How can Dogs be Allergic to Eggs?

Dogs can be allergic to eggs if their immune systems overreact to proteins found in egg whites or egg yolks. Food allergies occur when the dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as a threat and activates bodily defense mechanisms, triggering an allergic reaction. 

Prolonged allergen exposure results in increased immune system overreaction and pronounced sensitivity. 

An Egg allergy in dogs is moderately common. According to a 2016 study titled “Critically Appraised Topic on Adverse Food Reactions of Companion Animals: Common Food Allergen Sources in Dogs and Cats,” published in BMC Veterinary Research, about 4% of all dogs are sensitive to eggs. 

Food allergy in dogs manifests with gastrointestinal symptoms or skin issues. Vomiting, diarrhea, and itchy skin are telltale signs of a dog egg allergy. 

How do I Know if my Dog is Allergic to Eggs?

To know if your dog is allergic to eggs, adverse reactions must be observed after eating. Common signs of an egg allergy in dogs include diarrhea and itchy skin. Dogs exhibiting stomach discomfort or itching after eating eggs are likely to be allergic to egg whites, yolks, or both. 

An egg allergy in dogs is best confirmed with a food trial. Dogs undergoing a food trial must eat hypoallergenic food for 8 to 12 weeks to remove allergens. Potential allergens must be reintroduced after the hypoallergenic feeding period. Dogs allergic to eggs develop symptom flare-ups if eggs are added back into the diet. 

Using a dog allergy test kit is an emerging option for pet owners. These kits are easy to use and typically rely on saliva or hair samples. Home allergy tests are practical but not 100% accurate and should not replace standard veterinary visits or food trials. 

Are Egg Allergies Common in Dogs?

Yes, egg allergies are moderately common in dogs. Some dogs are sensitive to eggs in general, or they can be allergic to egg whites, or egg yolks.

Approximately 4% of dogs are allergic to eggs. For reference, egg allergy susceptibility is minor compared to beef allergies, which account for 34% in dogs while dairy allergies are found in 17% of dogs. 

Eggs contain six known allergens, labeled Gal d 1 through Gal d 6. Each allergen causes a different type of dog allergy. Egg white allergens are higher in number and allergenic potential compared to egg yolks. 

Egg whites contain four allergens, ovomucoid (Gal d 1), ovalbumin (Gal d 2), ovotransferrin (Gal d 3), and lysozyme (Gal d 4). Egg yolks have two allergens called alpha-livetin or chicken serum albumin (Gal d 5) and YGP42 (Gal d 6).

Ovomucoid has the highest allergenic potential of all egg proteins, reports a human study “Current Understanding of Egg Allergy,” published in Pediatric Clinics of North America in 2012. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?

No, dogs cannot eat raw eggs. Raw eggs are not poisonous to dogs, but some eggs contain harmful bacteria. Long-term feeding of raw eggs causes nutrient deficiency in particular dogs. 

“Raw pet food poses similar risks for pathogenic bacteria as do raw meat and eggs for humans,” according to a study “One Veterinarian’s Experience with Owners Who are Feeding Raw Meat to their Pets,” published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal in 2019.

Salmonella and Escherichia coli are bacteria commonly found in raw eggs that can cause severe food poisoning in dogs. 

Raw egg whites are rich in a protein called avidin. Avidin obstructs the absorption of vitamin B7 (biotin), leading to biotin deficiency. Dogs require biotin for cell growth and metabolism regulation. 

The answer to the question “Can dogs have eggs?” is yes, but only if the eggs are properly cooked and served in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 

Can Dogs Eat Egg Yolk?

Yes, dogs can eat egg yolks. Egg yolks are rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins A and B12, and minerals essential for growth and maintenance. 

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help improve a dog’s skin and coat, support brain function, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin A is vital for vision and eye wellness, while vitamin B12 supports energy production and red blood cell formation. 

Many pet owners ask, “Are egg yolks good for dogs?” The answer is yes. Egg yolks are healthy to consume if the dog has no pre-existing conditions, such as acute pancreatitis or certain types of urinary stones.

What are the Symptoms of an Egg Allergy in Dogs?

The symptoms of egg allergy in dogs are listed below. 

