⭕️ Zeolite - everything you need to know about feeding it to horses: Q&A and Guide

Zeolite has established itself in recent years as a valuable support in horse keeping. More and more horse owners are using the natural volcanic rock to relieve the gut, bind toxins, and support their animals in special situations such as coat change or loose stools.

It is important to us to explain this topic simply and understandably, because we believe that information and knowledge are the best basis for making good decisions for the well-being of horses. In this article, you will therefore find all the important information about zeolite for horses – its effects, application, and practical experiences, clearly and comprehensibly. Basically, everything you ever wanted to know about zeolite ♡

What is zeolite and why is it interesting for horses?

Zeolite is a natural mineral of volcanic origin that has been used in animal nutrition for decades. Its special ability to bind pollutants and support metabolic processes also makes it interesting for horses.

❓Why should horse feed be optimized with zeolite?

1. Because horse feed can be contaminated with pollutants.
Horse feed can be contaminated with pollutants. Feed must be made durable. It is sometimes bought in large quantities, which then sit around and develop mycotoxins. A naturopath showed me exactly when mold develops in rolled oats. That happens pretty quickly.

2. Because pastures are fertilized with pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Or with slurry. Regardless of the animals, the slurry is full of germs and often full of chemicals. If the slurry is spread with a trailing hose, the solid components remain on the ground and are harvested with the hay, and then ingested by the horses.

3. Because water is sometimes no longer as clean and supplies nitrates and other pollutants. Especially where a lot of synthetic fertilizer is used, nitrates enter the groundwater. And what I always see and hear is that some horses drink water that flows through old lead pipes. And horse stables often have lead pipes.

4. Because roughage is sometimes poorly dried. This can lead to the feed being contaminated with mold, toxins, and pollutants. Zeolite binds these physically. No magic. It is also not a chemical binding. A natural physical one, because the high surface area can adsorb these pollutants and remove them from the animal. It is also called a toxin binder.

5. Because conventional mineral feed pellets contain additives to make them into pellets. This can be anything. Various sugars or synthetic binders.

Effect of zeolite in the horse's gut

❓When should I optimize my horse's feed with zeolite? How does zeolite support my horse?

The right time to use zeolite often depends on the horse's stress level – be it coat change, stress, or digestive problems.

When finely pulverized by a tribomechanical grinding process, zeolite can bind pollutants due to its high internal surface area – adsorption capacity. Heavy metals, histamines, ammonia, molds, etc. are firmly bound and excreted.

Zeolite is a feed additive and, with this ability, optimizes horse feed. The feed is then of higher quality and provides the horse with the nutrients. According to our customers and veterinarians, feed optimized with zeolite can support coat change, regulate digestion, prevent loose stools [>> click here for scientific studies on this] or stop them within a short time, prevent laminitis, and support during stress.

Similarly, with allergies, you can support your horse from the inside. And for all types of eczema, feed optimized with zeolite is a good choice.

❓Are there studies on the use of zeolite in horses? Efficacy studies?

Yes, there are. But not many. I have summarized them once. It's always nice to read how zeolite also makes a difference in these studies. Also take a look at the blog post: Solid knowledge about zeolite for animals. There are nice studies done on dogs and cows. I know the bodies of these animals function differently - but there are certainly basic rules for how a gut and a mammal function internally. You get a good feeling of confidence, because we see that many people and veterinary universities are already dealing with the effects of zeolite.
So, now to the individual studies with sources and the corresponding links:

• Training distance to failure in young racing Quarter Horses fed sodium zeolite A (1993, Nielsen et al.) – In a one-year study, young racing horses received feed with 0.66–2% zeolite A from 6 months of age. Supplemented horses showed higher plasma silicon values, and there was a significant positive correlation (R²≈0.54) between plasma silicon content and the training distance covered until the first injury event. This suggests that bioavailable silicon from zeolite can support bone strength, connective tissue health, and prevent training injuries.
  Source: hrcak.srce.hr. DOI: 10.1016/S0737-0806(06)81526-1

