Both dogs and cats will benefit from a meal with ground eggshell due to its calcium content. He or she will benefit from the natural nutrients found in eggshells without the preservatives or additives in most commercial pet food.
“Most of the body's calcium is found in bones. It forms a base for your pets' bone structure, and works with phosphorous, boron, vitamin D, and other nutrients to support muscle and nerve function, balance hormone levels, and keep the blood healthy,“ says Sarah Whitman in “How to Make Your Own Ground Eggshell Calcium Supplement for Dogs and Cats” in pets.thenest.com.
Whitman adds: “Eggshells pack a calcium punch, as they are about 94 to 97 percent calcium. This calcium is highly absorbable due to its natural form, and because other trace minerals (are) present within the shell increase absorption.”
Calcium requirements for pets
Calcium requirements for dogs and cats are based on body weight. Whitman explained:
1. For every kilogram, about 120 mg of calcium is needed by an adult dog, and 320 mg by a pup.
2. For every kilogram, about 128 mg is needed by a cat, and 400 mg by kittens.
“To find your pet's weight in kilograms, divide his weight in pounds by 2.2. For example, a 10-pound dog weighs 4.5 kilograms and he'd need 540 mg of calcium daily (120 mg per kilogram x 4.5 kilograms = 540 mg). Your pet's needs may vary, so run your estimate past your vet,” Whitman says.
The right egg and calcium content
The shell of an average-sized egg has 750 to 800 mg of calcium, and trace elements like boron, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and more. Whitman says, ”Eggshells have a total of 27 trace elements and a composition similar to bones and teeth.”
Also, eggshells are porous and vulnerable to contaminants such as chemicals and bacteria in the environment. Thus, Whitman urges pet owners to buy organic eggs as much as possible when you plan to give ground egg shells to dogs or cats.
“Cooking eggshells will help destroy bacteria, but it won't remove (the) chemicals,” Whitman says.
Basic eggshell recipe
Here’s how to prepare eggshells prior to mixing in your pet’s food, according to Whitman:
1. Remove the egg from the shell.
2. Keep the thin membrane because it contains nutrients also.
3. Drop shells in boiling water for a minute or two to kill the bacteria.
4. Dry the shells, then place them in a coffee grinder. Grinding protects your pet's mouth from injury, as shells are sharp.
5. If you don't have a grinder, place them in a plastic bag, then roll a rolling pin over the plastic bag until the shells are crushed.
6. Last resort is to use your hands to crush them.
7. When they no longer hurt your hand, they're safe for your pet's mouth. DC