Considering Eggshells for Calcium in Your Homemade Dog Food?
New to homemade dog food? You might see recipes suggesting eggshells as a calcium source. This is because homemade diets often lack enough calcium compared to raw diets with bones (cooked bones are dangerous, by the way!). For a deeper dive on calcium's importance, check out our article "The Crucial Role of Calcium in Homemade Dog Diets."
There are two ways to add calcium to homemade food: supplements or food sources. While some foods have calcium, none provide enough on their own, eggshell calcium is the option.
Why Eggshells? A Cost-Effective Choice (For Me!)
I prefer eggshells because they're economical. While eggs can be expensive, I already include them in my dog's food and use them for baking and breakfast. We simply save the eggshells to grind into calcium powder for our furry friend! In my case, it's like getting a free supplement since we already have the eggshells. Plus, during holidays, family saves their eggshells for us from all the baking!
Remember: It's always best to discuss homemade diets with your veterinarian to ensure they're complete and balanced for your dog's needs.
Importance of Calcium
Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth, muscle function, and nerve transmission in dogs. While commercially prepared dog food typically contains calcium, homemade diets may lack sufficient amounts, especially if they exclude bones. This can lead to various health problems, including:
- Skeletal deformities: Puppies require adequate calcium for proper bone development.
- Weak bones: Calcium deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures in adult dogs.
- Muscle cramps: Calcium plays a role in muscle function, and a deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and cramps.
Why are Eggshells a Great Source of Calcium?
Eggshells are a great source of calcium for dogs because they are composed primarily of calcium carbonate, which is a highly absorbable form of calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral for dogs, as it plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of strong bones, teeth, and muscles.
Here's the Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Eggshells (washed and dried)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 200°F/93°C).
- Spread the eggshells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-20 minutes, or until completely dry and crumbly.
- Once cool, grind the eggshells into a fine powder using a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or mortar and pestle.
- Store the powder in an airtight container.
Serving:
The appropriate dosage of eggshell calcium powder will vary depending on your dog's size, activity level, and overall diet. One Eggshell makes approximately 1 teaspoon of powdered eggshell which equals approximately 2,000 mg of calcium.
A general guideline is to feed approximately 1,000 mg of calcium per each pound of food or 1/2 teaspoon of eggshell calcium per pound of food. However, its important to consult your veterinarian to determine the correct amount for your dog to avoid over-supplementing, which can also be harmful.
Safety Note:
While eggshell calcium powder is generally safe for most dogs, it's important to avoid using raw or undercooked eggshells as they can harbor bacteria like Salmonella. Always thoroughly clean and dry the eggshells before using them in this recipe. Sharp pieces can be a choking hazard. Be sure to grind to a fine powder.
Can I Add Eggshell Calcium to Commercial Dog Food?
Eggshell calcium is a popular supplement used in homemade dog food. Commercial dog food manufacturers supplement the calcium content of dog food. Therefore, adding eggshell calcium to commercial dog food can pose a range of dangers to dogs.
Dogs have specific calcium requirements, and excess calcium can be just as harmful to their health as a deficiency. Overconsumption of calcium can lead to skeletal abnormalities, joint problems, and kidney disease. Adding eggshell calcium to commercial dog food may result in an imbalance in the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can lead to significant health problems.
Eggshell calcium should only be used in homemade or raw dog food diets that lack calcium.
As with any dietary change or supplementation, it's best to consult with a veterinarian before incorporating eggshells into your dog's diet.
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