Amy Thompson
Eggs are already a staple in many of our kitchens, packed with protein, healthy fats, and nutrients that dogs can benefit from too. But what about the rest of the egg? Can dogs eat eggshells too?
The answer is yes: eggshells—that crunchy outer part we usually toss—could also be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.
When prepared right, eggshells are safe and bring some serious benefits, like providing a natural source of calcium for strong bones.
Let’s dive into why you might want to start saving those shells and how they can help support your dog’s bones, joints, and overall health.
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells Safely?
In general, yes, it's safe to let dogs eat eggs and eggshells in moderation, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
For the best quality, stick with eggs from organic, pasture-raised chickens to avoid any unwanted chemicals that can sometimes coat conventionally raised eggs.
You also don’t want to just toss a whole shell in the bowl and let the dog eat it, though.
So here's how to prepare eggshells for dogs safely:
- Start by rinsing the shells to remove any leftover egg whites, then bake them at 200°F for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once dry, grind the shells into a fine powder (a clean coffee grinder works great) so it’s easy for your dog to digest and there’s no risk of sharp edges.
Also, when giving a dog eggshells, choosing quality eggs matters! Organic, pasture-raised eggs are less likely to contain any harmful residues and tend to be richer in nutrients—so your pup gets all the benefits without any extra risks.
Nutritional Benefits of Eggshells for Dogs
So dogs can eat eggshells ... but should they?
Yes! One reason why is for the calcium alone.
Eggshells are an excellent natural source of calcium, which is essential for dogs’ bone and dental health. Calcium plays a key role in maintaining the strength and density of bones, supporting normal muscle function, and ensuring healthy nerve transmission.
For active dogs, growing puppies, or pregnant and lactating mothers, calcium is especially critical. When dogs don’t get enough calcium from their diet, their bodies can start pulling calcium from their bones to meet their needs, which weakens their skeletal system over time.
This is where eggshells come in handy, as they provide an accessible, concentrated source of calcium that’s easily added to meals. Ground into a fine powder, eggshells are digestible for dogs, delivering this mineral in a simple, natural form.
When adding eggshell powder to your dog’s diet for a calcium boost ... getting the amounts right is crucial for their health:
- Roughly speaking, about 1 teaspoon of eggshell powder (around 5 grams) provides approximately 1,800 to 2,000 milligrams of calcium.
- For adult dogs, about 1 teaspoon of this powder per 1,000 calories in their diet is typically sufficient to meet their daily calcium needs.
- Puppies, pregnant, or lactating dogs may need slightly more—around 1.5 teaspoons per 1,000 calories—as their bodies are developing or supporting the growth of new puppies.
- It’s best to introduce eggshell powder gradually, mixing it well into meals, and monitoring your dog’s health to ensure a balanced nutrient intake.
Also, while egg shells offer a reliable source of calcium, they don’t cover all the mineral bases. Unlike bone, eggshells lack minerals like phosphorus and magnesium, both of which are necessary for a complete mineral profile and contribute to bone and overall health.
So for a diet primarily based on eggshells as a calcium source, consider pairing it with foods or supplements that offer these missing minerals. For example, meat provides phosphorus, and green leafy vegetables can add magnesium.
Supporting Joint Health with Eggshell Membrane
Just inside the shell, there’s a thin, almost invisible layer known as the eggshell membrane, which has unique properties that can benefit your dog’s joint health. This membrane is rich in natural compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are commonly found in high-quality joint supplements.
Glucosamine and chondroitin play a role in maintaining cartilage health and helping with joint lubrication, which can lead to smoother, more comfortable movements for dogs, especially those prone to joint issues or arthritis. Collagen contributes to the overall structure of connective tissues, and hyaluronic acid helps to retain joint moisture, adding further lubrication.
Research has shown that eggshell membranes can have a positive impact on dogs with joint stiffness and discomfort. A 2016 study observed that dogs with joint challenges experienced reduced pain and improved mobility after being given supplements containing eggshell membrane.
So for dogs that are aging or experiencing wear and tear in their joints, incorporating eggshell membrane can be an affordable, natural way to support joint health, mobility, and comfort. It’s particularly beneficial for senior dogs or those with breed predispositions to joint problems, as the membrane’s compounds help reinforce joint function and flexibility, making daily movement easier and less painful.
