As a dog owner, I’m always curious about healthy, natural options for my pup’s diet. The other day while making breakfast, I paused mid-crack and wondered: can dogs eat eggs shells? It seems like such a waste to throw them out—especially if there’s any nutritional value hidden inside. That question led me down a rabbit hole of research, and in this article, I’ll share everything I found out, written in plain dog-owner language and backed by veterinary advice.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs shells Safely?
So, can dogs eat eggs shells safely? The short answer is yes—but only when prepared the right way. Eggshells are rich in calcium, a mineral your dog’s body needs for strong bones, healthy teeth, and proper muscle function. In fact, studies show that eggshells are made up of about 94% calcium carbonate1.
That said, feeding your dog raw eggshells straight from the carton isn’t safe. Raw shells can carry Salmonella or E. coli, which can harm both your dog and you. Plus, sharp shell pieces might irritate your dog’s mouth or digestive system.
So, while dogs can eat eggs shells, the key is to clean, cook, and crush them properly before serving. Prepared the right way, eggshells can be a safe, affordable calcium supplement—especially if you’re feeding homemade meals.
Why Would Dogs Eat Eggshells? The Surprising Nutritional Benefits
If you’ve ever wondered why dogs might eat eggs shells, you’re not alone. When I first heard that some people grind eggshells into powder and sprinkle it over their dog’s food, I was skeptical. But once I looked into the nutritional profile of eggshells, it all made sense.
Eggshells contain more than just calcium. They also include magnesium, phosphorus, and trace minerals that are vital for your dog’s overall health. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, eggshell powder can provide around 400–500 mg of calcium per ½ teaspoon2. That’s a powerful punch for such a small amount.
Calcium helps dogs maintain healthy bones, nerves, and muscles. Puppies need it for proper growth, while adult and senior dogs benefit from calcium to prevent conditions like osteoporosis. For dog owners feeding raw or homemade diets, adding crushed eggshells is an easy way to keep their pup’s nutrient intake balanced.
How to Prepare Eggshells for Dogs (The Safe Way)
Now that we know dogs can eat eggs shells safely, here’s how to prepare them the right way. You can’t just drop a cracked shell into your dog’s bowl. Here’s what I do at home:
- Rinse thoroughly – Make sure all egg white or yolk is removed from the inside of the shell.
- Bake or boil the shells – I usually bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This kills bacteria like Salmonella.
- Grind into powder – Once the shells cool, use a blender, coffee grinder, or even a mortar and pestle to crush them into a fine powder.
Once powdered, you can store the eggshells in an airtight container for a few weeks. Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon onto your dog’s food once daily, but only if your vet says it’s okay. Not every dog needs extra calcium—especially if they’re already eating a balanced commercial diet.
When to Avoid Feeding Eggshells to Your Dog
Although dogs can eat eggs shells in some cases, there are times when it’s better to skip them. If your dog is already on a well-formulated commercial diet, they likely don’t need more calcium. Over-supplementing can lead to problems like kidney stones or poor skeletal development, particularly in large-breed puppies.
Also, if your dog has kidney disease, urinary issues, or is on a prescription diet, check with your vet before introducing eggshells or any new supplement. Extra calcium can disrupt the balance of phosphorus and other minerals, which may worsen existing health conditions.
One more caution: never feed raw, unwashed eggshells. Not only do they pose a choking hazard, but they may also carry harmful bacteria. If you do choose to feed eggshells, make sure they’re clean, dry, and fully crushed into a fine powder.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs shells Instead of Commercial Calcium Supplements?
This was my biggest question after doing all my research. Can dogs eat eggs shells instead of expensive calcium supplements from the pet store? The answer seems to be yes, if done carefully.
Eggshells are a great alternative for people who prepare homemade dog food and want to avoid synthetic additives. According to a study in PubMed Central, eggshell powder may be just as effective as traditional calcium supplements in maintaining bone density1.
