Eggs are one of the safest human foods for dogs — but what about the eggshells?
Your dog may try to lick the bowl, chew leftovers, or accidentally grab a broken shell from the kitchen floor.
So the big question is: Can dogs eat eggshells?
Yes — dogs can eat eggshells, but only when prepared correctly.
Raw or dirty shells can be unsafe, while clean, ground eggshells can be a great natural calcium booster.
Let’s break it all down.
🥚 Are Eggshells Safe for Dogs?
Yes, eggshells are safe if they are clean, plain, and finely crushed.
Eggshells are naturally rich in calcium — even more than most commonly fed dog foods.
Dogs who already enjoy occasionally eating eggs (as explained in foods like those mentioned in Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese) often tolerate eggshells too, but only in powder form.
Whole shells, however, can be risky.
💚 Benefits of Eggshells for Dogs
Eggshells offer powerful nutrients:
✨ High calcium – strengthens bones & teeth
✨ Phosphorus – balances minerals in the body
✨ Collagen – supports joints
✨ Protein trace minerals – enhance skin & coat health
Many homemade dog diets even use eggshell powder as a natural calcium source.
⚠️ When Eggshells Can Be Dangerous
Although nutritious, eggshells must be handled carefully. Risks include:
❌ Sharp Edges
Whole or large pieces can scratch your dog’s throat or intestines.
❌ Bacteria (like Salmonella)
Raw, unwashed shells may carry harmful bacteria.
❌ Too Much Calcium
Excessive calcium can cause:
- Bone issues
- Constipation
- Kidney strain (especially in older dogs)
❌ Not Suitable for Puppies
Puppies already get enough calcium from balanced diets — adding eggshells may cause imbalances.
If your dog tends to react to certain foods — just like some react to fiber-heavy veggies in Can Dogs Eat Beets — introduce eggshell powder slowly.
🍽️ How to Prepare Eggshells for Dogs (Safe Method)
Here’s the correct way to make eggshells safe:
✔ Wash the shells thoroughly
✔ Boil them for a few minutes to kill bacteria
✔ Dry completely
✔ Grind into a fine powder (very important)
✔ Store in an airtight jar
You can sprinkle a tiny pinch on your dog’s food once in a while.
Avoid giving whole shells or large pieces — grinding is the key to safety.
🐾 How Much Eggshell Powder Can Dogs Eat?
Just a tiny amount:
🐾 Small dogs: A pinch (⅛ teaspoon)
🐾 Medium dogs: ¼ teaspoon
🐾 Large dogs: ½ teaspoon
Give occasionally, not daily.
🐶 Can Puppies Eat Eggshells?
No — puppies don’t need extra calcium.
It can affect bone growth and create long-term problems.
🍳 Eggshells vs Whole Eggs
If your dog likes the taste of eggs, cooked eggs are safer than shells.
You can give:
- Boiled eggs
- Plain scrambled eggs
- Poached eggs
But avoid:
- Raw egg whites (biotin issues)
- Fried eggs with oil
- Eggs cooked with spices
🌿 Eggshells Compared to Other Calcium Sources
If you don’t want to use eggshell powder, you can give safer alternatives:
- Plain sardines (boneless)
- Dog-friendly yogurt (tiny amounts)
- Balanced commercial dog food
- Fortified treats
Just like nuts discussed in Can Dogs Eat Pecans, some foods need extra caution — eggshells included.
📘 Extra Info
If you’re curious about eggshell composition or how they form, you can read this general scientific overview:
👉 Eggshell – Wikipedia
✅ Final Verdict
Yes, dogs can eat eggshells — but only in fine powdered form.
Never give whole, sharp, or unwashed shells.
Powdered shells can be a great natural calcium boost when used occasionally and safely.
🏁 Conclusion
Eggshells can be a healthy add-on when handled right, but they must be crushed and given in moderation. For more simple and clear feeding guides, visit MyPetVista and keep your dog’s diet safe and balanced every day. 🐾❤️
