byPEGMATECH by Pegma-tech
PEGMATECH technology · ≥ 80% clinoptilolite
06.2026
ZEOBOND

High-purity zeolite for animal nutrition.

—

Natural powdered clinoptilolite as a feed additive: it adsorbs ammonia and improves fecal consistency in dogs and cats. Supplied by Pegmatech.

· Listed as a feed additive — check local regulations· UFLA studies (RBZ)· Brazilian supplier8 species · 1 technology
Crystalline structure · clinoptilolite
≥ 80% clinoptilolite
Purity
~180 meq/100g
Cation-exchange capacity (CEC)
43–47 m²/g (BET)
Surface area
Built on
Listed as a feed additive — check local regulationsUFLA studies (RBZ)PEGMATECH · 30+ years in animal additivesHigh-purity clinoptilolite · ≥ 80%Supplied from Brazil · Reliable, standardized supplyAnti-ammonia · Cation exchangeListed as a feed additive — check local regulationsUFLA studies (RBZ)PEGMATECH · 30+ years in animal additivesHigh-purity clinoptilolite · ≥ 80%Supplied from Brazil · Reliable, standardized supplyAnti-ammonia · Cation exchange
01 — Context

Why zeolite in animal nutrition.

Natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) is an aluminosilicate with a porous structure and high cation-exchange capacity. As a feed additive it tackles three production challenges — without antibiotic growth promoters and with published scientific references.

Challenges zeolite addresses
  • 01

    Odor and ammonia

    Adsorbs ammonia in the gut and in waste, reducing fecal and ammonia odor and improving the facility environment.

  • 02

    Fecal consistency

    Improves fecal consistency — documented in dogs and cats (UFLA/RBZ studies).

  • 03

    Feed flow

    Acts as a binder and anticaking agent in the mix — technological functions authorized in the European Union for all animal species.

02 — How it works

Cation exchange,
adsorption and exchange capacity
at the molecular scale.

The porous network of clinoptilolite captures ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and metals through selective cation exchange.

Crystalline structure · clinoptilolite
estrutura 3D · carrega ao rolar
Molecular formula
(Na,K,Ca)₆[Al₆Si₃₀O₇₂]·24H₂O
Framework
HEU (heulandite)
Channels
Porous · three-dimensional
Ionic selectivity
high affinity for NH₄⁺ and heavy metals
Mechanism of action
01

Ingestion

The zeolite is ingested together with the feed.

02

Selective cation exchange

Ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and metals are captured in the porous structure.

03

Intestinal environment

Less ammonia available in the tract, depending on species and diet.

Selective ion-exchanger · recognized technological additive

Ionic selectivity

Exchanges cations with high affinity for ammonium (NH₄⁺) and heavy metals (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cs⁺), following a well-characterized selectivity series.

Zamzow et al., 1990 · Papaioannou et al., 2005

Technological additive

In the European Union, clinoptilolite is authorized as a technological additive (binder and anticaking agent) for all animal species, backed by an EFSA opinion. In other markets, check local regulations.

Reg. EU 651/2013 · EFSA 2025
Supplied byPEGMATECH by Pegma-tech30+ years in animal additives · Specialization in functional minerals
03 — Applications by species

Eight species. One
technology.
Dosage for every formulation.

From pet food to aquaculture, the same high-purity clinoptilolite works as a functional additive — with dosage and benefits calibrated per species.

01 / 080.5–1.5%*

Pet food (dogs and cats)

Natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) for dog and cat food. In studies at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA, Brazil), it reduced stool odor and increased fecal consistency (Maia et al., 2010; Roque et al., 2011).

↓ fecal odor
and firmer stools in dogs and cats (Maia et al., 2010; Roque et al., 2011)
No interference
with mineral absorption in cats at 0.5% to 1% (Santos et al., 2011)
02 / 0850–100 g/day*

Equines (horses)

Feed additive for horses: clinoptilolite captures ammonium through cation exchange in the digestive tract. The few studies published in horses assessed only blood parameters or used mixtures with other materials; there is no evidence of a performance benefit in this species.

Up to 1% of feed
complete feed: level assessed as safe for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP, 2013)
03 / 081.0–2.5%*

Dairy cattle

Feed additive for dairy cows. Around calving, 50 g of natural powdered clinoptilolite twice daily raised the serum Ca:P ratio at calving and on day 12 postpartum (Folnožić et al., 2019).

