Bentonite clay has become a familiar tool in many stables because it can swell, stick to toxins, and draw heat from sore tissue. Mixed with feed, it may calm a stressed stomach and help remove mold by-products; spread as a paste, it can ease hoof bruises or itchy skin. Yet the same binding power can trap vitamins or medicines and, if water intake is low, make droppings too dry. Choosing the right grade and following veterinary advice are therefore essential. In the following article, we look more closely at how to balance these advantages and drawbacks.
What Does Bentonite Clay Do for Horses?
Bentonite clay, a fine volcanic ash that swells when moist, serves more than one purpose in equine care. Its negatively charged surface attracts positively charged toxins, while the clay’s mineral profile supplies small amounts of sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Owners add it to feed or mix it with water to settle a nervous gut, and they spread it on hooves or skin to draw out heat and infection. The following sections explain how each of these practical uses benefits horses in daily management. You can also read about other applications of this substance by navigating to The Uses of Bentonite Clay.
First Application: Toxin Binder / Detoxifier
When consumed in measured doses, bentonite clay acts as a binding agent for harmful compounds that horses ingest from moldy hay, polluted water, or heavy-metal residues. The plate‑like particles trap aflatoxins and other contaminants, carrying them harmlessly out in the manure. Key points:
- The typical inclusion rate is 0.5–1% of the daily feed by weight after veterinary approval.
- Adequate fresh water is essential because the clay swells and can thicken gut contents.
- Studies report lower liver enzyme values and firmer droppings after regulated use.
Second Application: Digestive Health Support
Beyond toxin removal, the hydrated clay coats the stomach and upper intestine with a soft film that cushions delicate tissue from excess acid. Many trainers note fewer signs of crib‑biting and discomfort in horses prone to gastric ulcers after a two‑week course. Practical considerations:
- Stir one to two heaped tablespoons into a damp mash once daily.
- Discontinue if the horse shows reduced appetite or unusually dry manure.
- Combine with probiotic yeast to maintain microbial balance, as clay may absorb some beneficial bacteria.
Third Application: Parasite Management Support
While bentonite is not a licensed anthelmintic, some holistic programs add it between routine chemical dewormers to help reduce worm burden. The sticky mineral mass can bind roundworm eggs and larval debris, limiting reinfestation on pasture. Field protocols often include:
- A five‑day pulse of clay at 30 g per 500 kg body weight, followed by a seven‑day break.
- Manure removal twice daily during treatment to prevent re‑ingestion.
- Fecal egg counts before and after to confirm that worm levels still warrant prescription products.
Fourth Application: Electrolyte Balance & Mineral Supplementation
Bentonite contains naturally occurring sodium, calcium, magnesium, and traces of potassium that can complement a balanced ration, especially for horses sweating hard in warm climates. Because the elements sit within an aluminosilicate lattice, release occurs gradually rather than abruptly. When used wisely:
- Substitute 25–50 g of clay for an equal weight of salt block crumbs during peak training periods.
- Monitor serum electrolytes if the horse receives other fortified feeds.
- Avoid taking iron supplements simultaneously; the clay can reduce iron uptake through chelation.
Fifth Application: Hoof Pack / Poultice
Mixed with warm water into a thick paste, bentonite draws fluid and heat from sore or bruised hooves. Farriers place the mud directly on the sole and frog, wrap it with brown paper, then secure everything under a bandage or hoof boot for six to twelve hours. Benefits and tips:
- Eases throbbing associated with abscesses before they rupture.
- It can be combined with Epsom salt for extra osmotic pull.
- Rinse thoroughly afterward; any dried residue may trap bacteria if left in crevices.
Sixth Application: Skin Irritation Relief
The same swelling action that pulls moisture from hooves helps dry weepy skin lesions. A thin slurry brushed onto insect bites, rain rot patches, or scratches forms a breathable crust that reduces rubbing while the area heals. Owners appreciate that bentonite contains no added fragrances or dyes, which are likely to cause irritation. Usage pointers:
- Apply once daily after gently cleaning with lukewarm water.
- Stop if redness spreads; bacterial infections may need antimicrobial cream.
- Keep the horse out of direct sun until the clay is rinsed off to avoid cracking.
Seventh Application: Wound Healing
When spread over minor cuts or rubs, hydrated bentonite creates a moist barrier that absorbs exudate without adhering painfully to new tissue. Its slightly alkaline pH discourages bacterial growth, and the cooling effect can calm irritated nerve endings. Field protocol commonly follows:
- Clean the wound with saline, pat it dry, and then cover it with a 3 mm layer of clay.
- Replace every 12 hours until a firm scab forms.
- For deeper injuries, consult a veterinarian before substituting clay for standard antiseptics.
Eighth Application: Coat and Skin Conditioning
In equine spas, full‑body clay baths help lift embedded dirt from the coat while stimulating circulation. Once the mud dries, the groom curries it off, taking dead skin cells and excess sebum with it. Horses emerge with a smoother, shinier coat and fewer flaky patches. Application guidelines:
- Dilute bentonite 1:3 with warm water and paint it on with a wide brush.
- Allow thirty minutes of quiet standing so the clay can tighten slightly.
- Finish with a gentle shampoo to remove residue, then towel dry.
Is Bentonite Clay Effective for Ulcers in Horses?
