The Benefits of Quail Eggs for Dogs (and How to Feed Them Safely)
If you’ve ever walked past a carton of quail eggs at the farmers’ market and wondered whether they’re good for dogs, you’re not alone. People ask me all the time if they can feed quail eggs to their pups, how many to give, and whether raw is safe. After raising Coturnix quail for years here in Maine, I’ve fed quail eggs to my own dogs in just about every way you can imagine. And honestly? They’ve become one of my favorite “simple, real-food” dog treats.
I’ll share what makes quail eggs so nutrient-dense, how they compare to chicken eggs, the safest ways to feed them, how many to offer based on your dog’s size, and a few fun ways to use them, whether you’ve got a picky eater or a treat-motivated goofball.
Why I Like Feeding My Dog Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are naturally rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Because they’re smaller than chicken eggs (about one-third the size) you can offer them as a quick snack without throwing off your dog’s overall diet. Here’s what makes them so popular:
Big Nutrition for Such a Small Egg
Quail eggs deliver B vitamins, vitamin A, selenium, iron, and choline. All of that plays a role in keeping dogs feeling good and running well.
Easy-to-Digest Protein
Most dogs do great with the protein in quail eggs. It’s gentle on the stomach and good for dogs who need a little something extra in their bowl.
A Boost for Skin & Coat
Thanks to omega-3s and healthy fats, quail eggs can help keep skin moisturized and coats shiny, great for dogs who get flaky or itchy during Maine’s dry winter months.
Naturally Low Allergen Risk
I’ve seen plenty of dogs who don’t handle chicken eggs do just fine with quail. It doesn’t mean quail eggs are hypoallergenic, but I’ve seen a lot of dogs tolerate them better.
Do Quail Eggs Help Dogs with Allergies?
Some dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities do better with quail. I won’t guarantee anything, but I hear from a lot of people who notice changes in things like:
- Itchy skin
- Hot spots
- Dull coat
- Ear irritation
Because quail eggs are less commonly used in commercial pet foods, dogs are less likely to react to them. If your dog has known egg allergies, though, skip them entirely.
Raw or Cooked? What’s Best
People get oddly passionate about this one, so here’s the short version.
Raw Quail Eggs Are Commonly Fed and Generally Safe
Since most quail eggs come from small farms or backyard keepers, they’re usually handled pretty carefully. Still, raw is raw, so keep that in mind. Raw feeders like that the yolk stays whole and nothing gets cooked off.
That said, no egg is risk-free. If your dog has a weakened immune system, or you just feel better cooking food first, stick with cooked.
Cooked Quail Eggs Are a Great Option Too
Hard-boiled or scrambled works just fine, too. Sure, cooking knocks a tiny bit of the vitamins down, but nothing your dog is going to miss.
Can Dogs Eat the Shell?
Yes, if it’s raw and from a trusted source. The shell is rich in calcium. Many owners crush the raw egg and shell together before offering it. If you prefer cooked eggs, toss the shell. Cooked shells become harder and more crumbly.
How to Feed Quail Eggs to Your Dog
You can serve them plain or mix things up a bit. Here are a few ideas my own dogs love:
- Raw Egg on Top of Dinner: Crack it right over their bowl (shell optional).
- Hard-Boiled Snack: Peel and give whole, or slice into little coins for training treats.
- Frozen Pup Pops: Freeze quail eggs in silicone molds for a summertime “pup-sicle.”
- Baked Into Homemade Dog Treats: If you make DIY treats, quail eggs work beautifully in place of chicken eggs. (Use three quail eggs for every one chicken egg.)
How Many Quail Eggs Can a Dog Have?
A good rule of thumb is to treat quail eggs as…well, a treat. They should be part of a balanced diet. Not a replacement for dog food.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1 egg, 2–3 times per week
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 2 eggs, 2–3 times per week
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 3–4 eggs, 2–3 times per week
These aren’t hard rules, just a starting point. If you’re feeding raw, start with one egg and make sure it sits well with your pup.
If you’ll be keeping a mix of eggs on hand for both your dogs and your kitchen, here’s how to swap quail eggs for chicken eggs in your recipes without messing up the texture or flavor.
A Quick Word on Sourcing
I always recommend buying from a small farm if you can. You want eggs that are:
- Collected daily
- From healthy, clean coveys
- Cleanly packed and stored
- Stored refrigerated or kept at room temperature if they’re unwashed and clean
If you’re buying local, ask how the quail are raised and what they’re fed. The answer tells you a lot about the eggs. If you’re curious about how long quail eggs stay good or the best way to store them at home, you might find my guide on keeping quail eggs fresh and safe really helpful.
If you want to try quail eggs for your dog, we offer Pupper Packs right here at Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm. They’re just fresh Coturnix quail eggs. No additives, no processing, just good, nutritious eggs your pup will enjoy.
They’re available for local pickup only, and I’m happy to set them out in the farmstand cooler if that’s easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve never fed quail eggs before, you’re not alone. Here are the ones I get the most.
They can. Start small (about half a cooked egg) and work up as long as their stomach tolerates it. For very young or immune-sensitive puppies, cooked is safer than raw.
“Better” depends on your dog, but quail eggs are smaller, denser in nutrients per ounce, and often tolerated by dogs with chicken sensitivities.
Many pet owners see improvements, especially when the dog is sensitive to chicken. Quail isn’t automatically hypoallergenic, but it’s less common in commercial feeds, which helps.
Some dogs get loose stools if they eat too many at once. Start with one and see how it goes.
Yes, older dogs often benefit from digestible protein and healthy fats.
Use caution. Eggs (quail included) are higher in fat. Talk to your vet if your dog is prone to flare-ups.
If they’re clean, skip the wash. If you do want to rinse them, wash right before feeding, not before storing.
Quail eggs are an easy little extra you can work into most dogs’ diets. Whether you use them as a topper, a treat, or a special once-in-a-while snack, they’re an easy way to support skin, coat, muscle, and overall health.
If you’re nearby and want to try a carton for your pup, just give me a shout. I’ll set a Pupper Pack out in the cooler for pickup.
And if you’ve ever been curious how quail eggs compare to chicken eggs for us humans, here’s a closer look at the differences between quail and chicken eggs, including taste, nutrition, and how people use them. Got a question I didn’t cover? Ask away. I’m happy to help.
