What You Need To Know About Diatomaceous Earth
What is it?
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-formed sedimentary mineral rock. It’s derived from the remains of diatoms, or oceanic unicellular algae.
Diatoms are over 30 million years old and are formed from the cementation of microscopic algae-like plant remains into the earth’s surface. These clay-like, chalky remains are usually found in the form of a thick, white, siliceous powder known as diatomaceous earth.
Often used to support body cleansing, some research also suggests it’s a natural tool for promoting normal blood lipids, detoxing toxic metals, and fighting harmful intestinal organisms.
Safety?
First ensure that the kind you purchase is Food Grade- meaing safe for people and pets to ingest.
It's a non-toxic, safe substance made up from crushed fossils of freshwater organisms and marine life. Crushed to a fine powder and observed through a microscope, the particles resemble bits of broken glass. Diatomacous Earth is deadly to any insect yet completely harmless to animals.
Doses
The typical animal dose is 1/8 teaspoon/10 lbs of body weight daily when given orally.
If using it topically likely sprinkle on your pet's fur, then spread it throgh the coat with a fine toothed flea comb.
5 Benefits of Diatomaceous for Dogs and Cats
1. Natural Source of Silica- May help repair Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is composed of approximately 85% silica. This important, trace mineral is required by tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and bones.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging stated that dietary silicon is beneficial to bone and connective tissue and helps prevent low bone mass (osteoporosis), which is considered “a silent epidemic of the 21st century.” Silica within DE helps with normal bone metabolism and joint formation, with evidence over the past 30 years suggesting there’s a positive association between dietary silicon intake and better bone mineral density
I personally see this being helpful for dog owners who have dogs with injured ACL's.
2. Flea Control
Use for flea control - If your pet has fleas, it's a good idea to comb them over with a flea comb first to get rid of the worst of them. Then powder him from head to toe, roll over and powder the legs and underbelly. Brush against the fur if you can to help rub it in. Repeat daily for severe infestations.
Can also be used in your house sprinkled on cracks and crevices
3. Removing Harmful Toxins- ie such as in poisoning.
Detoxifies the Body
Diatomaceous earth works like a natural detoxifying agent within the body, killing parasites and viruses that can contribute to illnesses while also helping to clean the blood. It’s also inexpensive, simple to use and much safer than many store-bought detox products or plans. Some of the benefits of using DE internally include reducing odors, helping to curb gas, cleansing the digestive tract, boosting liver function and absorbing harmful toxins within the blood.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that silica also helps eliminate heavy metals from the body, such as aluminum, making it perfect for a heavy metal detox. In studies, it has been shown to have a high-aluminum-affinity and reduces aluminum availability from the human gastrointestinal tract.
I see this being helpful for poisoned pets, or when we suspect some sort of chronic mineral exposure- such as when I had to treat pets being exposed to excess Vitamin D from Pet Food.
4. Internal Parasites
For those looking for an alternative to treat roundworms or trapeworms, this it the most efective holistic option I am aware of.
Say for instance you want to give your dog/cat a 'natural' parasite cleanse in the spring and fall- this would be a great option.
A study published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science found that DE has the potential to be an effective treatment to help control parasites. Interestingly enough, this was observed in hens that produce organically raised, free-range eggs. Giving two breeds of commercial egg-laying hens DE improved production of their eggs and egg quality compared to control groups, effectively working as a parasite cleanse in the process.
5. Immune Help
Diatomaceous Earth is used in water purification as it kills many of the common water borne viruses and bacteria.
As it is absorbed and enters your pet's blood stream, it may help if they have a viriual or bacterial infection,
Such as the cat flu, or dogs with chronic skin infections.
Silica may play an important role in the immune system and its biological response to harmful stimuli. Silica is necessary for the body to produce antibodies that fight off viruses, bacteria, allergens and other invaders that the body views as foreign.
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