Eggs are a part of our every breakfast. They are a good source of protein and a completely balanced diet. But can we share them with pets? Can dogs eat egg shells? Yes, we can feed a little amount of those shells to our furry friends.
As they are rich in calcium carbonate, we must pay attention to our pet’s medical condition. Eggshells can be prepared carefully so that they cause no harm to dogs. This blog will connect you with the nutritional benefits, risks, preparation techniques, and healthy alternatives of eggshells for dogs.
Can Dogs Consume Eggshells Safely?
Dogs can safely ingest moderate amounts of eggshells to fulfill their protein requirements. However, there are some health risks associated with feeding eggshells. Being a pet parent, you must go through the internet for adequate eggshell preparation techniques or consult your vet.
It is not recommended to break an egg on your plate and toss the whole shell into your dog’s meal. This practice can make your pet ill. It may lead to choking or several digestive discomforts. It is best to grind the eggshells into fine powder and serve a small amount under your vet’s consultation.
Can dogs eat chicken egg shells? Organic chicken eggshells are safe for dogs as they are free from pasture chemicals. Never pick up pasture-raised chicken eggs, as they may have unwanted conventional covering over the shells. Always ask your vet before adding this food to your pet’s eating routine.
Read more: Can Dogs Eat Egg Rolls?
Nutritional Benefits of Adding Eggshells to a Dog’s Meal
Can dogs eat the shell of an egg? Eggshells can be very nutritious to dogs if given in moderate amounts in the right way. It is made up of numerous nutrients required for a healthy lifestyle. Let us disclose some below.
1.Source of Calcium
Every shell is made of calcium carbonate, including an eggshell. Calcium is an essential nutrient for bones and teeth. It helps in strengthening bone muscles and increases their growth. However, excessive intake of calcium can prompt hypercalcemia in dogs, which is a serious condition.
2.Rich in Magnesium & Phosphorus
Eggshells have a rich amount of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These nutrients play an essential part in building a strong framework for the body. Vets recommend adding these nutritional supplements to a dog’s dietary regimen in an adequate amount.
3.Vitamin B12
Vitamins like A and B12 are found in eggshells. Vitamin A is crucial for healthy eyesight and vision in dogs. Besides, vitamin B12 is important for canines’ neurological functions, proper cell growth, and blood cell formation. B12 helps build a protective myelin sheath around the nerves and also aids in cell proliferation.
4.Chondroitin
Eggshells have a special component of connective tissue, chondroitin. It plays a key role in strengthening the muscles and bones of our canine companions. It supports joint health and reduces inflammation and joint pain. Chondroitin is also useful for dogs facing osteoarthritis. Seek your vet’s suggestion before feeding eggshells to your pets.
5.Glucosamine & Hylauronic acid
Can dog eat egg shells? Eggshells have a wide range of polysaccharides, including glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Glucosamines are essential for building and repairing damaged cartilage in dogs. Hyaluronic acids play a vital role in joint lubrication which tends to reduce friction and inflammation. It also enhances joint flexibility and saves your pet from arthritis.
6.Rich in Collagen & Elastin
Your pet’s nutritional demands include a major portion of protein, which is collagen. It is richly found in eggshells. Collagen helps in building new bone cells and tissues. It adds structural support to your pet’s body and also lubricates the joints.
On the other hand, elastin plays a key role in promoting joint and tissue flexibility and elasticity. Overall, both types of proteins contribute to healthy joints, skin, muscles, bones, and coats.
7.Protein & Amino Acids
Eggshells are made up of 70% proteins and amino acids. The two important amino acids found in eggshells are desmosine and isodesmosine. The amino acid isomers are considered the building block of elastin which provides elasticity to bones in dogs. Thus, it is beneficial for our furry friends.
8.Glycosaminoglycans
It is also a polysaccharide found in eggshells. Glycosaminoglycans promote crucial support to your dog’s connective tissues, interstitial fluids, bones, joints, and overall health. It also helps in aiding mobility in dogs with arthritis or osteoporosis.
Can dogs eat cooked egg shells? Cooked and crushed eggshells in moderate amounts are suitable for dogs. It has various health benefits as mentioned above. However, it is critical to ask your vet before feeding eggshells to your dogs. They can guide you based on your pet’s nutritional demands and underlying health conditions.
Also read: Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Pumpkin Seeds to Your Dog
Health Dangers of Giving Eggshells to Dogs
Eggshells are beneficial for dogs only in small amounts. They can provoke various health dangers if not given properly. The following are some potential health risks of feeding eggshells to dogs.
1.Choking Risk
Eggshells come up with sharp edges, which can obstruct the GI tract or the breathing line. It could be very severe if your pet is left unattended. The symptoms include breathlessness, nausea, acidity, effluxes, and stomach upset.
2.Hypercalcemia
Eggshells have a major portion of calcium carbonate and potassium, which can be beneficial for dogs only in small amounts. Excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia, i.e., high levels of calcium in the body. The symptoms include excessive thirst, weakness of bones and joints, fatigue, digestive distress, and inadequate brain functioning.
3.Digestive Discomfort
These raw eggs or eggshells are hard for dogs to digest as they have minimal enzymes and a simple digestive system. Vets do not recommend complex foods to include in your pet’s diet due to its delicate GI system. Eggshells can result in digestive distress, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or irregular bowel movements.
