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

In recent years, zeolite has established itself as a valuable support in horse keeping. More and more horse owners are using the natural volcanic rock to relieve the intestines, bind toxins, and support their animals in special situations such as coat changes or fecal water.

It is important to us to explain this topic simply and understandably, because we believe that information and knowledge are the best foundation for making good decisions for the well-being of horses. In this article, you will therefore find clear and comprehensible information about zeolite for horses – effects, application, and practical experiences. In short, everything you always 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 you optimize horse feed with zeolite?

 

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

2. Because pastures are fertilized with pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Or with manure. No matter from which animals, the manure is full of germs and often full of chemicals. If the manure is spread with a drag hose, the solid components remain on the ground and are virtually harvested with the hay and then ingested by the horses.

3. Because water is sometimes no longer as clean and supplies nitrates and other harmful substances. Especially where a lot of synthetic fertilizer is used, the nitrates get into the groundwater. And what I see and hear again and again 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 harmful substances. Zeolite binds these physically. No magic. It is also not a chemical bond. A natural physical one, because the high surface area can adsorb these harmful substances and remove them from the animal. It is also called a toxin binder.

5. Because conventional mineral feed pellets are provided with additives so that the pellets become 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 burden – be it coat change, stress, or digestive problems.

Zeolite, when finely pulverized by a tribomechanical grinding process, can bind harmful substances 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, a feed optimized with zeolite can support coat change, regulate digestion, prevent fecal water [>> click here for scientific studies on this] or stop it within a short time, prevent laminitis, and support during stress.

The same applies to allergies, where you can support your horse from within. And for all types of eczema, a 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 is always nice to read how zeolite also makes a difference in these studies. Also check out the blog post: In-depth knowledge about zeolite for animals. There are nice studies on dogs and cows. I know the bodies of these animals work differently - but there are certainly basic rules for how a gut and a mammal work internally. You get a good feeling of trust 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 aged 6 months and older were fed feed containing 0.66–2% zeolite A. 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 on lactating Arabian mares, feeding clinoptilolite (as a silicon source) led to significantly increased silicon concentrations in the mares' plasma (after 30 days) and in their milk (after 45 days). The foals of the treated mares also showed higher plasma silicon levels.
  Thus, silicon supplementation via zeolite increased the bioavailability of silicon in mares and foals, which can be relevant for bone health (although this study showed only trends, but no significant changes in bone metabolism markers).
  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; in particular, a reduced bone resorption was observed. However – in contrast to breeding mares – the yearlings showed no significant increase in bone formation. 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 of zeolite A showed improved silicon retention and increased plasma Si levels compared to controls. The authors conclude that zeolite is an effective silicon source to support 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; clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, similarly releases bioavailable silicon in horse practice. 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 rather releases bioactive silicon (orthosilicic acid) in the intestine, which can support bone mineralization. And that is a good, in fact, a super good thing.

In addition to scientific research, practical experiences are 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 common horse problems

❓ Does zeolite work for fecal water in horses?

Yes, zeolite can provide supportive effects for fecal water in horses. The natural mineral binds excess acids, toxins, and harmful substances in the intestine that result from fermentation imbalances. At the same time, it soothes irritated intestinal mucous membranes and stabilizes the intestinal environment. Zeolite is particularly helpful for fecal water caused by diet or stress, as well as being part of a holistic gut cleansing regimen.

Simply increase the dosage and allow the zeolite powder to boost the horse's self-regeneration. 

❓Are there studies showing that zeolite works for diarrhea and fecal water?

Yes, there are. Studies on horses regarding zeolite's effectiveness in fecal water are still limited. The findings largely come from other animals (lambs, calves, pigs, and even 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 gut flora. That's already something.

❓How can zeolite support with laminitis?

"Zeolite helps with toxic laminitis and removes the toxins from the body. A horse that has been prone to laminitis once tends to be prone to it again. Zeolite can have a preventive effect with regular intake."
 Armin Eberle, Swiss Hoof Orthopedist.

All chronic and acute illnesses are due to weaknesses in the immune system.

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

❓My hoof care specialist recommended your products. I am looking for a good "remedy" that helps my Icelandic gelding with summer eczema.

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

The zeolite content of the pellets optimizes the feed and allows the organic black cumin to work even better. The horse emits an odor that is not detectable by the human nose, but biting midges, horseflies, and ticks can detect 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 harmful substances and prepares the environment for the active ingredients of real black cumin to work. Please use organic black cumin oil. Conventional black cumin production relies on pesticides. Pesticides can readily trigger allergies in horses. And yes, our Horsekraft black cumin is organic quality. So: zeolite binds the harmful substances in the gut and allows the black cumin to work well.

👉You can read many customer experiences here. A good collection of effects and application examples.

❓Which veterinarians and experts recommend zeolite?

Many veterinarians and equine nutrition experts consider zeolite a valuable supplement in feeding. They emphasize its 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 change, or under increased stress can benefit from zeolite. Additionally, zeolite is 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 can be a valuable supplement in consultation with specialists.

💬 "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 side effects." – Practicing equine veterinarian

Zeolite in everyday life – Feeding and Dosage

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

Together with zeolite experts, we have decided on a medium grain size of 24 microns (the abbreviation for micron is: µm) for use in horses. If the grain size were higher, then higher dosages would be necessary to achieve the same effect. The coarser the grain, the lower the adsorption capacity. The finer it is, the larger the active surface and the less zeolite needs to be supplemented. Digestion in horses is a rather sensitive endeavor, so 24 microns is quite perfect.

Read more about grain size/particle size >>>

❓How do I properly dose zeolite for horses?

