Eggshells, Beneficial or Deadly for Pets? ( A must read)

In my previous post  , I did explain the benefits of eggshells to humans both adults and children and how to safely prepare the organic eggshells void of any bacteria and or semolina. Eggshells are powerhouses of calcium which is the primary mineral required for strong and healthy  bones and teeth, it also contains 27 other minerals which includes Magnesium, Silicon, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium, Iron, Sulphur, Aluminium, etc. More so, egg shells  contains the essential amino acids like lysine, methionine, cysteine and isoleucine,  which can help treat cavities efficiently as it has the perfect amount of the ideal substances for healing teeth cavities plus the egg shell components are similar to our teeth. 

See post here if you missed it and learn more… https://steemit.com/health/@kenhudoy/benefits-of-consuming-crushed-egg-shells-a-must-read

Traditionally, cats and dogs have consumed eggs directly from the nest with no worries about the nutritional benefits it contains, toxic effect or if the shard from the eggshell can choke them. However, domestic pets do not have similar access to bird nests as such they do not have access directly to eggs and as we are careful about what we consume we are also careful what we feed our pets. It is common to give eggs to your cats and dogs as snacks and homemade food, but the shells are usually left out. However, the egg shells can provide nutrition to your pets because of the rich nutrients they contain.

Similar to humans, there is also evidence to support eggshells as a very good source of calcium and protein for your pets as well. To ensure they have strong bones and teeth, crush the eggshells and sprinkle about a ½ teaspoon into your pet’s food. Even though  studies did not mention eggshells as a source of salmonella poisoning in cats and dogs unlike in humans, however, as a precaution, boil the eggs first for like 3 to 5 minutes, allowing them to dry completely and thereafter crush very well using either coffee grinder, mortar and pestle and or food processor. 

Similarly, Rick Woodford, aka “the dog food dude” and author of "Feed Your Best Friend Better: Easy, Nutritional Meals and Treats for Dogs," recommends cleaning, drying and grinding eggshells into a fine powder, using a clean coffee or spice grinder. ( see my previous blog post/ video for details)

Ways eggshells can improve your pet’s diet

Eggshells are a natural source for your dog’s intake for bone friendly nutrients. In the wild, dogs usually get calcium through eggs they steal from nests and also by consuming their prey’s bones. As you feed eggshells to your dogs, you supplementing what is lacking in their homemade diet. It should be noted that a single eggshell can provide a whole day’s calcium source and having enough amount of calcium can prevent arthritis and other bone and teeth problems in your pets. Studies conducted in 2003 by many researchers from the National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases in Piestany, Slovak Republic, on eggshells confirmed that consuming eggshells can prevent and or treat arthritis and osteoporosis in both animals and humans. Also egg is a great source of protein; as it helps build muscle, strengthen the hair, and repair damaged tissue.

Why you need to sterilize Eggshells

According to the US Center for Disease Control, in rare cases it is possible for eggshells to be contaminated with salmonella the in the same way the raw egg inside can also contain pathogens as such, to sterilize eggshells as reiterated earlier, before feeding them to your pets, you can boil them in water between 3 to 5 minutes, allow to cool before serving. Hard boiled eggs are safest if you want to feed your dog whole eggs along with the shells. If worried about your pets ability to handle whole unbroken egg, then tap the egg on all sides on a hard surface until the shell is cracked all over after which your cat or dog will be able to easily consume the egg as well as the shells…

On the other hand, while there have not been health scares involving consuming raw eggs and transmission of major diseases to domesticated animals, raw eggs are not generally recommended for your pets. Consuming raw eggs does not offer any significant health benefit rather may cause unwanted problems of which are eradicated by cooking the egg before serving to your pets. One such issue is the presence of the naturally occurring protein Avidin in raw eggwhites. Consuming raw eggs is not an issue occasionally however, when avidin is in excess, it may interfere with the functioning of biotin in the body. It should be noted that biotin is commonly known as vitamin H or B7 and essential for cell growth, fat metabolism and transference of carbon dioxide etc. moderation is necessary even with cooked eggs as such, do not serve more than 1 egg a day unless indicated otherwise by your veterinarian.

Sources: The Daily Puppy & Pet Md

Source links: http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/dogs-eggshells-2716.html

http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_eggs_for_pets2

Image Sources: Google