Eggshell Powder For Dogs
If you’ve been making homemade dog food, you’ve probably heard about the importance of adding calcium to your dog’s diet. One easy, natural, and budget-friendly way to do this is with eggshell powder. Not only is it simple to make at home, but it also helps use up something that would otherwise be thrown away-making it a win for your pup and the planet.
What Is Eggshell Powder?
Eggshell powder is simply clean, dried eggshells that have been finely ground into a soft powder. Eggshells are made up of about 95% calcium carbonate, which is one of the most bioavailable forms of calcium for dogs. They also contain small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals that support strong bones and overall health.
Why Feed Eggshell Powder to Dogs?
Calcium is an essential mineral for dogs, especially when feeding homemade diets that don’t contain raw, edible bones. It plays a vital role in:
- Building and maintaining strong bones and teeth
- Supporting nerve and muscle function
- Helping with blood clotting and hormone balance
If your dog’s diet doesn’t have enough calcium, their body will pull it from their bones-leading to serious health problems over time. Eggshell powder is an easy, natural, and safe way to meet their calcium needs without relying on synthetic supplements.
Note: If you feed your dog a complete commercial food or a raw diet with edible bones, extra calcium is usually unnecessary and could cause imbalances. Always check with your vet before adding supplements.
Nutritional Information of Eggshell Powder (per 1 teaspoon)
- Calcium: ~800-1,000 mg
- Magnesium: ~5 mg
- Phosphorus: ~2-3 mg
- Trace minerals: zinc, copper, iron, manganese (small amounts)
How Much Eggshell Powder for Dogs?
A general guideline is:
- ½ teaspoon eggshell powder per pound of meat in your homemade dog food recipe.
This gives roughly 800-1,000 mg of calcium, which balances the phosphorus naturally found in meat.
Example: If your recipe uses 1 lb (450g) of ground beef, add ½ teaspoon of eggshell powder to provide the right calcium-phosphorus ratio.
Eggshell Tips
- Each time you use eggs, save the shells in a container in the fridge until you have enough to make a batch (about 12 shells is a good starting amount).
- Gently rinse each shell under cool water to remove egg white or yolk residue. Avoid using soap-plain water is fine.
Storage Tips
Keep powder dry and sealed tightly to prevent clumping. Refrigeration prolongs freshness but is optional.
How to Use Eggshell Powder in Homemade Dog Food
- Mix into cooked or raw dog food recipes to balance calcium.
- Add ½ teaspoon of eggshell powder per 1 pound (450g) of meat in homemade dog food recipes to provide balanced calcium.
- Stir into pureed vegetables or bone-free meat meals.
- Add to dog treats that don’t contain bones for an extra calcium boost.
- After rinsing, you can peel away the thin inner membrane if you want a smoother powder. This step is optional, but it can help the grinder stay cleaner.
- Do not exceed recommended amounts; consult your vet if unsure.
Pro Tip: Always add eggshell powder after cooking your dog’s meal. Heat won’t destroy calcium, but mixing it in after cooking helps preserve the fine powder texture and makes it easier to blend.
Eggshell Powder For Dogs
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Ingredients
- 12 large eggshells You can use any number of eggshells
Instructions
- Gently rinse each shell under cool water to remove egg white or yolk residue. Avoid using soap—plain water is fine.
- Place the eggshells in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let them boil for 5–10 minutes. This kills any bacteria like salmonella and softens the membrane, making grinding easier.
- Drain the shells in a colander. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry.
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Spread the shells evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until completely dry and brittle. Remove and cool.
- Place dried shells into a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or high-speed blender. Pulse in short bursts until the shells become a very fine powder. The finer the powder, the easier it is for your dog to digest.
- If needed, sift the powder through a fine mesh sieve and regrind any larger bits.
- Transfer the powder into a clean, airtight glass jar. Label the jar with the date you made it.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months, or in the fridge for up to 6 months for maximum freshness.
Notes
- Add ½ teaspoon of eggshell powder per 1 pound (450g) of meat in homemade dog food recipes to provide balanced calcium.
- Mix powder into cooked or raw meals after cooking for best texture and digestion.
- Do not exceed recommended amounts; consult your vet if unsure.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.