• Supplemental silicon increases plasma and milk silicon concentrations in horses (2001, Lang et al.) – In a study of lactating Arabian mares, feeding clinoptilolite (as a silicon source) led to significantly increased silicon concentrations in the plasma of the mares (after 30 days) and in their milk (after 45 days). The foals of the treated mares also showed higher plasma silicon levels.
  Silicon supplementation via zeolite thus increased the bioavailability of silicon in mares and foals, which may be relevant for bone health (although only trends, but no significant changes in bone metabolism markers, were observed in this study).
  Source: DOI: 10.2527/2001.79102627x

• Increased plasma silicon concentrations and altered bone resorption in yearling horses (2001, Lang et al.) – In this follow-up study on yearlings, feeding 2% zeolite A also increased plasma silicon levels and influenced markers of bone metabolism, particularly a reduced bone resorption was observed. However, in contrast to breeding mares, no significant increase in bone formation was observed in yearlings. Overall, the results indicate that zeolite A can favorably influence bone metabolism in young horses, although the effects are age and physiology-dependent.
  Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. DOI: 10.1016/S0737-0806(01)70161-X

• Mineral balance in horses fed two supplemental silicon sources (2008, O’Connor et al.) – This study compared the effect of zeolite A with an organic silicon source (containing orthosilicic acid) in horses. Horses receiving 200 g/day zeolite A showed improved silicon retention and increased plasma Si levels compared to controls. The authors conclude that zeolite is an effective silicon source for supporting bone and joint health in horses.
  Source: hrcak.srce.hr. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00724.x

Explanation: Zeolite A is a synthetic zeolite; in contrast, clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite, and in horse practice, it analogously releases bioavailable silicon. Both forms are used to promote bone health. The above studies emphasize that zeolite is neither absorbed by the horse nor acts as a nutrient, but in the intestine, it releases bioactive silicon (orthosilicic acid), which can support bone mineralization. And that is a good, actually super good, thing.

In addition to scientific research, practical experience is particularly valuable. Many veterinarians confirm that zeolite can be a sensible supplement in certain situations. An example from veterinary experience:

💬 "Zeolite is not a substitute for veterinary therapy, but a valuable support in daily stable life. Especially horses with sensitive digestive tracts benefit from it, because the mineral binds excess harmful substances and stabilizes the intestinal environment." – Veterinarian for equine nutrition

Zeolite for typical horse problems

❓ Does zeolite work for loose stools in horses?

Yes, zeolite can be supportive for loose stools in horses. The natural mineral binds excess acids, toxins, and harmful substances in the intestine that arise from malfermentation. At the same time, it soothes the irritated intestinal lining and stabilizes the intestinal environment. Zeolite is particularly helpful for loose stools caused by feeding or stress, as well as as part of a holistic intestinal cleansing.

Simply increase the dosage and let the zeolite powder stimulate the horse's self-regeneration.

❓Are there studies showing that zeolite works for diarrhea and loose stools?

Yes, there are. Studies in horses regarding zeolite's effectiveness for loose stools are still limited. The findings largely come from other animals (lambs, calves, pigs, and chickens) from general veterinary investigations. However, they provide strong evidence that zeolite can also be effective in horses for binding toxins, protecting the intestinal lining, improving stool consistency, and stabilizing the intestinal flora. That's quite something.

❓How can zeolite support in laminitis?

"Zeolite helps with toxic laminitis and draws the poisoning out of the body. A horse that has once been prone to laminitis tends to recur. Zeolite can have a preventive effect with regular intake."
Armin Eberle, Swiss hoof orthopaedist.

Chronic and acute illnesses are all attributed to weaknesses in the immune system.

Laminitis is a thrombosis in the hoof, meaning thickened blood clogs various capillary vessels. This prevents nutrient exchange, causing the vessels to become inflamed and die. --> You can read more background information on laminitis here.

❓My farrier recommended your products to me. I'm looking for a good "remedy" to help my Icelandic gelding with sweet itch.

Many horse owners have reported good results against skin eczema with our product Horsekraft Zeolite Black Cumin. Feeding the zeolite pellets helps combat skin inflammation and supports the horse in defending against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects via the gut. If the affected areas are weeping, our skin powder can help externally, and for scabrous areas, our wound ointment.

