Many horse owners know the feeling: Sometimes feeding goes smoothly, other times sensitive horses react with gut discomfort, inconsistent droppings, or picky eating habits.

Zeolite – or, more accurately, natural clinoptilolite zeolite – is therefore often used to support the digestive tract and bind undesirable substances in the gut. For zeolite to unfold its full potential, however, the correct dosage and application are crucial.
In this guide, we show you practically and understandably how to use zeolite safely for your horse: from dosage by weight to a slow introduction, and everyday tips for powder and pellets – including tricks for picky horses. We will only briefly touch on fecal water here; detailed background information can be found in our guides: Natural treatment of fecal water in horses – causes and home remedies and Zeolite use for fecal water: effectiveness and study results.
Our goal: After reading, you will know exactly how much zeolite your horse needs, how to feed it, and what to pay attention to in everyday life – so that feeding becomes relaxed and routine again.
Dosage of Zeolite for Horses
The right amount is crucial for zeolite to unfold its full potential. Not only the horse's body weight, but also its individual sensitivity is important. Therefore, we recommend always introducing zeolite slowly and gradually increasing the amount.
| Horse's Weight | Starting Amount (1st week) | Recommended Daily Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pony up to 250 kg | 5 g | 10–20 g |
| Small Horse 250–400 kg | 10 g | 20–30 g |
| Large Horse 400–600 kg | 15 g | 30–40 g |
| Draft Horse over 600 kg | 20 g | 40–50 g |
1 level measuring spoon = approx. 10g
The included large plastic measuring spoon holds 10g of zeolite when level. It has a line in the middle indicating half of the spoon. This makes it easy to dose 5g as well.
If there is no plastic measuring spoon, please use a conventional wooden or plastic spoon. Or contact us so we can send you one.