For pet owners looking to add this joint-supporting membrane to their dog’s diet, a little patience can go a long way. Carefully peel the thin membrane from the inside of the shell before you cook or grind the eggshell. This membrane can be mixed directly into your dog’s meals, offering a small yet potent dose of joint-supporting nutrients without needing commercial supplements. Just be sure to introduce it gradually, as the texture may be unfamiliar to your dog at first.
Are Eggs Safe for Dogs?
We've touched on eggshells and even the shell membrane. But what about eggs themselves?
For active dogs or those needing a nutritious boost, eggs can be an excellent addition to their diet.
Eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein, packed with essential amino acids that support muscle development, repair, and overall health in dogs. They’re also rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, B vitamins (including riboflavin, folate, and B12), selenium, and iron, which contribute to a healthy coat, skin, immune function, and more. Plus, since they’re easily digestible, eggs are gentle on sensitive stomachs, making them suitable even for dogs with dietary sensitivities.
Many pet owners wonder if raw eggs are safe for dogs, especially with concerns about bacteria like salmonella. Fortunately, a dog’s digestive system is typically well-equipped to handle potential bacteria in raw foods, thanks to their highly acidic stomach environment.
In fact, feeding a dog raw eggs preserves their full nutritional profile, as cooking can reduce the potency of some vitamins and antioxidants. To minimize any risk, it’s best to source eggs from reputable farms that prioritize organic and pasture-raised practices, ensuring they’re as fresh and clean as possible. Of course, if you’re ever unsure, consult your vet about introducing raw eggs into your dog’s diet.
Cooking eggs is a great option for pet owners who feel safer avoiding raw foods or have dogs with more delicate digestion. While some nutrients like heat-sensitive vitamins may decrease slightly during cooking, cooked eggs still retain much of their protein and other benefits, providing a hearty addition to a balanced diet. Scrambled, poached, or hard-boiled, cooked eggs can be served without salt, butter, or other seasonings.
How to Feed Eggs to Your Dog
When it comes to feeding eggs, pet owners have the choice between raw and cooked options, each with its pros and cons:
- Raw eggs offer the full range of vitamins and minerals without any loss to cooking, but they may not be ideal for every dog due to potential bacterial risks.
- On the other hand, cooked eggs reduce these risks and can be easier on some dogs’ stomachs.
Ultimately, it comes down to your dog’s preference and tolerance, as well as your comfort level.
The yolk is the nutritional powerhouse of the egg, loaded with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your dog’s skin, coat, and energy levels. Biotin concerns often arise with raw egg feeding, as avidin (a protein in egg whites) can interfere with biotin absorption. However, the yolk itself is rich in biotin, balancing any potential impact.
Feeding whole eggs—whites and yolks—avoids any issues, and yolks alone are a fantastic source of nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.
While eggs are nutritious, moderation is key to avoid overloading your dog’s diet with any one food. For small dogs, a few eggs a week may be sufficient, while larger, active dogs can handle up to one egg per day as a treat or supplement to their regular food.
Aim to start with small portions and monitor your dog’s reaction, adjusting as necessary to ensure they’re digesting the eggs well without any adverse effects. Always consult your vet if you’re introducing eggs for the first time or feeding them more regularly to ensure it’s a safe addition to their diet.
FAQ
What happens if a dog eats eggshells? If dogs eat eggshells, they can gain a natural boost in calcium, which is essential for bone and dental health. However, to ensure safety, it’s best to feed them in crushed form to avoid sharp edges that could harm your dog’s digestive tract.
Are crushed eggshells good for dogs? Yes, feeding eggshells to dogs can be beneficial due to their high calcium content, which supports bone health and overall well-being. Just be sure to crush the eggshells finely before adding them to your dog’s food to make them easier to digest.
How do you make eggshells edible for dogs? To make eggshells safe for dogs, clean and bake them at a low temperature, then grind them into a fine powder that can be sprinkled over your dog's food. This preparation method reduces any raw eggs pose and maximizes the calcium benefits for your pet.
Can I crack an egg on my dog's food? Yes, you can crack a raw egg on your dog's food, as dogs eat raw eggs safely for added protein and nutrients, especially if they’re fresh from free-range farm hens. If you prefer to cook eggs, scrambled eggs or a cooked egg without seasoning can also be a nutritious addition to your dog’s meal.
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