Eggshell Powder Recipe Natural Calcium for Dog Food, Cat Food

 

In this article:

1. About eggshell powder
2. Eggshell powder recipe 
3. How to use eggshell powder in dog and cat food
4. Example of homemade food recipe with eggshell powder
   
5. Nutritional value of dog and cat food
6. Cautions

About Eggshell Powder

Many pet food products include refined, food grade calcium carbonate (a chelated mineral) as the source of calcium. 

 

Calcium carbonate is not a species appropriate, nor bioavailable source of calcium. Calcium carbonate is industrially mined, pulverized, and bound to synthetic amino acids and proteins processed with toxic chemicals. China is the pet food industry's primary source of calcium carbonate. 

 

Calcium carbonate from China is contaminated with heavy metals: aluminum, cadmium, lead, mercury. These heavy metals cause and contribute to inflammatory issues and disease. 

 

Chicken eggshell powder tests very low for presence of heavy metals.

Have you considered making your dog and cat’s food? 

 

This eggshell powder recipe may inspire you to get cracking! A species appropriate whole food diet; raw or cooked can improve your dog and cat’s health. 

 

I’ll provide you with a link to a recipe further below.

Eggshell Powder Recipe

You'll Need

• Empty eggshells.
• Clean china plate, glass or clay baking sheet.
• Grinder (coffee grinder, food processor, blender or mortar and pestle).
• Glass jar with secure lid.
  

How Many Eggshells?

• A large chicken sourced eggshell will yield about 1 tsp of eggshell powder.
• For example, 15 large-size eggshells will make 15 teaspoons of eggshell powder. As you collect shells store them in the refrigerator, freezer or start the drying process noted below.

The Best Type of Eggshells

 

You can use any type of poultry eggshell.

1. The best choice are eggshells sourced from pastured free-range poultry.
2. Next best are eggshells sourced from organic free range poultry.

Examples of poultry eggshells, select from:

• Cornish hen
• Duck
• Emu
• Goose
• Grouse
• Quail
• Partridge
• Pheasant
• Turkey

Preparation

 

When you’re ready to make your eggshell powder:

• Eggshells marked with an ink stamp - remove the ink-stamped piece of shell.
• Place the empty eggshells on a plate or baking sheet.
• Allow eggshells to air *dry for at least 3-days at room temperature.
• When the shells are dry, toss them in a grinder.
• Grind to a fine powder.

*Optional...
You can speed-up the drying process. Allow the shells to air-dry for a day, then bake the eggshells in the oven for 10 minutes at 250 degrees. Then grind the shells.

How to Store Eggshell Powder

1. Place the eggshell powder in the glass jar.
2. Place the top of the lid on the jar, make sure the lid is on tight to keep moisture-free.
3. Store in your cupboard.
4. Stored as per above eggshell powder has a long shelf-life.
5. Don't refrigerate the eggshell powder.

How to Use Eggshell Powder in Dog Food and Cat Food

Amount To Use

 

Add ½ tsp or 800 mg up to 1,000 mg of eggshell powder for every 1 pound of boneless meat.

This provides the ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio in boneless raw or gently cooked dog food or cat food. 

 

The calcium to phosphorus ratio for dogs and cats ranges between 1:1 and 1:2 (calcium to phosphorus). 

 

Some animal proteins contain more phosphorus. For example sardine contains more phosphorus than chicken.

If you’re preparing raw ground meat to freeze for your dogs and cat’s food add eggshell and freeze.

If cooking your dog or cat’s food (rather than feeding raw), add the eggshell powder after cooked meat has cooled.

Most dogs and cats tolerate whole or ground raw meaty bones. For those that don’t tolerate raw meaty bones, ground eggshell powder is a perfect alternative.

A sprinkle of eggshell powder daily can help dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. Eggshell powder can be used in many ways to support health naturally.

Example of a Homemade Dog and Cat Food Recipe

If you'd like to try making homemade raw, or gently cooked and fresh food for your dog or cat you can use this homemade food recipe.

Nutritional Value of Eggshell Powder

½ tsp (1,000 mg) of eggshell provides:

 

Calcium 900 mg (calcium carbonate CaC03)

Magnesium 24 mg

Phosphorus 8.4 mg

Potassium 8.0 mg

Sodium 9.0 mg

Cautions

Food Allergies

 

Hypersensitivity to chicken can be a problem for many dogs and cats. But, some hypersensitive dogs and cats tolerate eggs and eggshell without issue.

You can test sensitivity by adding a few grains of shell for 7 to 14 days. If no allergy symptoms arise proceed to use. If allergy symptoms begin to brew, stop use.

 

Too Much of a Good Thing

Remember, as with all substances too much of a good thing can cause problems. 

 

Don’t overdose your dog or cat on calcium. Chronic overdose can cause health issues and conditions such as hypercalcemia.

 

Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.

Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

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To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Holistic Behavioral Services for Your Dog

For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.

For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

My behavioral services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Affiliations to Companies  

✓ None. 

✓ I don't sell food, supplements, or other products.

✓ I'm not aligned with any companies. 

 

Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld.