Can cats be given raw eggs?

Composition and benefits of eggs

The egg contains more than a dozen vitamins: A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins: B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, as well as microelements: calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and many others necessary for the health of the cat.

The egg white contains a source of easily digestible protein. The yolk is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and choline, which controls fat and cholesterol levels in the body. Lecithin has a positive effect on blood supply to the brain. Egg yolk also contains cholesterol, which is considered the least harmful due to its balance with lecithin, which has a positive effect on the nutrition of nerve cells and is necessary for proper blood supply to the brain.

Eggs contain a lot of nutrients

List of the best dry cat food

Food for cats with kidney failure is produced by many well-known manufacturers. It can be either dry or wet. Do not forget that when eating dry food, the cat must drink a lot of water. Therapeutic food for cats with kidney failure has a positive effect on the animal’s condition. The best are considered:

• Eukanuba Renal. Food can be dry or wet. Balanced. Contains essential vitamins and microelements, as well as a small amount of protein and a low concentration of phosphorus. Can be taken for up to six months. One package of wet food 85 g costs about 50 rubles, a package of 2 kg costs 1 thousand rubles, 12 kg costs 5 thousand rubles. Made in the Netherlands.
• Royal Canin Renal. Designed specifically to support kidney function. This is a product with a small amount of phosphorus, fatty acids, and antioxidants. The fish oil content here is normalized, which helps to increase glomerular filtration, and the amount of protein is kept to a minimum. The price of 4 kg is 2.5 thousand rubles, 2 kg is 1.5 thousand rubles, and 0.5 kg is 500 rubles. The food is made in France.
• Hills Prescription Diet K/D Feline Renal Health. Improves the pet's quality of life. Prevents the progression of the disease. Contains Omega-3. Neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals. It has an excellent taste and is liked by animals. The cost of 1.5 kg of feed is 1,500 rubles, 400 g is about 350 rubles. Made in the USA.
• Farmina Vet Life Renal. The food contains about 26% crude protein, which meets all standards for medicinal feed. Contains carbohydrates and fatty acids. Easy to digest. After 3-4 weeks of its use, pets feel significantly better. Price: 2 kg - 1500 rubles, 5 kg -3500 rubles, 0.4 kg - 400 rubles. Factories producing these feeds are located in Italy, Serbia and Brazil.
• Monge Grain Free Vetsolution Renal Feline. The food does not contain grains. It is based on freeze-dried chicken. Contains up to 24% protein. They are recommended for cats not only for diseases of the renal system, but also for exhaustion, anorexia and metabolic acidosis. Sold only in veterinary institutions. Packaged in 0.4 and 1.5 kg. The price of 400 g is 350 rubles, 1.5 kg is 1100 rubles. Made in Italy.
• Purina Veterinary Diets NF. The food has excellent taste. All cats eat it without exception. The composition includes rice, corn and wheat flour. There are animal fats, minerals and powdered eggs. The protein content reaches 26%. The cost of 350 g is 300 rubles, 850 g is 650 rubles, 1.5 kg is 1000 rubles. Product made in France.

The composition of medicinal feeds is carefully developed. For their production, only fresh, first-class raw materials are used. And the effectiveness of the products has been confirmed by the World Association of Veterinarians.

Royal Canin food for cats with kidney failure is often recommended by veterinarians. The main indication for switching a cat to this food is chronic renal failure. In addition, nutrition from the Renal line helps prevent the formation of kidney stones and relapses of diseases such as cystitis and urate.

During treatment, the pet should be on this food for about 6 months. If after this the laboratory tests do not return to normal, then the food is prescribed to the pet for life.

The food has excellent taste and a special particle structure, croquette, which makes it possible to chew them without difficulty. Cat food is enriched with antioxidants. They neutralize the negative effects of free radicals.

This food should not be given to animals during pregnancy, when feeding kittens with milk, or to animals at a young age.

Renal food for cats with renal failure contains a minimum phosphorus content. Its contents include flavones, which have a positive effect on blood circulation and oxidative processes. The food contains Omega 3 fatty acids. They support normal glomerular filtration in the kidney organ.

Among the main ingredients of the food:

• corn flour;
• rice;
• animal fats;
• vegetable fiber;
• gluten;
• fish fat;
• soy protein isolate;
• calcium carbonate;
• mineral elements,
• beet pulp.

Nutritional value of the product:

• carbohydrates – 37%;
• proteins - 23%;
• fats - 17%;
• fiber - 10%.

Renal food for cats with kidney failure has confirmed its effectiveness. Many reviews say that this food restored the health of their pets, and extended the lives of some.

Eggs in the diet of cats

Rich in vitamins, eggs are an essential element of proper cat nutrition. As a rule, they are part of premium professional feeds. In the case of natural feeding, the owner must add them independently, observing the proportions, restrictions and other features of the product.

Veterinarians agree that eggs that have not undergone heat treatment are prohibited for cats. They can become a carrier of salmonella, which is neutralized by high temperatures during cooking. Slightly undercooked so-called poached and benedict are also contraindicated.

Boil eggs for at least five minutes and serve without salt. In this case, the danger of harm to the animal will be prevented, and the beneficial properties will be obtained to the maximum.

Raw eggs can cause salmonellosis

What are the benefits of eggs for a cat?

For carnivorous animals, namely domestic cats, their diet should consist overwhelmingly of protein. The source of protein is mainly meat and fish, but they are not the only ones that should make up a complete diet.

Eggs provide the body not only with protein, but with important amino acids that strengthen the cat’s immunity, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and sharpen vision.

Eggs contain vitamins and a number of essential minerals: iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium. They are good for joints and muscles, bones, and strengthen the nervous system. When combined with vitamin D, calcium maintains healthy teeth. Biotin, which is abundant in eggs, has a positive effect on the condition of the coat.

It is not obvious, but eggshells are no less useful than whites and yolks. It contains a whole complex of minerals. The shells must be washed in running water and poured with boiling water, and added to food in a highly crushed form.

Cats with chronic diseases should not eat eggs

Eggs are harmful to cats

When choosing food for cats, you should take into account what they eat in the wild. Cats belong to the order of carnivores, which means that the basis of their diet is animal products rich in protein. A wild cat hunts birds, small rodents, and can also destroy bird nests and eat eggs. Therefore, eggs added to the diet in small quantities do not cause any harm to the cat’s body.

Eggs, like any product, can cause allergies and individual intolerance. In case of allergies, skin rashes and itching, diarrhea and vomiting may occur.

In addition, store-bought eggs may contain an antibiotic that is given to chickens. It negatively affects the immune system of cats and disrupts the functioning of internal organs.

Quail eggs are easier to digest in the body

Chicken or quail eggs

There is an opinion that quail eggs are more beneficial for cats, that they are richer in protein, strengthen the immune system and help get rid of diseases. In fact, quail eggs are slightly superior in health benefits to chicken eggs. The advantage of quail eggs is that they are actually better absorbed in the cat’s body.

It is a mistake to think that due to the high body temperature of quails, their eggs cannot contain salmonella, but this is not the case. Research has revealed the presence of bacteria on the inside of eggshells. Therefore, it is better to feed your cat a product that has undergone heat treatment.

About nutrition for cats with kidney disease

Kidney failure in cats is the result of pathological processes and leads to a malfunction of the organ and the entire urinary system.
With this disease, gradual damage to all organs occurs. Metabolic processes in the body are disrupted. At the first stage of the disease, the amount of urine excreted decreases. There is a sharp decrease in blood pressure. As the disease develops, urine production ceases completely. The content of nitrogenous metabolites in the blood plasma increases significantly. At the third stage of the development of the disease, urine begins to leave, but it contains only salt and water, and metabolic products settle in the body and over time begin to destroy it.

Timely treatment helps normalize kidney function. Therapy for renal failure is long-term and lasts up to three months.

Kidney failure in cats can be acute or chronic. The first form of the disease is curable and develops intensively. The second occurs slowly and gradually affects the tissue of the kidney organ. This disease is incurable, and cat owners can only partially alleviate the animal’s condition.

Food for cats with renal failure contains minimal amounts of protein. Therefore, when creating a menu, you should limit your meat consumption by 30-50%. It is acceptable to replace meat products with offal, for example, chicken stomachs and hearts. The animal's diet should include yogurt and cottage cheese. To replenish the required calorie content, the menu is filled with cereal porridges and vegetable purees. Your pet can eat plant foods as much as possible.

If you have kidney disease, do not overfeed your cat. In case of renal failure, the menu is drawn up by the doctor, based on the animal’s condition and tests. In some cases, medicated food for cats with renal failure is included in the diet. Dietary food, especially wet food, as well as natural food, can significantly alleviate the animal’s condition. What to choose: natural food or ready-made food - the veterinarian must decide, based on the condition of the animal and the financial capabilities of its owner.

Cats, like all living things, age. After 10 years of life, they begin to develop a variety of diseases. These cats move less and sleep more. Therefore, there must be a special approach to feeding such a pet.

Food for aging cats with renal failure should be selected according to the age of the animal. In this case, more vitamins and minerals are required, but fewer calories. If your cat eats dry food, she should drink a lot of water. The ideal ratio is 3/1. The amount of magnesium and phosphorus in ready-made food for old animals is reduced. Ash content is balanced. Such food should be considered holistic or premium. Contain high-quality and safe ingredients.

It is better to choose wet food for aging cats with kidney failure. Dry food can aggravate the problem. Due to the increased carbohydrate content, dehydration and hyperglycemia can occur. Wet food should have a minimum amount of phosphorus, various food additives and potassium. Veterinarians prescribe such food for old cats along with medications for anemia and hypertension.

You should not put an old cat on a low protein diet, as this will hinder the natural reproduction of muscle mass and the pet will begin to lose weight, which will worsen its health.

In the initial stages of the development of renal failure, you need to transfer the old cat to wet food with a normal, rather than reduced, protein content. The animal should be protected from stress as much as possible and ensure a comfortable existence.

How much and how often to give your cat an egg

Not a single product will be beneficial if you feed your pet only it. This also applies to eggs in a cat’s diet.

Much depends on the individual, but on average an adult cat can eat one whole egg per week. It is better to divide this amount into several feedings. Even if your pet eats eggs with pleasure, limit the amount of this product. In large quantities, eggs can negatively affect a cat's liver, gall bladder and other internal organs.

For kittens who are starting to switch to a natural diet from mother's milk, a fifth of one chicken yolk per week would be close to the ideal amount. As it grows, the portion can be increased to a third and ½ part of the yolk. The yolk of a quail egg will not harm the kitten in its entirety, but also not more than once every seven days.

Eggs are good for kittens too

Which is healthier: boiled or raw product for pussy?

There is no definite answer to this question. Remembering the wild origin of cats, they are, in theory, adapted to eat raw food, and their body must be prepared for this.

But still, Murka and Vaska are by no means “savages”; they have been pets for many centuries and have adapted to a new way. They live side by side with humans and often eat foods that they cannot get in the wild. Moreover, pets often “treat” themselves, without waiting for the generosity of the owner. Even some human diseases can be transmitted to cats... And many breeds have undergone long-term selection, but there is no need to remember their “wild” roots.

All this leads us to believe that it is better to boil your pet’s eggs to avoid digestive problems. After all, raw ones may contain helminth larvae, including worms, and this is in addition to salmonella.

Veterinary specialists, who know the danger of infection and the possible consequences, recommend once again to be on the safe side. Although, as in other products, the amount of nutrients in eggs decreases when cooked. The product can be given whole or finely chopped; the latter serving option is more preferable.

When should you start introducing eggs into your diet?

If you have adopted a kitten or become the owner of a cat that has recently given birth, difficulties may arise with the choice of food, in particular, whether a small kitten can be given a raw or boiled egg.

Adult and young cats should not eat raw eggs due to the risk of salmonellosis. Boiled eggs do not harm the body of a healthy animal. Kittens up to six months are recommended to consume no more than a quarter of one chicken or whole quail yolk no more than once a week.

It is recommended to feed babies eggs no earlier than they reach three months of age.

Is it possible to give eggshells to cats?

Eggshells contain a whole range of useful minerals. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of bone tissue in cats. But it can be given to pets only after consultation with a veterinarian. If the animal suffers from urolithiasis or is prone to it, it is better to refuse eggshells. Otherwise, your pet's condition may worsen.

Eggshells are offered to pets in a well-crushed form. It can be given no more than 3 times a week. A pinch of eggshell powder can be added to the animal's food.

Contraindications

Eggs, like any other product, can cause intolerance or allergies .

Therefore, the diet should be supplemented gradually, monitoring the appearance of changes in the animal’s skin and the reaction of the gastrointestinal tract, which may react with vomiting or diarrhea.

