Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells? Health Benefits and Risks

Can dogs eat eggshells? Yes, dogs can eat eggshells if prepared properly. Egg shells are a great
source of calcium for healthy bones and teeth in dogs. But make sure they are clean and finely
ground to avoid any risks. In this post, we will explain the health benefits and risks of feeding
your dog eggshells and how to prepare them safely as part of a balanced dog’s diet.

Quick Facts

• Egg shells are safe for dogs if prepared properly – cooked and ground into a fine powder for a great source of calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Too much calcium from eggshells can cause hypercalcemia, so moderation and consulting a vet is key.
• Eggshell membranes are good for joint health, with glucosamine and collagen, and great for older dogs or dogs with joint issues.

Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?

Yes, dogs can eat eggshells, but there are some things to consider what dogs eat. These shells can
be a great source of calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth. However, dogs that eat eggshells
must be prepared properly to avoid choking hazards and digestive issues.

It’s important to cook the eggs before feeding them to your dog. Although dogs can tolerate some
bacteria, like salmonella, it’s better to cook the eggs to minimize the risk, making the eggshells
safer to eat. Many pet owners wonder if dogs can eat cooked eggs, and the answer is yes. They
can be a healthy treat.

Properly prepared eggshells can be a great addition to your dog’s diet and a natural source of
calcium for growing puppies and older dogs. However, this should be balanced with other
nutrients to maintain a healthy diet. Egg shells should complement a balanced diet that includes
dog food, providing all the necessary nutrients for overall canine health.

Benefits of Egg Shells for Dogs

Not waste; eggshells are nutritionally beneficial for dogs in many ways. First and foremost, they
are a great source of calcium for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Adding ground egg shells
to your dog’s meals will increase their calcium intake.

Egg shells also have other beneficial minerals to support your dog’s health, joint health, bone
strength, and balanced diet. Dog eggshells are rich in amino acids, vitamins, and calcium and are good in moderation. Consult a vet before introducing dog eggshells to your dog’s diet, especially
for older dogs with joint issues, to know the risks and benefits.

Below are the specific nutrients in eggshells and their benefits.

Calcium in eggshells

Calcium is important in a dog’s diet, and egg shells are a good source of this mineral. High
calcium levels are needed for strong bones and teeth, especially for growing puppies and older
dogs that need extra support.

Adding eggshell powder to your dog’s food will provide enough calcium to support overall
health and prevent bone and dental problems. Balancing calcium intake is key to avoiding any
health issues.

Other Minerals in Egg Shells

Beyond calcium, eggshells are rich in other minerals like collagen and antioxidants. Collagen,
for example, can improve joint health and mobility, which is great for older dogs or dogs with
joint issues.

Antioxidants in eggshell membranes will combat free radicals and support the immune system
and skin health. Including these minerals in your dog’s diet will improve overall health and
quality of life.

How to Prepare Egg Shells for Dogs

Preparing eggshells for your dog is more than just cracking an egg and throwing the shells in the
bowl. Proper preparation is key to safety and digestibility. The first step is to clean and boil the
shells to remove bacteria. Cooking eggs before feeding them to dogs is also important to avoid
health risks from raw eggs.

After cleaning and boiling, grind the eggshells into a fine powder. This will aid in digestion and
nutrient absorption. Properly prepared eggshells can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, with
many benefits without the risks.

Cleaning and Boiling Eggshells

Wash the eggshells thoroughly to remove dirt and contaminants. Boil for 5 minutes to kill
salmonella and other bacteria.

After boiling, dry the shells completely before grinding. This will ensure the shells are safe and
free from moisture that can harbor bacteria.

Grind Egg Shells into Fine Powder

After cleaning and boiling, grind the eggshells into a fine powder using a food processor or
spice grinder to the desired consistency.

Grinding the shells into fine powder will make it easier for your dog to digest and ensure nutrient
absorption. This step is important to avoid choking hazards or digestive issues.

