Are Eggshells Good For Dogs? (DIY Eggshell Powder!)

Don’t toss those egg shells! Eggshells are a great source of nutrients that your dog needs. Here’s how to make egg shell powder for dogs to supplement their diet (and reduce your food waste)!

While whipping up these dog-friendly omelettes last week, I was left with a bunch of egg shells and started to wonder…can dogs eat egg shells? I mean, we know that eggs are good for dogs, but are egg shells good for dogs?

And as it turns out, YES! Not only can dogs eat egg shells, but they’re packed with nutrients that your pup needs! Egg shells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. The membrane of the egg shell (that flimsy part between the egg shell and the egg white) contains amino acids and collagen, which can aid with dog mobility and joint health.

How to prepare egg shells for dogs

There are two risk factors to consider when feeding your dog egg shells: foodborne illness and sharp edges.

Foodborne Illness: Egg shells can carry salmonella, which can cause some seriously upset tummy for your dog. To prevent this, simply bake the egg shells before serving them to your dog! Pop them in the oven at 350F for 10 to 15 minutes. This will kill the bacteria that are responsible for salmonella food poisoning.

Sharp Edges: Egg shells are sharp, so it’s important to grind them into smaller pieces before giving them to your dog. You can turn egg shells into powder by crushing them with a rolling pin, a food processor, or a coffee grinder.

Dosage of Egg Shell Powder For Dogs

One large egg creates about 1 teaspoon of eggshell powder. And this 1 teaspoon of eggshell powder contains about 2,000 mg of calcium.

The Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) recommends that adult dogs consume about 1.25 grams of calcium for every 1,000 calories they consume (here’s how many calories your dog needs). While your dog’s food likely already has this recommended level of calcium in it, you can supplement their diet with egg shells to provide a boost of calcium.

To serve your dog egg shell powder, simply sprinkle it over their food, or freeze it into a KONG or pupsicle!

Egg shells for dogs FAQ

Other great calcium sources for dogs

• Yogurt: 1 cup of yogurt contains about 450 mg of calcium. Aim for a low- or non-fat yogurt that doesn’t contain any xylitol (healthy dog-friendly banana splits anyone?)
• Cheese: Cheese vary in calcium content, which harder type cheeses having more than soft cheeses. For a long lasting chew, give your pup these yak milk cheese chews!
• Spinach: For a vegetable, spinach is incredibly high in calcium, with 240 mg of calcium per cup! Get our guide to feeding your dog spinach.