Can you feed a dog egg shells

While you probably already know that feeding your dog eggs has tons of benefits, have you ever wondered about the actual eggshell?

The Dodo reached out to Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian at Paramount Pet Health, and Dr. Corinne Wigfall, a veterinarian working with SpiritDog Training, to find out whether or not dogs can eat eggshells.

Are eggshells safe for dogs?

Eggshells are safe for dogs to have as an extra treat with their meal, unless your pet has a history of hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the bloodstream) or calcium oxalate bladder stones.

“Dogs with a history of these diseases should not eat eggshells due to the increased calcium,” Dr. Burch told The Dodo.

Benefits of eggshells for dogs

Eggshells contain calcium carbonate, which can be beneficial for calcium supplementation in dogs.

It’s important to note, however, that dogs who are eating a commercially balanced diet may not benefit from the additional calcium because these diets contain all of the calcium and other nutrients a dog needs.

In fact, having too much calcium can actually be bad. “Over-supplementing calcium — particularly for pregnant or whelping bitches, young growing puppies or older dogs with underlying health conditions — can be very dangerous and deleterious to their health and bone formation,” Dr. Wigfall told The Dodo.

Because of this, eggshell powder is more widely recommended for dogs who are eating a raw diet, as those pups aren’t getting the right amount of calcium from those particular diets, and supplementation is necessary for a well-balanced diet.

How to feed a dog eggshells

When supplementing your dog's food with eggshells, it’s recommended that your dog consume cooked eggshells that are ground into a fine powder and mixed with their food.

“Dogs are unable to digest whole eggshells, so grinding them into a powder is the most effective way for dogs to be able to absorb the calcium from eggshells,” Dr. Wigfall said.

Additionally, since chicken eggs and shells can be a salmonella risk, it's always recommended to clean and cook the eggshells before feeding.

How much eggshell powder can you feed your dog?

The dose of eggshell powder to feed your dog will depend on a nutritional analysis by a veterinarian and the health status of your dog. According to Dr. Wigfall, each dog is an individual, and so their requirements will need to be individually calculated.

But for a general idea, Dr. Burch did give an overview:

“I recommend supplementing 7 grams of eggshell powder (1 large eggshell) in your dog’s food twice a day,” Dr. Burch said.

So while your dog rummaging through the trash and eating an eggshell wouldn’t be cause for alarm, only dogs who need the calcium supplementation would truly benefit from including eggshells in their diet.

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Can dogs eat eggshells?

This question is one that many dog owners have pondered. Some people say that it’s fine for them to eat the shell of an egg while others warn against this. 

As we are talking about health and food for your dog, may we suggest that you also read calming treats for aggressive dogs and/or soft dog food for older dogs?

In this article, we’re going to provide you with some in-depth information about whether dogs can eat eggs and eggshells. Also, we will discuss the benefits and risks associated with eating eggs and eggshells.

Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?

Yes, dogs can eat eggshells. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients for your dog. Calcium is especially vital for your pup’s health, as it helps with muscle contraction, arthritis, and blood clotting. It’s also good for their bones and teeth.

Eggshells can be ground into a powder and sprinkled on your dog’s food from time to time. But it should be consumed in moderation.

Some people are concerned that eggshells can cause health problems, including urinary tract issues and constipation. If you choose to feed your pooch eggshells, make sure not to give too much as this could lead to severe complications with the digestive system of dogs. 

Benefits Of Dog Eating Egg Shells – The Nutritional Value Of Egg Shells

Many people have assumed that dogs can’t eat eggshells because the eggshell isn’t commonly considered edible. In fact, it’s actually edible, and you can start experimenting with adding eggshells to your dog’s diet sometimes.

Here is the nutritional value of eggshells for dogs:

• Calcium – As we mentioned before, calcium is the number one reason why eggshells are great for your dog. It helps in strong bone formation and healthy teeth. Calcium is also responsible for joint health (arthritis treatments), muscle and heart health, and boosting the immune system.
• Amino Acids – Eggshells are rich in amino acids, which can be beneficial for your dog’s muscle growth, heart health, lower blood pressure, and lower blood sugar.
• Phosphorus – Eggshells are also an excellent source of phosphorus, which plays an essential role in your dog’s heart and kidneys. It helps to flush out the toxins and repair the cells in the dog’s body.
• Vitamin E – This is an important vitamin, especially for senior dogs, because it helps in improving cognitive abilities in older dogs. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that also helps in the production of fur.
• Other beneficial nutrients – Eggshells also contain a small amount of the nutrients: vitamin B6, selenium, fluoride, folic acid, and more.

Are There Any Dangers To Dogs Eating Eggshells?

There are a few dangers that come with feeding your dog too many eggshells.

So this is a case of weighing the risks vs. the benefits like with many other food items. If you decide to give your dog this as a treat, there are certain measures you can take to minimize the danger for them.