The zeolite content of the pellets optimizes the feed and allows the organic black cumin to work even better. The horse emits the scent. It's not detectable by the human nose, but biting midges, horseflies, and ticks can smell it. And they don't like it.

❓Why does your black cumin-zeolite product work?

I gave my horse black cumin oil. It didn't really do anything for my horse. Why does the black cumin-zeolite powder work? Because zeolite binds toxins and prepares the environment, allowing the active ingredients of real black cumin to work.

If you use oil, please use organic black cumin oil. Conventional black cumin production relies on pesticides. Pesticides can easily trigger allergies in horses. And yes, our Horsekraft black cumin is organic quality. So: Zeolite binds toxins in the gut and allows the black cumin to work well.

👉Here you can read many customer experiences. A good collection of effects and application examples.

❓Which veterinarians and experts recommend zeolite?

Many veterinarians and equine nutrition experts consider zeolite a valuable addition to feeding. They particularly emphasize the mineral's ability to bind toxins in the gut, thereby relieving the organism. Zeolite has also been studied and used in various areas of veterinary medicine for years – for example, to support gut flora or with problems like loose stools.

In practice, veterinarians report that horses with sensitive digestion, during coat changes, or under increased stress can benefit from zeolite. Zeolite is also valued by agricultural experts, where it has long been used to improve feed hygiene and stable management.

👉 Important note: Zeolite does not replace veterinary treatment, but it can be a valuable supplement in consultation with professionals.

💬 "In my practice, I use zeolite as a supplement for horses suffering from loose stools or feed changes. Many animals show significant improvement within a few weeks, without any side effects." – Practicing equine veterinarian

Zeolite in daily life – Feeding and Dosage

❓What particle size/fineness should zeolite powder have for horses?

Together with zeolite experts, we have chosen an average particle size of 24 microns (the abbreviation for micron is: µm) for use in horses. If the particle size were larger, higher dosages would be necessary to achieve the same effect. The coarser the granule, the lower the adsorption capacity. The finer it is, the larger the active surface and the less zeolite needs to be fed. Digestion in horses is a rather sensitive matter, so 24 microns is quite perfect.

Read more about particle size/fineness >>>

❓How do I correctly dose zeolite for horses?

We recommend using the horse's weight as a guideline.

So:
If your horse weighs 400kg: then give it 25g of zeolite = 2.5 scoops per day mixed into the horse feed.
600kg: 35g = 3.5 scoops per day
800kg: 45g = 4.5 scoops per day

Here we have written a guide for zeolite dosage and collected application examples.

❓What's better: Zeolite powder or Zeolite pellets?

It's a matter of taste. The 24µm powder is gently pelleted into pellets, and absolutely no additives are added. Yes, the pellets hold together. Nothing extra is needed.

Pellets are easier to dose, better to handle, and don't dust. Powder and pellets cost the same. We wanted it that way. I don't want the price to be the deciding factor. I want you to decide what makes more sense. We decided to produce pellets because customers kept asking for them and wishing for them. The pellet bucket contains more (4.5kg), so it lasts longer.

However, there are also horses that sort out every single small pellet. In that case, powder is better. It mixes well with the feed. The feed authority generally states that pellets must be dissolved beforehand. You can sprinkle it well on hay and moisten it slightly.

Dear customers from Tyrol sent us this photo of the pellet dispenser. In this stable, zeolite is a fixed part of the routine for the horses' good well-being. In the fourth container, you can see the pure zeolite pellets for easy removal and feeding.

❓What to do if my horse won't eat the zeolite?

We have dedicated an entire article to this topic.

Get inspired and send us your tip. Your tip is surely also interesting for other horse owners :-) Hop over >>>

❓What is the best way to use zeolite?

It's best to mix it with the feed so it's homogeneously distributed. Zeolite is a technological (that's actually what it's called) additive to optimize feed.

The correct name for zeolite powder is 1g568 and it is approved as a binder and anti-caking agent to reduce feed contamination. For all animal species.

Therefore, zeolite belongs in the feed and must be mixed homogeneously. Into the mash or onto the hay and then moistened. Once a day. If the horse is taking medication or additional mineral feed, make sure there are at least 2 hours between administrations.
A guide to using zeolite in horses can be found here.

