Pet Food Allergen

Egg Allergy in Dogs and Cats

Egg allergies in pets target the egg white — specifically ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and conalbumin proteins. Egg yolk alone is rarely problematic. Dogs with a chicken allergy often react to whole egg through cross-reactivity with chicken serum albumin.

Prevalence

~4-8% of food-allergic dogs react to egg (Mueller 2016). Cats less frequently.

Label names that contain egg

Any of these on an ingredient list means egg is present.

eggegg productdried eggwhole eggegg whiteegg yolkovalbuminalbumin

Cross-reactivity

A pet allergic to egg may also react to: chicken (serum albumin). Cross-reactivity is not guaranteed, but it is common enough that it should inform an elimination diet.

Symptoms that point to egg

Factual reference based on AAFCO ingredient definitions, FDA guidance, and peer-reviewed veterinary literature cited above. Not medical or veterinary advice. Consult a veterinarian for decisions about your pet's diet.