Bentonite in Forage: What It Is and Why It Matters

September 10, 2025

When you think of horse forage, “clay” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. Yet, bentonite, a naturally occurring clay, plays a quiet but important role in the forage industry. From helping forage cubes hold together to reducing dust, bentonite makes modern feeding practices safer, cleaner, and more convenient for horses and their owners.

So, what exactly is bentonite, and why is it used in forage processing?

What Is Bentonite?

Bentonite is a type of absorbent clay formed from volcanic ash. Rich in minerals such as montmorillonite, it has unique properties that allow it to swell, bind, and hold moisture. These characteristics make it useful across many industries - from food and wine processing to agriculture and animal nutrition.

In forage manufacturing, bentonite isn’t added for nutrition. Instead, it’s a functional ingredient that improves the quality and usability of processed forage products such as alfalfa cubes, grass cubes, and mixed forage cubes.

Why the Forage Industry Uses Bentonite

Binder for Forage Cubes and Pellets

One of the main reasons bentonite is included in forage cube industry is its binding ability. When alfalfa or grass is chopped, mixed with water, and compressed into cubes or pellets, bentonite helps the particles stick together. This prevents the finished product from breaking apart during handling, storage, or feeding.

Reducing Dust and Fines

Dust can be a concern when feeding processed forage, especially for horses with respiratory sensitivities. By binding small particles together, bentonite minimizes “fines” - the tiny fragments that create dust. This results in dust-reduced forage cubes, which support a cleaner, safer feeding experience.

Supporting Feed Safety

Bentonite is also known for its ability to absorb certain mycotoxins - naturally occurring compounds that may be found in feed ingredients. While its primary role in forage is structural, this incidental benefit adds another layer of protection for horses.

Safety and Regulation

Bentonite has been widely studied and is considered safe at the low levels typically used in equine feed products. Regulatory guidelines ensure its inclusion rates remain within safe limits, often less than 2% of the total product weight.

Because it’s included in small amounts and serves only as a functional binder, bentonite does not alter the nutritional profile of horse forage cubes. However, as with any additive, balance matters. Excessive inclusion could interfere with nutrient or medication absorption, which is why the forage industry and feed manufacturers follow strict guidelines when using bentonite.

The Bottom Line

Bentonite may not be a nutrient, but it plays an essential supporting role in forage manufacturing. By acting as a natural binder, reducing dust, and contributing to feed safety, it helps ensure that processed forage products are consistent, convenient, and safe to feed.

The next time you scoop up alfalfa cubes or mixed forage cubes, you can thank bentonite for helping them stay intact, dust-reduced, and ready to nourish your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bentonite safe for horses?

Yes. At regulated inclusion levels (usually under 2%), bentonite is considered safe and does not affect the nutritional quality of forage cubes or pellets.

Does bentonite add nutrition to horse feed?

No. Bentonite is a functional additive, not a nutritional one. Its role is to improve cube or pellet structure and reduce dust.

Why use bentonite instead of other binders?

Bentonite’s natural swelling and binding properties make it especially effective at holding forage particles together without synthetic chemicals.

Does Standlee use bentonite?

Yes, Standlee utilizes bentonite only when manufacturing forage cubes. Standlee forage pellets do not include a binder.