↑ milk yield
2.5% clinoptilolite in the concentrate (Katsoulos et al., 2006)
↓ milk fever
with 2.5% in the concentrate, from before calving to the end of lactation; 1.25% had no effect (Katsoulos et al., 2005)
04 / 081.0–2.5%*

Beef cattle

Additive for beef cattle on high-concentrate diets. In feedlot steers, clinoptilolite reduced ruminal ammonia without changing weight gain or feed efficiency (McCollum & Galyean, 1983).

↓ ruminal ammonia
feedlot steers (McCollum & Galyean, 1983)
05 / 080.5–2.0%*

Poultry (broilers and layers)

Poultry feed additive. In broilers, 1% in the diet reduced litter ammonia without impairing performance (Valadares et al., 2026). In laying hens, a study with 5% in the diet, above the 1% level considered safe by EFSA, recorded more eggs per hen and thicker eggshells (Olver, 1997).

−34 to −36%
ammonia in broiler litter with 1% in the diet (Valadares et al., 2026)
↓ moisture
and pH of broiler excreta with 0.5% in the feed (Schneider et al., 2017)
06 / 080.5–2.0%*

Swine production

Swine feed additive. In finishing pigs, 1% and 2% clinoptilolite in the feed lowered barn ammonia emissions from 1.79 to 1.62 and 1.34 kg per pig (Dinuccio et al., 2022).

−25% NH₃
in the barn with 2% in finishing-pig feed (1%: −9%); no effect during manure storage (Dinuccio et al., 2022)
↑ weight gain
with 2% in the feed, from weaning to slaughter (Alexopoulos et al., 2007)
07 / 081.0–2.0%*

Sheep and goats

Feed additive for sheep and goats. In dairy goats, 2.5% clinoptilolite in the concentrate increased milk fat content and reduced somatic cell count (Katsoulos et al., 2009).

↑ weight gain
and protein digestibility in lambs on a urea-based diet, with 20 g of natural clinoptilolite (Sallam et al., 2022)
↓ diarrhea
less severe in newborn lambs with 1.5% and 3% in the starter feed (Norouzian et al., 2010)
08 / 081–5%*

Aquaculture (fish and shrimp)

Feed additive for fish and shrimp. Reviews report improved growth and feed utilization with dietary zeolite (Ghasemi et al., 2018).

↑ weight gain
Nile tilapia with 1% to 5% natural clinoptilolite in the feed (Abbas et al., 2021; Al Amir & Ali, 2022)
1.16 vs 1.32
feed conversion ratio of Pacific white shrimp with 5% in the feed, vs. control (Kim et al., 2025)
Typical dosage

One mineral platform, eight species — with dosage calibrated per application.

* Reference doses. They may be reviewed by qualified professionals, such as veterinarians, agronomists, animal scientists, chemists and food engineers, among others, since professional titles and qualifications vary between countries; local regulatory bodies may also set their own limits.

04 — Scientific evidence

Published scientific evidence on clinoptilolite.

Peer-reviewed studies have evaluated natural clinoptilolite in dogs, cats, cattle, poultry and swine. Results vary with species, dose and diet: in dogs, Maia et al. (2010) observed less odor and firmer stools with 0.75–1.0%. See the References.

UFLA (Universidade Federal de Lavras)
2010

Zeolites in dog food (RBZ, Maia et al.)

Result

The zeolite additive, at levels of 0.75% to 1.00%, significantly reduced stool odor and improved fecal consistency (P<0.05), without impairing palatability or digestibility. (Rev. Bras. Zootecnia, 39(11):2442-2446.)

UFLA (Universidade Federal de Lavras)
2011

Zeolite in adult cat diets (RBZ, Roque et al.)

Result

Including zeolite (0.5% to 0.75%) improved fecal consistency and reduced stool odor in adult cats, without compromising food acceptability. (Rev. Bras. Zootecnia, 40(11):2471-2475.)

05 — Datasheet

Mineral specification
and dosage.

Technical parameters of ZEOBOND clinoptilolite and dosage ranges per species group. Full technical data available under agreement.

