What is the gut microbiome?

All animals, including dogs and people, have millions of bacteria in their guts. These ‘friendly’ gut bacteria help your dog to digest food as well as provide natural defences against the invasion of potentially harmful microbes. The bacteria inhabiting the intestines are referred to as the gut microbiome. We are learning more and more about the benefits of a healthy microbiome, but we do know that it has a huge impact on the overall well-being of our dogs.

What are probiotics for dogs?

Probiotics can be used to top up the levels of ‘friendly’ bacteria and improve the gut microbiome. This can be particularly helpful if your dog suffers from a digestive disorder, or their gut flora has been disturbed by medication. Probiotics are live microorganisms often given to dogs as a supplement. They may come in powder, paste or tablet form with bacteria specific to improve the gut health of dogs. However, some high-quality diets have probiotics included in their recipes, which can save owners from having to administer any separate treatments, depending on their dog’s needs.

What are prebiotics for dogs?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibre sources that can increase the number of specific bacteria populations. As these bacteria metabolise prebiotics, the by-products made can have local anti-inflammatory effects on the gut lining and produce energy for your dog. Dietary fibres can also help improve stool consistency, improve the mucus lining of the digestive tract as well as helping improve the health of cells in the intestines. Simply put, prebiotics help good gut bacteria to grow and multiply. Prebiotics are therefore often given at the same time as probiotics.

Are pre and probiotics good for dogs?

Yes! Pre and probiotics for dogs can be excellent at improving digestive health. They are often used to: Help treat sudden onset, uncomplicated diarrhoea cases Prevent stress-induced diarrhoea Manage chronic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) alongside medication and dietary changes Increase levels of gut bacteria following courses of antibiotics Probiotics and prebiotics are considered very safe for dogs. Their proven benefits mean that even healthy dogs could show an improvement in gut health, with decreased flatulence and improved stool consistency.

Go back to main page

Why You Should Add Eggshells to Your Dog’s Diet

Amy Gossling

January 7, 2025

When it comes to ensuring your dog’s health and happiness, a well-balanced diet is the foundation. One unexpected but incredibly beneficial addition to your dog’s meals is eggshells. Yes, those leftover shells you often toss away can be a game-changer for your furry friend. Packed with natural calcium, eggshells are a cost-effective, natural supplement that supports your dog’s bones, teeth, and joints.

Let’s explore why you should consider this simple addition and how to incorporate it into your dog’s diet.

The Benefits of Eggshells for Dogs

Eggshells are more than just waste – they’re a nutritional powerhouse for your dog. Here’s why:

Bone Health: Calcium is essential for strong bones, and eggshells are a natural, highly absorbable source.

Dental Health: Calcium supports healthy teeth, reducing the risk of dental issues as your dog ages.

Joint Support: Calcium contributes to joint health, making eggshells especially beneficial for active or older dogs.

Cost-Effective Supplement: Eggshells are budget-friendly and a natural alternative to synthetic calcium supplements.

Perfect for Homemade Diets
If you prepare homemade meals for your dog, ensuring proper nutrient balance can be challenging.

Eggshells provide the calcium that’s often missing from home-cooked diets.

Without sufficient calcium, dogs can suffer from brittle bones and other health complications.

Adding ground eggshells as a topper to your dog’s meals is an easy way to ensure they get the calcium they need.

How to Feed Eggshells to Your Dog
Incorporating eggshells into your dog’s diet is simple:

Preparation: Rinse and dry the eggshells thoroughly. Crush or grind them into a fine powder using a blender or coffee grinder.

Serving: Sprinkle the powdered eggshells over your dog’s meal as a topper, just like you would with other supplements or Years Taste+ Seasoning.

Quantity: A teaspoon of ground eggshells is usually sufficient for most dogs, but consult your vet for personalised guidance.

@yearsuk Replying to @Pino_shazadi Did you know you can feed your dog egg shells for added nutrition? #dogtips #homemadedogfood #diydogfood ♬ original sound - YEARS UK

Good Diet = Good Health: Why Years is Perfect for Your Dog

While eggshells are a fantastic calcium booster, they are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to feeding your dog the best. A complete, nutritionally balanced diet is key to ensuring your dog lives a longer, healthier, and happier life.

That’s where Years comes in. Our breed-specific, fresh dog food is crafted using whole food ingredients and tailored to meet your dog’s unique nutritional needs. Plus, with options like Years Taste+ Seasoning, you can enhance every meal with added flavour and nutrition.

The Bottom Line

Eggshells are a simple, natural way to boost your dog’s calcium intake and support their overall health. Whether your dog follows a homemade diet or you’re just looking for a natural supplement, this humble ingredient can make a big difference.

For the best results, pair these small changes with a well-balanced diet like Years’ fresh dog food. Together, they’ll ensure your dog has all the nutrition they need to thrive.

Ready to take the first step? Explore our range of fresh, wholesome meals today and discover the difference Years can make for your dog’s health.

By adding eggshells and choosing Years, you’re not just feeding your dog – you’re investing in their future.

←