Can Dogs Eat Raw Egg Shells?
The primary concern with raw eggs for most owners is salmonella bacteria. Salmonella infection is uncommon in dogs, but it is possible. And, your dog could potentially carry the bacteria and pass it on to you, causing sickness in your family. Signs of salmonella infection in dogs can include:
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from salmonella as a result of something they have eaten, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet. It is uncommon in dogs, and these symptoms could be a sign of a number of other issues. Your veterinarian will help you determine the cause of these symptoms. If at all concerned about salmonella, you can speak to your vet about other ways to offer your dog calcium, like powder supplements.
The egg shell membrane is the layer between the shell itself and the egg white. There are actually two membranes here – the inner and outer membranes. They are strong, transparent layers that protect the inside of the egg from external bacteria.
As we have already seen, eggshell membrane can be really good for dogs suffering from joint-related health problems, such as arthritis. Daily egg shell membrane supplements can reduce joint pain and improve joint mobility, increasing a dog’s quality of life. If you think your dog could benefit from eating eggshell membrane, speak to your vet about the best way to introduce this into their diet.
Some dogs would happily crunch down on a whole egg – shell and all. But, others may leave the egg alone. As we know, some owners are concerned about the risk of salmonella bacteria in raw eggs. So, speak to your veterinarian about the risks of this before offering your dog an egg.
On top of this, a whole egg may be quite difficult for your dog to eat, whether cooked or not. As they crunch down, the egg shell will break into sharp pieces that will vary in size. If swallowed, these pieces could cut or scratch your dog, but could also present a choking hazard depending on the size they break down to. Generally, it’s a better idea to prepare the egg, rather than just giving one to your dog to play with or eat whole. This way, you can cook the egg inside, and break the shell into more manageable chunks.
Puppies are in a crucial stage of growth – so can they have eggshells and the calcium within? Well, the answer is a little more complicated here. In some growing dogs, excess calcium can cause skeletal problems. But, some studies have suggested this has less of an impact on larger breeds, and won’t impact some growing dogs at all. More research is needed in this area to determine why excess calcium affects some growing dog breeds more than others.
Generally, it’s a good idea not to offer your growing puppy eggshells unless otherwise approved by your veterinarian. If your puppy is eating a commercial puppy food, they will have no need for the extra calcium that egg shells provide. It may be necessary in raw fed puppies, but again, check with your veterinarian. They will be able to help you calculate the amount of calcium your puppy is already getting.
How to Prepare Egg Shells for Dogs
If your veterinarian has approved eggshells for your dog, you’ll now need to learn the best way to serve them up! This can be tricky, as many dogs don’t actually like the taste of eggshells. Especially compared to the egg within.
No matter how you serve them, make sure the eggshell is thoroughly washed before giving it to your dog. You can give your dog raw or cooked egg shells, but make sure that the shell is broken into very small pieces. It’s a good idea to mix eggshell in with the rest of your dog’s food. This can help to protect your dog from some of those sharp edges. You could even include the shell in other egg recipes, like dog-safe scrambled eggs.
If you’re concerned about the sharp edges of egg shells, you can also grind the shells into a powder, and then sprinkle this on top of your dog’s food.
Will egg shell make a dog sick?
You can technically feed your dog egg shells but only if your veterinarian thinks it’s a good idea. Egg shells contain calcium, which some dogs need supplemented in their diets.
The shells may also cause an intestinal obstruction. For these reasons, never let your dog eat mussel shells. Accidents do happen, so be sure to watch out for any symptoms if your dog has a tendency to eat the shells. If you know or suspect your dog has eaten one or more mussel shells, then call the vet immediately.