Risks of Feeding Egg Shells to Dogs

Although eggshells have many benefits when feeding eggs to dogs, pet parents should be aware
of the risks. One major risk is excessive calcium intake, which can cause hypercalcemia and
kidney stones.

Raw eggs also pose risks from bacterial contamination and nutritional issues, such as biotin
binding in raw egg whites, which can cause deficiencies in dogs.

Another risk is choking or digestive issues if the eggshells are improperly prepared. Grinding the
shells into fine powder is key to minimizing these risks.

Excess Calcium and Health Problems

Excessive calcium can cause serious health problems in dogs. Hypercalcemia, a condition caused
by too much calcium in the blood, can cause kidney stones and worsen existing kidney problems.

You must moderate the eggshell powder in your dog’s diet to avoid imbalances and overall
health. Consult with your vet to determine the right amount for your dog.

Choking Hazards and Digestive Issues

Improperly prepared eggshells can be a choking hazard. Grinding the shells into fine powder will
prevent this risk and make it safe for your dog to consume.

Large pieces of eggshell can cause digestive issues. Grinding the shells, fine will avoid these
problems and make it easier for your dog to digest and absorb the nutrients.

How Much Egg Shell to Feed Your Dog?

When dogs eat eggs, moderation is everything, especially when feeding egg shells to your dog.
The amount of ground eggshells to add to meals depends on their size and dietary needs. A small
pinch of eggshell powder will give them extra calcium without the risk of excess.

Consult with your vet before adding eggshells to your dog’s diet. They can give you personalized
advice based on your dog’s health requirements to ensure that it’s safe and beneficial.

Are Egg Shell Membranes Good for Dogs?

Eggshell membranes are rich in glucosamine, collagen, and chondroitin, which are important for
joint health in dogs. Adding these membranes to your dog’s diet will improve joint function and
reduce pain.

Egg yolks also have nutritional benefits for dogs. They contain high levels of healthy fats,
protein, vitamins, and minerals that support the immune system and cell maintenance.

A 2016 study found a significant reduction in joint pain in 51 dogs with joint issues due to
eggshell membranes. So, it’s good to add eggshell membranes to the diet of older dogs or dogs
with joint problems to improve their quality of life.

Other Sources of Calcium

There are many natural sources of calcium for your dog. Dark leafy greens like kale and broccoli
are good choices; they contain calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Scrambled eggs are another option, a highly digestible source of protein and calcium. Dogs can
eat eggs in different forms, a great source of essential amino acids. Fish with bones, like
sardines, and dairy products, like yogurt and cheese, can also supplement your dog’s calcium
intake. But feed these in moderation to avoid lactose intolerance or high fat intake.

Conclusion

In short, eggshells can be a good addition to your dog’s diet; they contain calcium and other
minerals. But you need to prepare them properly to avoid choking and digestive issues.
Moderation is key, and consult with your vet to make sure your dog gets the benefits without the
risks.

By adding eggshells and other natural sources of calcium to your dog’s diet, you can support its
overall health and well-being. Remember, a balanced diet is key to your dog’s health and
happiness.

FAQs

Can dogs eat eggshells?

Dogs can eat eggshells if crushed properly to avoid choking and digestive issues. Just make sure
to prepare them safely!

How to prepare eggshells for dogs?

To prepare eggshells for your dog, clean them well, boil them for 5 minutes, dry them, and grind
them into a powder. They’re a great source of calcium for your pup!

What are the benefits of feeding eggshells to dogs?

Egg shells are good for dogs because they are rich in calcium, which helps to keep their bones
and teeth strong. When you feed eggs to your dog, make sure to cook them plain, like boiling or
scrambling, to make them digestible and healthy. Hard-boiled eggs are another safe option, as
hard boiling kills bacteria. Plus, they have other minerals, too!

How much eggshell powder should I add to my dog’s food?

A small pinch of eggshell powder is enough, but it’s always good to consult your vet for the best
advice for your dog.

Other sources of calcium?

Yes! Dark leafy greens, fish with bones, and dairy products can also provide calcium. So, if
you’re looking for alternatives to eggshells, these are your options!