Breakfast isn’t complete without eggs. Whether they’re scrambled eggs, hard-boiled, or poached, eggs just need to be a part of every breakfast meal.
And, it’s not only a breakfast essential; eggs are also required to create luscious baked goodies and mouth-watering sandwiches.
But, once cracked and hollowed out, what’s left is a bunch of eggshells that would most likely end up in the bin.
If, for some reason, you happen to drop some of it on your kitchen floor, it might even end up in your dog’s mouth. And so you wonder, can dogs eat egg shells?
Well, worry no more because DogFood.Guide is here to crack open and disclose the truth about eggshells and eggs as a whole and its effects on your pet dog’s health. After all, this is what we enjoy doing and what we do best.
Egg-citing Eggs & Egg Shell Facts
Many know that eggs have high nutritional value. In fact, eggs are worthy of the “superfood” title since the whole egg and its components – from the egg yolks to the egg whites – are loaded with essential nutrients that we need to keep our bodies in tip-top shape.
Want to know what nutrients this low-cost yet delicate produce has tucked inside its shell for us? Check out the deats below:
Now, it is true that the egg yolk is high in fat and cholesterol. This is why many muscle-building buffs choose to throw this away. However, it’s good to note that eating the yolk comes with benefits.
One of which is that the cholesterol found in the yolks doesn’t necessarily increase blood cholesterol, according to Healthline.
Most of the time, eating whole eggs is beneficial since this can increase “good” cholesterol, which reduces the risk of diseases. Plus, it also makes you feel “full” without the need to eat much.
So, the egg yolk and egg whites contain nutrients. How about the eggshell?
Often, these parts of the eggs are discarded. Good thing, many are becoming more mindful of the effects of waste on nature and are trying every bit they can to reduce, re-use, or recycle waste, the eggshells included.
Eggshells, which are the hard covering of the egg, are mostly made up of calcium carbonate. And for the past years, people have been using this as a calcium supplement by turning it into eggshell powder.
Apart from calcium, eggshells also contain…
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Iron
Copper
Zinc
Iodine
Can Dogs Eat Egg shells?
It’s true that dogs are not picky when it comes to food and would munch on anything. But despite their slaphappy and couldn’t-care-less nature, your dear four-legged companion can still contract diseases. What’s worst is that some foods can even be toxic to your dog.
When it comes to eggs, many dog owners are aware that eggs are among the safe food to feed your dog. The truth is, various dog food products include egg whites, yolk, eggshells, or even the whole egg in the mix.
So, to answer your two questions…
Can dogs eat eggs? The short answer is Yes. Dogs can eat eggs, which can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, especially if you prefer feeding your pet a homemade one.
Can dogs eat eggshells? Yes, dogs can eat eggshells, thanks to its calcium and mineral content.
But, like any other food, there are do’s and don’ts to feeding eggs and eggshell to your dog. So, if having a healthy dog is your priority, read on.
Health Benefits Of Eggshell and Eggs To Your Dog
Since the entire egg is so darn healthy (for both humans and dogs), from now on, you can feed your dog eggs (the eggshell included) without feeling guilty.
Most likely, you’re already aware of the health benefits of eggs (to dogs). But, many probably don’t know what eggshells can do for your dog.
If you’re among the many who’s curios about its benefits, here are some of the things you and your dog can look forward to each time your dogs get their dose of egg and eggshells:
Great Source Of Protein
A large boiled egg contains around 6 grams of high-quality protein and the right amount of amino acids. A large bulk of the protein can be found in the egg white.
Now, your dogs can certainly put this into good use since a dog’s diet requires tons of protein to keep their muscles and bones in check.
Loaded With Fatty Acids
The growth and development of healthy body cells can be enhanced by adding eggs to your dog’s food. You can thank the cell-health-boosting fatty acids found in the egg yolk for this.
