N1 Avian Flu in eggs.

 

 

Can Cats Eat Eggs?

Absolutely!

Eggs are a high-quality addition to your cat’s diet that they will love. The emphasis here is on addition. You should think of eggs as a healthy treat for your cat rather than a major source of calories.

Since cat’s are natural carnivores, their regular diet should be meat-based. And while eggs are a great source of protein, they aren’t nutritionally complete. Read on to learn about how you can help your cat enjoy the advantages of eggs without going overboard.

 

 

Are Eggs Good for Cats? Nutritional Benefits

If you ask kitty, he’ll say he loves the taste. But what he doesn’t realise is just how healthy eggs are when part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the best reasons for you to add the occasional egg to your feline friend’s dish:

• High quality protein source. One large egg contains approximately 6 grams of protein, about 20% of the daily recommended value for an average-sized cat. And, according to one study, egg proteins are more efficiently absorbed than other common protein sources in pet food, such as vegetables and poultry meal byproducts.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals. Here are just a few of the nutrients your cat can get from eggs: Vitamin D for bone health. Vitamin B12 for healthy nerve function. Choline for brain development. Selenium for immune function and Riboflavin for cell growth and metabolism.
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Eggs are a wonderful source of these healthy and essential fatty acids. In cats, they are most known for promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. However, did you know that they also help reduce inflammation and mitigate the risk of heart and kidney disease?

 

 

How to Safely Feed Eggs to Your Cat

Easy. Don’t feed your cat raw eggs, even if they are used to a mostly raw diet. Although cats in the wild will eat eggs straight from a bird’s nest, domesticated cats can’t afford the same luxury. Surprisingly, the washing process that most commercial eggs go through actually opens up the pores in the shell, making the egg more susceptible to bacterial growth.

Instead, your cat can enjoy eggs the same way you would: scrambled, fried, poached or boiled. Just avoid adding salt or extra fats (like butter and oil). You should probably leave out other spices and seasonings as well, unless you already know that your cat tolerates them well.

 

 

A boiled egg is a great meal for a cat, shell included. However, always be sure to break the egg up a little first to ensure it’s not a choking hazard.

Eggshells are filled with calcium, so they can be a great source for increasing bone density within our leaping and bounding felines. For safety though, always ensure the shells have been cooked/boiled first, as raw eggshells can still pose a salmonella risk.

Once boiled, simply grind up the shells up and sprinkle, or stir them through your cat’s food. – Australianegggs.org.au

 

How Much Egg Can Cats Eat? Serving Recommendations

Remember: Eggs are a treat for your cat. A healthy, nutrient-rich treat—but still a treat.

Generally speaking, treats should account for a maximum of 10% of your cat’s diet. Eggs, of course, should only be a fraction of that 10%. So, follow these practical feeding guidelines:

• Feed your cat about a tablespoon of eggs at a time (roughly one-third of an egg).
• Scrambled eggs are a lot of air, so stick to the one-third rule rather than measuring out a tablespoon.
• Limit eggs to once or twice a week.
• Serve them as a treat on their own, or as a topper for other cat foods.
• Eggs should replace existing calories, not add to them.

 

 

Potential Risks of Feeding Eggs to Cats

Eggs aren’t a high-risk food, so you don’t need to be overly nervous about feeding them to kitty. But here are some of the things to keep in mind as you introduce them to your pet’s diet.

 

 

Egg whites contain protein without fat. Egg yolks, on the other hand, contain mostly fat with some protein. So take note that feeding your cat egg yolks will increase the fat content of their diet. – Petmd.com

 

Overfeeding

Just like any treat, extra calories can lead to weight gain. Obesity in cats is a risk factor for everything from joint issues to diabetes to heart disease.

This is why we recommend that you use eggs to replace other calories in your cat’s diet, rather than adding them in as extra calories. For example, instead of tossing them a freeze-dried whole sardine five days a week for their afternoon treat, you can swap out two of those feedings with a bit of egg.

 

 

Allergy Risk

Just like in humans, some cats might be sensitive to eggs. When introducing eggs to your feline friend’s diet, don’t add any other new foods for a week or two. This will allow you to monitor them for any negative reactions, such as bowel issues or skin rash. If your pet does seem to react poorly, discontinue feeding them eggs until you consult with a veterinarian.

Raw Egg Dangers

Consuming raw eggs puts your cat at risk of Salmonella and E. coli, harmful bacterias that can lead to severe intestinal distress and even death. Additionally, raw eggs are a well-known breeding ground for avian flu. This is why we always recommend cooked eggs for cats.

 

 

 

Avian Influenza (H5N1) and Raw Eggs: What Cat Owners Need to Know

The H5N1 Avian Influenza presents a serious threat to wild, domesticated and farm-raised birds—and the danger is quickly spreading throughout the world. Because cats are natural bird hunters, and because much of the domesticated cat’s diet consists of poultry, pet owners need to take special precaution to keep their cats safe.

The H5N1 virus has been detected in raw dairy and poultry products in some countries. When it comes to eggs, therefore, the best way to keep your cat safe is to cook them thoroughly. Research has shown that cooking eggs to a temperature of 75°C kills the virus.

It’s also important to note that freezing does not kill viruses, nor does freeze-drying. Therefore, especially in areas with active bird flu outbreaks, raw poultry and dairy should be avoided.

 

 

 

Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they’re also highly digestible. – Purina

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Egg Whites vs. Egg Yolks: Which Is Better for Cats?

The best way for most cats to eat eggs is cooked and whole: yolks and whites combined. Cats with certain dietary restrictions may want to stick to one or the other though. You should check with your vet to make sure, but here is a quick overview of the considerations for each:

Egg yolks are where most of the fat in an egg is found. Since fat contains about twice as many calories per gram as protein, cutting out the yolks may be desirable for cats who are trying to lose weight.

Egg whites don’t contain any cholesterol, and they have almost no fat. They are a really rich source of protein, but it is especially important that egg whites are thoroughly cooked through. Consuming raw whites can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B7 due to a substance called avidin which blocks absorption.

Can Kittens Eat Eggs?

Yes, but you should follow the same portion control guidelines that you do for other treats. Kittens don’t need as many calories, so you should be feeding them less eggs. Every cat is different, but a half tablespoon (one-sixth of an egg) is a good start for kittens.

Do Cats Need Eggs in Their Diet?

Not at all! If eggs aren’t already on your grocery list, don’t feel guilty about leaving them out. Eggs are a beneficial supplement to provide vitamins, minerals, omega fatty-acids and protein—but they are NOT a necessary part of the feline diet.

As long as your cat is eating a high-protein, meat-based diet from a variety of foods, you’re under no pressure to add eggs in.

Build a Complete Diet With Freeze-Dried Cat Food and Treats!

As you can see, feeding your cat fully cooked eggs in moderation is a nutrient-rich, protein-packed alternative to commercial treats. But when it comes to keeping your kitty cat healthy and happy, variety is key.

Since you only want to feed them eggs once or twice a week, you can mix things up a bit with freeze-dried pet treats. Some feline favorites include whole green lip mussels, dried salmon bellies, and lamb tripe.

Or, if you aren’t sure how to decide, we’ve put together our Purrfect Sample Mix to let your cat try out 16 different freeze-dried foods in one easy order!