• Bald Patches: Scratching, rubbing, and biting are typical for dogs with allergies and lead to hair loss. Persistent hair loss results in bald patches. 
• Ear Infections: Dogs with egg and other food allergies are prone to recurrent or chronic infections of the outer ear. The medical term for outer ear infections is otitis externa.
• Coughing: Coughing occurs in severe cases when the allergic dog develops anaphylaxis, accompanied by shortness of breath. 
• Hives: Hives or urticaria are skin lesions manifesting as raised red welts that arise anywhere on the dog’s body, including the face, lips, throat, tongue, and ears. 
• Paw Biting: Paw biting is a common response to skin itchiness. The skin between the toes in dogs that bite their paws becomes inflamed and susceptible to infections. 
• Skin Infections: Secondary bacterial skin infections occur when constant scratching damages the skin barrier, allowing harmful bacteria to penetrate the skin. 
• Skin Rashes: Skin rashes develop when the symptoms of egg allergy in dogs, such as repeated scratching, licking, and biting, damage the skin, causing redness and irritation. 
• Vomiting: Vomiting in dogs with egg allergies is characteristic of digestive upset. Any level of vomiting is a universal sign of allergens and is accompanied by other symptoms. 
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms in a dog allergic to eggs. Appetite changes and flatulence occasionally occur during diarrhea bouts. 
• Wheezing: Wheezing occurs if an egg allergy triggers airway inflammation or histamine release, leading to breathing difficulties. Severe wheezing cases indicate anaphylaxis, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Can Eggs Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Yes, eggs can cause diarrhea in dogs. However, diarrhea is not always an allergic sign.  Even a dog that is not allergic to eggs is prone to diarrhea if eggs are suddenly introduced into their diet or overconsumed. 

Sudden dietary changes and overfeeding can lead to stomach issues, often resulting in episodes of diarrhea. 

“Research has shown even two eggs at once can cause stomach upsets for a small dog and five can cause stomach upsets for a large breed dog,” states Dr. Scales-Theobald in an article for Rover. 

If a Dog is Allergic to Chicken can they Eat Eggs?

Yes, a dog can eat eggs if it is allergic to chicken. Egg allergens are distinct from allergens in chicken meat. Dogs allergic to chicken meat are safe to consume eggs. 

Eggs are common ingredients in commercial food formulas as they are a rich source of protein and other nutrients. Another frequently used ingredient is chicken fat. Dogs allergic to chicken meat are not necessarily sensitive to chicken fat. 

A chicken allergy in dogs is an overt sensitivity caused by proteins found exclusively in the meat, not other chicken products or derived ingredients. 

What are the Causes of a Dog Egg Allergy?

The causes of a dog egg allergy are the proteins found in the egg white, yolk, or the whole egg. “Ovomucoid and ovalbumin appear to be the major egg white allergens in dogs,” reports a study titled “IgE reactivity to hen egg white allergens in dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions,” published in Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology in 2016. 

How individual dogs are susceptible to specific allergies is poorly understood. A dog’s immune system is naturally capable of identifying threats and neutralizing them upon recognition. 

The immune system mistakenly flags an otherwise harmless protein as a threat in allergic dogs. Attempts to neutralize the protein triggers an allergic reaction. 

Food allergies and egg sensitivities are relatively common in dogs. “Food allergy is a recognized clinical entity in dogs and cats,” explains a study titled “Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management,” published in AVMA in 2022. 

The precise nature of food allergies is unknown. Allergies are believed to be hereditary and indicate a genetic component in their manifestation. Dogs with food allergies often suffer from other allergies simultaneously. 

What are the Common Allergic Reactions to an Egg Allergy in Dogs?

The common allergic reactions to eggs in dogs are gastrointestinal distress, skin changes, and anaphylaxis. Stomach irritation and itchiness are the most common types of allergic reactions.

The list of common allergic reactions to an egg allergy in dogs are listed below. 

• Gastrointestinal Upset: Vomiting and diarrhea are typical for dogs with food allergies. Flatulence, abdominal pain, and reduced appetite are further reactions. 
• Skin Changes: Dogs with egg allergies develop itchy skin. Persistent scratching, licking, or biting can lead to redness, skin lesions, and secondary infections. 
• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergy reaction in dogs in which the throat swells, narrowing the airway and impairing breathing. 

When to See a Vet for an Egg Allergy in Dogs?

See a vet for an egg allergy in dogs immediately. Most allergic reactions are not life-threatening, but controlling symptoms takes time. A proactive treatment process leads to faster symptom resolution.

