Eggstraordinary Discovery: Are Egg Shells Good for Dogs?

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Eggshells are commonly seen as kitchen waste products to be thrown away. However, they have hidden health benefits for dogs with certain ailments that can help them live a better quality of life.

Find out why eggshells are the rising superstars in the dog supplement arena.

3 Health Benefits of Eggshells to Dogs

Here are 3 science-backed health perks of supplementing your canine friend’s diet with eggshells:

1. An Excellent Source of Calcium

Calcium is the most prominent nutrient in eggshells. According to studies, dry eggshells are comprised of 95% calcium carbonate. Commercially sold good quality eggshells yield 2.2 grams of this mineral.

Moreover, eggshells contain .3% bone-strengthening phosphorus and magnesium, and they house trace amounts of iron, zinc, copper, and potassium.

Thus, feeding your dog eggshells will help increase his calcium intake. But note that healthy canines on a complete and balanced diet usually do not require calcium supplementation.

Eggshells are more suitable for dogs suffering from calcium deficiency. Canines fed home-cooked meals or raw food may benefit from it as well.

However, professional advice and guidance from a certified veterinarian nutritionist is a must to ensure the safe intake of this natural supplement.

2. Promotes Bone Healing

In a research article, the inner membrane of eggshells was discovered to contain compounds possessing impressive calcium absorption capacity. Moreover, they show promising potential in hastening bone fracture repair.

Researchers used eggshell-derived bone graft substitutes to restore the damage in the tibia of dogs. According to their findings, this remarkably:

• Increased bone regeneration within the implanted site
• Boosted bone density rates
• Reduced the frequency of deformed bone growth

These results show that eggshells not only strengthen the bones but can also potentially help in mending injuries they sustain.

3. Offers Joint Pain Relief

Eggshell membranes house compounds that aid in alleviating joint maladies and promoting better mobility, particularly collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

A 2016 journal article states that daily eggshell membrane supplementation provided these aforementioned benefits to participating dogs.

The canines involved in the study experienced mild to moderate joint pain issues such as limping, abnormal gait, and difficulties lying down and climbing up the stairs.

The supplementation was noted to demonstrate lasting effects, which improved their quality of life. Additionally, according to researchers, it exhibited potent protective abilities towards the joints.

Potential Risks in Feeding Eggshells to Dogs

Eggshells have a great impact on canine health, but pet parents need to be cautious in their usage of this supplement. Carelessly adding it to a dog’s diet may cause unwanted side effects, such as:

• Exposure to harmful bacteria. Do not feed raw eggshells to dogs unless they are thoroughly washed and dried due to the risk of Salmonella and E. coli contamination.
• Oral injuries. Whole eggshells can break into sharp points. Dogs may sustain puncture and laceration wounds in the mouth, tongue, and throat if they chew and swallow them.
• Contribute to bone and joint problems. Studies point out that excessive calcium intake can result in abnormal bone formation and growth, which affects joint health and mobility.
• Negatively impacts heart health. Too much calcium in a dog’s bloodstream can impede normal cardiac function, leading to a slower heart rate and high blood pressure.
• Causes renal issues. Large doses of calcium have a toxic effect on the kidneys of canines. In severe cases, it can induce health concerns like kidney stone formation and even kidney failure.

With this in mind, consult a reputable certified veterinary nutritionist before allowing your dog to eat eggshells.

They will examine your dog’s nutritional needs and check if they are met to conclude whether your dog can benefit from eggshell supplementation.

How to Prepare Eggshells for Dogs

Some dog owners feed raw eggs to their dogs whole. However, as we have mentioned, chewing on the shells can result in oral injuries.

The safest way to add eggshells to your canine friend’s meals is to crush them into fine powder. Here is a step-by-step guide to this process:

1. Gather at least a dozen of organic eggshells.
2. Run the eggshells under warm water to rinse off dirt.
3. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot and place the eggshells inside.
4. Wait for 10 minutes before turning off the heat.
5. Place the eggshells on the cooling rack overnight to dry.
6. On the next day, preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
7. Spread the eggshells evenly on a baking tray.
8. Bake for no longer than 10 minutes or else they will emit a bad smell.
9. Take the dried shells out of the oven and wait for them to cool.
10. Put the shells in a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder to crush them into fine powder. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle.
11. The homemade supplement can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a maximum of 2 months.

Do not skip the cleaning and drying process. Research shows that they are vital in reducing the harmful pathogens on eggshells, such as yeast, mould, Salmonella sp., and E. coli.

What Can Be Done to the Other Parts of the Egg?

The egg yolk and egg white are dense with nutrients and healthy fats that improve skin and coat health and offer other health benefits. So consider adding these parts of the egg to your dog’s meals.

Plain cooked eggs are the healthiest options for him. Scrambled eggs are fine, but take care not to use too much oil to avoid digestive upset.

Some dog owners wonder: “Can dogs eat raw eggs?” A healthy dog can eat raw eggs since his immune system is strong enough to fend off Salmonella and E. coli. However, puppies and immunocompromised canines are exemptions because of their low immunity to diseases.

Know that humans are vulnerable to Salmonellosis and E. coli bacterial infections. For this reason, when feeding your dog raw eggs, make sure to follow safety guidelines for handling raw food.

FAQs About Eggshells for Dogs

1. How Do You Prepare Eggshells for Dogs?

Prepare eggshells for dogs by cleaning and drying them. The process involves rinsing them in clean water and then boiling them to get rid of bacteria.

Drying them thoroughly in the oven is the next step. It prevents harmful microbes from multiplying.

Once done, the last thing left is to crush the shells into fine powder using a blender, food processor, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle.

2. Does Boiling Eggshells Destroy Calcium?

Boiling eggshells do not significantly destroy calcium, but trace amounts of the mineral get dissolved in water.

However, do not skip this preparation, since it is crucial in keeping you and your dog safe from food poisoning caused by Salmonella and E. coli.

3. Why Should You Crush Eggshells for Dogs?

You should crush eggshells for dogs to prevent your dog from sustaining oral damage. Eggshells can have sharp points, which may pierce his mouth, tongue, and throat when ingested.

Thus, they must be ground into fine powder to make them safe for his consumption.

4. How Long Should You Boil Eggshells?

Boil eggshells for no longer than 10 minutes. Exceeding this time limit can cause them to stink.

Conclusion

Are eggshells good for dogs? Yes, they are. Studies show that they help boost calcium intake, aid in bone regeneration, and provide joint pain relief.

However, pawrents need to check with a trusted certified veterinary nutritionist before adding eggshells to their dogs’ food. It is also worth remembering that they serve as a supplement, so give them to dogs in small amounts.

As whole eggshells can cause injuries when ingested, they should be crushed into fine powder. Key preparation methods include the boiling and drying process, which eliminates harmful bacteria.