7 Shocking Facts About Feeding Eggshells to Dogs (Safe Superfood or Silent Threat?)

The first time I cracked an egg into Toby’s bowl, I paused — not over the egg itself, but over the shell. I had read somewhere that it was good for dogs. Natural calcium. Crunchy and “raw.” But I wasn’t sure.

So, like many of us, I Googled it.

And what I found? A mix of helpful facts, myths, and a lot of conflicting opinions. Some swore by powdered shells. Others warned about choking. I didn’t want to make a mistake — I just wanted to do right by Toby.

This article is for every dog parent who’s asked:

• “Are eggshells safe for dogs?”
• “Do they actually need the extra calcium?”
• “What’s the best (and safest) way to prepare them?”

You’ll find gentle, science-backed answers here — no guilt, no overwhelm. Just clarity, and a few easy next steps.

If you’re already incorporating eggs into your dog’s meals, check out these trusted feeding guides too:

• Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
• How to Cook Eggs for Dogs
• Rice and Eggs for Dogs

Why Some Dog Owners Use Eggshells

At first glance, it seems odd — feeding your dog something you’d normally toss in the compost bin. But for many dog parents, eggshells represent something practical, natural, and potentially beneficial.

Here’s why they’ve caught attention:

1. A Natural Source of Calcium

Eggshells are made up of about 95% calcium carbonate, a highly absorbable form of calcium. Dogs need calcium for:

• Healthy bones and teeth
• Muscle function and nerve signaling
• Balancing phosphorus in their diet

Especially for those making homemade meals, calcium becomes critical — since most commercial kibble is already fortified.

2. A Budget-Friendly Supplement

Why spend money on synthetic calcium powders when a natural option is right there in your kitchen? Properly prepared eggshells can offer a cost-effective, waste-free solution.

3. Ancestral Feeding Logic

Some raw feeders and holistic pet parents point to the ancestral canine diet — where dogs consumed whole prey, bones and all. Eggshells, in this view, are a safer, simpler substitute for bone.

That said, how you use them matters. Eggshells can be incredibly helpful — or potentially harmful — depending on preparation, portion, and your dog’s specific needs.

If your dog’s been eating a lot of soft foods like rice and scrambled eggs, understanding calcium balance is even more important.

Are Eggshells Actually Safe for Dogs?

The short answer: yes, but only when prepared correctly.

Eggshells are not inherently toxic or dangerous — but feeding them whole, raw, or in sharp pieces can pose risks. Here’s what you need to know before you start sprinkling them into your dog’s bowl.

Potential Benefits

• Rich in calcium carbonate — critical for bone health
• Contains small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and collagen
• Can help balance phosphorus-heavy homemade meals (like those with meat, rice, and eggs)

Potential Risks

• Choking hazard: Whole or large pieces can get stuck, especially in small dogs
• Sharp edges: Raw, uncrushed shells can irritate the throat or digestive tract
• Contamination: Raw shells may carry bacteria like salmonella if not properly cleaned and cooked

For safety and digestibility, eggshells should always be:

1. Boiled or baked to kill bacteria
2. Completely dried
3. Crushed into a fine powder before adding to food

That powder can then be used as a natural supplement — especially helpful if you’re feeding homemade meals that may lack calcium.

How to Make Eggshell Powder at Home

Creating your own calcium supplement doesn’t require fancy equipment — just a little time, attention, and care. This method is the one I use for Toby, especially when we’re relying on gentle meals like rice and eggs.

What You’ll Need:

• 6–12 eggshells (rinsed)
• Baking sheet
• Oven or toaster oven
• Coffee grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle
• Airtight storage jar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse the eggshells thoroughly to remove egg white or yolk.
2. Boil the shells in water for 5–10 minutes to kill bacteria.
3. Drain and dry the shells completely.
4. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry them further and make grinding easier.
5. Grind into a fine powder using a clean coffee grinder or high-powered blender.
6. Store in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dry place.

How to Use:

• Add 1/2 teaspoon per pound of homemade food as a calcium supplement.
• Mix with wet ingredients like eggs, rice, or meat blends.
• Do not use with commercial kibble — most are already calcium-balanced.

Want to see how we use it in action? Try this soft meal base:
Scrambled Eggs for Dogs
Homemade Dog Food for Diarrhea

When Not to Use Eggshell Powder

While eggshell powder can be a great source of natural calcium, there are times when less is more — or when it shouldn’t be used at all. Understanding when to hold back is just as important as knowing how to prepare it.

Skip Eggshell Powder If:

• You feed commercial kibble or canned food
  These are already calcium-balanced. Adding more can throw off the phosphorus-to-calcium ratio and lead to long-term health issues.
• Your dog has kidney disease or calcium sensitivity
  Extra calcium can stress the kidneys or contribute to mineral buildup. Always talk to your vet before supplementing.
• You’re already using a bone-in or fortified diet
  If your dog’s meals include ground bone (common in raw diets) or store-bought supplements, eggshell powder may be unnecessary — or excessive.
• You’re not sure about proportions
  Homemade diets need to be balanced over time. A good place to start is this guide:
  Best Dog Food with Eggs: Homemade Recipes & Vet Tips

A Small Add-On with Big Potential

Feeding Toby has always been an act of love. Whether I’m scrambling eggs, boiling rice, or blending his dinner with a spoonful of pumpkin, I’m trying to give him what every dog deserves — comfort, health, and care.

Eggshells may seem small. But in the world of homemade dog food, they represent something bigger: a way to complete a meal naturally. A step toward balance. A reminder that even waste can become nourishment — when we pay attention.

If you’re building your own recipes, here’s where to go next:

• How to Cook Eggs for Dogs
• Rice and Eggs for Dogs
• Homemade Dog Food for Diarrhea
• Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

And if all of this still feels a little overwhelming, take it one bowl at a time. You’re doing more than enough.

For every tail that deserves better — we’re here to help.

If you’re here, you’re not alone. Welcome to the pack.