Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth
I know you may be thinking… what on earth is ‘diatomaceous earth’?
Diatomaceous earth, (or DE) is tiny particles of fossilized marine life, called diatoms. It’s a powdery substance that can be used internally and externally.
To start, it’s important to note that you must use Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth. Other forms are used for cleaning pools and are not safe for consumption or application on the skin. As well, be careful to not inhale the dust, or let your pet inhale, as it can cause lung irritation.
INTERNAL
Firstly, one of the main benefits of using DE internally is parasite extrication. This can include:
- Pinworms
- Roundworms
- Whipworms
- Hookworms
Give your dog orally for 1 week to remove the parasite, and up to 30 days to remove any remaining eggs or larvae.
Secondly, it can also help with reducing inflammation, as well as improving your pets skin and coat.
Lastly, it has been suggested that you can use DE as a digestive aid if you’ve noticed your pet is constipated, as well as a colon cleanser.
For internal DE dosage:
- Small Dogs – 1/2 tsp
- Under 50lbs – 1 tsp
- 50-100lbs – 1tbsp
- 100+lbs – 2 tbsp
How to add to food:
- For wet food, mix well into food
- For dry food, add a small amount of water to their kibble, add DE, and mix well into food
Be sure DE is thoroughly mixed with food before serving to your pet.
EXTERNAL
DE is an excellent way to repel ticks, fleas and external parasites.
When using topically, dust on your pet’s skin, bedding and common areas they may use, such as carpeting around their bedding, and in cracks and crevices around your home where fleas may be hiding.
When dusting with DE, do it a little at a time and be careful not to breathe in the dust, or allow your pet to breathe it in (as mentioned above).
Secondly, if you notice your dog’s coat or skin is a little smelly, you can make a “mask” for them that can make them smell fresh! Use:
- 1-2 tbsp of Diatomaceous Earth
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- A few drops of essential oil, such as Lavender
- Enough water to easily spread over their coat
Apply to your pet’s entire coat evenly. Leave this on for about 10 minutes, and rinse off thoroughly.
In short, Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent product with many uses, internally and externally!
In your book under raw feeding you said bone meal or bone is important to include in the diet, my husband is crazy worried about feeding bone so I can look into bone meal but is diatomaceous earth as good or something completely seperate to give with meals? For example offers different things?
Hi Jeanette, DE (diatomaceous earth) is completely different from bone meal, it cannot be used as a calcium supplement. Powdered egg shell is another option for calcium.
Can DE be used on cats to help repeal fleas as well??
Yes it can, just start on low dosage and monitor for side effects.