Natural Foods That Protect Dogs From Parasites

How to Organically Control Dog Fleas, Worms and Other Pests

Jul 10, 2009 Tricia Spencer

Alleviating parasite problems for dogs using natural methods instead of harsh pesticides and other chemicals is possible and easy.

Fleas, worms and ticks are the most common parasites dog owners contend with, and while there is a cornucopia of commercial products to deal with these issues, they are not for everyone. Not every pet owner wishes to subject their dogs to the potentially harmful side effects of chemicals.

Dog Health and Parasites

The first consideration for a dog with parasites is diet. Dogs fed only de-natured, commercial pet food can suffer from parasites due to poor nutrition.

A parasite is defined by Webster’s New World College Dictionary as: “a plant or animal that lives on or in an organism of another species from which it derives sustenance or protection without benefit to, and usually with harmful effects on, the host.”

Parasites, by nature, find their greatest host source to be an animal that is in ill health, and the first and best defense against parasites is a healthy body. A dog achieves a healthy body through a diet rich in whole food nutrients. Commercial pet food, particularly kibble, is void of anything fresh or raw and is filled with undesirable ingredients dogs should avoid, like the excessive fluoride in the bone meal common in commercial pet food.

Grains are another unhealthful culprit in commercial dog food. Most skin problems in dogs can be corrected by removing all grains from a dog’s diet. Dogs do not need, and are often harmed by, grains. A dog’s short digestive tract is not intended to process field grains.

A diet rich in raw, whole, fresh dog-appropriate foods helps to build the animal’s immune system and ward off parasitic infestation.

Natural De-Worming and Dog Flea Control

Almost all puppies inherit worms from their mothers. And while the worms need to be eliminated, the practice of administering harsh drugs to kill those worms is mostly unnecessary. With the exception of heartworm, worms can be naturally addressed. Some natural sources that help with de-worming and flea and tick control include:

Powdered raw pumpkin seed – Pumpkin seed not only helps keep internal parasites at bay, it acts as a digestive aid that helps prevent gas and bloating. Pumpkin seed is especially effective in eliminating tapeworms.
Coconut – Coconut (unsweetened, finely ground) expels internal parasites from the gut and can relieve issues such as irritable bowel syndrome in dogs.
Fennel – Fennel aids in worm expulsion and in soothing other digestive issues. It can be administered as a powder sprinkled over food, or given as a fennel tea to drink.
Garlic – Parasites do not like the garlic scent detectable on the skin of the host animal, and pests will choose to move on to an animal whose body does not emit that smell. Garlic also promotes a healthy immune system. Fresh garlic can be fed to dogs in moderation. But garlic’s cousin, the onion, is deadly to dogs. Onions cannot be substituted for garlic.
Citrus – Parasites react unfavorably to citrus. A spray made from boiled and strained lemons can act as a flea repellent.
Food grade diatomaceous earth – When added to the dog’s diet, food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) kills worms internally. Made from miniscule sea creatures, the ingested earth attacks the worms’ skeletons causing them to die and be eliminated through the dog’s waste.

Very important notes about diatomaceous earth:

Food grade diatomaceous earth is not the same diatomaceous earth used in swimming pools. Swimming pool diatomaceous earth is toxic and can kill a dog. For use with dogs, or people, only Food Grade diatomaceous earth is acceptable.
Food grade diatomaceous earth can also be occasionally and gently rubbed into a dog’s fur or ground into bedding to deter fleas. Food grade diatomaceous earth is perfectly safe to ingest, however, inhaling the dust is harmful to the lungs of people and pets. Safe handling of DE requires precautions to insure that the dust will not be inhaled or reach the eyes.

Adopting Safe and Sane Canine Parasite Prevention and Resolution

The five steps to optimal parasite-free health are:

A healthy, raw diet as close to organic as possible with unlimited fresh water
Natural pest control from Mother Nature’s bountiful resources
Attention to natural grooming with clean living quarters
Diligent research and education
The regular use of a flea comb

One key to determining how much of any food source to use is to begin small and increase dosage until results are achieved. However, one individual clove per day is generally the garlic maximum for a medium to large dog, less for smaller dogs.

Dogs can lead healthy, happy lives without incurring adverse consequences from harsh chemical solutions that spawn damaging, sometimes deadly, side effects. Adverse effects from chemicals are not always readily apparent and may manifest as multiple diseases weeks, months or even years after the dog has been exposed.

A homeopathic or holistic vet can help steer dog owners with an interest in natural canine health toward a chemical-free existence.

Every dog deserves a healthy life free of harmful parasites, but trading the parasites for cures that harm does not have to be the answer.

For additional healthy dog reading, consider Four Easy and Natural Dog Food Treat Recipes.

**Diatomaceous Earth photo used with permission of Wolf Creek Ranch

The copyright of the article Natural Foods That Protect Dogs From Parasites in Dogs is owned by Tricia Spencer. Permission to republish Natural Foods That Protect Dogs From Parasites in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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