Calcium is one of the essential minerals in a dog’s diet, as it plays a vital role in a variety of bodily functions. For example, it helps strengthen bones, teeth, and muscles while also helping to regulate nerve impulses and heartbeats.
Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize the importance of calcium in their dog’s diet or how to get it into their pet’s daily meals. Eggshell powder is an easy and natural way to add calcium to your pet’s food, but before you dive into supplementing with eggshell powder, let’s take a look at the importance of calcium and the benefits of using eggshell powder for your pup.
What is Egg Shell Powder?
Egg shell powder is made from the hard outer shells of chicken eggs. Once the shells have been properly cleaned, sterilized and dried, they’re ground into a fine powder that is rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.
The eggshell powder should be mixed with food, as whole eggshells can be a choking hazard for dogs. Eggshell powder is an easy, natural and inexpensive way to add calcium to your pet’s diet without purchasing pharmaceutical supplements.
How Do You Make Eggshell Powder?
Making eggshell powder for your dog is an incredibly easy process! All it takes is boiling a few raw, organic chicken eggs for 10-12 minutes and then grinding the eggshells into a fine powder using a food processor or coffee grinder. Once the eggshell powder is fine, store it in an airtight container in a dry place. To ensure the safety and quality of the powder, it’s best to use the eggshell powder within a few months of making it.
What Other Benefits Does It Have for Dogs Besides Balancing Calcium Levels?
Not only will the eggshell powder help to balance calcium levels in your pup’s diet, but it also has other benefits, such as:
- It provides traces of essential minerals such as zinc, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- The eggshell powder can be used as a gentle abrasive to help remove plaque and tartar from their teeth to keep their breath fresh! However, it’s important to use eggshell powder in moderation, as excessive use can lead to tooth sensitivity or damage. Additionally, it’s important to note that eggshell powder should not be used as a substitute for regular dental care and professional teeth cleaning.
How Much Calcium Should Healthy Adult Dogs Have Daily?
Providing the recommended calcium intake for healthy adult dogs is vital for proper bone development and overall health. The amount of calcium that a healthy adult dog should have daily can vary depending on their size, breed, age, and activity level. In general, adult dogs should have around 400-600 mg of calcium per pound of body weight per day.
On average, one teaspoon of eggshell powder can provide around 400-450 mg of calcium. This amount can vary depending on the source and purity of the eggshell powder.
It’s important to note that consuming more than the recommended amount of calcium can cause health issues, and it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific needs for a dog and as part of a balanced diet.
It’s also important to note that calcium should be balanced with other minerals such as phosphorus, as an imbalanced ratio between these two minerals can cause health issues. The ideal ratio between calcium and phosphorus for dogs is around 1.2:1 to 2:1.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Feeding Your Dog Too Much Calcium?
When it comes to your pup’s health, the old adage “everything in moderation” rings true — especially when it comes to calcium consumption. While calcium is essential to a balanced canine diet, dogs can be at risk of ill health if they consume too much of the mineral.
Consuming excessive amounts of calcium can lead to several health issues, including:
- Kidney Stones: Calcium stones can form in the kidneys of dogs that consume too much calcium. These stones can cause blockages and pain, and may require surgery to remove.
- Bone and joint problems: Excessive calcium intake can lead to bone overgrowth and malformations in dogs, leading to joint problems, stiffness and lameness.
- Heart problems: High calcium levels can cause calcification of the heart’s blood vessels, which can lead to heart problems and an increased risk of heart attacks
- Interference with other minerals: Excessive calcium intake can disrupt the balance of other minerals, such as zinc and copper, leading to mineral deficiencies, which can affect growth and development.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific needs for a dog, and to provide the right amount of calcium in a balanced diet. It’s also important to not give too much eggshell powder, and to ensure the right ratio between calcium and phosphorus.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Giving Dogs Eggshell Powder Supplements?
Supplementing with eggshell powder may have some benefits; however, it can still come with risks if your pet consumes too much too often or if the eggshells are not adequately processed.
Conclusion
Adding eggshell powder to your pup’s diet is an easy and effective way to help balance their calcium levels.
It’s important to calculate their individual needs based on factors such as age, size, and breed before beginning supplementation so that you don’t give them too much or too little of this vital mineral!
With the right amount of eggshell powder added daily, you can feel confident knowing that your pup’s diet has all the nutrients they need for optimum health and well-being.