Introduction: Natural zeolite, known as clinoptilolite, is a unique mineral that is increasingly used in the feed industry and agricultural sector as a feed additive for livestock. This feed additive zeolite (often simply called feed zeolite) is incorporated into the diets of cattle, swine, poultry, fish, and even pets. Its popularity stems from outstanding ion-exchange and adsorption properties that help improve animal health and productivity in a natural and safe way. This expert article provides a scientific overview of clinoptilolite’s characteristics and explains how the zeolite feed additive works inside animal bodies and in premixes and feeds. It also summarizes research findings and practical applications of natural zeolite in various countries.

What Is Zeolite? Structure and Properties

Natural zeolites like clinoptilolite are porous aluminosilicate minerals with a rigid, lattice-like crystal structure. This framework contains a network of tiny channels and cavities carrying a negative charge, which gives zeolite its remarkable ion-exchange capacity. The crystal lattice holds cations (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) that can be exchanged for other positively charged ions in the surrounding environment. In effect, clinoptilolite acts as a natural “ion exchanger,” attracting and trapping substances like ammonium (NH4⁺), heavy metals, and other cationic contaminants.

Another key feature of clinoptilolite is its high adsorptive capacity. Thanks to a large internal surface area and microporous structure, natural zeolite works as a molecular sieve: it adsorbs small molecules and moisture, capturing excess water, gases (such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide), and toxic compounds like mycotoxins. Notably, clinoptilolite’s pore size is precisely calibrated (around 0.4 nanometers), meaning the zeolite selectively sorbs mainly small molecules and ions while excluding larger nutrient molecules. In practice, this selective adsorption targets harmful impurities without binding valuable nutrients like vitamins, amino acids, and proteins. Thus, the mineral can cleanse feed and digestive contents of undesirable substances without reducing the feed’s nutritional value.

Clinoptilolite is chemically inert and passes through the gastrointestinal tract without being digested or absorbed into the bloodstream. It functions only through surface interactions: exchanging ions and adsorbing toxins during its transit through the gut. This means zeolite is safe for long-term use in animal diets. It will not accumulate in the body or strip away nutrients, but it will consistently remove toxins and help balance minerals. Ultimately, including natural zeolite in feed allows the diet to be “self-cleaning” and stabilizing, helping to maintain animal health without pharmacological interventions.

How Zeolite Works in Animal Organisms

In animal nutrition, adding zeolite to feed exerts a comprehensive positive effect on the digestive system and metabolism through multiple mechanisms:

Adsorption of Toxins and Reduction of Ammonia

When clinoptilolite enters the digestive tract, its porous particles bind a variety of toxins and prevent their absorption. Notably, zeolite is an effective adsorbent of mycotoxins – toxic compounds produced by mold that often contaminate grain feeds. By trapping mycotoxin molecules within its micropores, the zeolite prevents these poisons from entering the bloodstream, thereby protecting livestock from mycotoxicosis (feed toxin poisoning). Zeolite can also immobilize bacterial endotoxins and products of putrefaction in the gut, reducing the toxic load on the liver and immune system.

A well-documented capability of natural zeolite is its strong affinity for ammonia and ammonium ions. Ammonia is produced in the intestines from protein and urea breakdown, and excess ammonia is harmful to animals. Clinoptilolite’s negatively charged lattice readily captures ammonium (NH4⁺) and holds it via ion exchange. This leads to a decrease in free ammonia levels in the intestinal contents and blood. The result is improved animal well-being: less ammonia to irritate the gut and organs, and less ammonia excreted in manure. In practical terms, farmers observe a significant reduction in the odor of animal waste when zeolite is included in feed. Lower ammonia emissions translate into a cleaner, healthier environment in barns and poultry houses.

Improved Digestion and Gut Microflora

Zeolite in the feed also influences digestive processes beneficially. The porous clinoptilolite particles can absorb excess fluid and slow down the passage of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract. By modestly lengthening the transit time of feed, zeolite allows more complete action of digestive enzymes on nutrients. This improved breakdown and assimilation of nutrients enhances feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, clinoptilolite acts as a buffer in the stomach and rumen: it can neutralize excess acidity, helping to prevent acidosis (overly acidic conditions) and creating a more favorable pH for enzyme activity. This buffering effect is particularly valuable in high-grain diets for cattle, where zeolite can reduce the risk of rumen acidosis.

