Eggs are a staple in many households, and they can be a great source of protein and other nutrients for dogs.
But what about the shells? Can dogs eat eggshells too?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the safety of feeding eggshells to dogs and the benefits they offer. Plus, we’ll do a quick doublecheck on the safety of eggs for dogs overall.
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells Safely?
Eggshells are safe for dogs to eat, but it’s important to only use shells from a trustworthy source of farm-raised eggs. Avoid most grocery store eggs, because they’ve often been treated with a chemical to make them look shiny.
You’ll also want to opt for eggs from organic, pasture-raised chickens that are free from antibiotics and hormones. These eggs are typically richer in nutrients and free from harmful additives.
When you make eggs, rinse the eggshells and save them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare them. Wash any obvious dirt (like chicken poop!) off the shells and let them dry thoroughly. You can bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 200F to be sure they’re thoroughly dry.
To make the eggshells more digestible, instead of feeding chunks of shell, grind the shell into a fine powder (a clean coffee grinder works well for this). You can store the powder in an airtight jar and sprinkle it onto your dog’s meals to give him the benefits of eggshells.
Can Eggshells Really Give Your Dog Salmonella?
Maybe you’ve heard that raw eggs pose a salmonella risk for dogs. But contrary to popular belief, dogs have a digestive system that is well equipped to handle bacteria like salmonella found in raw eggs. But if you’re worried about bacteria, you can bake them in the oven as above, or boil them for 10 minutes and let them dry before grinding them.
Benefits Of Eggshells For Dogs
What’s so special about eggshells for dogs? Eggs are rich in several beneficial nutrients, but the eggshells in particular stand out for a couple of reasons:
High Calcium Content
Eggshells are a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth in dogs. Calcium is particularly important for growing puppies and pregnant or lactating dogs.
You can supplement your dog’s calcium intake by feeding him eggshells. Some dog owners use eggshells as the main source of calcium for their dogs. But keep in mind that eggshells don’t contain other important minerals in bone and bonemeal, like phosphorus and magnesium. So your dog will need other sources of these minerals if you use eggshell as a calcium source.
How Much To Give As A Calcium Supplement
100g eggshell powder contains about 33 to 35g calcium – and 1 tsp holds about 5g powder. So adults would need about 1 tsp and puppies about 1.5 tsp for every 1,000kcal of food. But remember that eggshell doesn’t contain other important minerals like phosphorus and magnesium that are in bones or bonemeal, so your dog will need a source of those nutrients.
Joint Health Support
Eggshell membrane (the lining on the inside of the shell) are a natural and inexpensive source of glucosamine, collagen, and chondroitin, compounds that are commonly used in joint supplements for dogs. These compounds help support joint health and mobility, which is particularly important for older dogs or those with arthritis.
A 2016 study found that eggshell membranes significantly reduced joint pain in 51 dogs with joint issues. If you have a lot of patience, you can peel the membrane off the inside of the eggs before you cook or grind them, and put those in your dog’s food.
RELATED: Natural sources of glucosamine …
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
We’ve covered eggshells, but what about eggs?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat eggs. They’re a great source of protein for dogs and a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.
Still, we get a bunch of questions related to dogs eating eggs, so we’ve answered some of them below. You can also learn more about eggs for dogs at the link below.
RELATED: Read more about feeding dogs eggs …
Can Dogs Eat Egg Raw?
Yes, dogs can eat eggs raw. In fact, if your dog tolerates raw eggs, that’s the best way to feed them. Raw eggs don’t lose any nutrients to the cooking process, so feeding them raw makes sure your dog gets all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in eggs.
Can Dogs Eat Egg Yolk Raw?
Yes, dogs can eat raw egg yolk. The egg yolk is full of healthy fats and nutrients. In fact, some people worry about avidin in eggs because it inhibits the absorption of biotin, an important B vitamin. However egg yolks are a very good source of biotin, so feed whole eggs and then you can safely feed your dog a raw egg every day. Cooking will also destroy the avidin for extra safety.
RELATED: Read about biotin deficiency in dogs …
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked egg, although cooking does cause some loss of nutrients. Cooked eggs scrambled in some pastured butter is a great way to cook eggs for your dog. Just don’t add a bunch of salt or seasonings. A plain cooked egg is best.
Can Dogs Eat Boiled Eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat hard or soft-boiled eggs. Again, cooking eggs does cause some nutrient loss.
How Many Eggs Can A Dog Eat In A Week?
One full egg a day and up to several eggs a week is plenty for most dogs.
Bottom Line | Eggs & Eggshells For Dogs
In conclusion, eggshells can be a safe and beneficial addition to your dog’s diet. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which can help support strong bones, teeth, and joints in dogs.
Eggs in general are a great food for dogs, and the fact that they can be fed raw or cooked, with or without the shell, makes them a very convenient healthy food for your pup!
