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10 Best Diatomaceous Earth Products

↯ Key takeaway points

  • Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural and cheap way to control external and internal parasites in dogs.
  • DE is made from crushed fossils of freshwater organisms and marine life, and it can eliminate fleas, worms, and other parasites within a few days.
  • DE can be used internally to control worms, and externally to control fleas and flies.
  • It is important to use food-grade DE as other forms can be harmful to dogs.
  • DE has many benefits, including pest control, detoxification, and mineral additives for pet food.
Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Zoo and wildlife doctor in veterinary medicine passionate about animal welfare and preventive medicine.
Published on
Monday 10 August 2015
Last updated on
Monday 21 August 2023
Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs
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Diatomaceous Earth is a dirt-cheap way to control external and internal parasites in your dog. DE is a natural way to efficiently eliminate fleas, bugs, worms (roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms) within a handful of days.

10 Best Diatomaceous Earth for Flea and Worm Treatment

We gathered all the best Diatomaceous Earth products that you can use on your pets. The DE can be purchased online so no worries about going out to buy one in the market.

1. Diatomaceous Earth 5 Lbs Food Grade DE

This food-grade DE is 100% pure freshwater and has no additives. Considered as a natural product that’s OMRI listed for organic use, you can safely use this DE around your home, in your garden, and on your pets. 

Their source of DE is from the high-quality mines in the U.S. so it’s surely one of the best diatomaceous earth in the market. Furthermore, this natural health supplement is high in silica that supports the growth of healthier skin, nails, and hair.

It can also be used as a cleaning booster, natural exfoliant, natural deodorizer, and can preserve dry food in your storage by simply absorbing liquid that helps your food dry.

Pros

  • With a small measuring cup as a free scooper
  • Meets specific US Food Chemicals codex standards
  • Made with pure freshwater diatomaceous earth with no additives
  • OMRI-listed for natural and organic use
  • Professionally packed through stainless steel machinery to avoid contaminants

Cons

  • The paper packaging makes the product susceptible to mildew
  • It can harm your pet or health
  • It can taste and smell unpleasant over time

2. HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade

This food-grade DE includes a powder duster for an easy and efficient application on animal feed. HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade is made of naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of algae that forms in freshwater) that are ground up into a soft, fine white powder.

This DE is also chemical-free and safe to use around children and pets. Additionally, for every $10 purchase, PF HARRIS donates $1 to Etowah Valley Humane Society (EVHS), which is a private non-profit organization that saves thousands of animals every year. In fact, they have already rescued 13,000 lives from Bartow County Animal Control since 2010.

Imagine, buying a product that will help you with pests problems while having the chance to make a change and save animal lives. This product is really a must-buy!

Pros

  • The company donates 10% of its profits to sustain the needs of the local Etowah Valley Humane Society
  • With a power duster inside the packaging 
  • Made of 100% ground freshwater diatomaceous earth without additives and fillers
  • OMRI-listed for organic and safe use

Cons

  • It can be harmful to the respiratory system or the lungs
  • It can cause skin reactions or irritations to those with sensitive skin
  • The package can explode and scatter everywhere upon opening

3. Natural 100% Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

100% natural diatomaceous earth, OMRI certified that’s mined in Nevada, USA, and packed in California by trained employees using the highest quality stainless steel packaging machines. 

Features the purest freshwater amorphous silica diatomaceous earth available and is considered as food-grade by the FDA standard. This DE also has a bonus pack where all their packages include a free bonus amount to save you some money.

Furthermore, if you’re not satisfied with their product, they offer a 30 days return and full refund on the product price.

Pros

  • OMRI-certified diatomaceous earth product
  • With 100% pure freshwater diatomaceous earth and organic food grade ingredients
  • The packaging can include a free bonus amount to help customers save money
  • With a 30-day guarantee that allows you to get a full refund if you return the product within the said period

Cons

  • You can taste the chemicals
  • It does not remove fleas
  • It can cause vomiting, headache, or pressure behind the eyes

4. FOSSIL POWER Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Organic Powder​

Edible earth diatomaceous for humans and pets, this DE is sourced from one of the few food-grade suppliers in America. You can simply add this to your water or food without any adverse taste or odor.