4.Allergic Reactions
Store-bought eggs or eggshells are fused with harmful chemicals and preservatives, which can be lethal for our pets. Many dogs exhibit allergic reactions when they come in contact with such chemicals. The symptoms include sneezing, coughing, hives, lethargy, nausea, breathlessness, or vomiting.
How to Feed Eggshells to Dogs?
Can dogs eat hard boiled eggs with shell? Eggs come under the dairy section, which may not suit every dog breed. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and linoleic acid. Vets recommend giving only 1 egg per day, depending on your dog’s medical condition. However, eggshells can be safe for dogs in minimal quantities.
The best way to present eggshells before dogs are in a fine powder. It will diminish the risk of choking. Firstly take fresh eggshells and wash them properly. Remove the remaining egg white layer from the shells. Then bake them for 10 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit to remove any harmful bacteria. Then grind those baked shells into a fine powder.
This eggshell powder can be stored for weeks in an air-tight container. It is the best homemade diet for our canine friends. You can sprinkle the eggshell powder onto your dog’s daily food. However, excessive calcium consumption can cause various health risks to your pet. Always start with a small amount, especially when your pup has never had eggshells before.
Can dogs eat crushed egg shells? Research has revealed that an adult dog can consume only 1.25 tablespoons of eggshell powder with 1000 calories of food per day. This amount varies with your dog’s age and health condition. Always seek the vet’s guidance before incorporating eggshells into your canine buddy.
How Much Can I Give Eggshells to My Dog?
Eggshells must be used as a calcium supplement for dogs, and supplements cover only a fraction of your dog’s daily diet. Moderation is key. Start with half a teaspoon of eggshell powder a week and observe your pet’s reaction. The quantity varies from twice a week to twice a day, depending on your dog’s dietary requirements.
Remember that any food you select for your pet companion must be tailored to their dietary demands. It must fulfill all the basic nutritional requirements and not compromise the dog’s overall health. Vets may suggest some dog’s special probiotics to add along with eggshells. It will promote the growth of the dog’s gut flora, which leads to a healthy digestive system.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs or Shells?
Raw eggs are not recommended for feeding your dogs as they can pose a great risk of bacterial infections. Always feed boiled egg whites or yolks in small amounts. Eggs are a great source of protein, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and D.
Always give plain, boiled eggs without seasonings to your canine companions. Never feed restaurant-made eggs like omelets or scrambled eggs due to excessive salt, flavors, and cheese, which may harm our pet’s digestive system. Vets usually recommend only one egg per day as part of your pet’s daily food.
Can dogs eat quail egg shells? These eggshells are not harmful to dogs. You can give raw quail eggshells in a powder form to avoid the choking risk. Vets can guide you better about this diet based on your pet’s nutritional demands and underlying health state.
Healthy Alternatives to Eggshells for Dogs
Excessive eggshells are not safe for your furry friend. Thus, we need to find out some healthy alternatives or calcium replacements. Some of them are given below.
1.Yogurt
Low-fat yogurt without seasonings is the best source of calcium for dogs. 1 cup of yogurt contains approximately 450mg of calcium. It gives a healthy range of probiotics to your canine companion, which aids in healthy microflora of the GI tract.
Whenever you bring store-bought yogurt, always check its ingredients because unwanted sweeteners can be toxic to dogs. Moreover, being a daily product, seek a vet’s guidance before introducing it to your pet.
2.Bone marrow
Soft bone marrow is another good source of essential nutrients including calcium for dogs. You can also feed some small bones occasionally. Ensure that the given bones do not have splintered ends to prevent choking. Always give solid bones to dogs, and when they chew them enough, replace them instantly.
3.Cheese
Cheese is made from milk, another dairy product, and a perfect source of calcium for dogs. Homemade cottage cheese without harmful ingredients is a safer alternative to eggshells than others. This low-fat diet needs the vet’s recommendation before incorporation into your pet’s dietary regimen.
4.Chicken
Chicken is considered the best alternative to eggshells for dogs in terms of calcium replacement. It is also an excellent source of protein. You can safely add the desired amount of chicken to your pet’s plate without a second thought. However, excessive intake of any food can bring unwanted health consequences.
5.Fish
White meat, i.e., fish, can be a healthy protein and calcium supplement for dogs. Tuna, salmon, trout, and sardines are safe for our dogs’ consumption. Moreover, you can try various fish-infused dog foods available in the market. Before making a purchase, check out its ingredients carefully.
Last Words
Can dogs eat egg shells? Eggshells are not hazardous for dogs’ consumption. We can add a measurable amount of eggshell powder to our pet’s daily food after consulting a vet. This blog has every detail about the benefits, risks, and preparation methods of eggshells for your dog. Read more if you have missed any required information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Are eggshells good for dogs with kidney disease?
A. Dogs with kidney problems or any health issue need special dietary care. You can not feed eggshells to your ill pet without a vet’s consultation. As eggshells are highly rich in calcium, they can be problematic for dogs with kidney stones.
Q. Can I give my pregnant dog egg shell?
A. Calcium is essential for the initial growth of fetuses and pups. It strengthens the bones and joints of growing children, adults, or pregnant dogs. However, it is critical to seek a vet’s guidance before feeding eggshells to your pregnant dog.
Q. Can dogs eat egg shells with meat?
A. You can sprinkle a small amount of eggshell powder on any dog food as a delicious topping, whether it is meat or whole wheat grains. Always give in moderation and keep portion control to avoid any health danger.
