One thing that always amazes us is how sensitive pet owners are towards the health and diet of their companions. Therefore, they are always looking for snacks and food for their best health. That’s why these pet parents often ask our experts, “Can dogs eat eggshells?”
Well, the good news is yes, your canines can feast on the hard eggshells and benefit from their minerals. However, the answer is not as simple as it seems. You need to weigh the quantities, risk factors, and safe feeding methods. Drawing from our experience, we have compiled this guide to answer all of your questions. Stay put, and let’s learn how your pooch can get the most out of this crunchy treat.
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells Safely?
Generally speaking, dogs can eat eggshells safely, but with a catch. You can’t feed them the whole eggshells, as it can lead to choking. We strongly advise you to get only authentically produced and farm-raised eggs.
Avoid eggs from grocery stores as they are often treated with chemicals such as calcium carbonate or protoporphyrin IX. These substances are harmful to the health of your four-legged companion.
Pros and Cons of Eggshells for Dogs
Undoubtedly, eggshells are nutritious for dogs; they have their own share of pros and cons. Permit us to present you the perks and drawbacks of feeding eggshells to your canines:
Benefits of Eggshells
Let’s quickly go through the perks of eggshells for dogs:
1. Contain Calcium and Phosphorus
The ultimate perk of making a dish out of eggshells for your dog is the abundance of calcium. It is present in the form of calcium carbonate that strengthens the bones of the animal.
Further, eggshells are also a great source of phosphorus. This mineral doubles the role of calcium. Plus, it also maintains the pet’s heart health and helps in muscle contraction.
2. Prevent from Bone Diseases
The inside of the eggshell contains a membrane. It includes various nourishment substances like collagen, chondroitin, and glucosamine. A 2016 study mentions that this membrane not only reduces joint pain but also improves suboptimal joint functions in dogs.
3. Protect from Periodontal Disease
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that pets like dogs and cats are very prone to getting periodontal disease by the age of 3. Feeding them eggshells could effectively reduce the risk of dental diseases.
4. Act as an Affordable Natural Supplement
A nuanced yet crucial pro is that eggshells are affordable natural supplements. With very small amounts such as 1 tsp to 2.5 tsp, you can prepare a calcium dose for the entire day. Frequently, preparing a DIY dish at home is helpful in lessening the toll on your budget.
5. Provide Other Nutrients
Calcium is not the only available nutrient in the egg cores; there are various other minerals. As per a study on PubMed, they contain iron, magnesium, selenium, iron, protein, biotin, fatty acids, folate, and riboflavin.
Iron makes the joints strong and provides energy. Biotin is good for the skin and fatty acid keeps the dog’s coat healthy. Selenium is an antioxidant that protects the cells from lysis.
Not to mention the amino acids that are found in the core structure of eggshells. Out of 10 essential amino acids, your dog can get 8 from these cores. To add to the mix, vitamin E and magnesium give a leg up to the pet’s immune system. Further, the shells also reduce inflammation, as per this 2017 study.
Drawbacks of Eggshells
Despite having numerous benefits, feeding eggshells to dogs also has a catch. For the best health of your canine, keep in mind the following potential drawbacks:
1. Risk of Calcium Overdose
The obvious con is that your dog may get a calcium overdose. An average farm-produced egg contains more than 750 mg of calcium content, and your dog needs no more than 1000 mg of calcium per day.
Feeding too much calcium can cause dietary imbalance as well as affect the quantities of vitamin D in the canine. Abnormal levels of these minerals can trigger skeletal muscle problems, a 2012 study says. Moderation feeding is the best way to avoid this risk.
2. Chemically Bleached Eggshells
This is inherently not an issue with eggshells, yet many companies spray chemicals to enhance their shine. These substances are not only harmful but also remove beneficial nutrients from the shells. Therefore, we advise you to only buy from local farmers or look for certifications such as USDA Organic or Certified Humane.
What is the Recommended Serving Size of Eggshells?
Our vets recommend 1 big size eggshell for dogs to fulfill their dietary needs. For easy measurements, try giving your doggo 1 teaspoon of eggshell powder a day.
For a small pet under 20 lbs, 1/4 teaspoon of ground eggshell per day is recommended. If you have a dog under 50 lbs, you can give 1/2 teaspoon of eggshell per day. For large pooches with weight over 50 lbs, you can feed them 1 teaspoon per day.
Bear in mind that eggshell is not a natural diet for dogs. Therefore, you need to consult with your vet to find an optimum yet personalized dose for the animal.
How to Feed Eggshells for Your Dog?
At our clinic, we always suggest our clients feed eggshells in the form of powder. Get healthy eggs from a reputable provider. Wash them with clean water and empty their contents.