This pure diatomaceous earth organic silica powder has no additives or chemicals so it’s completely safe. You can also mix this powder with wet dog food and serve as an alternative dewormer or flea treatment.

Additionally, this DE is a fine powder that contains tiny prehistoric aquatic organisms called diatoms that are made from silica and are safe to use on your skin, animals, and around your house. Once purchased, you can enjoy 100% unrefined, pure sodium bentonite clay powder with no binders, fillers, additives, or preservatives.

Pros

  • No additives and chemicals added to the content
  • Food grade, edible, and suitable for human consumption
  • It can also work as toothpaste, facial scrub, carpet cleaner, or deodorant
  • The product comes in a resealable pack for easy storage.

Cons

  • The product looks like a cheap powder mixed with diatomaceous earth
  • The packaging does not have instructions and contact information
  • It does not have significant effects

5. Pure Organic Ingredients Diatomaceous Earth (10 lbs)

No products found.

This pure organic DE is from in Utah and is from natural freshwater diatomaceous earth deposits. You can use this DE for detox or for eliminating internal parasites.

It may also help you lower your cholesterol levels and may provide bone support. Moreover, this DE is 100% pure and has no additives.

Legal Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Pros

  • Made from a single ingredient to provide a natural or organic undiluted supplement
  • Produced from diatoms and is a natural source of silica
  • No additives and fillers to prevent health issues
  • It tastes better than other diatomaceous earth products

Cons

  • It can be harmful to humans when inhaled
  • The bag can become opened, broken, or spilled inside the shipping box

6. Safer Brand 51703 OMRI Listed Diatomaceous Earth

Safer Brand 51703 OMRI Listed Diatomaceous Earth is a high-quality DE that consists of selected baits to attract a variety of crawling insects, such as ants, roaches, silverfish, fleas, bedbugs, earwigs, and similar species. Furthermore, after these creatures approach the product, they will become dehydrated, causing them to die within 48 hours of contact. 

Aside from that, unlike other traditional chemical insecticides, this DE product does not allow insects to build immunity against the effects of diatomaceous earth. Also, you can use Safer Brand either indoors or outdoors, wherever insects are present. For instance, you can apply in crevices, cracks, entry points, or along baseboards. 

Lastly, you can worry less about the health risks of other harmful diatomaceous earth products because Safer Brand is OMRI-listed. It is also eligible for use in organic gardening to ensure peace of mind and hassle-free and healthier usage. 

Pros

  • Suitable for organic gardening
  • No offensive smells
  • Perfect for attracting a variety of insects and pests
  • It obstructs insects in building immunity against diatomaceous earth

Cons

  • Users report it can cause mortality to some animals
  • It can lead to irritations in humans and pets with sensitive skin
  • The bag does not close

7. Wholistic Pet Organics Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

If you wish to have one of the best diatomaceous earth brands that suit your furry friends, the Wholistic Pet Organics Diatomaceous Earth can give you numerous health benefits. Additionally, this concentrated product consists of crushed microscopic sea creatures from freshwater deposits, which are harmless to your dog. Also, they are effective in aiding pet care problems.

In addition, Wholistic Pet Organics contains natural mineral support, which can serve as a digestive aid cleanser to animals. It also assists in absorbing harmful toxins and contributes a considerable amount of calcium to strengthen the bones and joints. Furthermore, its formula contains food grade and organic ingredients, which your dog can take either topically or internally.

If you still doubt this product, Wholistic Pet Organics has been in the industry providing high-quality pet supplements to veterinarians for over fifteen years. They also received certification from HACCP and GMP; that’s why you can buy this product confidently!