❓Can zeolite also bind synthetic mineral feed?

Yes. Many mineral feeds are synthetic minerals. These are also bound.

❓And proteins? Does zeolite bind proteins?

They are not adsorbed (i.e., firmly bound and not released) nor absorbed (i.e., sucked in), but they might adhere to the zeolite powder. Please also leave at least two hours between administrations, as with medications.

❓Does zeolite bind vitamins?

No. They are definitely too large in their structure and do not fit into the crystal lattice. Therefore, zeolite cannot do anything with vitamins or amino acids.

❓How long should zeolite be fed to horses? Permanently or as a course?

We recommend a course of treatment for 2-3 months, with a double dose. Especially if you haven't optimized the feed or cleansed the horse for a long time. But a maximum of 1% of the total feed amount. This is the regulation of the Austrian feed authority.

Afterward, you can decide whether you want to continue optimizing the daily feed. It also depends on the quality of the feed, how it is stored, whether the hay has good nutrients, and how your horse reacts to pesticides.

For older horses, we recommend feeding it continuously to support and relieve them as much as possible. Feed optimized with zeolite prevents many issues, relieves detoxification organs, and a good acid-base balance in the body is a good start.

And it depends on whether you want to support your horse from within. During coat change, for relaxation, with metabolic disorders, if it has become too fat, with lack of exercise, in stressful situations - stable change, new stable members, ... - when transitioning to pasture. If your horse starts gnawing on tree bark or fences, it might need silicon. Silicon is the main component of zeolite.

❓When to supplement zeolite - BEFORE gut rehabilitation and great herbs... or DURING?

We recommend optimizing the feed with zeolite before gut rehabilitation or using great herbs, so that the gut transports toxins away beforehand and is well prepared. If there are too many toxins in the digestive tract, the animal cannot absorb the new good microbiome, and the active ingredients of sometimes quite expensive herbs cannot unleash their full potential. Therefore, feed zeolite beforehand.

❓Is there sugar in STEINKRAFT zeolite products?

No. There is NO sugar in ANY HORSEKRAFT product. Of course not. Not even in the pellets. We have a good production method, so the pellets don't need sugar or any other binding agent to become pellets.
Zeolite pellets contain only zeolite. 100%.

❓Is zeolite on the doping list?

No. Zeolite is doping-free. It is a completely natural support. Optimized feed leads to a more harmonious horse. Either it becomes calmer and more attentive because it feels better in its own skin and has a better body feeling, or the horse becomes livelier and more alert because its gut doesn't need as much energy.

Quality criteria for zeolite for horses

❓How do I recognize the quality of zeolite?

1. Particle size 24µm is best according to horse experts. Due to the sensitive equine digestive organs. Not coarser, because then you would have to feed more to achieve the desired effect (more feeding would also mean more expensive, wouldn't it?). And it might be too coarse for the horses, making it harder for them to eat. Sometimes a horse owner tells me that zeolite didn't help with loose stools. I then ask how fine the powder was. Most of the time they don't know and it's not written on the product anywhere. They send it to us and we analyze the zeolite. And it's often over 100 microns. That's very coarse, and you have to use many times the amount to achieve an effect. And that amount then deters people, and they use the dosage instructions for a fine powder - and that's then too little.

2. Tribomechanically pulverized and activated in an air current. Only then can the natural mineral unleash its full potential, because it is charged, and only then does the suction effect truly occur. And above all, it remains pure.

Recently, we spoke on the phone with a customer. She wanted to know if tribo-mechanical grinding is really that important, or if it's somewhat overrated. At this point, we recommend doing the magnet test. Hold a magnet to the rim of a glass in which you have dissolved zeolite in water. And see what happens. If zeolite is ground using conventional milling methods, there is a very high probability that metal abrasion from the balls will be in the zeolite powder. In addition, the crystal lattices inside the zeolite are crushed and then no longer perform their known function.

In summary: There are 8-micron products on the market that have a high level of contamination. Our 2 hypotheses:

1. Grinding with conventional milling methods (the dark cloud is the abrasion. Zeolite contains iron. But if a cloud becomes visible, then it is abrasion.)
2. Storage: If zeolite is incorrectly packaged, transported, and stored, even originally pure zeolite can become contaminated, because this natural mineral attracts pollutants. Prof. Dr. Hecht has emphatically pointed out these contamination possibilities and told many stories about them.

