can dogs eat egg shells
Ever caught yourself munching on eggs and thought, “Hmm… I wonder if my dog could snack on the shells too?” Well, you’re not alone. A lot of dog owners ask: can dogs eat egg shells? On the surface, it seems harmless – dogs crunching away, getting a little calcium boost. But there’s a bit more to it than that. Let’s break it down, chat about the risks, the perks, and how to do it safely so your pup doesn’t end up with a tummy ache… or worse.
What happens if dogs eat egg shells?
Choking hazards and sharp fragments
Alright, first thing first – shells can be kinda sharp. If your dog crunches down on a big piece, it could poke or scratch their mouth, throat, or stomach. Fast eaters? Extra caution. No one wants a vet trip for a mouthful of jagged shell shards.
Bacterial contamination risk
Raw shells aren’t exactly sparkling clean either. They can have Salmonella hanging out on them. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or weak immune systems could end up sick. One Reddit user even said:
“Raw eggshells may be contaminated with bacteria … it is commonly recommended to boil eggs before eating their shell.” (sources)
Calcium overload & mineral imbalances
Too much calcium isn’t just boring science stuff – it can actually mess with your dog’s body. Too many shells could lead to calcium overload, especially for pups with kidney problems or a history of bladder stones. (source)
Are egg shells bad for dogs?
When egg shells pose danger (pre‑existing conditions)
Eggshells aren’t evil, but some pups should steer clear:
- Dogs with kidney problems or calcium issues
- Growing puppies (especially big breeds)
- Dogs already on a calcium‑rich diet
Veterinary perspectives & cautions
Vets usually agree: shells are fine if prepared right and given in moderation. (source) Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic says shells aren’t toxic, but big pieces can be risky. (source) Some other experts think the risk just isn’t worth it for certain dogs. (source) Bottom line? Check with your vet before tossing shells into the mix.
Benefits of egg shells for dogs
Natural calcium in eggshells
Here’s the cool part – eggshells are basically nature’s calcium tablets. (source) For dogs on homemade diets without bones, a little eggshell powder can actually help keep those bones strong.
Collagen, glucosamine & joint support from membrane
Inside the shell, there’s a thin membrane packed with collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin – all the good stuff for joints. Dogs Naturally says it might even help with aches as dogs age. (source)
Bone & dental health support
Calcium from eggshells can also help teeth stay strong and support healthy muscles. If your pup isn’t getting bones in their diet, eggshell powder can be a handy supplement.
How much egg shells can I give my dog?
Guidelines by weight & caloric intake
Here’s a quick rule of thumb: 1 teaspoon of eggshell powder (~5 g) gives a decent calcium boost. (source) Depending on size:
- Small dogs (5–10 kg): ~¼–½ tsp per day
- Medium dogs (10–25 kg): ~½–1 tsp
- Large dogs (25 kg+): up to 1.5 tsp
Always tweak based on what else they’re eating.
Frequency – occasional vs daily
Most pups don’t need it every day. Unless your vet says otherwise, stick to occasional supplements to avoid overdoing it.
Can dogs eat egg shells everyday
Risks of over‑supplementation
Too much calcium can cause kidney strain, mess with other minerals, or even affect growth in puppies. So, don’t go overboard thinking it’s a free snack.
Cases where daily use might be acceptable
If a vet specifically tells you your dog needs extra calcium – especially on a homemade diet – then daily eggshell powder is okay. Otherwise, keep it occasional.
Can dogs eat egg shells cooked
Advantages of cooking / sterilization
Cooking shells kills off nasty bacteria like Salmonella and makes them easier to grind. (source)
Methods (baking, boiling)
Baking at 300 °F for 10 minutes or boiling for 5–10 minutes works perfectly. Once dry, grind it up and you’re good to go.
Can dogs eat raw egg shells
Risk of pathogens (Salmonella, etc.)
Raw shells = potential Salmonella risk. Even healthy pups can get sick. (source)
Raw vs cooked tradeoffs
Sure, raw might keep some nutrients intact, but honestly, the bacteria risk isn’t worth it. Cooked shells are the safer choice.
How to prepare eggshells for dogs
Cleaning & removing membrane
Rinse the shells, remove leftover egg bits, and peel off the inner membrane if you want.
Boiling / baking protocol
Boil for 5–10 minutes or bake at 300 °F for 10 minutes. This kills bacteria and dries them out for grinding.
Grinding into fine powder
Use a coffee grinder, food processor, or mortar & pestle to make a fine powder. Sharp bits can hurt, so really grind it down.
Storage and shelf life
Keep it in an airtight container. Use within a few weeks to months and keep it dry.
Can puppies eat egg shells
Sensitivity of growing bones
Puppies’ bones are growing fast, so too much calcium can mess them up, especially in big breeds.
Vet recommendations
Most vets say skip it unless absolutely necessary. Puppies usually get enough calcium from their commercial diet. (source)
How long to boil egg shells for dogs
Time/temperature guidelines
Boil 5–10 minutes. Five minutes kills bacteria; 10 minutes helps dry them out fully. (source)
Why that duration matters
Too short? Bacteria survive. Too long? Shells might break weirdly. Just hit that sweet spot.
How much eggshell powder for dogs per day
Metric rules / tsp or grams
1 tsp (~5 g) per 1,000 kcal of food is a good ballpark. Adjust for your dog’s diet and size.
Adjustments by diet composition
If your dog’s food already has calcium or bone meal, reduce or skip the powder to avoid giving too much.
What age can dogs eat egg shells
Earliest safe age
Most experts say wait until your dog is a few months old. Puppies grow fast, so better safe than sorry.
Maturity considerations
Adult dogs can usually handle it fine, as long as their diet is balanced and their kidneys are healthy.
Conclusion & veterinarian consultation reminder
Eggshells aren’t evil – when done safely, they can be a natural calcium boost. But too much or the wrong prep can backfire. Always chat with your vet first, especially for puppies, dogs with health issues, or dogs already on a balanced diet. A little prep goes a long way, and your dog will thank you (without a tummy ache!).
please leave comment
you may like it