• Excessive calories – Some people have expressed concerns that giving your dog eggshells can lead to obesity and other health issues due to the high number of calories in a shell. So, it’s essential for any pet owner to monitor their pup’s caloric intake and only feed him eggshell powder as a supplement to your dog’s diet from time to time.
• Nutrient deficiency – It’s also possible that dogs who eat eggshells too often can suffer from a deficiency in certain nutrients such as biotin. If you choose to feed your dog eggshells regularly, make sure they have access to other nutrients.
• Foodborne illness – Salmonella is a well-known type of bacteria that can be found in eggs and can cause severe illness in dogs. Feeding your pup raw eggs and eggshells is a common way for them to contract salmonella poisoning, as this exposes their system directly to the harmful bacteria. So to avoid this bacterial infection, always make sure to boil your eggs from 3 to 5 minutes.

How To Make Egg Shell Powder For Dogs – Easy Recipe

Here is an excellent recipe for making eggshell powder in order to give it to your dog.

You will need: 

• 12 eggshells
• Food processor or coffee grinder
• Mortar and pestle (optional) 
• Large bowl

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Before you start, make sure that the eggs are thoroughly cooked, as this kills any bacteria (or Salmonella) which might be on the eggshells. 
2. Cut your cooked eggs in half and pour out their contents into a large bowl.
3. Take the eggshell halves and put them into your preheated oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 °C) for 5 – 7 minutes (but no more than 10). Be careful not to overcook them, because they can emit an unpleasant smell.
4. If you’re using a food processor or coffee grinder, place them inside (once they are cool). 
5. If not, simply use your mortar and pestle to crush each half until they are finely ground.
6. Once all shells have been completely crushed, pour out the fine powder into an airtight container and store it in a dry place at room temperature.

Notes: 

• Only use farm fresh eggs. Avoid using store-bought eggs because they can contain chemicals that are harmful to your dog.
• You should keep the powder for a maximum of 2 months.
• Eggshells are only a supplement (not a main source of food), so you can use a small amount of the powder (1 teaspoon) to your food’s diet occasionally.

Yes, dogs can eat eggs (but in moderation, of course).

Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods you can give to your dog. They contain essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fatty acids. 

Also, the protein in eggs is of high quality and very easy for dogs to digest. 

Remember that the quality of the chicken has a significant impact on how well the eggs turn out. If possible, try to feed your dog only organic eggs from trusted farm hens that have been fed an organic diet.

When feeding your dog with eggs, don’t put any other ingredients in the dish such as salt, pepper, or oils since these can upset your puppy’s stomach.

You can scramble or hard boil the eggs. Just make sure to avoid overfeeding your dog with eggs since it can lead to obesity. One cooked egg a day is the maximum recommended amount you can give to your dog.

Read More: Dog Food to Reduce Poop. Find out the best options of dog food for less poop.

How To Feed Eggs To Your Dog?

• Hard-boiled eggs – Safe and easy to serve. You can give your dog the entire egg, including the shell.
• Egg yolks – Egg yolks can be an excellent source of nutrients for dogs.
• Scrambled eggs – Make sure they are well cooked and cooled before serving to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?

It’s risky to give your dog raw eggs. Although dogs can eat raw eggs, many veterinarians recommend sterilizing or cooking the eggs before giving them to your dog.

The number one reason why you shouldn’t give raw eggs to your dog is the bacteria Salmonella. Salmonella is extremely dangerous to dogs (just like in humans). 

To reduce the risks, boil the eggs for 3-5 minutes that are bought from a trusted source. Make sure that they are farm fresh and not too old. 

Can Dogs Eat Egg Yolks?

Yes, dogs can eat egg yolks but in moderation since they contain calories and cholesterol. Egg yolk is a great source of vitamins and fatty acids that help fight off diseases such as arthritis or cancer. Egg yolks also contain antioxidants that protect dogs’ eyes from sun damage.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked eggs. It’s perfectly safe to feed your dog cooked eggs as long as they are not overcooked. Just make sure to avoid seasoning the eggs (oils, salt, or pepper).

Can Dogs Eat Boiled Eggs?

Yes, dogs can eat boiled eggs. Dogs need to be fed with cooked and cooled hard-boiled eggs that are clear from any kind of seasoning.

Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?

Yes, dogs can eat scrambled eggs. It’s safe to feed your dog cooked and cooled scrambled egg yolks or whites as long as they are not overcooked. It’s recommended for the yolk to be free of runny parts and whites to be solidified before serving it to your pet. 

How Often Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Feed your dog eggs in moderation. Some veterinarians recommend feeding dogs with cooked egg yolks once a week, others say that it’s enough to feed them hard-boiled eggs every other day.

Can Some Dogs Be Allergic to Eggs? 

It’s not common, but your pet can be allergic to eggs. If you notice any symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea after giving your dog an egg yolk, stop feeding them with it immediately and consult a vet for further instructions.

How Many Eggs Can a Dog Eat?

Don’t give your dog more than one egg a day.

Conclusion

Eggs are a great source of protein and calcium, but they can also be too much for your dog to handle.

When it comes down to whether or not you should feed your dog eggs, the answer is up to you.

If you do want to give them some eggs (or eggshells), make sure that they’re cooked first, so there aren’t any risks associated with raw eggs.

We hope this article has helped clarify what’s good and bad about eating eggs and eggshells!

Have an opinion on whether or not dogs should eat these? Let us know in the comments below!

More About Food:Find out if your dog can eat pistachios and ham bones in the following articles:

• Can Dogs Have Ham Bones
• Can Dogs Eat Pistachios

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