Balut may be frowned upon by many, but for those who have it, it is an oddly great-tasting savory meal more commonly eaten amongst the Philipines but has since gone global. While balut has lots of benefits for humans, can dogs have balut? Here is everything you need to know about balut for dogs.
What is Balut?
Balut is a popular Filipino delicacy made from incubated duck eggs. It is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo, typically consumed after being boiled.
The incubation period for balut is crucial, and the eggs are usually incubated for 17 to 18 days. At this stage, the embryo is still covered with a whitish membrane, and the egg is locally known as “balut sa puti,” meaning “wrapped in white.”
The practice of consuming fertilized duck eggs is not exclusive to the Philippines. It has been documented in many Asian countries, and the consumption of similar food items has been traced back to China, where it was known as “maodan” or “feathered egg.” Different countries have variations in the incubation process, with preferences for the firmness of the embryo when cooked.
Balut is traditionally sold by street vendors, especially during the night until early dawn. It is often considered a snack for the masses and is affordable and nutritious.
Despite some controversies and criticisms, balut remains a cultural icon in the Philippines, celebrated in festivals such as the Balut sa Puti Festival in Pateros. The industry continues to thrive, with duck farming being a significant source of livelihood for many Filipinos, contributing to the country’s duck egg production and market demand.
Can Dogs Eat Balut?
Dogs like the taste of balut and its gamey flavor, and they can eat 1/4 of it without any problems. However, do not feed the savory broth inside to your dog, as it contains lots of vinegar and salt. If possible, ask the vendor not to include broth in the portion you intend to serve your dog.
While considering treating your pooch to balut, you should understand it is a high sodium-containing food, and a single balut can carry up to 359 mg of cholesterol, which is more than 50% of your dog’s daily value (500mg). Too much cholesterol could contribute to pancreatitis, which is why balut for dogs should be fed occasionally in insignificant amounts, or you can opt for homemade low-fat treats instead.
Is Balut Good For Dogs?
Without the broth, balut could offer some benefits to your pooch. Balut is a great source of animal-based protein, which could help uphold the muscle mass of your pooch.
Balut contains about 188 calories, which could be great before long hiking or rigorous training sessions. However, you have to keep in mind the calories from your dog’s quality kibble and ensure there is a balance.
Iron and calcium are also minerals abundant in balut, aiding proper bodily functioning and the overall development of bones and teeth.
How Much Is Too Much?
Anything beyond 1/4 is likely going to be too much considering the dog’s main food. Treats are meant to stick to 10% of a dog’s diet and no more. Feeding a full balut to a dog can supply more than 20% of their daily calorie intake and 70% of cholesterol intake. Hence, no more than 1/4.
Read: can cats eat balut?
Can Puppies Or Senior Dogs Have Balut?
When dogs get to their 5th or 6th year, they begin to lose a certain percentage of their muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, and the only way to slow this down is by feeding them more protein. Senior dogs could benefit from the protein present in balut.
Puppies are still little—developing into proper adult dogs—and for this process to go smoothly, they need certain nutrients in certain amounts, which are supplied efficiently from their puppy foods. Do not give puppies balut.
Can Dogs Have Balut Shells?
Balut shells are rich in calcium and can be a great addition to your dog’s meal. For dogs who struggle to chew bones, balut or regular chicken eggs will suffice. However, salmonella resides on eggshells, which means you should boil the eggshells before you offer them to your dog.
Alternative Treats to Balut for Dogs
When treating a dog, we have to take into consideration any existing health challenges and age. Here are some awesome alternatives to Balot for dogs:
- Dog Biscuits/Treats: Commercially available dog treats or biscuits are specifically formulated for canine consumption. Look for treats with natural ingredients and without added preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Vegetables: Many dogs enjoy veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or baby carrots. Vegetables provide a healthy alternative and are low in calories.
- Dog-safe turon: The traditional turon features thinly sliced bananas and jackfruit wrapped in egg roll wrappers and deep-fried before being coated in caramel, which is not safe for dogs. We crafted a dog-safe turon recipe that is easy to make and equally tasty—your dog would love every bit.
Is duck embryos good for dogs? Final Thought
Dogs can have a little duck embryo without any issues. It could provide benefits for your dog as it is rich in proteins and vitamins, but make sure not to buy or prepare duck embryos for your dog with the savory broth that consists of vinegar and salt, which could cause sodium poisoning in large amounts.