Also, in the presence of certain chronic diseases in cats, eggs can cause a sharp deterioration in health.

• Eggs increase blood cholesterol, this can be a critical factor for cats experiencing problems with the cardiovascular system , this is especially true for older animals.
• kidney, liver or gall bladder diseases, it is better to avoid eating eggs to avoid complications.
• for cats suffering from urolithiasis .

You should consult with your veterinarian before introducing any product into your diet, especially if your pet suffers from chronic diseases of the internal organs or does not tolerate certain types of food.

Also, be careful when feeding eggs to pregnant and lactating cats; it is best to do this under the supervision of a doctor.

Some animals enjoy eating eggs

Which eggs to choose

Today, quail eggs are gaining momentum. There are many myths about their medicinal benefits for any disease. Of course, one should not exaggerate the scope of the effect that this product is capable of providing, but one cannot fail to note their beneficial properties. In terms of nutritional value, quail eggs are superior to chicken eggs. For cats, quail eggs are slightly more valuable than chicken eggs, since they are digested faster and better. However, it should be borne in mind that a chicken egg, being homemade, will have more benefits for the body than a quail egg that was bought in a store.

How to train a cat to eat eggs

Cats often eat eggs with pleasure, guided by instincts. But it happens that some individuals do not like this product, then the owner has to resort to some tricks.

A boiled egg can be added to your usual diet in finely chopped form. And since it is recommended to eat a small amount of egg at one meal, the cat may not pay attention to its presence on the menu.

If your pet is used to eating store-bought food, study its composition: many manufacturers add eggs to the finished product. Otherwise, you can add a little boiled egg to dry food or canned food.

So, a small amount of chicken or quail eggs will not harm the cat unless there are medical contraindications for this. If in doubt, it is better to consult a veterinarian and undergo the necessary tests. Then you will be confident that you are ensuring the well-being and health of your pet.

Dangers of Feeding Eggs

There is a dangerous myth that eggshells are immune and protect the contents from bacteria. This is partly true, the surface of the egg is indeed populated by bacteria, but they are not specific immune cells. These are the same microorganisms that live on the surface of the skin of adult birds. They create an environment unfavorable for some fungi and bacteria, but this is not a reliable protective barrier.

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The myth that eggshells are impenetrable is also incorrect. Some parasites and microbes can penetrate through this barrier. The most dangerous and common pathogen is salmonellosis. For these reasons, you can feed your pet only store-bought eggs that come from laying hens that undergo regular veterinary examinations.

Eggs from your own household farm should be given only after thorough boiling, which is guaranteed to destroy all dangerous bacteria. This also applies to quail eggs. All stories that quail are resistant to salmonellosis are a myth. This type of bird is no different from chickens in terms of resistance to the pathogen.

Chicken or quail

It is believed that quails do not contain the causative agent of salmonellosis, so they can also be given raw.

In composition, they contain more useful substances than chicken. True, this difference is insignificant.

However, nowadays there are infected quail testicles due to the addition of various chemicals and antibiotics to the feed.

Another advantage of quail eggs for cats is their small size. There will be no need to throw away the product if necessary.

Many owners are interested in whether it is possible to give quail eggs to a cat? There is an opinion that such a product can cure animals of various ailments and significantly strengthen their immunity. In fact, quail eggs contain slightly more nutrients than chicken eggs. They also have the advantage of being easier to digest.

If the cat turns up his nose

Just like people, cats have their own food preferences. And if you can’t pull some people away from this dish by the ears, others turn their noses up at it. The thing is that eggs have virtually no odor, so the cat may not pay much attention to them. You can help your pet recognize it by gently poking its nose at the product, thus showing that this food is completely safe and edible.

If this fails to convince the cat, then there is no need to insist. This means that the pet simply does not like eggs and it is worth looking for another way out of this situation. For example, a new product can be “camouflaged” by taking advantage of the fact that animals react to the aromas of the dish rather than its appearance. The egg can be grated and added to your usual dishes.

Some cats have a weakness for fried eggs. Of course, this is not the healthiest dish, since the presence of overcooked butter will not improve the health of the animal, and the owners are unlikely to prepare it separately for their purring gourmet, however, occasionally the pet can still be pampered.

In addition, you can give eggs with your favorite treats; your pet will hardly be able to resist. They can be mixed with minced meat, pieces of fish, liver or other product that the cat is partial to.