Duck eggs are a viable alternative to other protein sources. However, as with many foods, there are aspects of this food that may make it unsuitable for your dog.
The first concern when feeding duck eggs is the potential presence of salmonella. While dogs have strong stomachs and are more resistant to most illnesses they can still contract salmonellosis from duck eggs. Salmonella in ducks occurs due to contamination by water or human handling after laying.
Duck eggs intended for human consumption undergo an additional process referred to as ‘candling’ which consists of passing the egg over a bright light to detect any unwanted bacteria before processing begins. Candling is optional in regards to pet consumption though is highly recommended due to the risk of salmonella poisoning.
Duck eggs can also be high in cholesterol and saturated fat. While this is not always a problem for dogs it should be taken into account.
In addition, these components are the ones responsible for increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in humans as well as dogs so care should be taken to limit consumption by animals affected by heart problems or those with a predisposition for such conditions.
In general, duck eggs can make a great protein alternative though because of the likelihood of contamination and is highly recommended before use. For optimal health, pets should be fed balanced diets that are prepared in whole or as close to whole as possible.
Though there are nutritional benefits associated with duck eggs for both dogs and humans it is important to note the potential risks posed by consumption due to contamination. If you feel your dog would benefit from duck eggs they should be carefully examined before feeding them raw.