Pros

  • Easy to mix with food
  • No strong taste and unpleasant smell
  • Absorbs harmful toxins and aids digestive issues
  • With calcium for strengthening bones and joints
  • Made with food-grade and organic ingredients

Cons

  • A user stated that their cat became aggressive and hyperactive

8. Lumino Pet and People Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

The US Food and Drug Administration has been allowing the use of diatomaceous earth for agricultural, health, and pet care purposes. That is why Lumino Pet and People Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth have been soaring as a DE product that can apply to various instances.

First, when mixed with water or other foods, this DE can produce a neutral-tasting ingredient in your furry friend’s snack or meal. It can serve as a wormer without giving you much difficulty because pets will not notice its taste. Moreover, it can also absorb dirt, oils, and smells in kennel areas when you lightly dust your pet’s bedding space.

Aside from killing worms and fleas, Lumino Pet and People Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth can also be beneficial in tooth polishing, cleaning jewelry, removing dead skin cells, and deodorizing refrigerators, garbage cans, and vacuum cleaner bags.

Pros

  • Treats worms on dogs and cats
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • With a resealable bag that does not moist
  • Neutral taste
  • It can apply to several other uses

Cons

  • It is slightly challenging to clean

9. Diatomaceous Earth 2 Lbs Food Grade 

Diatomaceous Earth 2 Lbs Food Grade is suitable for daily supplement use or minimal application to small objects around your place. Since it is OMRI-listed, you can assure that it came from certified organic processing, production, and handling. Thus, your and your pet’s health is not at stake.

Furthermore, this DE product consists of only clean freshwater food-grade ingredients thoroughly screened to eliminate impurities and produce pure diatomaceous earth. Additionally, it does not contain any additives to prevent allergic reactions. 

Moreover, in terms of the packaging, this product aims to prevent contaminants by packaging the DE using stainless steel equipment. Moreover, the pack can include a free scooper or a small measuring cup to help you get DE from the bag.

Pros

  • Double-walled packaging
  • Also suitable and safe for pets and plants
  • Treats fleas on animals
  • With clean freshwater food-grade ingredients
  • Free scooper or small cup

Cons

  • It can also lead to severe constipation in humans
  • Difficult to clean

10. St. Gabriel Organics Good Earth Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

To end the list, St. Gabriel Organics Good Earth Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is a 100% food grade and organic DE that you can also safely use in your home, garden, or pets. Also, you can add it to your furry friend’s snacks or meals to eliminate the risks of getting fleas and worms. 

Additionally, this 2-pound bag of DE is a perfect product for keeping your place free from harmful and unwanted invaders. It does not affect your plants’ growth or pets’ health because it does not contain harsh chemicals. Moreover, it is non-toxic and OMRI-listed, so you can worry less about getting respiratory issues and allergic reactions when you accidentally inhale it.

Pros

  • With food-grade ingredients
  • It can deworm dogs.
  • No need for harsh chemical tick and flea treatments
  • OMRI-listed

Cons

  • It kills fleas but not their eggs
  • There is residual dust even after cleaning for a long time

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous Earth is inert dust harvested from sediments at the bottom of oceans, lakes, and rivers around the globe. It comes from diatoms – a type of single-celled algae with microscopic, beautiful geometric shells made of silicon dioxide. Furthermore, over millennia, diatoms accumulate in aquatic sediments as fossils that can be harvested and dried into fine white dust, known as Diatomaceous Earth.

Diatomaceous Earth is a non-toxic, safe substance made up of crushed fossils of freshwater organisms and marine life. Moreover, crushed to a fine powder and observed through a microscope, the particles resemble bits of broken glass.

Composition of Diatomaceous Earth

Each deposit of diatomaceous earth is different, with varying blends of pure diatomaceous earth combined with other natural clays and minerals. Also, the diatoms in each deposit contain different amounts of silica, depending on the age of the deposit.

The species of diatom may also differ among deposits and is dependent upon the age and paleo-environment of the deposit. Moreover, the shape of a diatom is determined by its species.

