What is the difference between Bentonite Clay & Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a marine sediment consisting primarily of the skeletons of diatoms, which are microscopic algae. The skeletons consist almost entirely of silica, though other material may be present in the sediment. It does not swell when wetted. Bentonite Clay is a montmorillinite clay mineral that results from the weathering of volcanic ash deposits and that swells when it gets wet. It has an entirely geological origin, whereas diatomaceous earth has an organic origin. Both, however, contain silica as well as traces of other minerals. USES Diatomaceous Earth is sometimes brushed through the fur or feathers of animals or put in their bedding to kill insect parasites. It is also often added to horse feed to keep the food from clumping and as a source of trace minerals. “The governments of the United States and Canada recognize that fossil shell flour is safe to use in animal foods in an amount not to exceed 2% by weight of the total feed ration. When added at this percentage, fos
