Diatomaceus Earth 1 kg

Diatomaceous earth for horses

Diatomaceous earth is a natural source of silicon. Silicon is a trace element that occurs naturally in the body as part of tissue and support structures, and it is considered in nutrition particularly due to its connections to collagen and mineral metabolism.

Chia de Gracia diatomaceous earth consists of fossilised single-celled micro-organisms whose cell walls have accumulated a high concentration of silicon over time. The raw material is of freshwater origin and naturally contains a high concentration of silicon.

Silicon as part of the horse's tissue structures

Silicon occurs in the body in tissues that require structural strength and flexibility. Silicon is part of collagen-containing tissues, such as connective tissues and other support structures. Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body and a key component of the structure of many tissues.

When is diatomaceous earth used in feeding?

Diatomaceous earth is used in feeding particularly when you want to support the horse's tissue structures as part of a balanced diet. Diatomaceous earth is often chosen for the diet in situations where attention is paid to:

- hooves, which are keratin-rich and slowly renewing structures

- mane, tail, and coat, whose formation and renewal are linked to long-term nutritional balance

- the horse's support tissues and connective tissues

- the overall diet of the ageing horse

- varied trace element intake as part of the daily diet

The use of diatomaceous earth is based on the nutritional properties of silicon, the natural composition of the raw material, and extensive feeding experience in horse nutrition.

Diatomaceous earth in feeding

Diatomaceous earth is a fine-grained, mineral-based raw material that is not a digestible nutrient. It passes through the digestive tract unchanged. Diatomaceous earth is suitable for use as part of the daily diet or as a course.

Dosage:

Horse (approx. 500 kg):
1–2 tbsp, 1–2 times per day

Mix into water or moistened feed.

1 tbsp ≈ 5 g

Always start with a small dose and increase the amount gradually.

Other uses: Diatomaceous earth is also suitable for external use. It can be used, for example, for odour control in dry areas or sprinkled on manure heaps and stalls as part of stable environment maintenance.

Raw material origin: Chia de Gracia diatomaceous earth originates from a freshwater environment. Freshwater diatomaceous earth is traditionally considered a purer raw material compared to saltwater diatomaceous earth.

Nutritional composition; Silicon 94,2 %, Calcium 0,3 %, Sodium 1,0 %, Phosphorus 0 %

Background information and studies

Silicon intake and metabolism have been studied in horse nutrition as part of mineral metabolism and its connections to tissue structures.

Lang K.J., Nielsen B.D., Waite K.L. et al.
Supplemental silicon increases plasma and milk silicon concentrations in horses.
Journal of Animal Science 79:2627–2633.
The study examined the effect of dietary supplemental silicon on plasma and milk Si concentrations in horses.

O'Connor C.I., Nielsen B.D., Woodward A.D. et al.
Mineral balance in horses fed two supplemental silicon sources.
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2008.
The study compared the effects of different silicon sources on mineral balance in horses.