Can dogs eat eggs and eggshells?

Eggs are a valuable source of protein and nutrients for people. Have you ever wondered whether it is safe for dogs to consume eggs and eggshells? In short, the answer is yes. Both eggs and eggshells are safe for dogs. Next, we will explore the benefits of them and how to add them to your pup's diet.

Are Eggshells Safe for Dogs?

Yes, eggshells are safe for dogs. But it's crucial to take certain measures. Try to use eggshells from organic and pasture-raised chickens free from antibiotics and hormones. Also, avoid eggshells from most grocery store eggs. They often undergo chemical treatments to look shiny.

Benefits of Eggshells for Dogs

High Calcium Content: One teaspoon of eggshell powder contains about 300mg of calcium generally. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining dogs' bones and teeth. Hence it is an excellent calcium supplement for puppies and pregnant dogs. However, eggshells lack key minerals like phosphorus and magnesium. So, ensure your dog gets these nutrients from other sources.
Joint Health: The thin lining inside the eggshell is called the membrane. It contains glucosamine, collagen, and chondroitin. These substances are recognized for promoting health and movement, particularly in older dogs or those with arthritis. Here's A study from 2016. It discovered that eggshell membranes notably alleviated pain in dogs with joint problems. While removing the membrane from the shell may take some time, it's definiftely worth it.

How to Prepare Eggshells for Dogs?

In order to make sure that the eggshells are safe for your dog, please follow these steps:

Rinse and dry: After you've used the eggs, make sure to wash the shells to get rid of any leftover residue. Let them air dry completely.
Bake: Place the dried eggshells on a baking sheet. Put them in the oven at 200°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is important to ensure they are fully dry and minimize any bacterial risks.
Grind: Grind the eggshells into a fine powder using a clean coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle. This will help your dog digest them easily.
Store: Store the eggshells in a sealed container. Sprinkle an amount, over your dogs food as an additional supplement.

Addressing Salmonella Concerns

To prevent any risks of salmonella, it's important to follow the baking step in the above section. This will help to eliminate any bacteria that may be present on the eggshells.

Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

The short answer is yes. Eggs can also be a good nutritious addition to your pup's diet. It is because eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

How to Prepare Eggs for Dogs?

When preparing eggs for your dog, it's important to follow these guidelines:

Cooked: Always serve eggs cooked. Raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella which can cause food poisoning in dogs.
Plain: Avoid adding any seasonings, salt, pepper, or other ingredients to the eggs. These can be harmful to dogs.

How many eggs can dogs eat?

Try to limit to 1 egg per day for your dog. No more than 7 eggs per week.

Conclusion

Eggs and eggshells are not only safe but also nutritious addtion to dogs.

Eggshells contains high calcium content which can help with bone and teeth health. The membrane can help with joint health.

Eggs can provide high quality protein, minerals and vitamins.

Keep in mind to follow the preparation steps above to minimize any risks of salmonella.