Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay for horses is widely used by trainers and owners. It is known for its power to detoxify your horse from chemicals and heavy metals. Bentonite is highly absorptive and can draw out and bind to heavy metals and drugs in the horse’s body. It is safe to use internally and may also be made into a poultice for horses to, for example, care for a wound.

What Is Bentonite Clay?

The most abundant form of clay, bentonite originates from volcanic ash in the Great Plains region of North America. It absorbs moisture more than other types of clay and can bind to and draw out chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, and pharmaceutical agents. A negative charge enables bentonite clay to attract positively charged toxins, externally and internally, which makes it an effective detoxifier. Indigenous cultures have used it throughout history and people continue to use bentonite clay as well.

Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Horses

Here is more information on why you should consider using bentonite clay and the extensive range of benefits it has.

Improves horse digestion

When used internally, bentonite clay supports the intestinal system by eliminating toxins. It helps cleanse the digestive tract, improve digestion, and promote better stool formation while reducing fecal odors. In addition, it has been used in treating and preventing diarrhea. The alkaline pH of the clay helps support the growth of favorable gut microbial populations and eliminate pathogenic bacteria. Studies have also shown bentonite clay can help increase the height of villi in the small intestine, which increases the surface area for nutrient absorption.

Improves latent energy

The energy of your horse can be improved without the use of chemicals. By boosting latent energy, various biological processes become more efficient and a horse’s metabolism and endurance can be improved as well. More productive exercise and better athletic performance may also be achieved with the use of bentonite clay poultice.

Improves healing

The use of clay has achieved miraculous healing of ulcers, chronic pain, and even split hooves in horses. Horse owners, trainers, and breeders mix clay with water and apply it topically on horses’ legs for cuts and have reported that wounds stopped festering. Additionally, the clay assisted the healing process by promoting faster formation of new, healthy skin.

Strengthens immune system

Reducing stress on the gastrointestinal system helps support the immune system, as does the anti-inflammatory properties of bentonite. A stronger immune system protects horses from a variety of diseases associated with pathogens, stress, and age, among other factors

Removes harmful toxins

Bentonite can protect horses from toxins released from molds that grow in horse feed in addition to toxic compounds in the environment. These include pesticides and heavy metals like mercury and lead. It provides a non-invasive and non-toxic means to remove these from the body, which can help horses with issues such as colitis, colic, blood and skin disorders, or poisoning.

Removes unwanted chemicals

Chemicals in a horse’s environment can enter its body through food, water, and other means. Many of these are capable of disrupting equine metabolism and causing disease. However, bentonite clay can help remove them to alleviate or prevent health problems caused by environmental chemical compounds. At the very least, it can help protect horses from their effects.

Provides a source of nutrients

Bentonite clay is an abundant source of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, sodium, and silica. Just a relatively small amount is enough to supplement a horse’s normal diet and give it an extra boost of nutrition. Minerals are especially important in supporting cellular, nerve, and muscle health and are easily depleted by sweating. Bentonite helps resupply the minerals your horse needs for good health.

How Long to Leave Poultice on a Horse

Mixed with water, bentonite clay creates a paste or poultice that can help heal wounds and abscesses. It can even be mixed with lavender, peppermint, or oregano. A dry poultice for horses can be applied as a dressing or pressure padding after exercise or to relieve general inflammation. You may also choose a hot poultice for horses that can help improve blood flow and provide pain relief. An increase in blood and lymph flow helps damaged tissue heal.

In general, a poultice should be changed every 12 hours. This gives you an opportunity to evaluate whether the horse is responding to treatment and determine whether veterinary care is necessary. The more serious the wound or amount of distress, the more frequently the poultice should be changed. A wet poultice can be used on a horse hoof for two to three days. You can then keep it clean with a dry poultice to avoid waterlogging.

Order Products with Bentonite Clay for Horses Today

Equi-Herbs offers premium quality bentonite clay powder with a wide range of benefits. It is available in 5-, 10-, and 25-pound containers in 100% natural formulations. Place your order now or call us at 800-786-0708 for assistance.

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

Products with Bentonite Clay