When it comes to using bentonite clay for horses with ulcers, it should be stated that the clay may help manage mild gastric discomfort in horses by binding harmful substances and buffering stomach acid. Some horse owners report reduced signs of ulcers, such as better appetite and calmer behavior, after using feed-grade clay. However, no strong clinical studies confirm its effectiveness specifically for equine gastric ulcers. While the clay can reduce exposure to mold toxins and soothe the gut lining, it should not replace approved treatments like omeprazole for diagnosed cases. Long-term use also requires caution, as it may affect mineral absorption. Consulting a veterinarian is essential before starting any clay supplement, especially for horses showing symptoms linked to ulcers.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Horses
Bentonite clay has earned a steady place in stable management because of its unusual ability to swell and attract charged particles. When the fine powder is mixed with feed or water, it acts inside the digestive tract like a soft sponge, capturing molds, bacterial toxins, and heavy metals that threaten gut health. The same mineral blend also supplies modest amounts of calcium, sodium, and magnesium without upsetting dietary balance. Trainers value that the substance is inert, has no taste, and passes through the body unchanged, lowering the risk of side effects when used at recommended levels.
Outside the gut, bentonite serves as an affordable first aid item. A damp clay poultice on a bruised hoof can draw out heat and fluid, easing pressure until the farrier arrives. Spread thinly on insect bites or muddy pasterns, it dries to a breathable shell that keeps irritants away while the skin heals. Many spa facilities even apply a full‑body mud bath to lift dead skin and leave the coat smooth. Because the clay is naturally sterile and fragrance‑free, horses with sensitive skin tolerate it well.
The Cons of Using Bentonite for Horses
While bentonite clay offers practical benefits, horse owners should also weigh its drawbacks before routine use. The product’s strong binding capacity, the very feature that traps toxins, can likewise capture essential nutrients and reduce the absorption of oral medications if fed without timing adjustments. Some commercial powders carry unwanted heavy-metal residues because quality controls vary between suppliers. Long-term feeding may thicken gut contents, increasing the chance of constipation in horses that drink little water. In addition, published research on equine safety and efficacy is still limited, so evidence remains largely anecdotal.
In the following, you can have an overview of the key disadvantages involved in the process of using bentonite for horses.
- Binds medications and supplements:
Uptake of dewormers, vitamins, and mineral additives can drop unless doses are given at least two hours apart.
- Possible heavy-metal contamination:
Poor-quality clay may introduce lead or excess iron; choose products verified as feed-grade and lab-tested.
- Risk of digestive slowdown:
The swelling action can dry manure and raise impaction risk in horses with low water intake.
- Mineral chelation:
Long courses may lower blood levels of copper, zinc, and selenium, so periodic diet checks are advisable.
- Limited research data:
Few controlled studies confirm long-term safety or ulcer relief, making veterinary oversight important.
How to Use Bentonite Clay for Horses?
How bentonite clay is used for horses depends on whether it is applied internally or externally.
Internal Use
Only feed-grade clay should be used. It is usually added to a horse’s daily feed in small amounts to help support digestion and detoxification. This method is suitable for horses exposed to low-quality forage, mold, or environmental toxins. When used correctly and under veterinary advice, it may also reduce digestive discomfort and promote better gut function. Providing fresh drinking water is important because bentonite absorbs fluids and expands in the digestive system.
External Use
In this case, bentonite clay is applied as a paste or poultice to address hoof problems, skin irritation, or minor wounds. The clay should be mixed with warm water to form a thick, smooth paste. For hooves, it helps draw out abscesses or reduce swelling and heat. On the skin, it can relieve itching, dry out moist rashes, and protect irritated areas. Once dry, it should be gently rinsed off with clean water. The clay should never be used on deep wounds unless recommended by a veterinarian, and all tools and hands used during application must be clean to avoid infection. Since this clay is employed in making different medications, it is also a good idea to have a look at these applications by clicking on Bentonite Uses in Pharmaceuticals.
Bentonite Clay for Horses – FAQ
Q1. What is Bentonite for Horses?
Bentonite is a natural swelling clay used in equine care to bind toxins, calm the digestive tract, and draw heat or fluid from skin and hooves.
Q2. How Much Bentonite Clay is Used for Horses?
A common internal dose is 30–60 g (about one to two level tablespoons) per day for a 500 kg horse, but exact amounts should be set by a veterinarian.
Q3. Is Bentonite Clay Good for Horses?
When fed or applied correctly, feed‑grade bentonite can aid gut health, supply trace minerals, and serve as a soothing external poultice; overuse may reduce nutrient uptake.
Q4. Is There a Bentonite Clay Horse Supplement Out There?
Yes—several equine nutritional companies sell feed‑grade bentonite powders or pellets marketed as toxin binders and digestive supports.
Q5. Is Sodium Bentonite Useful for Horses?
Sodium bentonite is the preferred form because it swells more and binds contaminants effectively, provided it is certified feed‑grade and given in controlled amounts.
Q6. Is Bentonite Clay Effective for Horse Hooves?
As a hoof pack or poultice, hydrated bentonite draws out abscesses, reduces swelling, and cools sore feet, offering short‑term relief alongside farrier care.
Where to Buy Bentonite Clay for Horses?
Now that we understand why grade matters, the next step is finding a trusted source. Iran Bentonite Co., backed by several Iranian mines and modern processing plants, offers a Food-Grade Bentonite designed for animal use. This product is screened for heavy metals, has uniform swelling capacity, and comes in consistent particle size, making it safe for feed, poultices, and even spa muds. The company ships worldwide and supports bulk or small orders, providing certificates of analysis with each batch. Buying from such a supplier gives peace of mind that your horse receives clay that is both safe and effective.