We recommend using the horse's weight as a guideline.
So:
Your horse weighs 400kg: then give it 25g of zeolite = 2.5 scoops per day in its 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 is better: Zeolite powder or zeolite pellets?

That's a matter of taste. In the pellets, the 24µm powder is gently pelletized and no additives are added. Yes, the pellets hold. Nothing additional 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 decide. 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 container holds 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 the 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 component 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 doesn't eat the zeolite?

We have dedicated an entire article to this.
Get inspired and send us your tip. Jump over >>>

❓What is the best way to use zeolite?

It's best to add it to the feed so it mixes homogeneously. Zeolite is a technological (that's actually what it's called) additive for optimizing feed.

The correct name for zeolite powder is 1g568 and is approved as a binder and flow agent for reducing feed contamination. For all animal species.

Therefore, zeolite belongs in the feed and must be homogeneously mixed there. Into the mash or onto the hay, then moisten. Once a day. If the horse is on medication or additional mineral feed, make sure there is at least a 2-hour gap.
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.

❓What about proteins?

They are not adsorbed (i.e., fixedly bound and not released) nor absorbed (i.e., sucked in), but it could be that they stick to the zeolite powder. Please also leave a two-hour gap here.

❓Does zeolite bind vitamins?

No. Their structure is definitely much too large and they do not fit into the crystal lattice. Therefore, zeolite cannot do anything with vitamins or amino acids.

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

We often recommend a course of treatment for 2-3 months, with a double dose. Especially if you haven't optimized the feed or detoxified the horse for a long time. However, a maximum of 1% of the total feed quantity is the guideline from 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's stored, whether the hay has good nutrients, and how your horse reacts to pesticides.

For older horses, we recommend continuous supplementation to provide the best possible support and relief. Zeolite-optimized feed prevents many issues, relieves detoxifying 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 changes, for relaxation, with metabolic disorders, if it has become too heavy, with lack of exercise, in stressful situations - stable changes, new stable mates, ... - when transitioning to pasture. If your horse starts nibbling on tree bark or fences, it might need silicon. Silicon is the main component of zeolite.

❓When to supplement Zeolite - BEFORE gut cleansing and great herbs ... or DURING?

We recommend optimizing the feed with zeolite before gut cleansing or using excellent herbs, so that the gut can first transport away harmful substances and is well prepared. If there are too many harmful substances in the digestive tract, the animal cannot absorb the new, good microbiome at all, and the active ingredients of sometimes quite expensive herbs cannot unleash their full potential. Therefore, it's best to do it 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's 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 skin and has a better body feeling, or the horse becomes livelier and more alert because the gut doesn't require as much energy.

Quality Criteria of Zeolite for Horses

❓How do I recognize the quality of zeolite?

1. Grain 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 get the desired effect (feeding more would also mean it's more expensive, wouldn't it?). And it might be too coarse for the horses, and they won't eat it as easily. Sometimes a horse owner tells me that zeolite didn't help with watery stools. I then ask how fine the powder was. Most of the time they don't know, and it's not written anywhere on the product. 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 - which is then too little.

2. Tribomechanically pulverized and activated in an air stream. Only then can the natural mineral unleash its full potential, because it is charged and thus the suction effect really takes hold. And above all, it remains pure.

Recently, we spoke with a customer. She wanted to know if tribomechanical grinding is really that important, or if it's 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 grinding processes, 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 squeezed, and then no longer do what the crystal lattices are known for.

In summary: There are 8-micron products on the market that show high pollutant contamination. Our hypotheses:

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

Read more about why the tribomechanical grinding process 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 had 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 it. Zeolite is stone. It cannot be organic. Only natural. So, if "organic zeolite" or "zeolite of organic quality" is written anywhere, it's a marketing gimmick. It cannot be. 

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

❓How is Steinkraft Zeolite ground?

Steinkraft pulverizes tribomechanically. We have a huge machine in production, actually two, arranged 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 obliged 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 manufactured by a certified feed manufacturer. CO2 neutral. If that interests anyone. It is important to us.

❓Can aluminum leach out of the zeolite? 

No. I know that it is circulated from time to time that aluminum can leach out and then my horse gets aluminum contamination from zeolite. That's nonsense.

Aluminum is fixedly bound in natural zeolite. The higher the silicon to aluminum ratio, the more stable this compound is. Anything over 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 very well happen that aluminum is not quite as fixedly bound and therefore leaches out.

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

 

❓I've 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 always emphasized this. 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 to be important. Namely, the ratio of silicon and aluminum. This should be at least 5:1. AND the grinding is crucial. Tribomechanical grinding is important because this pulverization method does not contaminate the material and retains its purity, and above all, it breaks up the crystal lattice structures instead of crushing them.

HOWEVER: for zeolite to be suitable for feed optimization, the clinoptilolite content must be >80%. And not every mining site can achieve that.

❓Do I need to detox my horse?

Yes, of course. Stress hormones leave pollutants in the body, mycotoxins in moldy hay need to be removed from the body. The gut microbiome always needs to be rebalanced. 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 at the first question here. And here you have an image for Pinterest. We would of course be very happy if you save the pin and spread the knowledge around the world.

⭕️ Conclusion – Zeolite as a natural support for horses

Zeolite is not a miracle cure, but a proven natural companion in horse husbandry. Due to its special structure, it can bind toxins, relieve the intestines, 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 a veterinary diagnosis or treatment, but can be usefully employed as a supplement to daily care.

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

 

Read more >> Sweet itch in horses? This can help. Or zeolite for dogs: 10 good reasons to enrich dog food with zeolite. Here we have compiled the best horse blogs. A colorful collection, just as we would have wished for. Simply click on the images and you will be taken directly to the further articles.

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