Excellent Source Of Calcium
Does your homemade dog food need a dose of calcium? Look no further because the answer is just under your nose (that’s if an egg is just within your reach). Yes, eggshells are a practical and affordable calcium booster for you and your dog.
And since dog’s bones become more brittle and fragile as they age (just like us), adding some calcium supplement in their diet can help improve their bone health, immune system, and heart health.
Why You Should Not Give Your Dogs Eggshell & Eggs
Now that we’re done discussing the pros, let’s see how eggs and its eggshell can negatively affect your dog’s health:
Choking Hazard
While the insides of the egg are soft, the eggshells are hard and sharp. As such, you should avoid feeding your dog the entire egg. Swallowing large fragments can hurt their digestive tract and obstruct their airways.
Food Allergy
One risk your dog might face when given an egg is getting an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, eggs are among the common allergens in dogs.
You’ll know that your dog is having an allergic attack when your dog starts to sneeze, vomit, feel itchy, or have an upset stomach.
Eggs May Contain Bacteria
According to Facts.net, in every 20,000 eggs, one can have salmonella. Yes, the chances of getting a bacterial infection or experiencing salmonella poisoning might be slim, but it’s still possible.
In the event your dog chows down on a raw egg, make sure to watch out for the following symptoms:
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Biotin Deficiency
Biotin, aka “vitamin B,” promotes healthy skin and coat. It also helps promote digestion and metabolism.
On the one hand, raw egg whites carry an enzyme that binds with biotin and prevents its absorption, leading to biotin deficiency.
Keep in mind, though, that this rarely happens. Your dogs would also have to consume many raw eggs for a long time before this happens.
The Right Way To Give Your Dogs Eggs & Eggshells
As mentioned, you need to follow the basic do’s and don’ts of feeding eggshells and eggs to your dog. So, for an eggs-tatic and risk-free egg munching, keep these tips handy:
Serve it cooked and plain. Feeding raw eggs to your dogs is a no-nosince raw eggs (or any raw foods) may carry salmonella.
To avoid this, make sure to only let your dog eat cooked eggs. You can either serve it boiled or scrambled. What’s important is that the cooked eggs are served without any seasoning and oil.
Start small. Since your dog’s tummy may not tolerate cooked eggs, it’s always best to start by feeding them a small amount. This way, you can check for your dog’s reaction.
Cut it into small pieces. To avoid obstruction, take your time to cut the cooked eggs and feed your dog only bite-sized pieces.
Eggshells are best served in powder form. Your dog will have a hard time digesting calcium-dense eggshells as is. So, to help your dog eat shell and reap all its yummy health benefits, it’s best if you give your dog eggshells powder.
How To Make Eggshell Powder?
If your dog’s diet needs a boost of calcium, you might as well turn those eggshells (an excellent source of calcium) into easy-to-digest and -absorb eggshell powder.
Wondering how you can make this at the comfort of your home? Just follow the easy steps stated in the recipes below.
How Much Eggshell Can Your Feed Your Dogs Per Day?
The amount of shells and cooked egg you can give your dog depends on their size, age, activity level, and health condition. As such, seeking your vet’s expert advice is still a must.
Once your vet says your dogs can eat shells and shells can be added to their daily diet, a good rule of thumb is to add a quarter teaspoon of eggshell powder to a half-pound of fresh dog food—alternatively, one teaspoon of powdered shell per day (which is equivalent to one egg).
Our Final Verdict
Can dogs eat eggs? Yes. Can dogs eat cooked egg? Yes. Can you feed your dog the egg’s shell? Yes. The answer to all these questions is YES. So, it’s safe to say that eggs plus its shell can be a part of your dog’s diet.
Now, if you’re already feeding your dog a well-balanced and complete diet, your dog can live happily even without the added calcium found in eggshells. Although giving them eggs and eggshells can still be done as long as it’s only given as an occasional treat.
It’s a different answer, though, if you want to know if can dogs eat raw eggs. For this one, the answer is a big NO.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