Common Uses and Side Effects of Diatomaceous Earth

Internal parasites can be controlled by giving Diatomaceous Earth internally. It is very important to note that it must be food grade – the earth used in gardens and pool filters can damage your dog.

Additionally, Diatomaceous Earth can eliminate roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within seven days of being fed daily. To be most effective, DE should be fed for at least 30 days, to catch all newly hatching eggs or the cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach.

Another use for Diatomaceous Earth is the control of external parasites and flies. This is achieved by dusting your dog with Diatomaceous Earth, along with his bedding area and surrounding carpeted areas.

When you accidentally inhale a large amount of DE, it can cause coughing and shortness of breath. It can also cause irritation if you unintentionally rub it to your eyes.

Magnified Diatomaceous Earth Natural Insect Control
Magnified Diatomaceous Earth Through A Microscope Lens (Credits to Wikipedia/Zephyris under CC BY-SA 3.0)

Can You Use Diatomaceous Earth as a Natural Alternative to Dewormers and Flea Treatment?

Since DE can be used as pest control, many of you may be wondering if you can use Diatomaceous Earth for fleas and deworming dogs?

Dog Deworming and Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Dog deworming is necessary for dogs to reduce parasites internally and externally. This practice can improve your pet’s health and can prevent the transmission of parasites to you and to your family members.

The vet recommends de-worming your puppies when they’re 2 to 3 weeks old. Since worms can pass from mother to puppies before or after birth (through their milk). Deworming can also treat hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and other intestinal worms.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) can cause and develop anemia or low blood cells in dogs, especially in newborn puppies. They can also experience weakness, rapid breathing, lethargy, and death if not cured. The most common symptoms of FAD are excessive scratching, biting around the tail and backside, scabs, and bumps on the neck or back.

Using Diatomaceous Earth as Dewormer And Flea Treatment

Most pet owners use Diatomaceous Earth powder as flea treatment and dewormer. Since DE is considered a natural and drug-free treatment, it’s usually fed in an exact amount (depending on your dog’s weight) to eliminate all intestinal worms and parasites.

Moreover, food-grade diatomaceous earth powder should be fed 7 days daily to catch all newly hatched parasites. But keep in mind that you can’t feed too much DE to prevent your pets from getting sicker or experiencing stomach problems.

External use after flea exposure can also be an effective way to get rid of flea problems. You can sprinkle the diatomaceous earth powder onto your dog’s coat and brush it through all their fur before and after walks. Make sure to cover or avoid sprinkling DE on your dog’s nose, mouth, and eyes. Also, avoid daily use of DE if your dog has dry skin.

Dog Eating Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is safe for humans and for pets! (Credits: Judith Keenan)

What are the Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs?

Diatomaceous Earth has plenty of benefits especially when it comes to our homes or even to farms. It can be used for pest control, food preservation, teeth whitening, and many more.

Animal Health

DE is an effective way to keep unwanted pests away from your pets. Diatomaceous Earth for dogs can prevent lice, fleas, worms, etc.

It can also be a source of detoxification and mineral additives in pet food and is an extremely effective reduced-risk parasite. You can also mix Diatomaceous on your dog’s food or sprinkle it on their beds to prevent fleas, allergies, mites, and lice.

Cattle are given a lot of DE to act as an extremely efficient de-wormer. Diatomaceous Earth is deadly to any insect yet completely harmless to animals. 

Skin Exfoliation

Diatomaceous Earth has been used as an exfoliant in skin products and can be used as a great exfoliator from time to time. It can be used as a facial scrub or mask by mixing with water, milk, or diluted honey.

Kills Parasites and Viruses

DE can be used in your carpets, balcony, living room, etc. to remove bugs and pests. Since Diatomaceous Earth removes the waxy layer of the insects’ exoskeleton (that makes them moisture) that causes them to dehydrate. The larvae are affected in the same way.

Teeth Whitening

Diatomaceous Earth can also be used for cleaner and whiter teeth. You can sprinkle a little DE into your toothpaste for a deep clean. Take note that you should not do this routine daily since it can harm your teeth’ natural enamel.

