Is Non-Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Pets?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock that is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of single-celled algae. DE is a versatile material that has a variety of uses, including as a food additive, a filtering agent, and an insecticide. However, not all DE is safe for pets. Only food-grade DE is safe for pets to ingest. Non-food grade DE can contain harmful impurities, such as heavy metals and pesticides, which can cause health problems in pets.
What is the Difference Between Food-Grade and Non-Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?
Food-grade DE is DE that has been processed to remove all harmful impurities. It is safe for human and animal consumption. Non-food grade DE is DE that has not been processed to remove harmful impurities. It is not safe for human or animal consumption.
What are the Dangers of Non-Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth to Pets?
Non-food grade DE can contain a variety of harmful impurities, including:
- Heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury
- Pesticides, such as DDT and chlordane
- Crystalline silica, which is a known carcinogen
These impurities can cause a variety of health problems in pets, including:
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
- Respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Skin irritation, such as redness, itching, and rashes
- Eye irritation, such as redness, swelling, and tearing
- Neurological problems, such as seizures, tremors, and paralysis
- Cancer
How Can I Tell if Diatomaceous Earth is Food-Grade?
The best way to tell if DE is food-grade is to look for the label "food-grade" on the product. If the product does not have this label, it is not food-grade and should not be given to pets.
What Should I Do if My Pet Ingests Non-Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?
If your pet ingests non-food grade DE, call your veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and provide the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Non-food grade DE is not safe for pets. It can contain harmful impurities that can cause a variety of health problems. Only food-grade DE is safe for pets to ingest. If you are considering giving DE to your pet, be sure to look for the label "food-grade" on the product.
Declaration: All article resources on this website, unless otherwise specified or labeled, are collected from online resources. If the content on this website infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of the original author, you can contact this website to delete it.