Episodic vomiting and diarrhea after egg ingestion, followed by skin issues such as itchiness, paw biting, and constant scratching, require prompt veterinary attention. 

The only life-threatening allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which causes shortness of breath and requires immediate veterinary attention. Egg-triggered anaphylaxis in dogs is extremely rare. 

How is a Dog Egg Allergy Diagnosed?

A dog egg allergy is diagnosed with a food trial. The food trial includes an elimination diet trial and an oral food challenge (reintroduction of egg into the diet). 

The elimination trial lasts for eight to twelve weeks, during which time the dog eats a restricted diet. Hydrolyzed protein diets are popular as they contain minuscule proteins that the immune system is unable to identify. 

An oral food challenge involves a dog ingesting small amounts of potentially allergenic food, such as eggs. An adverse reaction confirms the egg allergy diagnosis. 

A veterinary visit to rule out other conditions is recommended before administering a food trial. The veterinarian examines the dog’s clinical history and performs a physical exam. A food trial is approved if no other conditions are confirmed. 

The use of a dog allergy test kit can assist in diagnosing grain allergies in dogs. However, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that these test kits are 100% reliable in definitively diagnosing food allergies in dogs. While not foolproof, a dog allergy test kit can still be a valuable tool for identifying specific allergens and guiding the diagnosis process in combination with testing done at a veterinary clinic.

The gold standard for diagnosing egg allergies in dogs is a food trial. Trials require additional time and effort compared to home kits and vet tests, but are far more precise. Home and vet tests are useful as supplements, but not as the sole diagnosis method. 

What are the Treatment Options for an Egg Allergy in Dogs?

The treatment options for egg allergy in dogs are listed below. 

• Exclude Egg from the Dog’s Diet: The first step in managing any egg allergy in dogs is removing eggs entirely. Eggs are often used in commercial dog foods and treats, so exclusion requires avoiding all products containing eggs. 
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines are given to dogs suffering from environmental allergies and food allergies. Antihistamines alone do not help alleviate food allergies. 
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are used to manage environmental allergies. Dogs allergic to eggs and other foods are often sensitive to a myriad of allergens in the environment. 
• Topical Treatments: Soothing shampoos, creams, and ointments help manage skin issues arising from food allergies. Topical therapy does not cure the allergy but relieves the symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy entails feeding the dog the allergen in small portions to achieve desensitization. Immunotherapy is effective but cost-prohibitive for many pet owners. 
• Nutritional Support: Supplements such as CBD oil, probiotics, or prebiotics are excellent nutritional aids to any dog egg allergy treatment.

How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Fully Heal from an Egg Allergy?

Dogs do not heal from egg allergy. Food allergies are incurable but manageable conditions. Avoiding known allergens such as eggs is the best way to manage the allergy. 

Managing a dog egg allergy is a lengthy process. A standard food trial lasts between two and three months. Some dogs respond faster, with reduced skin itchiness in the first four weeks. Other dogs require up to 12 weeks of trials before symptoms begin to improve. 

Can CBD Oil Help Manage Symptoms of an Egg Allergy in Dogs?

Yes, CBD oil can help manage symptoms of egg allergy in dogs. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural hemp extract that is safe and beneficial for dogs. 

CBD helps dogs with egg allergies on multiple levels. Cannabidiol modulates the dog’s immune system, reduces inflammation, soothes skin irritation, eases pain, and manages anxiety, all of which are important for managing allergic reactions in dogs.  

Supplementation with CBD results in a 50% decrease in skin itching and chewing in as much as 65% of sensitive dogs, according to a study by the Australian company CannPal from 2020. 

CBD oil for dog allergies is an excellent supplement. Consult a veterinarian to see how CBD oil or other CBD products, like treats and peanut butter, aid in the dog’s allergy management plan. 

How Effective are Probiotics for an Egg Allergy in Dogs?

Probiotics are effective to help manage an egg allergy in dogs. Probiotics are a safe and useful supplement in the management of food allergies. When administered correctly, probiotics increase the diversity of the gut microbiome, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.

Probiotics help reduce itchiness and help with faster symptom resolution in dogs with allergies, reports a study “A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Impact of a Novel Probiotic and Nutraceutical Supplement on Pruritic Dermatitis and the Gut Microbiota in Privately Owned Dogs,” published in Animals in 2024. 

Always consult the veterinarian before using a probiotic for dogs alone or as part of an egg allergy management plan.