Diatomaceous Earth vs Frontline, Panacur

Let’s be fair and objective: whether you decide to preventively treat your dogs (and cats) with DE or with the regular brands with their own formulas, the results will be positive.

Where Diatomaceous Earth clearly wins the battle, if not the war, is that it is completely natural and does not cause as of the latest researches, any allergy or any serious undesired side effect. Some breeds are allergic to some brands (Collies, for example, do not support ivermectin, present in many products) and they tend to also cost a lot of money when you sum it all up at the end of the year.

Many efficient products can act as tick and flea treatments but diatomaceous earth for dogs is a natural one, which can earn the favors of several organic-friendly dog owners.

Dosage of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

Diatomaceous Earth in your dog’s food bowl, mixed with his usual meal. To use DE as a natural and powerful external parasite control is even simpler. Simply rub the powder at full strength into your dog’s coat for parasites and fleas. It is recommended to also sprinkle some on your dog’s bedding, or your sofa.

In case of invasion or even bed bugs, use a lot more on the various surfaces affected, leave it for a few days and you will be impressed by the results.

Type of Animal Diatomaceous Earth Dosage
Puppies½  to 1 teaspoon
Dogs under 35 lbs.1 teaspoon
Dogs over 35 lbs.1 tablespoon
Dogs over 100 lbs.2 tablespoon
Kittens½ teaspoon
Cats1 teaspoon
Chickens5% in feed
Diatomaceous Earth Animal Dosage Chart

Diatomaceous Earth: FAQ

We gathered the top frequently asked questions about the Diatomaceous Earth as a natural alternative to dewormers and flea treatments, below are the best answers to your inquiries.

What pests does diatomaceous earth kill?


Diatomaceous can kill many different insect pests but it’s usually used to eliminate cockroaches, beetles, bed bugs, ants, worms, fleas, mites, and silverfish.

Is diatomaceous earth harmful to pets?


Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic natural substance made from crushed fossils of freshwater marine life and organisms. It can be deadly to any insects but it’s completely harmless to animals and even to humans

Can diatomaceous earth hurt my dog?


DE is non-toxic to your pets so it’s completely safe. However, you need to be cautious and prevent DE from touching sensitive parts of your pets like the nose and eyes.

What if my dog licks diatomaceous earth?


Though a little amount of DE won’t harm your dog, it’s better to be aware and avoid direct contact with your pets. If your pet licked a large amount of DE, observe them for a while and take them to the vet if necessary.

How often should dogs eat diatomaceous earth?


Diatomaceous earth is a great digestive aid and detox for humans and pets. For dogs over 35 lbs., you can use one tablespoon per day and mix it with their food.

How long does it take for diatomaceous earth to kill fleas on dogs?


DE sucks the moisture from pests until it dies. Adult fleas can die quickly for 4 hours after contact with DE but for the flea eggs it may take up to 48 hours to fully eliminate them.

Does diatomaceous earth kill worms in dogs?


Yes, Food grade diatomaceous eliminates internal and external parasites. DE has microscopically sharp edges that pierce the protective coating of the parasites that causing them to be dehydrated and die. 

Diatomaceous earth deworming dogs can eliminate pinworms, whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms within 7 days of usage.

Pests can be a huge problem for us and even for our dogs. Thankfully there are natural and non-toxic products like diatomaceous earth powder that we can use to eliminate parasites and for our dogs to be healthier and happier.

25 comments on “10 Best Diatomaceous Earth Products”

  1. Gail Novak

    I have been giving my greyhound food grade diatomaceous earth for 2 weeks and it has not helped. Now there is blood in her stool with diarrhea. Going to the vet to get another de-wormer.

    1. I am a firm believer that when dealing with beings (dogs and humans included) there are not set rules or magic superfood. Diatomaceous Earth is however undeniably a wonderful addition to a dog’s diet with great results for most of them.

      If your dog seemed sick afterwards, check with your vet and perhaps adapt the dosage or perhaps DE is just not for your pooch.

      Hope he/she gets better very shortly Gail… All the best and hugs!

    2. Melissa Payne

      You can buy this stuff at Amazon and shipped whereever you need it.
      I just got a 10 lb. bag of the stuff for natural bug control and it even came with the duster… :-)

  2. Wendy

    I understand that many people use and swear by DE for their pets. However, if those sharp edges are sharp enough to destroy worms I cringe to think of what its doing to the walls of the intestines. I just can’t see that it hurts the parasite and not the host, too.

    1. The host is a lot more resistant Wendy, the same way acidic foods may destroy some bacterias but not our internals. However, always use it with moderation at first to make sure the dogs reacts well to it.

      1. Joshua Bastion

        Resistance has nothing to do with it. We are talking about the size difference of microscopic vs macroscopic organisms…
        This is a fundamentally HUGE factor to consider…
        DE ingested at correct amounts will not harm your dog but will catastrophically slice and perforate a MICRO organism or parasites body and organs…
        Just like mixing it with ya soil when potting plants does not hurt or even slightly deter root growth of the plant, but guarantees the protection of the roots from larvae etc. Chop suey!

        1. Nella McLaughlin

          That is not what a research paper by a vet said. They agreed with Wendy! Those sharp edges can cause intestinal damage to a dog or cat. They are NOT plants. They have delicate thin tissue that lines the interior walls of every part that it would go through. Starting with the mouth, throat, vocal cords, esophagus, small & large intestine then the bowels.

          1. Susan Turner

            Most Vets tell you that because they will lose a lot of business because this is way cheaper then spending hundreds of dollars on medicine and vet check and stool sample checks all the time when their medicine doesn’t work for coccidia and Giardia!

  3. Pf

    What about usage on pregnant/lactating dogs? Is it safe while pregnant and when she is nursing? Any studies/proof?

    1. Pregnant and nursing mamas, you’re in the clear – diatomaceous earth can be safely taken during either stage. Just be sure to drink plenty of water, that’s all.

  4. Shelley

    You mentioned it kills worms, but didn’t mention tapeworms. So my question is does it kill tape
    worms in dogs & cats?

    1. Yes, Shelley! Diatomaceous Earth can kill intestinal roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms amongst many other parasites.

      1. Suze

        No it doesn’t kill tapeworm…only Praziquantel.

  5. Robin Hood

    Where can I purchase this item?

    1. Naseem khan

      I bought my 5kg DE from Eco Earth.

  6. Brenda

    How about 5 and 6 week old puppies.?? How much would you put in their puppy chow.??

  7. T

    I had a horse come in with giant ascarids we wormed with commercial workers for 8 months every month and she still showed signs. I used diatomaceous earth and within 1 month all works were gone! I still feed it and my herd is vertically worm free

  8. I raise and breed red toy poodles. I learned early that DE could be used to keep worms and parasites out of their intestines. In the beginning I wondered though, so I had their feces vet checked 3 different times in the last 2 years and they all are worm and parasite free. It works. I give them approximately 1/2 teaspoon each on one of their feedings daily. It is tasteless so that helps for those picky eaters.

    1. Tina Muhs

      Do u use anything else in addition to it

  9. Brenda, I raise red toy poodles and one had her first puppies New Years Eve. I only put a pinch mixed into their food till they are older then work up to 1/2 teaspoon daily. Make sure they have fresh water so they don’t get dehydrated from eating the DE.

  10. NoN

    Lol, has a photo of poor wee mutt sniffing the DE…
    “safe as fook!” she says…

    One major warning with DE is DO NOT BREATH THE DUST… So letting ya dog snort lines of the stuff is going to do wonders ;)

  11. Tara Belderok

    Is it okay to give DE to pregnant dogs? I know we’re not supposed to supplement calcium during pregnancy, but I wonder if it’s okay for them to get DE.

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