曾經寫過一篇文章：一顆蛋獲得全世界（舊文連結：http://mittyandpatty.pixnet.net/blog/post/303103135）
當時並沒有提到太多細節，只想簡單的呼籲大家，雞蛋不僅是對狗來說生物利用價值最高的蛋白質，而且從蛋黃到蛋白、蛋殼，從裡到外整整一顆雞蛋可以讓你的寵物得到所有完整的營養，各種必須胺基酸、維生素、礦物質一次滿足。我們身為關心寵物飲食的主人，都不得不學習在寵物三餐中巧妙運用「雞蛋」這樣的夢幻逸品。
然而又有研究徹底讓我們對雞蛋甘拜下風！那層不起眼的、包覆在蛋白跟蛋殼之間的蛋殼膜，原來也是非常好的營養補充品！
「大家都知道一顆蛋可以提供幾乎所有身體所需的營養，蛋白質、維生素、礦物質。但包在雞蛋外面的那一層蛋殼膜，有著更讓人驚訝的營養價值，可以維繫我們的健康快樂」－－thealternativedaily.com
蛋殼膜含玻尿酸、軟骨素、膠原蛋白、彈性蛋白、葡萄糖胺、生長因子-b等。對於維持骨骼、關節、軟骨的功能、心肌、皮膚的彈性、結締組織的韌性等都非常有幫助。
「蛋殼膜可以減緩膝關節疼痛和僵直，而且不像一般NSAID類止痛藥（非類固醇性止痛藥），長期使用並不會造成任何副作用」－－ livestrong.com
可惜一旦這層膜加熱之後，營養就會流失。國外的生食推動風潮下，建議直接將蛋殼膜取下、洗淨之後，加入寵物食物裡生吃。生吃所面臨的最大挑戰就是細菌，沙門氏菌的風險要如何避免？理論上只要雞但是新鮮、母雞沒有生病而雞蛋是完整的，大多數的細菌是可以被蛋殼屏蔽在外。
所以尋找令人安心的健康、衛生雞場、學會挑選新鮮雞蛋與生吃前適當的清潔工作變得尤其重要。
BEFORE TOSSING OUT YOUR EGGSHELLS, YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FIRST! (which can help heal you and your pets' joints!)
“An egg is known to be a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, vitamins and minerals in both its yolk and white, but the membrane that surrounds a developing embryo may possess even more amazing qualities that can benefit health and well-being.” - thealternativedaily.com
What is the eggshell membrane?
The most annoying part of the egg when trying to peel it, of course! The rubbery membrane, which can actually be the extremely beneficial according to researchers and their studies!
“A 2009 study published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging found that a supplement of natural eggshell membrane was effective for reducing knee pain and stiffness related to the condition without causing side effects that are known to result from long-term use of traditional treatments, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.” - livestrong.com
However this membrane needs to be offered at the raw, uncooked stage and not the boiled stage as heat can destroy the beneficial properties.
“Eggshell membranes contain substances with known benefits to joint health, including glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin and collagen.”- published on the Insider Health, February 2011.
To further stroke this membrane’s ego, according to Doctor Karen Becker:
“Eggshell membrane contains a number of natural substances for today’s pets, including:
• Collagen - A fibrous protein that supports cartilage and connective tissue strength and elasticity.
• Elastin - A protein that supports skin, cardiovascular, cartilage, and spinal health. Elastin gives tissue its elastic tension and ability to resume its shape after stretching.
• Desmosine and isodesmosine - Two little-known amino acids responsible for elastin’s elastic or “rubbery” properties.
• Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) - Includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid - vital polysaccharides that are structural components of connective tissue, interstitial fluids and skeletal structure.
• Transforming growth factor-b - A protein that plays a crucial role in cellular differentiation and immune function.”
The tricky part of course is actually peeling the membrane away from the eggshell. Crack the organic egg from your local farmer, use it as normal, and then attempt to peel that white rubbery skin-like membrane away from the eggshell. Then feed it direct to your pet or fire on top of their food!
The peeling may seem tough at first, but with a little bit of practice, you can turn what normally goes into your trash into a super nutritious healing machine for you and your pets.
(If you want to find out what you can do with your eggshells, visit here - http://ow.ly/QM3Xe )
Rodney Habib - Pet Nutrition Blogger
"An educated, informed and well-researched community of pet owners can only put more pressure on the pet food industry to be better! When pet owners know better, they will only do better!"
