Can a dog hold an egg in its mouth?
Olivia Hensley
Updated on February 21, 2026
“Placing a raw egg (in the shell) in a dog's mouth is a health risk,” Dr. Paula Parker, the president of the Australian Veterinary Association, told BuzzFeed. “It is choking hazard as the egg may become lodged in the dog's throat.”
Why do dogs hold eggs in their mouths?
Bred to retrieve the carcasses of game birds for hunters, it became characteristic of the breed to softly cup items in their mouths rather than biting down. Recently, dog parents have been putting this trait to the test with a potentially harmful trend called the “Golden Retriever Egg Challenge”.Will a dog not crack an egg?
This challenge began after a video of a golden retriever went viral. Apparently, golden retrievers have gentle mouths that they won't crack an egg when it's in their mouths. But dog owners are trying it with breeds of all kinds. Some are having it but others aren't.What will a dog do with an egg?
As shared by Mashable and other outlets, dogs are doing the "egg challenge", and it might be the cutest thing you see all day. The "egg challenge" is simple. You see if you can place an egg in your dog's mouth, and get them to hold it there without breaking it, testing how gentle their jaw is.Can a dog swallow a whole egg?
Eggs are good for dogs as they provide an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Essentially the entire egg, including the eggshell, can be nutritious for dogs.Dogs Try The Viral Egg Challenge Tik Tok Compilation - So Cute
Can dogs eat egg white or yolk?
In general, eggs are good for dogs, and they're even part of canines' diets in the wild. Every part of the egg, from the shell to the yolk, contains beneficial nutrients for dogs. Although, like all good things, they should be given in moderation.Can dogs eat egg yolk?
Dogs can eat cooked egg yolks, but it should be done in moderation. Egg yolks are very energy-dense (i.e. high calorie) and rich in fat, including cholesterol.Can a golden retriever hold an egg in its mouth?
Health concernsThe president of the Australian Veterinary Association, Dr. Paula Parker, has warned people that putting an egg in a dog's mouth could be a choking hazard and that salmonella and other harmful bacteria could be on the outside of the egg as well as the inside.