Are Deviled Eggs Safe For Dogs? Benefits, Risks & Precautions

Are Deviled Eggs Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Deviled eggs are a popular appetizer in many households, especially around holidays like Easter. Their creamy, flavorful filling makes them hard to resist. But what about our canine companions? Can dogs eat deviled eggs too?

The Potential Risks Of Feeding Deviled Eggs To Dogs

There are a few reasons why deviled eggs may cause stomach upset or other issues for dogs:

• Seasonings - Many deviled egg recipes call for potentially problematic ingredients for dogs, like mustard, hot sauce, salt, spices, onions, chives, garlic, and more. These seasonings can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis.
• Fat Content - The egg yolk filling contains a high amount of fat and cholesterol compared to plain hard boiled eggs. Too much can cause digestive issues.
• Sulfur - Raw egg whites contain a sulfur-containing protein called avidin that can bind to biotin and prevent its absorption. Cooked whites contain less though.
• Allergies - While less common, some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to eggs.

Are There Any Deviled Egg Recipes That Are Dog-Safe?

The answer is yes! With the right recipe adjustments, you can make dog-friendly deviled eggs by:

• Using only mild seasonings like parsley, chives, cooked carrots or sweet potatoes for color.
• Limiting fat content by using more egg white than yolk in the filling.
• Avoiding raw egg whites. Ensure they are fully cooked.
• Checking for allergies by first giving your dog a small portion of plain cooked egg.

You can also reduce overall risks by feeding deviled eggs to your dog only occasionally or as a rare treat.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Regular Deviled Eggs?

If your dog manages to sneak one or two bites of traditional deviled eggs off your platter, there's no need to panic in most cases. Small ingestions are unlikely to cause serious harm. However, it's still good to monitor your dog for the next 24 hours for any symptoms or signs of stomach upset, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

When To See The Vet

In most cases, mild stomach upset from eating a few deviled eggs should pass within 24 hours. However, contact your vet promptly if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Bloody or black colored stools
• Loss of appetite for more than a day
• Severe lethargy, dehydration or weakness
• Stomach swelling or tenderness
• Any other concerning symptoms

Treating Mild Stomach Upset

For mild vomiting or diarrhea that resolves within 12-24 hours, there are a few things you can do at home to help soothe your dog's digestive upset:

• Withhold all food for 2-3 hours to give their stomach a rest, then offer a very bland diet of boiled chicken and rice in small meals over the next 1-2 days.
• Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated by offering more fresh water or unflavored electrolyte drinks made for dogs.
• You can try giving your dog Pepto-Bismol or another dog-safe anti-nausea/anti-diarrheal medication, but check with your vet first about dosage.

Preventing Future Deviled Egg Mishaps

The best way to prevent an upset tummy is to be vigilant about keeping deviled eggs safely away from your canine companion in the future. Follow these tips:

• Keep platters well out of your dog's reach on tables or countertops during any event with appetizers.
• Clear away any leftover deviled eggs immediately after guests leave.
• Be extra careful dicing fillings that may drop on kitchen floors.
• Inform your guests to not hand-feed egg bites to begging dogs!

What Foods Can Dogs Have Instead?

Rather than feeling tempted by high-fat deviled eggs, give your dog a flavorful but safer healthy treat! Here are some tasty options:

• Plain or low-sodium cooked eggs
• Fresh fruits like blueberries, bananas, apples
• Unsalted popcorn or air-popped popcorn
• Baby carrots
• Lean cooked meat pieces
• Peanut butter in a puzzle toy

Check with your veterinarian if you have any other questions about which human party foods may be safe for dogs. With care and vigilance, we can enjoy our favorite appetizers without putting our furry friends at risk.

FAQs

Can dogs have a small taste of traditional deviled eggs?

It's generally not recommended, as even a few bites could lead to stomach upset. The fatty filling and acidic seasonings like mustard or hot sauce can be problematic. However, if they sneak a small taste, monitor for vomiting/diarrhea for the next 24 hours.

What are the symptoms of upset stomach in dogs?

Look for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or signs of abdominal pain/discomfort. Contact your vet promptly if symptoms last over 24 hours or seem severe.

Is it okay for dogs to regularly eat dog-safe deviled eggs?

While recipes adjusted for dogs are less risky, deviled eggs should still only be an occasional treat. The fatty filling may cause pancreatitis if dogs regularly consume it. Plain cooked egg would be healthier for regular feeding.

Can puppies eat deviled eggs made for dogs?

No, puppies under 1 year old should avoid all spicy/salty foods as they have very sensitive digestive systems. Wait until your puppy is fully grown before offering any people food treats like deviled eggs.

What should I do if my dog eats a full platter of deviled eggs?

Large ingestions of such a fatty, seasoned food raises serious risk of severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration or pancreatitis. Contact your vet or emergency animal hospital right away if your dog consumes more than 2-3 eggs.