Eggshells for Dogs: Safe Calcium Source or Risky Habit?

The first time Toby crunched down on a rogue eggshell that slipped off the counter, I panicked. I’d never even considered whether dogs should eat eggshells. Was it dangerous? Would it hurt his stomach? Or — and here’s the twist — could it actually be good for him?

That moment sent me down a rabbit hole of research, questions, and vet calls. What I discovered surprised me. Eggshells, when handled properly, can be more than harmless — they can be hugely beneficial. But they can also cause problems if fed the wrong way.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I learned: the science, the risks, the how-to — and the emotional moment I realized that even our kitchen scraps can become part of something healing.

And if you haven’t yet explored the full story behind why I began cooking for Toby in the first place, I invite you to start here:
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Benefits, Recipes & Safe Feeding Tips

For egg prep safety and cooking techniques, don’t miss this:
How to Cook Eggs for Dogs (And When to Avoid Them)

And if you’re ready to take your home-cooked meals to the next level, the Instant Pot recipes I’ve developed are right here:
Homemade Instant Pot Dog Food Recipes (Vet-Approved & Easy)

Now, let’s crack the truth wide open: should dogs eat eggshells — or not?

The Surprising Nutritional Value of Eggshells

When I first brought up eggshells with our vet, I expected a hard no. But instead, I got something more interesting: “They’re actually one of the most natural sources of calcium — if you prepare them right.”

That’s when I realized I’d been tossing away something that could help Toby feel better — not just fill his bowl.

Here’s what makes eggshells nutritionally valuable for dogs:

1. Rich in Natural Calcium

One teaspoon of finely ground eggshell powder contains around 800–1,000 mg of calcium. That’s comparable to many over-the-counter supplements — without the fillers or artificial ingredients.

Calcium is critical for:

• Bone health
• Muscle function
• Nerve signaling
• Hormone balance

And it’s especially important if you’re feeding a home-cooked diet. Store-bought dog foods are calcium-balanced by regulation, but homemade meals can fall short — especially if you’re not feeding raw bones.

2. Bioavailable and Easily Absorbed

Unlike some plant-based calcium sources, eggshell calcium is highly bioavailable. Dogs can absorb it efficiently when it’s ground into a fine powder and added to food in safe amounts.

That’s why I started saving Toby’s eggshells. Washed. Boiled. Dried. Ground into powder. It felt good to use every part of something real — no waste, no guesswork.

But there’s a line between “natural” and “safe.” And we’ll talk about that next — because not all eggshell feeding is created equal.

When Eggshells Are Dangerous

I remember the first time I read an online forum where someone said, “I just give my dog whole eggs — shell and all.” My heart skipped. Could it really be that simple?

The truth is, yes, some dogs may be fine with raw, whole eggs. But for many — especially those with sensitive digestion or smaller jaws — whole eggshells can pose real risks.

Potential Dangers of Feeding Eggshells Incorrectly

1. Sharp Edges

Raw or baked shells can splinter and scratch the inside of your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract. This is especially true for small dogs or those who don’t chew thoroughly.

2. Choking Hazard

Whole or broken eggshells can get lodged in the throat or esophagus — particularly in fast eaters.

3. Bacterial Contamination

Unwashed shells may carry salmonella or other bacteria that are dangerous to both dogs and humans. This risk increases if the eggs are from unknown or factory-farmed sources.

4. Too Much Calcium

Yes — there can be too much of a good thing. Excess calcium, especially in growing puppies or dogs with kidney issues, can lead to:

• Joint problems
• Kidney stones
• Mineral imbalances

That’s why portion control and vet guidance are essential when using eggshell powder regularly.

When Toby first started getting eggshells, I went slowly. I started with a pinch, once every few days, added to his cooked meals. No whole shells. No risks. Just a simple powder, made at home.

It’s easy to assume that “natural” means “safe” — but nature needs help sometimes. And when we take the time to prepare things right, we protect the dogs we love most.

How to Prepare Eggshells for Dogs

The first time I ground up eggshells in my kitchen, I felt a little ridiculous — like I was making dog food from scratch and doing a science experiment. But after seeing how much Toby benefited from it, it became just another part of my Sunday prep.

Here’s exactly how to do it safely:

Step-by-Step: Making Eggshell Powder

1. Rinse Thoroughly
After cracking eggs, rinse the shells under warm water to remove any residue. You don’t need to peel out the membrane — it’s safe and may even contain trace nutrients.

2. Boil for 5–10 Minutes
This step kills bacteria like salmonella. Just place the shells in a pot of boiling water and let them roll around for a bit.

3. Dry Completely
Lay the shells out on a clean towel or baking sheet. Let air-dry overnight or place in the oven at low heat (200°F / 95°C) for 10–15 minutes.

4. Grind into Fine Powder
Use a clean coffee grinder, spice grinder, or food processor. The texture should be powdery — not gritty or chunky.

5. Store Safely
Keep the powder in a dry, airtight container in a cool place. It should last for up to two months.

How Much to Use

• Small dogs: 1/4 teaspoon every few days
• Medium dogs: 1/2 teaspoon, 2–3 times per week
• Large dogs: up to 1 teaspoon, a few times per week

Always check with your vet before adding calcium supplements long-term — especially if your dog is on medication or a commercial food that’s already fortified.

And if you’re already making homemade meals in the Instant Pot, eggshell powder blends beautifully into those warm, cooked batches:
Homemade Instant Pot Dog Food Recipes (Vet-Approved & Easy)

Eggshell Powder vs Crushed Shells

Before I started researching, I thought crushed eggshells and eggshell powder were basically the same thing. They’re not. And that distinction can make the difference between a healthy supplement — and a risky one.

Crushed Shells

This usually means just breaking the shell by hand or smashing it with a spoon or fork. The result? Sharp edges, uneven pieces, and a texture that can be hard on your dog’s mouth and gut.

Downsides:

• Risk of cuts or abrasions in the mouth or digestive tract
• Inconsistent calcium dosage
• Difficult to mix into food evenly
• Can be rejected by picky eaters (Toby would spit them out)

Eggshell Powder

Finely ground, clean, and consistent. Powder integrates smoothly into meals and is easier for dogs to digest. Plus, it’s much safer — no splinters, no choking hazard, and easier on tiny stomachs.

Benefits:

• Safer for all dog sizes and breeds
• Easier to dose accurately
• Blends into wet or dry food with no taste
• Lasts longer in storage

That’s why in our home, we’ve made the full switch to eggshell powder. It’s simple, safe, and feels like a way to use every part of something wholesome.

If you’re already cooking your dog’s meals, this is one of the easiest “add-ins” — and it pairs beautifully with gentle proteins like eggs. If you haven’t yet, here’s my full egg prep guide for dogs:
How to Cook Eggs for Dogs (And When to Avoid Them)

FAQ: How Much is Too Much?

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It’s a strange feeling, isn’t it? Realizing that something you used to throw away — an eggshell — might be the missing piece in your dog’s health journey.

For Toby, eggshells were never the star of the show. But they quietly supported him, strengthened him, helped his meals become whole. And in that small, humble way, they became part of our healing routine.

If you’re here, reading this, it means you’re doing more than feeding your dog. You’re learning. You’re trying. You’re showing up.

And that’s love — one bowl, one pinch of powder, one wagging tail at a time.

You’re not alone. Welcome to the pack.