Put the egg cores in boiling water for 5 minutes to kill the germs. On the flip side, you can bake them on a baking sheet at 200°F (93°C) for 10 minutes.
Grind the shells in fine powder – ensure that there is no big piece. Feed the ground eggshells as per the recommended dose and store the remaining powder.
Precautions While Feeding Eggshells to Dogs
A couple of days earlier, we met an anxious couple at our clinic. They were worried about their dog, Bella, who just had some fallen eggshells. If your pet occasionally eats fallen egg cores, then there is no need to panic. As long as your pet doesn’t show any signs of choking or digestive issues like constipation, you are good to go.
Contraindications with Calcium Supplements
If your vet has suggested some calcium supplements like Calcium Citrate or Calcium Carbonate – don’t feed eggshells. Combining both of them can cause hypercalcemia, leading to bone stiffness or chronic kidney stones in worse cases.
Calcium Diet for Growing Puppies and Senior Dogs
The dose of calcium is different for both growing puppies and senior dogs, compared to adult pups. Puppies need an enhanced dose of calcium to support body needs and bones. However, you need to carefully monitor their dose as higher amounts can affect their skeleton.
In contrast, senior dogs also need calcium for their degraded bones. Again, the quantity needs to be monitored, as they don’t need a higher amount than other adult dogs.
Allergy Issues
If your dog is allergic to eggshells or any of their contents, you need to be extra cautious. Feed them a small amount and wait for any symptoms such as itching, redness, hives, or swelling.
Some dog breeds with shellfish allergies can show similar symptoms on feeding eggshells due to shared proteins. And if you spot any signs, you know what to do – call your vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
We have discussed eggshells down to the nitty-gritty, but what about eggs? To cut to the chase, yes, dogs can eat eggs. Again, these round snacks aren’t their natural diet. Therefore, exercise caution and always stick with the vet’s advice to take the best care of your canine.
Here are some considerations for feeding eggs to the dogs:
Raw Eggs
Although safe, raw eggs should be avoided. As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), raw eggs could be the source of Salmonella infection, biotin deficiency, as well as less-frequent allergic reactions.
However, raw eggs are the best way for your doggo to absorb all ingredients. If the animal can tolerate them or your vet recommends, you should definitely go with this option.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. But they also have some cholesterol. You can feed yolks to your dog, but only in moderation. As a general rule of thumb, your canine shouldn’t feed more than one egg yolk or tablespoon for an optimum dose.
Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs are the best way for your dog to enjoy a delicious occasional snack. Not only do they remove the risk of Salmonella, but they are also nutritious for the pet. However, avoid adding spices to the scrambled eggs. The boiled or the poached eggs could prove the best evening snacks for the dogs.
Processed Egg Products
You should avoid egg products such as scrambled eggs with additives or processed egg items such as omelets. Stick to plain eggs or boiled eggs for maximum results.
Alternate to Eggs/Eggshells for Dogs
If you are not willing to give eggs or shells to your dogs due to some issues, you can go with the given alternatives. These foods replenish the nutrient needs of your pets:
- Bone meal to supply calcium and phosphorus
- Dairy products such as cheddar cheese for a low-lactose diet
- Fish like sardines with bones to support skin and joint health
- Veggies like pumpkin seeds for positive effects on the dog’s health
- Recommended calcium supplements to fulfill the calcium needs of the pet
Vet’s Advice
Being an experienced pet team, we always give a thumbs-up to feeding eggshells to the dogs. However, we always recommend our clients go with the vet’s advice to stay on the safe side. Monitor the pet for the possible symptoms of digestive health and allergy.
Bottom Line
The gist of the topic is that dogs can eat eggshells. However, they are not naturally habitual to this food. Therefore, you should always feed them in moderation. You can give 1 teaspoon of powdered eggshell for the best results.
Before feeding, always wash them with hot water to avoid any health-related issues or to eliminate the risk of Salmonella infection. Give special care to growing puppies or senior dogs while feeding them with eggshells.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells Everyday?
A: Yes, dogs can eat eggshells every day. However, you need to ensure that the diet is in moderation to avoid digestive or allergic issues.
Q: How to Prepare Eggshells Diet for Dogs?
A: Prepare an eggshell diet by boiling shells in hot water for 5 minutes. Crush them to the powder and add a teaspoon to the dog diet.
Q: Can I Mix an Egg with Dog Food?
A: Yes, you can mix an egg with dog food. Cooked or boiled eggs are better, as they remove the risk of salmonella as well as increase the taste of the diet.
Dr. Rivera is a licensed veterinarian with a specialization in exotic animal medicine. She holds a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of California and has completed additional training in exotic animal care. With years of experience in the field, Dr. Rivera is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of exotic pets through her contributions to Wild Animal Pets.