Diatomaceous Earth - Nature's Parasite Control?

We have been conditioned to believe that it’s perfectly OK to use chemical de-wormers and parasite killers on our pets. If we are not prepared to use it on ourselves, why would we choose to put our pets at risk through the use of harsh chemicals? Why settle for an environmentally toxic product when a natural alternative may be available?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is reported to kill parasites, both internally and externally, and it is also a very healthy supplement. Added to the daily diet of cats and dogs, it has the potential to eliminate worm infestations while also supplying nutrients. When applied externally, it is said to kill fleas, ticks, mites and lice.

Our Diatomaceous Earth is mother nature’s eco-friendly, naturally organic material, it fits into the ‘living Green’ lifestyle. Actually, DE is not an earth, but rather it is the fossilized remains of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called DIATOMS. It is important to note that not all deposits of diatomaceous earth or the diatoms present in those deposits are the same. Our product is a very pure form of DE, consistent in shape and without any unwanted sediment. The shape of the diatom must be tubular with holes on the walls. It must be fresh water because the diatoms form a harder shell and are less fragile than those from salt water. The shell is made of amorphous silica. Its shape and hardness are important. Its hardness keeps it from dissolving in liquid, and the holes along the diatom’s wall allow it to absorb moisture. Our DE is, according to FDA standards, food grade.

Food grade DE is thought to be effective against parasitic infestations internally, within the stomach, intestines and organs of animals (and people). It apparently works by cutting into the bodies of the worms, with its sharp edges, thereby killing them. Externally, it is said to kill such insects as fleas, ticks and mites, by cutting into the waxy outer coating on the exoskeleton of the insect, thereby dehydrating them to the point of death. DE has been used for the past two decades as a parasite control, and it appears to be effective and well respected for this purpose.

Reports of parasite elimination include: Tape worms, hook worms, whip worms, round worms, pinworms, lung worms and heart worms.

In order to be most effective, DE must be used for a minimum of 60 days, or more in the case of such parasites as lung worms. It must be used long enough to effectively kill any newly hatched eggs. It is thought to work only when it comes in contact with the offending parasite.

Recommended daily dose for internal use:

Kittens: 1/2 teaspoon
Cats: 1 teaspoon
Puppies: ½ - 1 teaspoon
Dogs under 35 pounds: 1 teaspoon
Dogs over 35 pounds: 1 Tablespoon
Dogs over 100 pounds: 1 Tablespoon

If, after a period of 30 days, fecal counts are not zero, the daily dose must be increased until there is no sign of the offending parasite.

For external parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice, DE can be dusted in to the coat of both dogs and cats.

*DISCLAIMER