If you are always seeking the best products for your pet’s health and wellness, you no doubt have seen the ingredient “diatomaceous earth” in certain products and wondered what it was. In this post we’ll cover the question if diatomaceous earth is safe for dogs and what potential benefits it can offer your pets.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
For starters, diatomaceous earth is in fact healthy for your dog!
Diatomaceous Earth—or DE for short, is an all-natural additive that is commonly found in products such as vegan dog toothpaste, holistic pet supplements, deworming products, and products aimed at improving the coat and skin of your pet through removing parasites.
As the name suggests, diatomaceous earth is a natural product that is created when an ancient form of algae called diatoms are fossilized. These tiny fossilized shells contain silica, a mineral that can be found in various bodies of water. After obtaining them from nature, they are ground into a fine dust that retains a microscopic level of abrasiveness that ends up giving diatomaceous earth many of its positive benefits.
What are the Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs?
The kind of DE that is used in products meant for consumption is called Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth. This product is organic and has several uses that we will cover.
Diatomaceous Earth for Parasite Removal
While you should not rely only on diatomaceous earth to handle all parasite removal or prevention, it certainly has a potent effect when given to your pet with food for intestinal parasite removal.
DE may work to remove:
- Pinworms
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
Diatomaceous earth will not have an effect on heartworms. Regardless, you should always speak to your veterinarian about the best course of action for deworming your pet.
DE also works for removing external parasites and insects that are taking residence in your dog’s coat. Simply rub DE into your dog’s coat while wearing gloves and leave it in for a few days. After 3-4 days have passed, give your dog a bath and examine if the situation has improved. Most external parasites do not survive combing and brushing with DE.
If you are interested in holistic remedies, ask your veterinarian about diatomaceous earth!
Diatomaceous Earth for Gut Health in Dogs
Studies in the past decade have been showing with greater emphasis how important the gut microbiome is for both adults and animals.
DE is a low cost and effective method that can help improve the conditions of your dog’s gut health. This will ultimately lead to better digestion and health. By cleansing the digestive tract of parasites and viruses that contribute to inflammation and illness, your pet will benefit from greater wellness through ingestion of food grade DE.
This will also lead to a reduction in digestive discomforts that your dog may suffer from, such as gas and bloating which can range from uncomfortable to painful.
Diatomaceous Earth in Natural Dog Toothpaste
Gentle Earth Pets features many natural, earth-friendly ingredients in our vegan dog toothpaste. Whether your pup prefers our Spearmint, Cinnamon, or unflavored variety if they are picky, our toothpaste offers a robust, all natural solution to keeping breath fresh and oral health at its best.
Our natural dog toothpaste contains many ingredients that are beneficial overall for your pet’s health, including diatomaceous earth. Since the toothpaste is edible, your pet will benefit from ingesting food grade DE every time you brush their teeth!
Summary: Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Dogs?
If you were wondering if diatomaceous earth is safe for dogs, the answer is a resounding yes!
At Gentle Earth Pets, it is our mission to provide high quality, veterinarian approved natural pet supplements and products that are sure to improve the health and wellbeing of your furry friend! For us, it is not just about providing a product, but also doing our part to ensure a sustainable future by minimizing single use plastics and packaging waste. As well as using earth friendly ingredients to holistic ends.
If you have any questions about our products, feel free to contact us today!
