Dogs can have eggshells in small, well‑prepared amounts, but only if your vet says it’s appropriate and you handle them safely.

Can Dogs Have Egg Shells?

Eggshells are very high in calcium and a few trace minerals, so some dog owners use them as a DIY calcium supplement. But they also carry risks like excess calcium, sharp edges, and possible bacteria, so they’re not automatically “safe treats” for every dog.

Quick Scoop (Short Answer)

  • Yes, dogs can eat properly prepared eggshells in moderation.
  • They MUST be:
    • Very finely crushed or ground (no sharp pieces).
* Cleaned and cooked/baked first to reduce germs like salmonella.
  • Some dogs should avoid eggshells altogether (e.g., history of calcium issues, bladder stones, certain urinary problems, puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs unless a vet directs otherwise).
  • Most balanced commercial dog foods already have enough calcium, so extra eggshells are usually unnecessary without vet guidance.

Why People Consider Eggshells for Dogs

Many owners look for “natural” add‑ons like eggs and shells, especially as fresh‑food and home‑cooked diets trend upward in the last few years.

Potential benefits (with vet approval):

  • High calcium for bones and teeth
  • Support for muscle and nerve function
  • A convenient add‑on for home‑cooked diets that might otherwise lack calcium

Think of eggshell powder more like a supplement than a snack. It’s something you dose carefully, not something your dog crunches for fun.

The Risks You Need to Know

Even though eggshells sound simple, there are several important downsides.

1. Too Much Calcium

  • Eggshells are extremely calcium‑dense; adding them on top of a complete kibble or canned food can push calcium intake above safe levels.
  • Dogs with:
    • High blood calcium
    • Calcium oxalate bladder stones
    • Some kidney or urinary issues
      often should not get eggshells because they may worsen these conditions.

2. Sharp or Jagged Pieces

  • Whole or roughly broken shells can have sharp edges that may irritate or injure the mouth, esophagus, or gut, or pose a choking risk.
  • That’s why reputable guides and vets stress grinding shells into a very fine powder.

3. Bacteria and Contamination

  • Raw eggs and shells can carry salmonella and other pathogens; this is a concern for dogs, and for the humans handling the shells.
  • Proper washing and baking/boiling reduce that risk but don’t replace basic hygiene (washing hands, utensils, and surfaces).

4. Not Needed for Most Dogs

  • Commercial dog foods are designed to be “complete and balanced,” including appropriate calcium and phosphorus.
  • Adding extra calcium without a medical or dietary reason can unbalance the diet, especially for puppies whose bones are still developing.

If Your Vet Approves: How to Make Eggshells Safer

If your veterinarian recommends eggshells as a calcium source (often in home‑cooked diets), typical safe‑use advice looks like this:

  1. Clean the shells
    • Rinse leftover egg out of the shells.
    • Discard any obviously dirty or cracked‑in‑storage shells.
  2. Cook them to reduce germs
    • Bake on a tray at low heat (commonly around 150–180°C / 300–350°F) for several minutes, or boil briefly, then let them dry.
 * Let the shells cool completely.
  1. Grind them into a fine powder
    • Use a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or mortar and pestle to get a flour‑like texture with no visible sharp pieces.
  1. Use a tiny, measured amount
    • Only add the amount your vet recommends for your dog’s weight and diet, usually just a small pinch or measured fraction of a teaspoon to food.
 * Do not free‑feed or let your dog crunch whole shells as treats.
  1. Watch for problems
    • Stop and call your vet if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, urinary changes, or signs of discomfort.

What Vets and Pet Nutrition Sources Say

Different sources emphasize slightly different angles, but they largely agree on the key points:

  • Some veterinary and pet‑care sites say eggshells can be used safely for extra calcium if they’re cleaned, cooked, and finely ground, and the amount is guided by a vet.
  • Others highlight that for most dogs, especially those on commercial diets, eggshells are unnecessary and can be risky for dogs with certain conditions (calcium‑related issues, bladder stones, pregnant dogs, puppies).
  • Raw feeding and “natural” dog sites may be more enthusiastic about eggshells but still stress fine grinding, clean sources, and moderation.

You can think of the current “trending” view (as of the mid‑2020s) as:

Eggshells are a niche tool for specific diets, not a universal dog treat.

Forum‑Style Perspective

If you browse dog forums and social communities, you’ll see a range of opinions, such as:

  • Owners of raw‑fed dogs who swear by homemade eggshell powder as a calcium source and report no problems when used carefully under vet guidance.
  • Others who share cautionary anecdotes about digestive upset or urinary issues after adding eggs or shells without professional advice.
  • Moderators and experienced members often jump in to remind people that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe, especially for growing puppies or dogs with unknown medical histories.

These discussions rarely replace veterinary advice; instead, they highlight how differently dogs can respond and how important personalized guidance is.

In other words: what works for one dog on a forum might not be right for your dog.

Practical Takeaways for Your Dog

Use this as a safety checklist before you decide anything about eggshells:

  • Has your vet okayed extra calcium or eggshells for your dog specifically?
  • Is your dog free of urinary stones, kidney issues, or calcium‑related problems?
  • Are you feeding a complete commercial food (which usually doesn’t need extra calcium)?
  • Are you willing to clean, cook, and grind shells properly, and to measure the amount carefully?

If any answer is “no” or “I’m not sure,” it’s safer to skip eggshells until you can talk to your vet.

Bottom Line (TL;DR)

  • Dogs can have eggshells, but only when they are thoroughly cleaned, cooked, and ground to a fine powder, and used in small, vet‑approved amounts.
  • They are not needed for most dogs on balanced commercial diets and can be harmful for some dogs with specific medical conditions.
  • Always check with your veterinarian before adding eggshells or any calcium supplement to your dog’s food.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.