Horse's weight: Our guidelines for dosing HORSEKRAFT Zeolite
Your horse weighs 400kg: then give it at least 25g of zeolite = 2.5 measuring spoons per day with its feed.
600kg: 35g = 3.5 measuring spoons per day
800kg: 45g = 4.5 measuring spoons per day
HORSEKRAFT Zeolite has an average particle size of 24 microns (micrometers). We chose this grain size together with zeolite experts for horses. STEINKRAFT Zeolite is tribomechanically pulverized. This means that, apart from its purity, the powder has a very high active surface area and activation. Therefore, it is twice as effective and very efficient.
In other words: your horse needs to eat less zeolite with its feed, and you can also feel good because its higher effectiveness also makes it more sustainable, as less raw material is needed.
IMPORTANT: Provide your horse with sufficient drinking water.
And if your horse is taking medication, it's best to leave a 2-hour gap between feeding zeolite and the medication.
For a course of treatment, increase the dose, but to a maximum of 100g/day or 1% of the total feed amount. This is a legal regulation (Austrian Feed Authority) and must be stated on the label. Please do not be confused by this.
Powder or Pellets?
-
Powder is suitable when mixed directly into the feed and horses have no problems with the consistency.
-
Pellets are practical to use, are sometimes eaten more easily, and produce little to no dust.
👉 Here you can watch a VIDEO explaining the differences.
Practical Application
Zeolite is easy to feed – if you observe a few things. The most important rule: feed regularly and with patience. This way, your horse gets used to the new component in its feed and can achieve the best possible effect.
How to mix zeolite into the feed
-
In mash: Mixing it into mash is particularly popular, as the slightly pulpy consistency optimally absorbs the powder or pellets.
-
With carrots or apple juice: A few grated carrots or a splash of apple juice help to "package" zeolite in terms of taste.
-
Soaked concentrated feed: If the trough feed is slightly moistened, zeolite adheres better and is reliably consumed.
Tips for picky horses
Some horses react sensitively to changes in their feed. To make it work anyway:
-
Start with very small amounts (e.g. 5g) and increase gradually.
-
Use pellets if your horse doesn't like the powder – they don't taste different, but sometimes horses automatically recognize pellets as feed and accept them more easily.
-
Divide the daily amount into two meals to increase acceptance.
- Here you can read additional ideas from our customers in a special blog article:
👉 What to do if your horse doesn't eat the zeolite powder?
When is the right time?
Zeolite can be used flexibly, ideally:
-
in the morning with concentrated feed for a good start to the day,
-
or in the evening with mash, so it can work overnight.
Important: There should be a 2-hour gap between administering medication or mineral feed and zeolite, as zeolite can otherwise impair absorption.
Practical Experience
Many horse owners report that correct dosage and patient application are crucial. Especially if a horse is initially skeptical of new things in its feed, it pays off to start slowly and introduce small amounts gradually.
"My gelding initially refused the powder. I then gave him just a pinch in his mash and gradually increased the amount each week. After two weeks, he ate it without problems – now he gets the full dosage and eats it willingly."
Another topic is the appropriate form of administration. Some horses accept powder without issues, others prefer it in pellet form.
"Our mare doesn't eat powder. For whatever reason. But with pellets, it works immediately – now she really looks forward to her feed. For us, the choice of form was crucial."
Dosing by body weight has also proven effective in practice:
"For my draft horse, I started according to your table and slowly increased to 40 g. After just a few weeks, his digestion was more stable, and he generally seemed more balanced."
These experiences show: Zeolite works best when dosage and application are individually adapted to the horse. Small steps, patience, and the right form are the keys to success.
👉 Our TIP: Always start with half the dosage and slowly increase to the full amount within 7–10 days. This allows your horse's digestive tract to adapt optimally.
Frequently asked questions about zeolite dosage and application in horses:
❓Can zeolite be fed long-term?
Yes, zeolite is suitable for both short-term courses and continuous feeding. Many horse owners use it for extended periods because it is very well tolerated.
❓How long does it take to notice an effect?
This varies individually. Some horses show more stable digestion after just a few days, while for others, it takes 2–3 weeks for changes to become visible. Patience pays off: the body needs time to adjust.
❓Can I give zeolite at the same time as medication or mineral feed?
Zeolite has a strong binding capacity. Therefore, you should maintain a minimum of 2–3 hours separation between administering medication or mineral feed and zeolite. This ensures that the absorption of active ingredients is not impaired.
❓How should I store zeolite?
Zeolite has a very long shelf life, as long as it is stored dry, cool, and sealed. It's best to keep it in its original container or a lidded bucket.
Further Practical Experiences
💬 "I was unsure whether to start with the full amount right away. Luckily, I started small – 10 g for my 500-kg horse – and increased it every week. He got used to it well, and after a month, we're at 35 g. That worked great."
💬 "My mare is extremely picky. Powder was left in the trough, no matter what I mixed it with. With pellets, it worked immediately – now she really looks forward to her feed. For us, the choice of form was crucial."
💬 "I've been feeding zeolite daily for 6 months now. Initially planned as a course, but since it was so well accepted, I continued it. My gelding gets 25 g in the morning with his concentrated feed, and it just works."
💬 "We have two horses – a large horse and a pony. Thanks to the dosage table, it was easy to determine the right amount for both. I weigh it out and use the measuring spoons, so it's uncomplicated in everyday life."
💬 "Initially, I made the mistake of giving too much at once. My horse refused the feed. With the tip to introduce the amount slowly, it now works wonderfully – and he eats it without problems."
💬 "My gelding had digestive problems after medication. I fed zeolite with a 3-hour gap – as recommended. That's easy to fit into the daily routine and works reliably."
Science & Background
Zeolite has been researched in animal nutrition for many years. The natural clinoptilolite rock is characterized by a special crystal structure that can bind pollutants like a sponge. This neutralizes and eliminates undesirable substances in the digestive tract.
Several studies have shown that zeolite:
-
binds ammonium and toxins – which can contribute to a more stable intestinal environment.
-
improves stool consistency – horses with fluctuating or diarrheal stools often showed more stable digestion.
-
supports the intestinal environment – by regulating pH levels in the digestive tract more favorably.
Particularly important for practice: Zeolite is generally very well tolerated and can be fed over longer periods. However, this requires correct dosage and application for optimal binding capacity.
If you want to delve deeper into the topic, our articles provide a detailed overview with sources and information:
👉 Zeolite for Horses - everything you need to know: Q&A and Guide
⭕️ Conclusion
Every horse is unique – just as every family member has their own needs. Some eat everything without hesitation, others are picky, and each animal reacts differently to feed additives. Therefore, there isn't "one right" application for everyone. It's important to listen to your gut feeling and adjust the dosage to suit your horse.
Zeolite can be valuable support: gentle, natural, and versatile. Whether as powder or pellets – it can be easily integrated into daily routines and adapted to your horse's individual preferences. Patience, attentiveness, and the joy of knowing your horse is getting what it needs are crucial.
At Steinkraft, every horse is close to our hearts. That's why we ensure that our zeolite products are pure, high-quality, and easy to use – so you can be confident that your horse is optimally cared for.
👉 Discover our selection of zeolite products for horses and find the variant that best suits your four-legged partner.
👉 Here you will find the product of the month and a good overview of all STEINKRAFT areas
👉 Here you will find all STEINKRAFT products at a glance - directly in the shop
| What to do if your horse doesn't eat zeolite powder? Here we have collected many tips >>> |
|
| Zeolite is not just zeolite. How do you recognize the difference in quality? |
![]() |







2 comments
Ich habe mit Einschleichen – halbe Menge – begonnen, dann 6 Wochen eine Kur mit doppelter Menge und jetzt bekommen sie es täglich dazu. Alle meine 3 fressen es anstandslos mit. Bin sehr sehr zufrieden auch dank eurer Anleitungen und Praxis-Tipps.
Dieser ausführliche und verständliche Beitrag hat mir sehr geholfen zu verstehen warum es für meine Stute das Richtige ist und wie ich es korrekt füttere.
Sollte für alle zur „Pflichtlektüre“ werden.