Guide
Can dogs eat quail eggs?
A careful answer on raw, cooked and shell-on quail eggs, and how our freeze-dried whole eggs fit in.
Updated
The major sources answer for eggs in general, and their answer is a cooked, plain egg. The American Kennel Club says to always cook eggs before giving them to a dog, and that most veterinarians recommend it, because of Salmonella and other raw egg concerns. The ASPCA warns that raw eggs can carry Salmonella and E. coli, which can make both pets and people sick. Our eggs are raw and shell-on, which is not what those sources recommend, so ask your veterinarian before you try them, and especially if your dog has a medical condition or eats to a plan.
Raw or cooked
The AKC names two raw egg concerns: Salmonella, which can reach the dog and the person handling the egg, and avidin, an enzyme in raw egg white that stops the body absorbing biotin. Its recommendation is a fully cooked egg with no oil, butter, salt or seasoning (AKC, Can Dogs Eat Eggs?, updated 2026-07-22, opened 2026-10-16). The ASPCA makes the same bacteria point about raw eggs (ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid, opened 2026-10-16). Those pages are about eggs in general. We found no named source that is specifically about quail eggs, so we apply the same reasoning.
Our quail eggs are raw and shell-on: whole raw eggs, shell included, freeze-dried. They are not cooked. We do not claim that freeze-drying makes a raw egg risk free, and we have no source that says it does. Treat the bag as a raw product when you handle it, and let your veterinarian make the call on whether raw egg suits your dog.
The shell
The AKC warns that the edges of an eggshell are sharp enough to hurt a dog's throat or internal organs, and says eggshell should be given only with a veterinarian's guidance. Our eggs are whole, shell included. Our listing describes the dried shell as brittle, but we have no source on whether that changes the AKC's concern, so ask your veterinarian first, stay close while your dog eats one, and crush the egg over a meal if your dog gulps. Expect a few broken eggs and some powder at the bottom of the bag; the dried egg is fragile.
Handling raw product
The FDA's handling advice for raw pet food is a hand wash with soap and water lasting at least 20 seconds, after touching the food or anything it touched, plus cleaning and then disinfecting those surfaces (FDA, Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet, opened 2026-10-16). The note on our bag is the short version: these are raw, so wash up after handling them.
How to serve
Three ways to serve
Crushed
Crumble an egg over a meal as a topper, which also breaks up the shell. Any eggs that cracked in the bag can go straight on the bowl.
Whole
Only once your veterinarian is comfortable with shell-on egg: hand one over as it is, and watch your dog eat it.
Softened
A short soak in warm water gives a softer egg. It is optional; the eggs can be fed dry.
Which count to pick
We sell the eggs by count: 9, 18, 72 or 288. The 9 count is the size to start with. The 18 count is also the number of eggs in the Exotic Collection Box. The 72 and 288 counts are the bulk sizes. Our listing says the 288 count needs up to 7 days of lead time.
Label facts
Guaranteed analysis from the label: crude protein 31% minimum, crude fat 26% minimum, crude fiber 10% maximum, moisture 10% maximum. The listing gives about 115.9 kcal per ounce, which is the highest energy figure in this range, so count the eggs as treats and keep fresh water available. The quail eggs are imported, and Sniff and Shift freeze-dries them in small batches in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
More unusual proteins
Looking for a different weird treat? Try frog legs, or see what novel protein means on the label.
Questions
Can dogs eat the shell?
Our eggs come whole, shell included. The AKC says eggshell edges can hurt a throat or internal organs and that shell should be given only with a veterinarian's guidance, so ask yours first, supervise, and crush the egg over a meal.
Do the eggs need soaking?
No. A warm-water soak is a choice, and dry eggs are fine.
Why are some eggs cracked?
Our listing warns that the dried eggs break easily; expect a few cracked ones and some shell dust.
Can cats have them?
Our listing says the eggs are made for dogs and cats. For a cat, the listing suggests a whole egg, a crumbled one on top of a meal, or one that has had a short warm soak.
How many eggs are in a bag?
The bag is sold in counts of 9, 18, 72 or 288, set by the size you pick.
Can dogs eat raw quail eggs?
The AKC says to always cook eggs for a dog, and the ASPCA lists Salmonella and E. coli among raw egg risks. Our eggs are sold as freeze-dried raw, so ask your veterinarian before feeding them, and wash your hands and surfaces after handling.
How do I store them?
Seal the bag again after opening and keep it away from heat and damp.
What owners say
Dogs enjoyed the egg but not the shell as much
Dog is obsessed!