Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe For Cats And Dogs

Diatomaceous earth has been used in cat litters in varying amounts for a long time it s not a new concept.

Is diatomaceous earth safe for cats and dogs. Other types of de are not safe for humans or animals. Keep in mind that there are different grades of diatomaceous earth so make sure you purchase food grade diatomaceous earth for your pet. Aspen naturals food grade diatomaceous earth powder this product comes from an incredibly pure fresh water deposit in the western united states. The food drug administration lists diatomaceous earth as generally recognized as safe.

Veterinarians generally advise against the use of diatomaceous earth for fleas on cats and dogs. Over a long period of time diatoms collect in a body of water s sediment and when exposed to oxygen and water they chemically react and become silicon dioxide. However there are few brands on the market that produces a diatomaceous earth litter. Is chemically inert and virtually harmless for pets and their people when used for pest control and consumed as a supplement.

It s also used by food manufacturers to filter beverages during the production process. Best of all diatomaceous earth kills pests using natural methods instead of a chemical based toxic solution. Yes the good news is diatomaceous earth is completely safe and even beneficial for most cats if used properly. Jennifer coates a veterinary writer editor and consultant based in fort collins colorado.

If you re using diatomaceous earth on your dogs or cats then be sure to use food grade de instead of filter grade. Blue ribbon manufacture a d e litter and it has some decent benefits over some of the traditional litters. What is diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth products are registered for use against bed bugs cockroaches crickets fleas ticks spiders and many other pests.

Diatomaceous earth is typically used as a pesticide treatment for dogs. It is not effective for flea control when used in this manner and could potentially result in lung damage if inhaled says dr. The instructions below are on how to feed your cat de. Just like diatomaceous earth fights pests in your garden and home it can also fight pests on your cats and dogs.

A diatom s skeleton is called silica. It is made up of food grade amorphous silica which is considered safe for human and animal consumption. Your cat s size will affect the de dosage size small cats and kittens 2 6 lbs tsp of food grade de full grown cats. Diatomaceous earth also known as de is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.

According to the national pesticide information center there are over 150 products currently registered for use in farms gardens buildings and pet kennels and some of these products can be used directly on dogs and cats. You need to make sure that you are using food grade de. However there are some accompanying side effects if not used as directed. Only food grade de is safe for pets as a supplement.

Effectively provides a toxic free way of eliminating fleas in your feline pet. This could cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties sneezing and coughing. Some products can also be used directly on dogs and cats. Most diatomaceous earth is a composition of amorphous silicon dioxide and food grade d e.