If you haven't heard of it before, we'd like to introduce you to Diatomaceous Earth (DE). DE is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae.
In this post, we are referring to Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth.
Some of the main benefits and uses of Food Grade DE are:
A Natural Insecticide
DE works by dehydrating insects. The sharp edges of DE particles act like tiny razor blades, cutting through the insect's exoskeleton and causing the insect to dehydrate and die. DE is effective against fleas, ticks, bed bugs, ants and other pests. It is safe for pets and children and doesn't harm beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies!
To use DE for fleas, for example, vacuum your pets' bedding and all other areas where they spend time. Sprinkle the DE lightly over the areas and rub it with your hands. Leave the DE on those areas for at least 24 hours before vacuuming the areas again. Repeat this process every few days until the fleas are gone.
Health Benefits
DE is rich in silica, which is essential for healthy bones, teeth and skin. It can also help to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Digestion - DE is rich in silica, which helps improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. It can also help reduce gas and improve nutrient absorption.
Joint Health - DE can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, and it can also help improve joint mobility and flexibility.
Detoxification - DE can help detox the body by removing toxins and heavy metals from the body.
A Natural Dewormer - DE can be used as a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemicals to deworm your pets naturally. To ensure you get rid of the worms completely, continue use for at least 60 days to get rid of all the worms, larvae and eggs as they hatch. We recommend using DE daily for the lifetime of your pet because of all the fantastic health benefits.
To start, add a small amount of Food Grade DE daily to one of your dog's meals, mixed with either water or their wet food and gradually increase to the full dosage:
Dogs under 35lbs - 1 tsp
Dogs over 35lbs - 1 tbsp
Dogs over 100lbs - 2 tbsp
Puppies 1/2 to 1tsp
Cats - 1 tsp
Kittens - 1/2 tsp
Note - Inhaling DE can irritate the nasal passages, so always mix it with water or wet food before giving it to your pets.
You can also use DE in your garden as a natural fertilizer, rich in minerals and trace elements. It can also be used to control slugs, snails and aphids.
Tracy has been giving her entire family, human and canine, DE, for years now to help keep everyone free of parasites and because of the other health benefits.
Since starting her dogs on DE, she has never used a toxic chemical dewormer or flea/tick products to protect her dogs.