However, one downside is that eggshell mineral content can vary slightly depending on the hen’s diet. That means the dosage isn’t as precise as a commercial product. If your dog has specific dietary needs or health concerns, your vet might recommend a consistent, store-bought supplement instead.
Still, for the average healthy dog, homemade eggshell powder—if prepared and dosed correctly—can be a safe, natural alternative.
What Do Veterinarians Say About Feeding Dogs Eggshells?
Veterinarians don’t all agree on the topic, but many support the use of eggshell powder in moderation—especially for dogs on homemade or raw diets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) doesn’t issue guidelines specifically for eggshells, but they do encourage pet owners to consult with a vet or pet nutritionist before adding any homemade supplement3.
Veterinarians often stress that calcium levels need to be balanced with phosphorus. Eggshells contain a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, so if your dog isn’t getting enough phosphorus from meat or other sources, adding eggshells alone might not be ideal.
My own vet said it’s fine to add eggshell powder once a day for my medium-sized dog, especially since I occasionally feed cooked meals. But again, every dog is different, and checking with a professional is always the smart move.
Final Thoughts: So, Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
So back to the original question—can dogs eat eggs shells? Yes, they absolutely can, but only when the shells are properly cleaned, cooked, and crushed into a powder. Raw or sharp pieces are a no-go.
Eggshells can be an excellent, natural source of calcium for dogs, especially for those on raw or homemade diets. They’re affordable, easy to prepare, and help reduce kitchen waste, which is a win in my book.
If you’re thinking about adding eggshells to your dog’s meals, start small and monitor your dog’s reaction. As always, consult your vet first—what works for one dog may not be ideal for another.
In my case, my pup seems to be thriving with a bit of eggshell powder added to his dinner. His teeth are strong, his coat is healthy, and I feel good knowing I’m feeding him something natural and beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a dog eats egg shells?
If a dog eats properly prepared eggshells, they can benefit from the extra calcium. However, raw or sharp pieces may pose a choking hazard or cause digestive irritation. Always bake and crush the shells into a fine powder before adding them to your dog’s food.
Is egg shell skin good for dogs?
The thin membrane inside the eggshell, known as the shell skin, contains nutrients like collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which may support joint health in dogs. While safe in small amounts, it’s not essential, and its benefits aren’t as well-studied as the eggshell itself.
Which part of an egg is best for dogs?
The egg white and yolk are both excellent sources of protein and healthy fats for dogs. Cooked eggs are safest and easiest to digest. The yolk provides vitamins like A and D, while the white offers lean protein. Always avoid adding salt or seasonings.
Can dogs eat raw eggs in the shell?
Feeding raw eggs with the shell is not recommended due to the risk of Salmonella and digestive issues from sharp shell edges. If you choose to give eggshells, bake them first to kill bacteria and crush them into powder to make them safe for your dog.
How much egg shells can I give my dog?
Generally, ½ teaspoon of eggshell powder per 20 pounds of body weight is sufficient to meet a dog’s daily calcium needs. Always consult your vet before supplementing, especially if your dog eats commercial food, to avoid calcium overdose or imbalanced nutrition.
You May Also Read:
How to Prepare Chicken for a Dog: A Guide from a Loving Dog Owner
Can Dog Have Coconut Milk? A Dog Owner’s Honest Guide
How to Prepare Blueberry Treats for Dogs the Right Way!
How to Make Dog Bone Broth: A Healthy Treat for Your Furry Friend
Homemade Dog Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach: A Caring Owner’s Guide
References
- Schaafsma, A. et al. (2000). “The potential of eggshell powder as a calcium supplement.” PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC108289/ ↩ ↩2
- Dogs Naturally Magazine (2022). “Eggshells For Dogs – A Natural Source of Calcium.” https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/eggshells-for-dogs/ ↩
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Raw Pet Foods and Home-Prepared Diets.” https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-pet-food ↩