By adsorbing harmful fermentation products, natural zeolite supports a healthier gut microflora balance. Lower ammonia and toxin levels in the intestines inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and create better conditions for beneficial microbes. This is especially important for young animals and poultry, whose intestinal microbiome is quite sensitive. The net effect of zeolite supplementation is a reduced incidence of diarrhea, enteritis, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Farmers often report more stable digestion and fewer digestive upsets in animals fed clinoptilolite, as well as drier, more formed manure in species like pigs and cattle due to zeolite’s moisture-absorbing properties.

Effects on Productivity and Health

By detoxifying the digestive tract and optimizing the gut environment, zeolite indirectly boosts the performance of farm animals. Better feed digestibility and nutrient absorption contribute to faster growth rates and weight gain in growing livestock. For example, cattle on diets supplemented with clinoptilolite tend to exhibit higher average daily gains, thanks to more efficient feed utilization. Dairy cows often show improved appetite and overall condition, which can lead to increases in milk yield and milk quality (such as higher protein and butterfat content).

An additional benefit observed with zeolite use is improved animal health and immunity. Removing part of the toxic burden on the body allows the liver and kidneys to function more efficiently, and the improved mineral balance can positively influence immune status. Some studies have noted favorable changes in blood biochemistry in animals receiving zeolite (for instance, optimized levels of certain amino acids and minerals). Livestock fed natural clinoptilolite generally demonstrate better survival rates (lower mortality) and improved reproductive performance. For instance, herds supplemented with zeolite often experience higher fertility and fewer metabolic disorders. In essence, clinoptilolite acts not only as a detoxifier but also as a health-promoting agent, resulting in a tangible increase in farm productivity.

Zeolite in Premixes and Complete Feeds

Zeolite in premixes and compound feeds is used as a functional mineral additive. In feed manufacturing, clinoptilolite is typically incorporated via premixes (vitamin-mineral pre-blends) or added directly to the feed during mixing. Optimal inclusion rates depend on the animal species and the specific goals. Generally, recommended inclusion levels are around 1–2% of the feed dry weight for most livestock species. In some cases the dosage is increased up to about 4–6% of the feed – such higher rates have been used historically in certain countries’ feed guidelines for zeolite additives. Today, many producers use clinoptilolite in the range of 2–5% of the total diet. In premix concentrates, the zeolite content can be higher, since the premix itself makes up only a small portion of the final feed.

In terms of physical form, the zeolite feed additive is usually supplied as a fine powder (grayish or beige) or as a fine granulate. A small particle size is important to maximize the surface area for adsorption. Clinoptilolite can be mixed uniformly with other feed ingredients without special processing – it is effective as is, straight from the mine (often after milling to a powder). Moreover, zeolite offers technological benefits in feed production: it acts as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in vitamin premixes, and it improves the flowability of feed mixtures. Including zeolite in pelleted feed can even enhance pellet durability, functioning as a natural binder that helps pellets hold together.

In premix manufacturing, zeolite is often used as a carrier for liquid additives such as vitamins, enzymes or flavorings. Its porous structure soaks up these liquids and disperses them evenly, ensuring uniform distribution of micro-ingredients in the feed. Importantly, clinoptilolite is chemically neutral, so it does not degrade vitamins or interfere with other feed additives and medications. This inert quality makes it a versatile base for many premix and supplement formulations.

The safety of natural zeolite as a feed component has been confirmed by extensive trials. In the European Union, clinoptilolite of natural origin is officially registered as a feed additive (in the category of binders and anti-caking agents) with the codes E567 and E568, approved for use in all animal species without time limit. It is not an antibiotic or hormone and leaves no residues in animal products. In fact, unused zeolite that exits with manure continues to provide benefits: in manure pits and fields it can bind ammonia and improve manure fertilizer quality, yielding environmental advantages for the farm.

