Diatomaceous earth 1kg

Diatomaceous Earth – Natural Power for Animals and Gardens

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a natural mineral powder composed of the fossilized remains of microscopic single-celled algae known as diatoms. These algae possess a skeleton made of almost 100% silica, giving diatomaceous earth its unique composition. It is rich in silica and also contains 15 other trace minerals.

Diatomaceous earth is a versatile product that has been used for thousands of years in a wide variety of applications, ranging from glass manufacturing to the production of computer chips in Silicon Valley. When dissolved in water, it forms silicic acid and is widely recognized in natural health practices for supporting the body's overall condition.

History and Origin

Diatomaceous earth has been used for centuries for many different purposes. The name originates from the Greek word diatomos, meaning "cut through," referring to the intricate geometric shapes of diatoms.

It is exceptionally rich in silica, the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen. Silica plays an important role in the body, particularly in connective tissue and related structures such as bones, cartilage, tendons, skin, hair, hooves, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, the liver, kidneys and lungs.

Benefits in Animal Nutrition

Diatomaceous earth offers several benefits when added to animal feed:

Silica supply: An excellent natural source of silica, essential for healthy connective tissue and optimal body function.

Anti-caking agent: Prevents feed particles from clumping together, helping maintain feed quality and supporting nutrient intake.

Toxin binding: Binds undesirable toxins, which can then be naturally eliminated from the body, similar to the action of clay minerals.

Digestive support: Helps maintain healthy stomach and intestinal walls, contributing to proper digestion.

Recommended Daily Feeding Amount

The recommended daily amount depends on the animal species:

• Horses: 10–30 g per day
• Dogs (under 20 kg): 2 teaspoons per day
• Dogs (over 20 kg): 1 tablespoon per day
• Dogs (over 40 kg): 2 tablespoons per day
• Cats: 1 teaspoon per day
• Kittens: ½ teaspoon per day
• Chickens: 5% of the daily feed ration
• Cattle: 2% of the dry feed ration
• Calves: 4 g each morning
• Pigs: 2% of the feed ration
• Sheep: 1% of the concentrate feed
• Goats: 1% of the concentrate feed

Course of Use

For a treatment course, administer daily for 2–3 months, once or twice per year. This approach is particularly effective in supporting the control of intestinal parasites.

How It Works and Applications

Diatomaceous earth has exceptional drying properties due to its unique microscopic structure. Under a microscope, it resembles tiny shards of glass, enabling it to act effectively against lice and other parasites that live in the fur or feathers of animals.

Parasite control: The microscopic sharp particles damage the outer protective layer of parasites, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die. This also explains why animals naturally roll in sand. Sand contains silica as well, but diatomaceous earth is considerably more effective because of its extremely fine structure.

External Use

For animals with fur: Massage the powder thoroughly into the coat to help control parasites.

For birds: Dust the powder beneath the feathers to eliminate lice and other unwanted insects. The surrounding environment, such as nesting areas and housing, can also be treated.

Diatomaceous earth acts more gently than chemical products and may need to be reapplied every few days until the parasites have disappeared and the animal no longer experiences itching.

Safety and Precautions

Diatomaceous earth is safe to use when handled correctly. However, avoid inhalation and contact with the eyes. Due to its strong drying properties, inhaling the fine powder may cause irritation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

A Natural Solution with Unlimited Shelf Life

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, versatile product offering numerous benefits for both animals and their environment. It is a powerful, sustainable solution with no expiration date, making it an excellent choice for every farm, stable, garden or smallholding.