Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

What are Diatoms?

Diatoms are predominately single-celled phytoplankton found in the oceans, fresh water, almost anywhere that water is found. Pound for pound, they outweigh all other land plants put together. They form a vital aspect at the base of the food chain. Their skeletal remains can be found in almost all of the sedimentary rock deposits around the world, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Diatoms are formed by pulling minerals out of solution. They build a protective outer shell of Silicon Dioxide. The shells are full of holes, valves, and can be quite ornate. As these organisms die, they slowly sink to the bottom to form rock deposits. Diatom deposits have been found to be several hundred feet thick in places.

A Great Pest Control Product

Typically, diatomaceous earth has been used as an organic pest control for insects. As insects crawl over the treated surfaces, these skeletal remains disrupt, scratch or puncture the insects exoskeleton and lodge in joints, causing dessication and death of the insect.

As a Supplement

 Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is not considered a food source to higher organisms, but instead a supplement. It passes directly through the digestive tract. The silicate shells are a great conductor of electrical energy and carry a negative charge. It works out perfectly for absorbing the positively charged virus and bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract. In addition, they can also benefit the bodies digestive system by controlling may of the parasitic infestations that occur. This effectively cleanses the body of potentially harmful organisms as diatoms pass through the body. It has been found that an animals consumption of food grade diatomaceous earth can greatly improve its health, especially when kept in the limited enclosures of an urban environment. Dogs, cats, and poultry can all benefit from the addition of diatomaceous earth as a supplement to their daily diet.

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Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous EarthFood Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is composed of 100% ground freshwater DE, with no additives. The product is made of the naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae that forms in freshwater. These remains are ground up into a soft, fine white powder that carries many different uses. It’s chemical free and completely safe to use around children and pets.

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Poultry

Getting poultry to adjust to the addition of Diatomaceous Earth is pretty simple. It’s addition is safe for all aspects of the fowls lifestyle. They do extremely well when DE is used for dusting. You can just set out a pan and allow them to throw it all over themselves or sprinkle in their favorite dusting spot. Diatomaceous Earth should also be added to their food source at a rate of 1/2 to 1% of dry weight in food. Not only do the chickens benefit from a daily dose but it also minimizes competition from unwanted pests in the food. 

Dogs and Cats

The introduction of Diatomaceous Earth to a dog or cats food is a little more difficult. They resist changes in food more readily, especially if they are on a dry food diet. The easiest way is to add DE to wet foods or table scraps and slowly increase the amount of dry kibbles over a period of a week or two. After this adjustment period they won’t even notice and will happily lick the bowl clean!

Cats……………………………….1/2 – 1 teaspoon

kittens……………………….1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon 

Dogs 100 lbs+…………………..2 Tablespoons

Dogs 50 to 100 lbs………………1 Tablespoon

Dogs under 50 lbs………………..2 teaspoons

Small Dogs………………………..1/2 teaspoon