Diatomaceous earth 1kg

Diatomaceous Earth – A Natural Power for Animals and Gardens

What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a mineral powder made from the fossilized remains of single-celled shellfish, known as diatoms. These shellfish have a skeleton made almost entirely of silica, which gives diatomaceous earth its unique composition. It is rich in silica and contains 15 other trace elements. Diatomaceous earth is a versatile product used for thousands of years in various applications – from making glass to its role in producing computers in Silicon Valley. It is also dissolved in water as silicic acid and is known in natural medicine as a general health booster.

History and Origin
Diatomaceous earth has been used for centuries for various purposes. The name comes from the Greek word "diatomos," meaning "cut in half," referring to the geometric shapes of the diatoms. It is rich in silica, the second most abundant element on Earth after iron. Silica plays a crucial role in the body, especially in connective tissue and associated tissues such as bones, cartilage, tendons, skin, hair, hooves, blood, lymph vessels, liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Benefits in Nutrition
Diatomaceous earth has several positive effects when used in animal feed:

• Silica Supply: Diatomaceous earth is an excellent source of silica, essential for maintaining healthy connective tissue and proper body functioning.
• Anti-Clumping: It prevents feed particles from clumping together, improving nutrient absorption.
• Toxin Binding: Diatomaceous earth binds toxic substances, which are then expelled from the body, similar to the way clay works.
• Supports the Stomach and Intestinal Lining: It helps maintain a healthy stomach and intestinal lining, promoting digestion.

Daily Dosage in Animal Feed
The daily amount of diatomaceous earth varies depending on the animal:

• Horses: 10 to 30 grams 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: 1/2 teaspoon per day
• Chickens: 5% of feed weight
• Cattle: 2% of dry feed weight
• Calves: 4 grams in the morning
• Pigs: 2% of feed weight
• Sheep: 1% of concentrate feed weight
• Goats: 1% of concentrate feed weight

For Treatment:
For a treatment course, administer daily for 2 to 3 months, 1 to 2 times per year. This is particularly effective for dealing with intestinal parasites.

Function and Application
Diatomaceous earth has a remarkable drying effect due to its unique structure. Under a microscope, it appears as fine glass-like splinters, which allow it to effectively combat pests such as lice and other parasites that can infest the fur or feathers of animals.

• Pest Control: The sharp particles damage the skin of pests, causing dehydration and ultimately killing them. This is why animals often roll in the sand – sand also contains silica, but diatomaceous earth works much better due to its fine structure.

External Use

• For Animals with Fur: Massage diatomaceous earth into the fur of animals to combat parasites.
• For Birds: Powder it under the feathers of birds to eliminate lice and other unwanted insects. The environment can also be treated for pests.

Diatomaceous earth works more gently than chemical treatments and should be reapplied every few days until the pests are gone and the animal no longer experiences itching.

Safety and Precautions
Diatomaceous earth is safe to use, but it is important to avoid inhaling it or getting it in the eyes. Due to its drying effect, inhaling it can cause irritation to the mucous membranes.

A Natural Solution with No Expiry Date
With diatomaceous earth, you have a natural, versatile product that offers numerous benefits for both animals and their environment. It is a powerful tool with no expiration date, making it a sustainable choice for any farm or garden.