While it's more common to use Diatomaceous Earth as flea prevention, many people have added small amounts of DE to their pet's diet. There a numerous benefits a pet can receive from a consistent dosage of DE. Pet owners who have given their pets DE have found their pet has an improved coat, appetite, metabolism, and digestion.
DE is largely made up of amorphous silica, but it also contains calcium, magnesium, titanium dioxide, gallium, sodium, and other trace minerals. Keep in mind that there are different grades of diatomaceous earth, so make sure you purchase food grade diatomaceous earth for your pet.
The instructions below are on how to feed your cat DE.
Step 1:
You need to make sure that you are using food grade DE. Only food grade DE is safe for pets as a supplement. Other types of DE are not safe for humans or animals.
Step 2:
Your cat's size will affect the DE dosage size
| Small Cats and Kittens* (2-6 ½ lbs) | ½ tsp of food grade DE |
| Full Grown Cats (7-13 lbs) | 1 tsp of food grade DE |
| Large Cats (>13 lbs) | 1 ½ tsp of food grade DE |
*If kittens are still nursing or only taking milk we recommend you hold off on adding DE to their diet until they move to solid food.
Step 3:
The type of food you are giving your cat will also affect the way to give it to them.
Wet Food
Remove the food from the can and add it to the dish. Then add the appropriate dose of DE and mix in.
Dry Food
Cats may be skeptical of their dry cat food if it has a white powder on it, that's why we have developed these 2 methods for adding DE to your cat's food.
Method 1: One and Done
Step 1:
Take note of the number of servings in the bag of cat food.
Step 2:
Multiply the appropriate DE dosage by the number of servings. Add that amount of DE to the bag of cat food and shake the bag to distribute it evenly.
The DE will absorb the scent of the cat food and be almost indistinguishable from it allowing your cat to enjoy their food.
Step 3:
Repeat method 1 with every new bag of cat food.
Method 2: Damp Approach
Step 1:
Mix the dosage of DE with a quarter cup of water.
Step 2:
Pour the mixture over your cat's dry food coating most of it.
As you feed your cat DE you can rest easy knowing that you are helping promote their health and happiness.