Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells? What You Need To Know

They might seem harmless, but can dogs eat egg shells? Read this before adding it to your dog’s food or finding your dog ate them out of the trash.

Whether your dog finds some egg shells on their own or you want to give your canine friend a boost of calcium, you might be wondering whether dogs eating egg shells is a good idea.

This guide will look at all the concerns and even benefits of adding eggshells to your dog’s diet.

For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating eggshells.

Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?

Have you ever wondered, “do dogs eat egg shells?” Well, they do. We as humans might not find them appetizing, but your furry best friend will sure gobble them up, shells and all!

Dogs don’t have a preference. They will eat blown out egg shells, broken, or cracked egg shells. The good news is that eggshells are safe for dogs to eat. In this guide, we will look at all the different types of egg shells, their health benefits, and the safest and best ways to give your dog eggshells.

Remember, adult dogs with health conditions should not eat egg shells from raw eggs. It could make their health issues worse. Please contact your veterinarian before giving your dog eggshells if you have any questions about their health.

Can Puppies Eat Egg Shells

Egg shells are not a good thing to give to puppies. They cannot digest them which could give your puppy a stomach ache.

Are Egg Shells Good For Dogs

Yes, when pet parents sprinkle ground eggshells in their dog’s commercial dog foods it can be an easy way to add some calcium to their diet.

Benefits Of Egg Shells

Why are egg shells good for dogs? They are an excellent source of calcium. They are good for older dogs that have arthritis. The eggshell membranes can reduce joint pain and even contribute to improved joint function, according to a 2016 study.

Egg Shell Nutrition For Dogs

The average egg is a complete source of protein, even for dogs. There are health benefits of eggshells for dogs. They are a fantastic source of essential nutrients when you add them to your dog’s fresh food.

Calcium From Egg Shells

If your pup needs more calcium in their diet, then some ground-up eggshells can be a healthy addition to their food.

They are an excellent source of calcium carbonate which can help your dog build strong bones.

Collagen In Egg Shells

Egg shells also have collagen, which is a supplement that helps dogs with arthritis. Eggshell membranes lubricate and protect the connective tissues in the joints.

Minerals In Egg Shells

There are a few other important minerals in egg shells too. They have phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A in them.

Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Magnesium is important because it helps your dog absorb the calcium.

Vitamin A Is important for healthy eyes and skin.

Potassium

Finally, egg shells can be good for your dog’s heart health because it has potassium in it, which helps improve muscle contraction.

Are Egg Shells Bad For Dogs

Many dog owners worry, “can dogs have eggshells?” There are a few things you should know before you throw some broken egg shells into your dog’s food.

Shells from fresh eggs aren’t as safe as grinding up egg shells from cooked or hardboiled eggs. The raw egg might contain salmonella.

It’s also important that you talk to your dog’s veterinarian about how much calcium is safe for your dog to eat. There is such a thing as too much calcium, which could be bad for your dog’s liver.

Is It OK For Dogs To Eat Egg Shells

It is always a good idea to ask your veterinarian before supplementing your dog’s diet in any way, including with eggshells.

Pet parents who give their dogs a homemade diet might want to use a coffee grinder to crush up some egg shells and add the powder to the food for more calcium. In very small amounts this can be safe.

Smaller dogs should be more careful about how much they eat. They don’t need as much calcium as larger breeds.

Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Egg Shells

Can dogs digest egg shells? No, dogs cannot digest eggshells. Whatever they eat will pass out undigested, just like corn kernels. This is why it is so important to grind them up before you give them to your dogs.

For the purpose of disease control, it is also important that you either cook the egg shells or the eggs in the shells before you give them to your dog.

You should also be aware that feeding dogs raw eggs (or egg shells from raw eggs) can put them at risk for having a biotin deficiency. This is because egg whites contain an enzyme called avidin. Avidin has been known to prevent the absorption of biotin in the body.

Should Dogs Eat Egg Shells

Whether dogs should eat them or not depends on their current health and diet. This is why it is so important to speak to a veterinarian first.

Side Effects Of Eating Egg Shells

There are quite a few potential side effects of dogs eating eggshells. For starters, large pieces of the shells could get lodged in your dog’s digestive tract. If they pass them, then you’ll see the shells come out in your dog’s stools.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs and Shells

What about giving your dog eggshells that came from raw eggs? Due to the risk of salmonella and biotin deficiencies, it is best to avoid giving your dog raw eggs or raw egg shells.

Can Dogs Eat Hard Boiled Egg Shells

Even though you should never give your dog a whole egg at once, all the different parts of the egg is safe for dogs.

Egg yolks are a rich source of fatty acids. It’s safe to grind up hard boiled egg shells and give your dog the hard boiled egg with it.

Egg Shell For Dogs

When it comes to feeding dogs egg shells, the best way to do it is once in a while. Don’t give them too much. Keep the eggshells in an airtight container and then use a tool like a coffee grinder or food processor to make a fine powder.

Then, sprinkle about a teaspoon of eggshell powder on your dog’s food to get the most nutritional value from them.

If your dog is underweight, try homemade weight gainer for dogs that uses the whole egg, including the shell.

ground egg shells in a mortar and pestle.

Crushed Eggshells

Egg shell powder for dogs can be a safe option if your dog needs more calcium than they are getting from their food.

Things like ground eggshells or bone meal are different ways to give your pup an all-natural calcium supplement.

My Dog Ate Egg Shell – What Do I Do

First, you need to look at what type of eggshells your dog ate and how many. If your dog ate raw eggshells then watch for signs of an upset stomach.

If your dog is acting sick or lethargic, then take them to the veterinarian for more information.

Final Thoughts

The short answer is that egg shells can give your dog extra calcium and essential amino acids. There are risks associated with giving your dog too much calcium, so be sure to talk to your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog added calcium.

More Dog Food Resources

Here are some more helpful articles about human foods dogs can and cannot eat.

Find lots more articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!

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