Yes, dogs can eat eggshells, but only in the right form, in small amounts, and ideally under your vet’s guidance.

Can Dogs Eat Egg Shells? (Quick Scoop)

Short Answer

  • Eggshells are not toxic to dogs and are rich in calcium.
  • They should be cleaned, cooked, and finely ground before feeding to avoid choking, sharp fragments, and bacteria like salmonella.
  • Most dogs on a complete commercial diet do not need extra eggshell calcium unless a vet suggests it.

Benefits of Eggshells for Dogs

  • High in calcium, which supports bones and teeth, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
  • Can serve as a natural calcium supplement in home‑prepared or raw diets when properly dosed.
  • Useful occasional add‑on if a vet has recommended extra calcium instead of bone meal (for example, for some homemade diets).

Example : A vet‑formulated homemade diet might call for a measured amount of ground eggshell powder per portion as the calcium source.

Risks and When It’s Not Safe

  • Whole or large pieces of shell can be a choking hazard, especially for fast eaters or small dogs.
  • Sharp fragments may scratch or irritate the digestive tract , and in large quantities could contribute to blockage or perforation.
  • Raw shells can carry bacteria (like salmonella) , which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or infection in some dogs and can be a hygiene risk for people in the household.
  • Too much calcium over time can unbalance the diet and may affect bone development in growing dogs or worsen certain health conditions.

If a dog has a sensitive stomach, history of pancreatitis, kidney issues, or is on a prescription diet, extra supplements (including eggshells) should be cleared with a vet first.

How to Safely Give Eggshells (If Your Vet Approves)

If your vet is on board and you want to use eggshells as a calcium supplement:

  1. Clean the shells
    • Rinse off any egg residue to reduce bacteria load.
  1. Cook or bake the shells
    • Bake at a low temperature (for example, around 150–180 °C / 300–350 °F for several minutes) to help kill surface bacteria.
  1. Grind to a fine powder
    • Use a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or mortar and pestle so there are no sharp chunks.
 * Powder form mixes easily into food and is safer to digest.
  1. Use small, measured amounts
    • General guides suggest only small amounts of eggshell powder as a supplement; exact dosage depends on dog size and the rest of the diet, so your vet or a veterinary nutritionist should set this for you.
  1. Introduce slowly and watch for problems
    • Start with a tiny pinch mixed into food and monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or changes in appetite or behavior.

What If My Dog Already Ate Egg Shells?

  • If it was a small amount of shell and your dog seems normal, many dogs pass it without issues.
  • Watch over the next 24–48 hours for:
    • Vomiting or retching
    • Loss of appetite
    • Abdominal pain (restlessness, hunched posture, whining)
    • Straining, constipation, or bloody stool

Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if you see any of those signs, or if your dog ate a large quantity of shell or big, sharp pieces (for example, swallowed a whole hard‑boiled egg with shell).

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