Food grade diatomaceous earth has been used for at least two decades as a natural wormer for livestock. Some believe diatomaceous earth scratches and dehydrates parasites. Some scientists believe that diatomaceous earth is a de-ionizer or de-energizer of worms or parasites. Regardless, people report definite control. To be most effective, food grade diatomaceous earth must be fed long enough to catch all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach. A minimum of 60 days is suggested by many, 90 days is advised for lung worms. I keep it in our chicken feed continually. If the FEC is not zero in the manure, I double the daily recommended allowance until the FEC goes down, then go back to the recommended allowance.

Food grade diatomaceous earth works in a purely physical manner not a chemical and thus has no chemical toxicity. Parasites do not build up a tolerance or immunity to the DE, so rotation of wormers is unnecessary.

*CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF FEEDING CODEX FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO DOGS, O.C. Collins, DVM, Midland Animal Clinic And Hospital, Midland, TX:

In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1 tbsp. day and under 35 lbs. 1 tsp. day of DE, within seven days all ova disappeared from stools. DE controlled Ascardis (Toxacara canids), Hookworms (Anclyostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulipis).

*RESULTS ON FEEDING CODEX FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO WALKING HORSE, L. Thomas, Trainer, L. Frank Roper Stables, Winter Garden, FL:

With horses fed approximately 5 oz. of DE mixed in the feed twice daily, the following results were observed: Stopped scours even on horses that had not responded to any other medications. Noticeable fly reduction. Horses showed an increase in appetites, weight gain due to better feed conversion, reduction in manure odor, elimination of any internal parasites and healthier appearance.

Daily recommended food grade diatomaceous earth feeding rates:

Kittens – 1/2 teaspoon
Cats – 1 teaspoon
Puppies – 1/2 to 1 tsp.
Dogs under 35 lbs. – 1 teaspoon
Dogs over 35 lbs. – 1 tablespoon
Dogs over 100 lbs. – 2 tablespoons
Cattle, Dairy Cows, & Hogs – 2% of dry feed ration
Chickens – 5% in feed
Goats & Sheep – 2% in grain
Horses – 1/2 to 1 cup in daily ration

External applications for Dogs and Cats

Lightly rub food grade diatomaceous earth into pets coat, fur, and bedding to dehydrate fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. Dust them lightly, but thoroughly, as in order to kill the parasites, they must come in contact with the DE.

External applications for chickens

Food grade diatomaceous earth is excellent in the fowl coops on the ground, in nesting boxes and in the dirt where they take dust baths. Sprinkle directly on and through fowl feathers to eliminate a lice or mite infestation. This will kill the insects and keep another infestation from occurring as long as you continue to use food grade DE.

I use food grade DE in my chicken coop to keep the manure odor down. I do not have the fly problem because the DE does not allow the larva to survive. I also add food grade DE to our chicken feed as a de-wormer. My hens lay great, they look healthy and are very active. I have 12 laying hens and get on average 11eggs a day. It  is a good feeling to eat eggs that come from hens fed on DE and not chemical wormers! I am glad I have another choice.**click chicken care to learn more about DE applications for chickens.**

Benefits of food grade DE in Animal Feed.

1. Improves digestion and helps stimulate the metabolism. Protein analysis on the manure has proven this point. Animals fed food grade DE absorb a larger percentage of protein from their diet and improves their appetite.

2. Stops dirt licking and corral gnawing. When the animals do not have enough minerals they do this. Studies have shown animals fed food grade DE are satisfied with the additional minerals therein.

3. Builds up blood cells, tissues and bones.

4. Animals have a greater weight gain with less feed.

5. Destructive parasites and toxins are absorbed by the DE and removed from the colon.

6. Animals are less stressed and more content.

7. Increases milk and egg production, keeps eggs and milk uncontaminated.

8. Improves general health of animals, they have a soft shiny appearance and bright eyes.