Scientific Studies and Global Practical Experience

The use of clinoptilolite in animal feeding has been studied for decades, and many countries have accumulated considerable experience with this additive. Research trials and on-farm applications consistently report positive outcomes from adding zeolite to feed. Below are key results noted in different species when natural zeolite is included in their diets:

• Cattle (beef and dairy): The use of zeolite for cattle has demonstrated improvements in growth and production. Studies in beef cattle have found that adding clinoptilolite can increase average daily weight gain, in some cases by up to 6–18%, due to improved feed conversion. In dairy cows, zeolite supplementation often leads to higher milk yields (typically 5–8% increases in daily output) along with improvements in milk quality (for example, higher protein content). Farmers have also observed better herd health, including a reduction in the incidence of ruminal acidosis in high-grain diets thanks to zeolite’s buffering effect. Additionally, there are reports of increased survival and vitality of newborn calves in herds where cows receive zeolite during the dry and transition periods.

• Swine (pigs): In pig farming, zeolite for swine is used to boost growth performance and aid in disease prevention. Growing piglets fed diets with clinoptilolite show improved feed efficiency and faster weight gain (often reaching market weight 8–10% faster), as well as lower mortality rates. Including zeolite in sow diets has been linked to enhanced reproductive performance: sows may produce larger litters (3–10% more piglets per litter on average) and heavier piglets at birth (4–12% increase in birth weight has been recorded). Zeolite for swine also helps reduce ammonia levels in pig barns by binding ammonium in manure, leading to less noxious odors and a healthier barn environment.

• Poultry (broilers and layers): Zeolite for poultry has proven to be an effective additive in both broiler chicken production and egg-laying operations. Broilers fed a diet containing about 2–3% clinoptilolite typically exhibit 5–10% greater weight gain and improved feed conversion ratios, meaning more meat for the same amount of feed. Flock uniformity and survival also tend to improve, as zeolite reduces intestinal disease and keeps litter drier by absorbing moisture and ammonia from droppings. In laying hens, adding zeolite to the feed often increases egg production rates (reports of 7–12% more eggs) and improves egg quality. For instance, eggshell strength can be enhanced and the incidence of broken eggs reduced. Farmers additionally note a reduction in ammonia odor in poultry houses, which benefits both the birds and farm workers.

• Fish (aquaculture): In fish farming, natural zeolite finds use both mixed into feed and applied in the aquatic environment. Adding a small amount of clinoptilolite powder to fish feed can decrease the excretion of ammonia by the fish, which in turn helps maintain better water quality in tanks and ponds. Improved water quality (lower ammonia and nitrite levels) reduces stress on the fish and lowers the risk of ammonia poisoning, resulting in better growth and feed utilization. Zeolite is also commonly used in biofiltration systems for aquaculture to remove ammonium from water. Overall, using zeolite in aquaculture leads to healthier fish stock, improved survival rates, and more efficient production.

• Pets (companion animals): Clinoptilolite is generally recognized as safe for pets and is sometimes included in pet health supplements to support digestion and detoxification. For example, natural zeolite may be given in small doses to dogs or cats with digestive issues to help bind toxins or alleviate diarrhea. While not yet as common in pet diets as in livestock feeds, the use of zeolite for pets is an emerging area. It is worth noting that outside of feed, zeolite granules are widely used in pet litter (especially cat litter) due to their excellent odor and moisture absorption, which underscores the mineral’s powerful adsorptive properties even in everyday home applications.

Conclusion: Natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) has proven to be a multifaceted feed additive in modern animal husbandry. Its unique ion-exchange and adsorption properties allow it to address feed quality issues, enhance animal health, and improve farm environmental conditions simultaneously. By binding toxins and ammonia, zeolite creates a cleaner internal environment for animals and boosts the efficiency of nutrient utilization, leading to tangible gains in productivity — from higher weight gains and milk yields to improved egg production. At the same time, animals on zeolite-supplemented diets often exhibit stronger immunity and lower incidence of illness, which is crucial for sustainable and profitable livestock production. Implementing feed zeolite supplementation via premixes and compound feeds is a relatively low-cost strategy that can yield significant benefits for B2B agribusiness operators. The growing global experience confirms that using clinoptilolite in animal nutrition is an effective and safe practice in the feed industry and agricultural sector.