Diatomaceous Earth, Not a Safe Supplement for Dogs and Cats

★ 2 min read

In this article: 

• What is Diatomaceous Earth 
• Why Diatomaceous Earth is Harmful to your Dog and Cat 
• DE and your animal's gut
• DE and your animal's lungs
• Mineral loss and deficiency 
• Heavy metal contamination
  
• Safe Natural Alternatives to Diatomaceous Earth
• Supplements and supplemental foods
• Herbal wormers and worming support aids
• Natural flea, mosquito and tick - dips, sprays, rubs and rinse recipes
  

Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is not a safe supplement for dogs and cats. Some dog and cat owners use DE as an anti-parasitic ingested treatment (worming aid), and use DE as a topically applied flea deterrent. But DE is not a safe choice. The good news is that there are many natural foods, herbs and nutraceuticals that are safe to use.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

 

Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized skeletons of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms (plankton). DE powder is ground fossilized diatom skeletons.

DE is a desiccant. It kills parasites by removing moisture from the parasites body. The microscopic particles of DE are very **SHARP**. 

 

These sharp edges are abrasive, and cut into the parasites exoskeleton and body. The damage from the cuts results in more moisture loss which speeds the drying out process.

Why Diatomaceous Earth is Harmful to Your Dog and Cat

 

Diatomaceous Earth and Your Animal's Gut

Parasites cause inflammation of your dog and cat's stomach. So does DE. When your dog or cat ingests DE the sharp abrasive powder cuts and dries out the parasite's body. DE powder also causes dehydration and inflammation of your animal's gut.

 

Diatomaceous Earth and Your Animal's Lungs

If your dog or cat inhales DE powder while consuming her food:

- The sharp particles can cause irritation and inflammation of the lungs.

- Permanent damage of the lungs can occur.

- For animals with underlying respiratory issues the risk is even greater.

The adverse effects of DE on the respiratory system is well documented. Repeated inhalation of silica  (*silica is the primary component of DE) can accumulate in the tissue of the respiratory system: bronchi, lungs, lymph nodes and pulmonary alveoli. Long-term exposure has been linked to lung cancer, non-malignant respiratory issues and disease, and silicosis. This is well documented in humans. Consider that cats and most dogs are significantly smaller than an adult human.

Mineral Loss and Mineral Deficiency

Diatomaceous earth is 80% to 90% silica. Ingesting too much silica can result in displacement (loss and deficiency) of essential minerals. 

 

If your dog and cat's diet contains nutrient blocking dietary components such as grains, rice, peanut butter or starchy root vegetables, their risk of mineral deficiency is increassed further.

 

A diet lacking in bioavailable minerals contributes to and causes short and long-term health issues and conditions.

Heavy Metal Contamination

DE is composed of:

• 80% to 90% *silica
• 2% to 4% alumina
• 0.5% to 2% iron oxide
• And a lesser amount of heavy metals, arsenic, cadmium and lead.

Arsenic, cadmium and lead are known to cause and contribute to: 

• Acidification of the body
• Poor immune system function
• Parasitic infestations
  
• Inflammatory disease including cancer
   

 

Safe Natural Alternatives to Diatomaceous Earth

 

There are many natural, safe alternatives (ingested and topically applied), that replace the need to use diatomaceous earth. Examples are provided in the article links just below.
 

Supplements and Supplemental Foods 

• Supplemental foods that help discourage and treat flea and intestinal parasite infestation, go here.

 

Herbal Wormers and Worming Support Aids

• Herbal wormers and worming aids to treat and prevent intestinal parasite, go here.

 

Natural Flea, Mosquito and Tick Dips, Sprays, Rubs and Rinses

• Rosemary Flea Spray Recipe go here.
  
• Natural, Herbal Recipes for Flea Dips, Sprays, Rubs and Rinses, go here
  

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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld