- Hahnbee Choi, Cert. CN
Eggs 101
Updated: Aug 26, 2022
What came first, the chicken or the egg? Science says it's the egg! But rather than the evolutionary biology of eggs, we're talking about egg benefits, nutrition, and more. With a centered yolk, a thick egg white, and a membrane, this encapsulated source of micro and macronutrients is built to support embryonic development and is a rich functional food.
Nutritional Benefits
Eggs are a staple in many human diets and add essential nutrients for pets. With eggs supplying all 11 essential amino acids, they are a high-quality source of protein. In addition, eggs also supply essential long-chain fatty acids, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They are also rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K and water-soluble vitamins thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9), cobalamine (B12), and choline. And minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc. While they're not really dinosaurs, given that they descend from dinosaurs, it's fair to say that these modern dinosaur eggs give quite a nutritional punch.
Antioxidants
Eggs are also rich in antioxidants such as selenium (trace mineral), lutein (carotenoid), and zeaxanthin (carotenoid). Antioxidants reduce free radicals, a type of unstable molecule that may cause harm to healthy molecules. Free radicals are part of natural and healthy bodily functions but can also be influenced by external factors and lifestyles. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, combating their harmful effects. This helps break the chain reaction that can harm other cells. Antioxidants are essentially the chill pill for the chaotic chaos that is free radicals. Each antioxidant has its unique biological properties and behaviors, with eggs containing antioxidants selenium, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Selenium: A micro-mineral essential for immune function, scavenges free radicals, regulates thyroid hormones, and compliments vitamins C & E. It also binds to mercury and allows the body to dispose of it. Cats have a fivefold higher selenium concentration than dogs, even when fed similar dietary intakes.
Lutein: A type of organic pigment called carotenoid. It is closely related to Vitamin A and beta-carotene and is called the “eye vitamin.” It’s also been noted to stimulate an immune response.
Zeaxanthin: A fat-soluble antioxidant and also a carotenoid. Protects retinal tissue and filters blue light.
And while not classified as antioxidants, amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine have been noted to have high antioxidant properties. Researchers have pointed out that egg yolks have two times as many antioxidant properties in their raw state.
How To Feed
Eggs can be fed cooked or raw and are appropriate to add to any diet so long as the animal does not have a sensitivity. Eggs are a super kibble booster and can be a source of vitamin D in DIY raw diets. Eggs can be fed daily, but feeding around 1-3 times a week is a solid frequency.
And while it's as easy as cracking the shell and feeding, before you throw away the shell, save the membrane! The eggshell membrane is the thin, translucent layer between the egg and the shell, and it has been shown to aid in helping joint pain and function.
The membrane is filled with hydraulic acid, glucosamine, collagen, and chondroitin, aiding joint health. But it must be fed in its raw state and not heat processed as it may destroy its benefits.
Peeling the membrane can be a bit tricky at first. But after ruining a few eggshells, you get the hang of it.
What about eggshells?
It is not recommended to feed grocery store eggshells due to the chemical sanitization measures taken using sanitation agents such as chlorous compounds and quaternary ammonium compounds. If you have access to farm-fresh eggs (not from the grocery store), those shells will be appropriate to feed and can be a source of calcium carbonate.
Biotin Deficiency
"But won't raw eggs give my dog a biotin deficiency?"
Great question! And yes, it could, but the answer is a bit more nuanced.
Avidin is a glycoprotein creating up to 0.05% of the total protein content of egg white. And it loves to bind to biotin, making it unavailable for intestinal absorption.
So yes, technically, it’s a concern. But this is only when egg whites are exclusively fed in large amounts for an extended time. But as we usually provide the whole egg plus other sources of biotin, it is safe to feed as long as egg whites are not the mainstay of the diet.
If it still concerns you, you can always feed just the yolk or a cooked egg as cooking eggs denatures avidin, thus impairing its ability to tightly bind biotin.
Sourcing
Chicken eggs are generally easy to source from grocery stores. But for more novel eggs such as quail and duck, search in places such as
H Mart: chicken, quail, and duck eggs
Ranch 99: chicken, duck, balut, and quail eggs
Gourmet Grocery Stores: chicken, quail, and duck eggs
Local Farmers: chicken, quail, and duck eggs
Comparing Eggs
In general, eggs are similar. But there are differences in nutrition due to the size of the egg, species, nutrition, and genetics. Below are helpful visual and nutritional comparisons.
These modern dinosaur eggs are an accessible and affordable way to add quality nutrients to the bowl. And depending on where it's sourced, every part of the egg has a unique use. I hope you learned something new today & Always Keep Exploring!