Best Eggshell Powder Recipe for Dogs

Last week, I watched my neighbor spend $45 on calcium supplements for her Golden Retriever.

Meanwhile, I was literally throwing away the perfect calcium source every morning after making scrambled eggs.

That’s when it hit me…

We’re spending ridiculous money on supplements when Mother Nature already packaged the ideal calcium source right in our kitchen trash.

One eggshell contains about 2,000 mg of calcium – that’s enough to meet most dogs’ daily calcium needs. And here’s the kicker: eggshell calcium has bioavailability comparable to calcium carbonate supplements, which means your dog’s body can actually use it effectively.

So instead of tossing those shells in the garbage (and your money down the drain on expensive supplements), let me show you exactly how to turn kitchen “waste” into a powerhouse calcium supplement that’ll keep your dog’s bones and teeth strong for years to come.

What You’ll Need

For the Eggshell Powder:

• 10-12 eggshells (preferably from organic, pasture-raised chickens)
• Water for boiling

That’s it.

Seriously, this might be the shortest ingredient list you’ll ever see for something this beneficial.

Essential Tools

• Medium saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Coffee grinder, food processor, or high-powered blender
• Airtight glass jar for storage
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)

Pro Tips From My Experience

After making this for multiple dogs over the years, here are the game-changing tips that’ll save you time and give you better results:

1. Save shells over time, but store them smart Don’t wait until you have 12 shells from one breakfast. Rinse each shell after use and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 5 days without any smell or issues.

2. The “double-heat” method works best I’ve tried just boiling, just baking, and the combination. The combo method – boiling first, then baking – gives you the finest powder with the best calcium release. Studies show this improves calcium releasability compared to single-treatment methods.

3. Grind in small batches Your coffee grinder will thank you. Instead of cramming all the shells in at once, do 3-4 shells at a time for 30-45 seconds. You’ll get a much finer, more consistent powder.

4. The “shake test” ensures safety After grinding, put some powder in a clear container and shake it. If you see any sharp, chunky pieces, grind longer. The powder should look like flour – no visible particles that could hurt your dog’s mouth or digestive tract.

5. Fresh is best, but it keeps While the powder stays good in the fridge for up to 3 months, I make smaller batches every 4-6 weeks. Fresher powder seems to mix better into food and has less “chalky” taste.

Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t get farm eggs: Store-bought organic eggs work, but bake them an extra 2-3 minutes at 300°F to eliminate any chemical residues from processing.

For different egg types: Duck, quail, or goose eggshells work perfectly. Quail eggshells actually have the highest percentage of calcium carbonate, making them an excellent choice if you can source them.

If you’re concerned about bacteria: Extend the boiling time to 15 minutes instead of 10. Research shows 30 minutes of total boiling time provides complete safety, but 15 minutes is plenty for home use.

For easier grinding: Some people prefer to break shells into smaller pieces by hand before grinding. This works especially well if you’re using a smaller coffee grinder.

Make-Ahead Tips

This is actually a perfect make-ahead project. I usually dedicate one Sunday afternoon per month to making a big batch.

Here’s my system: Save shells in the fridge all month, then process them all at once. One monthly session gives me enough powder for 2-3 months, and the whole process takes maybe 45 minutes.

Store the finished powder in multiple small jars rather than one big container. This way, you’re not constantly opening and exposing your entire supply to air and moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Clean and Prep (5 minutes) Rinse your saved eggshells under cool running water, removing any leftover egg white or membrane. Don’t worry about getting every tiny bit – we’re about to sterilize everything anyway.

Step 2: Boil for Safety (25-30 minutes) Place shells in a medium saucepan and cover completely with water. Bring to a rolling boil and let them bubble away for 25-30 minutes. This step eliminates harmful bacteria like salmonella that can be present on raw eggshells.

Step 3: Bake for Drying (10-15 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Drain the shells and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they’re completely dry and slightly brittle. They should feel chalky, not wet or flexible.

Step 4: Cool Completely (10 minutes) Let the shells cool to room temperature. Hot shells can create moisture in your grinder, leading to clumping.

Step 5: Grind to Powder (5-10 minutes) Working in small batches, grind the shells in your coffee grinder or food processor until you get a fine powder with no sharp edges. The texture should resemble flour or cornstarch.

Step 6: Store Properly Transfer to an airtight glass container and refrigerate. Label with the date – it’ll keep for up to 3 months, but fresher is always better.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

Per 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of eggshell powder:

• Calcium: 1,800-2,000 mg
• Strontium: trace amounts (beneficial for bone health)
• Magnesium: minimal amounts
• Fluorine: trace amounts
• Boron: trace amounts

Eggshells are 95% calcium carbonate with excellent dissolution properties, meaning your dog’s digestive system can efficiently extract and use this calcium.

Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio: Eggshell powder is essentially pure calcium, so you’ll need to ensure your dog gets adequate phosphorus from other sources (meat, fish, bones) to maintain the proper 1.2:1 to 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets

For raw feeders: This is perfect for balancing homemade raw diets that often lack sufficient calcium. Use about 1 teaspoon per 1,000 calories of food.

For kibble feeders: Most commercial dog foods already contain adequate calcium, so use this sparingly – maybe 1/4 teaspoon twice a week as a bonus boost.

For home cookers: Essential for balanced homemade cooked meals. A rule of thumb is 5 grams (1/2 tsp) to 1000 grams of homemade food.

Meal Pairing Suggestions

Eggshell powder has virtually no taste, so it pairs with everything. But here are some combinations that work particularly well:

With fatty foods: Mix into meals containing fish oil, coconut oil, or other healthy fats. Fat-soluble vitamins like D and K can enhance calcium absorption.

Avoid with high-oxalate foods: Don’t add to meals heavy in spinach, sweet potatoes, or other oxalate-rich foods, as these can interfere with calcium absorption.

Best with protein: Calcium absorption improves when consumed with amino acids from meat, fish, or eggs.

Cooking Time Efficiency Tips

Batch processing saves hours: Instead of making this every few weeks, dedicate one afternoon every 2-3 months to processing a large batch.

Use downtime wisely: Start the boiling process while you’re cooking dinner. The shells can boil away while you’re doing other kitchen tasks.

Multi-task the baking: When you’re already using the oven for something else, throw the shells in too.

Keep a “shell jar” going: Always have a container in your fridge collecting shells. When it’s full, that’s your cue to make a batch.

Leftovers and Storage

Proper storage is crucial: Store in airtight glass containers (never plastic) in the refrigerator. Moisture is the enemy of eggshell powder.

Shelf life: Up to 3 months refrigerated, but I recommend using within 6-8 weeks for best quality.

Signs it’s time to toss: If the powder develops any odd smell, changes color, or forms clumps that won’t break apart, make a fresh batch.

Portion control made easy: Store in smaller containers so you’re not constantly opening your main supply. I use small mason jars – perfect portion sizes.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

How much should I give my dog? For adult dogs, about 1 teaspoon of eggshell powder per 1,000 calories in their diet is typically sufficient. For a 50-pound dog eating about 1,200 calories daily, that’s roughly 1-1.25 teaspoons per day.

Can I give this to puppies? Puppies cannot absorb calcium carbonate as well as adult dogs, so eggshell powder isn’t the best calcium source for growing pups. Stick to puppy-specific foods or consult your vet about better calcium sources for young dogs.

Is this safe for dogs with kidney issues? Always consult your vet first. Too much calcium can contribute to kidney stones in susceptible dogs.

What if my dog won’t eat it? The powder is virtually tasteless when mixed into wet food or mixed with a bit of bone broth. Start with tiny amounts and gradually increase.

Can I use store-bought eggs? Yes, but choose organic when possible. Conventional eggs are often treated with chemicals to make shells shiny, which isn’t ideal for your dog.

How often should I give this? For dogs on homemade diets, daily. For dogs on commercial food, 2-3 times per week as a supplement.

Are there any side effects? Some dogs may have egg allergies, so monitor your dog when first introducing this. Signs of too much calcium include constipation, decreased appetite, or excessive thirst.

Can I make this with other types of eggshells? Yes! Duck, quail, goose, and other bird eggshells work perfectly.

Wrap Up

Here’s the bottom line: you’re probably throwing away one of the best, most bioavailable calcium sources for your dog every single morning.

This simple recipe transforms kitchen waste into a powerhouse supplement that supports strong bones, healthy teeth, and overall vitality. Plus, it costs you absolutely nothing beyond eggs you’re already buying.

The best part? Once you get into the rhythm of saving shells and batch processing, this becomes second nature. Your dog gets superior nutrition, your wallet stays happy, and you’re reducing waste – that’s what I call a win-win-win.

But here’s what I really want to know…

Have you tried making eggshell powder for your dog? What was your experience like? Did you notice any changes in their energy, coat, or overall health?

And if you’re just getting started, I’d love to hear about your first batch – any challenges you ran into or tips you discovered along the way.

Drop a comment below and let’s help each other give our dogs the best nutrition possible. After all, they deserve nothing less than our kitchen scraps turned into nutritional gold!

Remember: Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have existing health conditions or are on medication.