Read more about why tribo-mechanical grinding is so important >>>

❓Where does Steinkraft Zeolite come from - where is it mined?

We took a closer look at all raw materials from the EU and decided on the mining site in Eastern Slovakia. This raw material was most appealing to the production experts (who looked at all raw materials in Europe) AND it was described by Prof. Dr. Karl Hecht as the best raw material source, due to its composition.

❓Can zeolite be organic?

No. A product can only be organic if there is also a non-organic version of that product. Zeolite is stone. It cannot be organic. Only natural. So, if a product says organic zeolite or zeolite of organic quality, it's a marketing gimmick. It's not possible. 

We find this important. These manipulative statements suggest a lack of care shown towards this valuable natural product.

❓How is Steinkraft Zeolite ground?

Steinkraft pulverizes tribo-mechanically. We have a huge machine in production, actually two, standing neatly in parallel. We decide when to micronize and how fine we want the powder to be. You can read more about it here >>>

❓Is Steinkraft Zeolite regularly checked for heavy metals?

Yes. Feed manufacturers are obligated to do so. BUT: a heavy metal analysis of the ground product is important. So that heavy metal contamination from grinding with ball mills does not only become visible during the magnet test. And HORSEKRAFT Zeolite for horses is produced by a certified feed manufacturer. CO2 neutral. If that's of interest to anyone. It's important to us.

❓Can aluminum leach out of zeolite? 

No. I know it's often rumored that aluminum can leach out and then my horse would suffer from aluminum contamination due to zeolite. That's nonsense.

Aluminum is firmly bound in natural zeolite. The higher the silicon to aluminum ratio, the more stable this compound is. Anything above 5:1 is good. Again: Prof. Hecht always said that not the amount of aluminum, but the ratio of silicon to aluminum is important.
However, with synthetically produced zeolite, it can indeed happen that aluminum is not so firmly bound and therefore leaches out. As I said: with synthetically produced zeolite.

Therefore, it is important to buy natural zeolite. Preferably from a trustworthy zeolite manufacturer. Zeolite dealers sometimes don't know much about it either. I notice this when I ask questions, and it even happens that zeolite dealers get information about their products from us...

❓I read that the higher the clinoptilolite content in zeolite, the greater its effect - is that true?

No, that's not true. Prof. Dr. Karl Hecht emphasized this repeatedly. The mineralogical analysis always gives "from-to" values because the clinoptilolite content also varies from batch to batch. Prof. Hecht always considered the entire mineralogical composition important, namely the ratio of silicon and aluminum. This should be at least 5:1. AND the grinding is crucial. Tribo-mechanical grinding is important because this pulverization method does not contaminate the material, maintains its purity, and, most importantly, breaks up the crystal lattice structures instead of crushing them.

HOWEVER: for zeolite to be suitable for feed optimization, the clinoptilolite content must be greater than 80%. And not every mining site achieves that.

❓Do I need to detox my horse?

Yes, of course. Stress hormones leave toxins in the body, mycotoxins in moldy hay need to be removed from the body. The gut microbiome always needs to be brought back into balance. All of this is reason enough to do a detox cure at least once a year. The gut can also absorb good nutrients much better again. You could also start reading from the first question here. And here you have an image for Pinterest. We would, of course, be very happy if you pin it and spread the knowledge.

⭕️ Conclusion – Zeolite as natural support for horses

Zeolite is not a miracle cure, but a proven natural companion in horse keeping. Thanks to its special structure, it can bind toxins, relieve the gut, and thus support the well-being of the animals. Many horse owners report positive experiences – whether with loose stools, coat changes, or as a general supplement to their feed.

It remains important: Zeolite does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment, but can be used as a sensible supplement to daily care.

👉 Discover our Zeolite for horses in the Steinkraft shop now, carefully selected and available in various options.

 

Read more >> Summer eczema in horses? This can help.

Or Zeolite for dogs: 10 good reasons to enrich dog food with zeolite.

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