Eggs are a good source of calcium, protein and other minerals for dogs and their one of their favourite meal. We normally serve dog eggs in various forms be it egg white, egg yolk or by adding it to other dishes. But wait what do you do with the eggshells, don’t tell me you throw them away. This reaction of mine might have raised your brows and you might be wondering, “Can dogs eat eggshells?”.
Don’t stress like you there are many paw parents unaware of how great benefit eggshells can provide their dog. Through our blog, we will burst your curiosity so that you have one more ingredient to add to enhance your dog’s tastebuds.
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
Yes, dogs can eat eggshells it’s good for their overall development as it serves various benefits to them. Eggshells consist of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which helps to fulfil your dog’s nutritional requirements.
While feeding your dog eggshells make sure they are prepared properly. Eggshells should be fresh and organic, the packed eggs available are either chemically exposed or are not fresh.
Eggshells are good for your dog’s teeth, bone and muscle health. Feeding your dog eggshells in moderate quantity can help them to grow healthy. Especially for ageing dogs suffering from arthritis, or any joint issues eggshells are beneficial due to their rich calcium content.
Benefits of Eggshells for Dogs
Here are the benefits of eggshells for dogs:
Calcium
Eggshells are rich in calcium. Calcium is required in dogs for the development and maintenance of bones, teeth and muscles. It also helps in nerve transmission, and muscle contraction and prevents blood clotting.
The total required calcium in a dog’s body is 50mg per kg per day, and just one spoon of eggshell can provide 800mg of calcium. Instead of using supplements to fulfil a dog’s calcium necessity, you can use eggshells.
Phosphorus
The phosphorus present in eggshells helps in maintaining pH balance in dogs. It also promotes kidney health by helping in its smooth functioning. Apart from this phosphorus is also needed for the formation of cell membranes, DNA and RNA.
Magnesium
Magnesium is required for dogs to maintain their overall health. It helps in the absorption and metabolism of other minerals. A dog’s body requires magnesium for the proper functioning of the heart and other organs.
Eggshells can help fulfil the much-needed magnesium requirement in dogs. Before feeding eggshells to dog understand their nutritional requirement[1] properly.
Potassium
Along with other minerals eggshells are rich in potassium too. Potassium helps to regulate the functioning of a dog’s body. It is an electrolyte that helps to maintain the hydration and fluid balance in a dog’s body.
It promotes good digestion and helps strengthen a dog’s immune system.
Zinc
Zinc is required for dogs to regulate their hormones and promote the health of their skin. It has anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties which help in rapid wound healing.
It is also an important component for enzymes to complete the metabolic process.
Iron
Eggshells consist of iron and it helps in the formation of red blood cells and hemaglobin. It also helps in transferring oxygen through the blood in the dog’s body. The requirement for iron differs in dogs some might require more iron while many may not.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Eggshells consist of glucosamine and chondroitin compounds. This compound helps in reducing joint pain and inflammation. For dogs suffering from joint issues adding eggshells to their diet can help to relieve them from pain.
As mentioned in petmd, "Choosing the best food for your dog can prove difficult. One common issue is selecting a dog food with the proper balance of necessary nutrients from healthy ingredients. Minerals are one essential class of nutrients that must be included in a healthy, balanced diet. They are crucial for the proper development and function of your dog’s body. Specific minerals must also be present in a dog food in the right amounts to provide optimal health."
Risks of Eggshells for Dogs
Here are the risks associated with feeding your dog eggshells:
- Raw eggshells might consist of harmful bacteria like salmonella. This bacteria can lead to food poisoning and serious stomach infections in dogs.
- Eggshells need to be crushed properly if not done so it can injure your dog while eating. If your dog swallows the uncrushed eggshells then it can get stuck in their throat and even lead to a choking-like situation.
- Overfeeding your dog’s eggshell can increase the calcium content in their body. This high amount of calcium can lead to kidney problems, heart problems and many other abnormalities.
How To Prepare Eggshells for Dogs?
It is very important to prepare eggshells properly to provide maximum benefits to your dog. Here are the ways to prepare eggshells for your dog:
- Wash the eggshells properly. It is very important to wash the eggshells to remove all the bacteria and dirt otherwise these bacteria can hamper your dog’s health.
- After washing the eggshells, microwave them this will help in crushing them.
- Now grind the microwaved eggshells properly, till they are powdery.
- Once the eggshell powder is ready store it in an airtight container. You can store it for as long as 2 months.
- To feed your dog this eggshell powder you can mix it with your regular dog food or whatever diet you serve your dog.
How Much Eggshells To Give Your Dog?
The amount of eggshells to give dogs depends on their nutritional requirement and weight. To know your dog’s nutritional requirements consult a vet, he will be able to guide you properly.
According to the general rule of feeding dog eggshells, you should feed half a tablespoon of eggshell per pound of body weight. Still, if your dog has less need of calcium then avoid feeding eggshells to them.
Some dogs may be allergic to eggshells so be careful and avoid feeding it to your dog in case of allergy.
FAQs
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Yes, dogs can eat eggshells, it is safe for them. Eggshell serves several health benefits. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which helps a dog to grow and develop. Apart from health benefits, eggshells can be a new addition to your dog’s diet. While giving your dog eggshell do not feed more than required.
Can eggshells cause allergies in dogs?
There is no particular answer to this question, as allergies vary in dogs. But yes some dogs may be allergic to eggshells. Eggshells are rich in protein, and there are few dogs allergic to protein, for dogs having protein intolerance eggshells are allergic. If your dog is allergic to them then avoid feeding eggshells to them.
Can I give eggshells to my puppy?
Yes, eggshells are safe for your puppy. However, they won’t benefit your puppy, according to the nutritional needs of the puppy they require a high amount of calcium. Puppy’s bones are still in the developing stage and require calcium and this additional calcium requirement cannot be fulfilled by eggshells.
Can I give eggshells to my senior dog?
Yes, you can give eggshells to your senior dog but make sure you prepare them in a proper way. Senior dogs are as it is suffering from various health issues, especially bone-related related. Eggshells can be a good source of calcium for them and help to strengthen their bones. However, make sure you do not overfeed it to your dog or it will have a negative effect on your dog.
Are raw or cooked eggshells better for dogs?
Though dogs can eat both raw as well as cooked eggshells, still it’s better to give only cooked eggshells to your dog. Raw eggshells contain harmful bacteria, which can affect your dog’s health. When these eggshells are cooked those bacteria die making it favourable for your dog to eat.
Conclusion
We hope that after reading our blog, “Can dogs eat eggshells?” your curiosity has ended. Eggshells which were nothing but waste for you till now can be the ingredient to benefit your dog’s health from now. Before, introducing eggshells to your dog’s diet it is advisable to consult a vet once.
Eggshells indeed are good for your dog’s overall health but always remember the rule, “less is more”. Feeding anything more than required can be problematic for your dog.
Reference:
- Feeding your performance dog. (2023, May 5). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
