Diatomaceous Earth

For over 60 years, Diatomaceous Earth (fossil shell flour) has been added to feeds of livestock, deer, birds, exotic animals and domestic pets. It is made from the crushed, diamond-hard, fossilized shells of the diatom Aulacoseira, which is found in an extremely pure fresh water deposit that dates to the Miocene era. This nearly pure white powder is 89% (or more) Silicon Dioxide with 28 trace minerals. The shell of the Aulacoseira diatom is made of amorphous silica, a naturally occurring and biodegradable mineral. The hardness of the fossilized diatoms keep this product from dissolving in liquid while it's tubular shape (with many tiny holes along its wall) allows it to readily absorb.

When added to bird or animal feeds, Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent anti-caking agent. Some feeds, such as sweet feeds, contain substances that are sticky (like molasses), which causes the particles to clump together. This makes pouring the feed more difficult and can lead to wastage. This product will coat each particle, making it more difficult for them to stick together. When stored in areas of high humidity, some feeds have a tendency to clump and mildew can be a problem. Diatomaceous Earth can help reduce this caking and its ability to absorb excess moisture can help prevent feed from molding. Diatomaceous Earth won't swell or absorb nutrients and has no long-lasting hazards to animals.

Diatomaceous Earth should be mixed at a rate not to exceed 2% of the dry weight of the rations. In other words, when mixing 100 pounds of feed, replace 2 pounds of feed with the Diatomaceous Earth.

Diatomaceous Earth is a food grade product but is not sold for ingestion by humans. It is also not sold as an insecticide and therefore does not require EPA registration. Diatomaceous Earth should not be used in any manner other than as specified on the manufacturer's label.

For Diatomaceous Earth formulated for insecticidal uses, see the Perma-Guard Crawling Insect Control or Safer Diatomaceous Earth.