Can Dogs Have Egg Shells?
Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells? When it comes to putting variety on the dog’s plate, many pet owners have concerns about the safety of specific foods. One of the questions that regularly arise is, “Can dogs have egg shells?” In this post, we consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of giving egg shells to your dog, and what steps you can take to ensure your pet stays healthy and safe.

Relating to the Nutritional Content of Egg Shells
Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells? Egg shells are predominantly made of calcium carbonate, a mineral component that can make up most of the calcium in an animal’s diet. Calcium is one of the most important components in maintaining healthy teeth and bones for dogs. However, the nutritional content of egg shells extends beyond calcium. Egg shells contain traces of other minerals such as phosphorus and magnesium, which are important to a dog’s health.
Why Calcium is Important for Dogs
Calcium has a vital role in your dog’s life. It helps to keep the bones strong, and this is most critical in growing puppies and older dogs that are more prone to bone issues. Calcium also has other roles of the body, including controlling heart rhythm, muscle growth, and conduction of nerve impulses. Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?
Safety Issues and Proper Planning
While eggshells are a plus, they have to be prepared properly in order to avoid causing health problems. Raw eggshells may contain bacteria like Salmonella, which can harm your pet and household.
Preparing Egg Shells for Your Pet Safely
To prepare eggshells safely to add to your dog’s nutrition, follow these steps:
- Careful Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the shells to remove any remaining egg yolk or white.
- Baking for Safety: Bake the shells at 300°F for 10 minutes. This destroys harmful bacteria.
- Grinding: Grind the baked shells finely. This is safer for them to digest and prevents choking risks.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
If your dog does have some underlying medical conditions, don’t supplement their regular diet with eggshells since their regular diet should already be providing them with the necessary daily nutrition. Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?
Eggshells are not safe to feed high-calcium dogs and dogs who have had a history of calcium oxalate bladder stones, says The Dodo.
“Eggshells are unsafe for dogs that have a history of those conditions since the added calcium,” Dr. Michelle Burch tells The Dodo.
Aside from the eggshells being dangerous to those dogs with that condition, eggshells can be dangerous to pregnant dogs and developing bone growth in puppies as well.

Furthermore, poorly cleaned eggshells can pose a risk of poisoning your dog with salmonella, states The Dodo.
Also, the American Kennel Club notes that there are better ways of supplementing dogs in need of calcium, and the jagged edges of an eggshell present an unnecessary choking hazard or organ damage. Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?
Eggs are equally as healthy for your four-legged friend as they are for you. Cooked eggs have a bit more than 75 calories, 6 grams of protein and slightly more than 5 grams of fat. Aside from cook eggs having various nutrients for your pup, they are easily digestible for your furry friend.
Eggshells, on the other hand, contain a natural source of calcium that is absolutely essential for your dog’s bones and muscle function, especially if they are an elderly pup. They also contain other minerals like collagen present in Dr Woow Hip and Joint Supplement. In a study in 2016 showed that egg shell membranes assisted in reducing joint pain and improving joint function. One less popular benefit of eggshells is their benefit to your dog’s coat and skin. It should be mentioned that eggshells need to be prepare in a safe manner so that no harm is caused out of it. Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?
Risks of Feeding Dogs Eggshells
Eggshells are paired with many health benefits, yet one should also be careful about potential dangers depending on the types of eggs bought. Naturally occurring bacteria on eggs like salmonella or poisonous chemicals and additives used to make supermarket eggs more visually appealing cause health problems due to over-feeding. Farm-fresh eggs are typically safer than store-bought eggs. Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?
When introducing a new food, monitor your dog closely to make sure they don’t develop an intolerance to it, leading to diarrhea or gas. Some dogs will react to new foods in their diet with digestive problems, but the effects will subside after roughly a week. Every dog is different, so when unsure, ask your vet.
You must also consider the choking hazard of eggshells. Feeding your pup the whole egg or ground-up shells may be easier than supplementing their diet with eggshell powder, but making them do it can make them choke on it, especially for small dogs. The safest way of preparing and eating is grinding up the eggshells into a fine powder. Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?
How Many Eggs Can A Dog Eat?
It’s usually recommended that most dogs shouldn’t receive more than one whole egg a day. Eggs should never be your dog’s sole protein source, as dog food contains other much-needed ingredients for a balanced, healthy diet. Treat them more like a treat.
In order to determine exactly how many eggs you should be giving your dog, you should consult your local veterinarian. The amount of eggs that you can safely give to your dog will depend on a variety of different factors, including:
- Age
- Estimated size
- Breed
- Level of activity
- Underlying medical conditions
Are Egg Shells Good For Dogs
They sure are. Actually, a hard-boiled egg is a wonderful treat for a dog. Shell and all. But always crack the egg up a little bit first to ensure that it won’t be a choking hazard. Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells?
Eggshells are actually packed with calcium so they can also be an excellent source of extra nutrients for your dog. And the shells work well for dogs that have trouble chewing on bones. For safety reasons, though, always make sure to first cook/boil the shells since raw eggshells can still be a source of salmonella.
Boiled, grind the shells up and sprinkle, or add them in with your dog’s food.