Quail eggs are increasing in popularity and becoming more of a “trendy” dish. At the very least, they’re an interesting and healthy alternative to your usual chicken eggs. But can dogs eat quail eggs? Let’s take a look at the benefits of quail eggs for dogs.
What’s a Quail Egg?
You’ve probably seen quail eggs in grocery stores or even on farms. They are small, whitish-tan, and speckled with dark brown.
Just about all the quail eggs that are commercially available are laid by Coturnix quail, a quail variety also called “Pharaoh” or “European” quail.
Quail eggs are considered to be a delicacy in a lot of places across the world. Consequently, they’re more expensive than chicken eggs. The price difference isn’t enormous, though. A dozen quail eggs will usually cost a few dollars more than a dozen chicken eggs.
Not all dogs eat quail eggs, but this excellent source of several vitamins and minerals is gaining traction among those who prefer to give their pets a raw diet or organic diet. But even if your dog’s just eating regular dog food, you might want to give quail eggs a shot!
Are Quail Eggs Good for Dogs?
As with most healthy foods, quail eggs are good for dogs — provided they’re given more as an occasional supplement to your dog’s diet than they are used as a mainstay. They contain many nutrients that can help your pet stay happy and healthy.
As a side note, quail eggs are a different type of protein than what most dogs are used to. That makes them a great treat for dogs who often have allergic reactions or are otherwise sensitive to more typical types of protein.
If you’ve been looking for a nutritious dog treat that is relatively light on calories, quail eggs might just be your answer. These tiny eggs are a lot smaller than chicken eggs — in fact, it takes about five quail eggs to equal one chicken egg in terms of volume and caloric content. Your dog is sure to appreciate even one egg!
The small size of quail eggs also makes them great for small dogs. It would be too much for a smaller dog to eat an entire egg from a chicken, but a quail egg is just the right size.
Health Benefits of Quail Eggs for Dogs
Quail eggs provide a range of valuable nutrients for dogs. Here’s a list of the nutrients found in these little eggs:
Omega-3 fatty acids – Chicken eggs are also a great source of these fatty acids. Omega 3’s support brain function, heart health, skin health, and more in both pets and people.
Protein – You already know that dogs need protein, and the amino acids in quail eggs will help make sure your dog’s body functions properly.
Fat – Many dogs end up getting too much fat in their diet. But letting your dog enjoy healthier fats in moderate amounts is a great move for health. Fat is a great source of energy, and your dog’s coat is more likely to look full and glossy if their diet contains enough fat.
Vitamin A – This vitamin is especially important for eye health. But it also helps to support healthy skin and a shiny, healthy coat.
Vitamin B12 – You’ve probably heard that B12 is great for energy, but it’s essential for a range of other functions, too. If your dog eats a diet rich in B12, they are more likely to have optimal brain and nervous system functioning as well as good gastrointestinal health.
Vitamin E – This vitamin is especially important if you want to make sure your dog has healthy skin and a healthy coat. It’s also great for your pet’s immune system.
Riboflavin – You might sometimes hear riboflavin called vitamin B2. It’s one of the most important nutrients for your dog to have. That’s because it’s a coenzyme that helps facilitate countless metabolic processes. For example, riboflavin is necessary to convert fats and carbohydrates into usable energy. Luckily, this highly important vitamin is found in plenty of other foods, too!
Folate – Folate is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, the synthesis of DNA, and an impressive range of other metabolic functions.
Iron – Iron is the compound responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, as it’s part of hemoglobin. Without sufficient iron, dogs wouldn’t be able to distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout their bodies.
Potassium – As an electrolyte, potassium is important when it comes to regulating fluid levels in your dog’s body. It’s also important for optimal heart and kidney function.
Phosphorous – Phosphorous is essential for proper muscle contractions and motor functions. It’s also important for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Selenium – Selenium is especially crucial when it comes to maintaining healthy levels of thyroid hormone. Selenium also acts as an antioxidant!
Zinc – Zinc supports your dog’s immune system and thyroid function. It’s also very helpful for skin and wound healing.
Where Do You Buy Quail Eggs?
Like duck eggs, quail eggs can’t really be found in every kind of grocery store. But if you live near a store specializing in healthy or gourmet foods, you might find some! Usually, they will be near the other eggs, but you may also be able to find frozen quail eggs.
However, the best way to purchase quail eggs is locally. Of course, this isn’t possible for everyone. But if you can visit the place the eggs come from and see that quail are healthy and happy, you’ll know for sure that you’re getting the best for your pet.
How to Prepare Quail Eggs for Dogs
Though quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs, they can be prepared in similar ways. Boiling the eggs is a good choice, but you can also scramble them.
Of these two methods, boiling is generally preferable, as it does not add extra fat. Boiled, unshelled quail eggs also make quick, easy treats.
However, if you want to get the maximum health benefits for your dog, feeding quail eggs raw is the best way to go. That’s because cooking eggs denatures some of the proteins and other healthy ingredients, effectively lowering the nutritional value. If you want to get optimal nutrition for your pet, feeding them raw egg is best.
If you do feed your dog raw quail eggs, cracking them and putting the contents in a bowl (or pouring them over dry food) is a good idea.
Most vets suggest not giving your dog eggshells. They are usually safe in small amounts. However, eggshells are very high in calcium, and too much calcium can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Depending on where they came from, eggshells will also sometimes carry salmonella.
Is It Safe for Your Dog to Eat Raw Quail Eggs?
We’ve all heard about the potential health dangers of eating raw eggs. That’s because chicken eggs can sometimes be contaminated with salmonella.
The salmonella contamination actually happens inside the chicken. If a bird carries it, salmonella can get inside the egg before the shell forms.
However, this concern doesn’t really exist for quail eggs. That’s because quail have a much higher body temperature than chickens — high enough that they don’t carry salmonella.
That said, if quail live in a very contaminated environment, salmonella can still exist and could get on the shells. It’s always a good idea to make sure that the quail eggs you purchase come from healthy, happy quail. Plus, eggs from free-range birds often are higher in vitamins and minerals.
Keeping on Top of Your Pet’s Nutrition
As you’ve seen, quail eggs pack a nutritional punch for dogs! But make sure you don’t over-feed them. Eggs are rich foods that can cause digestive issues if you feed your dog too many. Keep them as a special treat that your dog will love!
FAQ
Still have some questions on feeding quail eggs to your dog? Here are some answers.
When eaten in moderation, quail eggs can definitely be good for dogs. They provide healthy fats, essential vitamins, and an assortment of different minerals.
There are a few different ways to feed quail eggs to your dog. Feeding raw eggs is safe as long as they are fresh and from a clean environment. You can also boil or scramble them, although raw quail eggs have the best nutritional value.
