Diatomaceous Earth

Diatoms are mostly single-celled marine creatures that are found in both fresh and saltwater and have existed for millions of years. Since they are really tiny and hard to identify, the exact number of varieties of diatoms is unknown, but it is estimated that there may be a 100,000 different species of diatoms. These different types vary quite a bit, so there are smaller types of diatoms, larger ones, round shaped ones, oval shaped diatoms, long ones, and all sorts of variations of shell spikes. Most diatoms can't move on their own, but some propel themselves along using a tail sort of thing called a flagella.

Diatoms have hard shells called frustules that are made of silica, the chemical that makes up glass and quartz. The frustules are often very sharp because they have many tiny, pointed tips on them. The tiny spikes are too small to cut us, but can affect other tiny creatures.

The pictures on the right are of two varieties of diatoms. This lens has pictures of a diatomite mine and all the diatomaceous earth they are mining there is composed of just these two varieties of fossilized diatoms.

Diatomite is a sedimentary rock made up of diatom shells, which means it is an organogenetic or biological sedimentary rock. When diatoms die, their dead bodies sink to the bottom of the sea floor. Over time, millions and millions of diatom shells will cover the bottom and form a siliceous ooze. As more and more stuff settles to the bottom, the pressure on the ooze builds up and eventually gets pressed together, until it forms a rock. That rock is called diatomite, and is similar to chalk, which is another organogenetic sedimentary rock.

Diatomite isn't a tough rock and it easily breaks apart. When it eventually breaks apart into a loose powder, it is called diatomaceous earth. Some mines purposely collect and break up diatomite to make it into diatomaceous earth and sell it to companies who will use it for pool filters, toothpaste abrasives, and polishing compounds.

There are a few different varieties of diatomaceous earth out there. Two of the most popular kinds are food-grade DE and treated DE. Food-grade or food-quality DE is, as it sounds, safe for food. Many people feed this kind to their animals and some people even take it themselves. Like all diatomaceous earth, it will irritate the lungs if inhaled, but it is a regular additive to many food items on your kitchen shelves, and is safe to eat.

The other, more common, type of diatomaceous earth is treated, chemicalized, or swimming pool filter DE. This type of DE is very dangerous and should not be ingested and should definitely not be inhaled. The particles in this variety of DE have been changed to a more glass-like structure so they can purify water better, but this treatment makes it dangerous and therefore could cause internal damage if ingested.

Always check the labels on your diatomaceous earth to ensure it is the appropriate variety before using it in your pool filter or giving it to your animals since you can't tell the difference between the two by the naked eye.

Food-grade--safe to ingest
Pool filter--only for filters

I usually add DE to each animal's feed every day for two weeks after I get the animal, that clears out the chronic worms, etc that may live in the animal, then every day for a week or so at the beginning of each month to prevent a recurrence. The amount of DE to add to your pet's food varies depending on who you're asking, but don't worry too much about exact amounts, a guesstimate will do. Unless you use enormous amounts, you can't overdose on it, and even a little will help. Just make sure to only use food grade diatomaceous earth. The kind used in swimming pool filters is very dangerous and should not be ingested. These are just general recommendations on amounts of food-grade DE to add to dry feed:

House Pets

Dogs
Dogs that are 20-50 lbs get 1 TBs each day
Dogs that are 50-100 lbs get 2 TBs each day
Puppies that are less than 10 lbs get 1/2 to 1 tsp each day
Puppies that are 10-19 lbs get 2 tsp. each day

Cats
Cats get 1 tsp each day
Kittens get 1/2 teaspoon each day

Rabbits
Rabbits get 1/2 tsp each day

Small Animals
Hamsters/Gerbils/Rats get 1/4 tsp each day

Livestock

Chickens
Chickens get about a half a cup per 50 lbs of feed
Chicks get 1/2 tsp for each pound of chick starter

Goats
Goats get 1 lb for every 100 lbs of feed

Sheep
Sheep get 1 lb for every 100 lbs of feed

Pigs
Pigs get 2 lbs for every 100 lbs of feed

Cattle
Cattle get 1 lb for every 100lbs of feed
Calves get 1/8 cup for every 2 gallons of milk

Horses
Horses get 1/2 cup each day

You can also just add some diatomaceous earth to whatever treats you are feeding your pets. Some animals don't like eating it dry in their food, so mixing it in with cooked oatmeal or something else sometimes works best. Just add a small scoop to the treats and don't use these measures if you do that though, these are the proper amounts for dry feed only since wet will be much heavier.

Most animals will get external parasites at one time or another. Whether they are mites or fleas or ticks, diatomaceous earth usually works well to get rid of them. Cats and dogs can have DE rubbed into their fur, as can horses and other heavily furred animals. Chickens can also have DE applied to their feathers. Adding small amounts of DE to the pet's bedding and living area will also help, and chickens should have DE added to their favorite dust bathing spots and nest boxes. Just be cautious in how often you do apply it directly to your pet's skin, it is extremely drying and so can cause dry skin.

Many people regularly ingest diatomaceous earth for it's health benefits. It is chalky and not very yummy, but DE doesn't taste horrible, and is easy to mix into items like drinks so you won't even notice it's there. As always, make sure you are using food-grade DE and take about a teaspoon and a half each day for a week or so. After the week is up, take a teaspoon for three days each month. I like to add my DE to hot cereal or casseroles, but anything works.