The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Mange
Posted by Lisa (Wichita Falls, Texas) on 06/14/2010
★☆☆☆☆
NAY
Tina, I have only used DE in food for parasites in the body of pets.
Mange is a mite, but it is under the skin, so I don't see how the DE would help. DE looks like flour, but it is actually something that comes out of the ocean and is ground up .It is like fiber glass to bugs. It scratches their body when that come in contact with it and they basically just dry up! For mange all I have ever used is cotton balls and plain old cooking oil. I just rub the oil everywhere that the pet's hair is getting thin. I do this twice a day for about a week or so. If the mange is bad, then it will have to be put on longer. But, if they lick it, it will not make them sick! If there are any scabby places that they can get with the mange, I just put peroxide 3 times a day until the places are well. Oil will get on things, so I just put an old blanket or something for them to lay on. I would rather do this than to put something on them that will make them sick.
Fly Control, Parasites
Posted by Joycelyn (New York) on 11/08/2015
Is this stuff good for mice and roaches?
Ear Mites
Posted by Julie (England) on 09/12/2016
HI, for ear mites in dogs, cats, rabbits use Thornit Powder. Try Amazon or Ebay
Broad Benefits
Posted by Vreed27 (Seattle, Wa) on 07/28/2012
Yes she is trying to get your money. You can buy ten pounds of Food Grade DE on the internet for about $20 with shipping included!
Parasites
Posted by Mia (Manchester, Ct) on 03/05/2012
★☆☆☆☆
We have been giving DE to our cat two times a day with her food for three months. It has done nothing to take care of her tape worm. This may be because it is mixed in with her moist food. We will not be trying DE to take care of the fleas that I'm sure are coming our way now that spring has come and we have small worm bits hiding around our house. I do not want any animals or people to breathe in tiny glass like fragments in dust form. Our cat will be going to the vet shortly to have the worms taken care of.
Fleas
Posted by Matthew (Onamia, Mn) on 10/01/2016
How much of this food grade DE stuff do you put your dogs and cats? I'm planning to go buy some somewhere (i heard hardware stores carry it).
Fleas
Posted by June (KC, KS) on 12/25/2008
Hi, I bought my DE from www.herbalremedies.com. They have great prices. I mix it in my cat's food, and sometimes sprinkle it on their fur but don't use it on the carpet.
As far as keeping fleas out of your house, vacuum of course, this kills fleas. I mix up a spray that really helps. I use a blend of any of these oils: neem, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, etc...and add water in a spray bottle. Add as much oil needed to get a strong smell, roughly 20-30 drops of each oil. I spray this on the carpet as often as I need and lightly on furniture. It helps repel and will also destroy eggs.
I've also read you can place liquid dish soap in a plate and put these around your house. The fleas are supposed to be drawn to the soap and drown. You then pick up the plate, dump the fleas and start over. I haven't tried this, but heard it's a good remedy.
Also, google for information on www.holisticat.com. This site charges for membership, but their old posts are free to read. They have great suggestions on natural pet treatments.
Fleas
Posted by Wendy (Alabama, US) on 01/21/2015
The Diatomaceous Earth. cuts them and dries them as well as the salt dries them.
Parasites
Posted by Tina (Singers Glen VA) on 02/16/2025
Hello and thank you for all that you do! I have a 20yr old female cat. She was diagnosed with kidney disease about 2 yrs ago. She started on the vet's recommendation of a powder (name has escaped me). In some research I found that K&B drops (kidney and bladder support) from Young Living essential oils would help her. I started giving her a few drops in her morning and evening feedings. The hair on her head that was thinning, started growing back. She's never had a problem with eating or drinking water.
Last summer she was subjected to a break in her hind leg. She healed amazingly well within 10 weeks, with casts that my vet changed often. She was acting "off" a couple of months ago, and looked as if she had lost some weight, so I took her to the vet. She still has high counts for kidney issues, but now has a small tumor in her bladder. My vet put her on a daily lowdose of prednisone She is hydrated well, pees and eats without any issues. She still has a trace of blood in her urine (which is ok, according to my vet, as long as there are no clots). I started her on Diatomaceous Earth the end of Dec 2024, starting with 1/8tsp and is now up to 1/2tsp. I've noticed the last couple of days, she's meowing a lot more, not sure if it's because I've been giving her more attention and wet food and if I'm not on time for either comfort, she'll meow for longer times. All that being said, I'm wondering if her stomach hurts with parasite die off? Should I be giving her chlorella or otherwise? She's a hardy trooper at her age. I'd be grateful if you have advise to share. Thank you!
Side Effects
Posted by Horrrified (USA) on 05/21/2024
I didn't realize that diatomaceous earth is also being used in certain dog food brands. It has caused major skin problems with my dog, internal disorders, loss of hair and loss of nutrition. I had no idea about this product and I'm horrified! This shouldn't be ingested or even included in a dog food! These things don't show up right away but with continued use it will affect your pet.
Potential Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (CA) on 06/15/2023
I would like to give my dog DE for a uti and arthritis. However, she has dry eyes. Can this dry her eyes more taking it internally?
Side Effects in Dogs
Posted by Frankie (Ft. Myers, FL) on 02/13/2022
Does anyone have experience giving this internally ie with food to senior dogs, dogs with liver issues and Cushing's Disease? Is it okay to dispense with Vetoryl, Denamarin, Gabapentin…? Thanks.
Parasites
Posted by Kcin Ar (Russellville, Ar Usa) on 01/28/2011
To Angela from Scotia, Ny, Usa- PLEASE never give your kitties diatomaceous earth!! I understand it can be inhaled and since it's like tiny microscopic shards of glass, it gets stuck in their lungs! I've heard of people who dusted their cat for fleas with it and it killed the cat!
Fleas
Posted by Linda (Cape Coral, FL ) on 04/12/2025
Hello, I was just reading your comment and I have always been told garlic is deadly to pets. Just wanted to mention that since you were saying you give your dog garlic. Apparently it hasn't hurt him or her but I just wanted to mention it.
