How to Make Eggshell Powder For Dogs At Home
In this blog post, we’ll show you how you can save money by making eggshell powder for dogs at home.
Check out our youtube video below for a step-by-step tutorial. Or you can click on orange “JUMP TO RECIPE” below for a printable recipe.
As pet parents, we all want to give our dogs the best nutrition possible, but the cost of a balanced fresh food diet can quickly add up—especially when feeding large breeds. The good news is that you can cut costs while still providing a nutritious, fresh food diet by making your own eggshell calcium supplements at home. In this blog post, we'll share with you everything you need to know about eggshell calcium, why it's essential, how to make it, and tips for using it effectively in your dog's diet.
Check out our youtube video above for a step-by-step tutorial. Or you can click on orange “JUMP TO RECIPE” below for a printable recipe.
Why Calcium Is Essential for Dogs
Calcium is one of the most critical nutrients in your dog’s diet. It plays a vital role in:
Bone Health: Calcium is crucial for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. In growing puppies, calcium is particularly important as it helps form the bone matrix that supports their rapid growth.
Muscle Function: Calcium is also essential for muscle contraction. Without adequate calcium, your dog may experience muscle cramps and weakness.
Nerve Transmission: This mineral is vital for proper nerve function, enabling the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body.
Blood Clotting: Calcium is involved in the blood clotting process, helping to prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur.
Without enough calcium, dogs can suffer from a variety of health issues, including brittle bones, muscle spasms, and even heart problems. However, it's equally important not to overdo it. An excess of calcium can lead to conditions such as hypercalcemia, which can cause kidney stones, impaired heart function, and other serious health problems.
Commercial Calcium Supplements vs. DIY Eggshell Calcium
Commercial calcium supplements for dogs are widely available, but they can be expensive. Many pet owners opt for these supplements because they are convenient and easy to use. However, they often come with a hefty price tag—typically around $20 for a tiny 6oz jar.
Making your own eggshell calcium powder at home is a simple, cost-effective alternative. The best part? It’s made from something you probably already have in your kitchen: eggshells. Not only is homemade eggshell calcium free from unwanted additives, but it’s also an eco-friendly way to repurpose eggshells that would otherwise go to waste.
Understanding the Nutritional Value of Eggshell Calcium
Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, a highly bioavailable form of calcium that your dog can easily absorb. In addition to calcium, eggshells contain trace amounts of other essential minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and strontium, which also contribute to bone health.
One gram of eggshell powder provides approximately 380–400 mg of calcium. For reference, the daily calcium requirement for an average 40-pound adult dog is about 1,000 mg. This means that a small amount of eggshell powder can go a long way in meeting your dog’s calcium needs, especially when used in recipes that specifically call for calcium supplementation.
When and Why to Use Eggshell Calcium
Before we dive into the process of making eggshell calcium powder, it’s important to understand when and why you might need it. Eggshell calcium is most commonly used in homemade dog food recipes that do not include bones. Raw diets that contain bones typically provide sufficient calcium, but if you’re feeding a cooked diet or a homemade recipe that doesn’t include bone, eggshell calcium can help balance the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
It’s crucial to note that you should not add eggshell calcium to a diet that’s already balanced, as this can lead to an excess of calcium, which can be harmful. Always consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Eggshell Calcium Powder
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making your own eggshell calcium powder. This process is simple, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
Ingredients and Supplies:
Eggshells
Baking sheet
Oven
Coffee grinder
Airtight container for storage
Instructions:
Collect and Clean the Eggshells: After using eggs in your cooking, save the shells. Rinse them thoroughly under cool water to remove any egg whites or yolks, which can spoil. There’s no need to use soap—plain water will do the trick.
Boil the Eggshells: To ensure that your eggshells are free of any bacteria, place them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes.
Dry the Eggshells: After boiling, drain the eggshells and let them air dry on a clean towel. The shells should be completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Bake the Eggshells: Once the eggshells are completely dry, preheat your oven to 225°F. Spread the dry eggshells evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until they are compleltey dry and brittle.
Grind the Eggshells: Once the eggshells are completely cooled, use a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder to grind them into a fine powder. The finer the powder, the better it will mix into your dog’s food. If you’re using a coffee grinder, you may need to pulse the shells in small batches to achieve the desired consistency.
Store the Eggshell Calcium Powder: Transfer the eggshell powder to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, the powder can last for up to a year.
How to Use Eggshell Calcium Powder
Once you have your eggshell calcium powder, it’s time to put it to use. Here’s how to incorporate it into your dog’s diet:
Measure the Right Amount: As mentioned earlier, 1 gram of eggshell powder provides about 380–400 mg of calcium. To ensure you’re adding the right amount, you can use a kitchen scale to measure the powder. A general guideline is to add 1/2 teaspoon of eggshell powder per pound of meat in homemade recipes, but this can vary depending on your dog’s specific needs.
Use as Directed: Remember, eggshell calcium should only be used in recipes that call for calcium supplementation. Do not use it as a general food topper or add it to a commercially balanced dog food, as this can lead to an imbalance in nutrients.
Tips for Success
Fine Powder: Grinding the eggshells into a fine powder is essential for ensuring that the calcium is easily absorbed by your dog’s digestive system.
Consult a Vet: Before introducing eggshell calcium or any other supplement into your dog’s diet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it’s appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
Storing Eggshell Calcium Powder
Proper storage is key to maintaining the effectiveness of your homemade eggshell calcium powder. Here are some tips for storing it:
Use an Airtight Container: To prevent moisture from getting in, store the eggshell powder in an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use eggshells from store-bought eggs? A: Yes, you can use eggshells from store-bought eggs. Just make sure to follow the cleaning and sterilization steps outlined in this guide to ensure they are safe for your dog.
Q: How much eggshell calcium should I give my dog? A: The amount of eggshell calcium your dog needs will depend on their size, age, and dietary requirements. Please do not use it as toppers.
Eggshell Powder for Dogs
Ingredients
Instructions
- Collect and Clean the Eggshells: After using eggs in your cooking, save the shells. Rinse them thoroughly under cool water to remove any egg whites or yolks, which can spoil. There’s no need to use soap—plain water will do the trick.
- Boil the Eggshells: To ensure that your eggshells are free of any bacteria, place them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes.
- Dry the Eggshells: After boiling, drain the eggshells and let them air dry on a clean towel. The shells should be completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
- Bake the Eggshells: Once the eggshells are completely dry, preheat your oven to 225°F. Spread the dry eggshells evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until they are compleltey dry and brittle.
- Grind the Eggshells: Once the eggshells are completely cooled, use a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder to grind them into a fine powder. The finer the powder, the better it will mix into your dog’s food. If you’re using a coffee grinder, you may need to pulse the shells in small batches to achieve the desired consistency.
- Store the Eggshell Calcium Powder: Transfer the eggshell powder to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, the powder can last for up to a year.
A few other homemade dog treat recipes to try:
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Disclaimer: Please remember that I'm not a medical professional. The insights shared in this blog post are based on my personal research and the experiences I've gained as a crazy dog mom who is obsessed with my dog's health. In cases where your dog has any medical issues or health concerns, it's vital to consult with a licensed veterinarian or a qualified animal healthcare provider. While I aim to provide informative content based on my personal experiences, it should never be considered a replacement for professional veterinary guidance.
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