Download datasheet (PDF)
specification
  • Purity
    ≥ 80% clinoptilolite
  • Cation-exchange capacity (CEC)
    ~180 meq/100g
  • Surface area
    43–47 m²/g (BET)
Dosage by species
SpeciesDosage range
Dogs and cats0.5–1.5%*
Poultry0.5–2.0%*
Swine0.5–2.0%*
Cattle1.0–2.5%*

* Reference doses. They may be reviewed by qualified professionals, such as veterinarians, agronomists, animal scientists, chemists and food engineers, among others, since professional titles and qualifications vary between countries; local regulatory bodies may also set their own limits.

06 — Why ZEOBOND

Four reasons to adopt the technology.

More than the mineral: how Pegmatech delivers, grounds and supports the use of zeolite in your formulation.

01

Mineral technology

High-purity clinoptilolite
  • Natural zeolite with ≥ 80% clinoptilolite
  • High cation-exchange capacity
  • 100% mineral additive, no growth promoter
02

Supplied from Brazil

Reliable, standardized supply
  • Brazilian supplier (Pegmatech)
  • Predictable lead time and cost
  • Batch standardization
  • Availability matched to demand
03

Technical support

In-house team, local service
  • Animal nutrition specialists
  • Analysis of current formulation
  • Per-species dosage recommendation
  • Implementation follow-through
04

Strategic partnership

Long-term relationship
  • Scientific grounding (UFLA · RBZ)
  • Regulatory compliance (technological additive)
  • Technical data under agreement
  • Joint application development
07 — Frequently asked

Answers from our
specialists.

Direct technical answers. For depth, book a free consultation with our team.

01

Technology and mechanism

Clinoptilolite captures ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and metals through selective cation exchange — reducing odor.
Studies indicate it can, always via the feed. In finishing pigs, 1% and 2% clinoptilolite in the feed lowered barn ammonia emissions from 1.79 to 1.62 and 1.34 kg per pig (about −9% and −25%), with no effect during manure storage (Dinuccio et al., 2022). In broilers, 1% in the feed reduced litter ammonia without impairing performance (Valadares et al., 2026).
It is the amount of cations the zeolite can exchange with its surroundings. ZEOBOND clinoptilolite has CEC around ~180 meq/100g, which underpins ammonium capture.
No. It is a 100% mineral additive (natural clinoptilolite). It acts through physicochemical mechanisms (cation exchange and adsorption), and is neither an antibiotic nor a chemical growth promoter.
02

Application and dosage

Dosage varies by species: typically 0.5–1.5% for dogs and cats, 0.5–2.0% for poultry, 0.5–2.0% for swine and 1.0–2.5% for cattle. The exact range must be set by a qualified professional (veterinarian, animal scientist or agronomist), according to the formulation.
No. In pigs, clinoptilolite at 2.5% or more of the diet reduced digestible energy and nitrogen utilization, and at 5% feed conversion worsened (Shurson et al., 1984). In broilers the results diverge: in one study, inclusion above 1% impaired performance (Valadares et al., 2026); in another, 2% in the feed increased growth (Karamanlis et al., 2008).
Pet food (dogs and cats), equines, dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, swine, sheep and goats, and aquaculture — each with specific benefits and dosage.
Yes. As an inert, stable mineral, clinoptilolite is compatible with conventional formulations. We evaluate your specific formulation case by case.
In cows and cats, studies showed no harm. In dairy cows, 1.25% and 2.5% clinoptilolite in the concentrate, from before calving to the end of lactation, did not change serum beta-carotene or vitamins A and E, nor serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium (Katsoulos et al., 2005). In cats, 0.5% to 1% did not change the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and manganese (Santos et al., 2011). At high levels (2.5% to 7.5%), young pigs retained less phosphorus (Shurson et al., 1984).
03

Regulatory and evidence

Clinoptilolite is listed as an authorized feed additive, as an adsorbent and anti-caking agent — a technological category (check local regulations) — and ZEOBOND is supplied by a registered establishment. The classification is technological and does not constitute a regulatory endorsement of zootechnical performance claims.
Yes. Peer-reviewed UFLA studies (Rev. Bras. Zootecnia, 2010 and 2011) document odor reduction and improved fecal consistency in dogs and cats. For other species we cite the international literature — the technical claims on the site carry a linked reference in the References section.
Few, and none that can serve as evidence of benefit. The studies published in horses assessed only blood parameters or used zeolite mixed with other materials; there is no evidence of a performance benefit, nor a dose established by studies, for this species. As a safety reference, EFSA concluded that clinoptilolite at up to 1% of complete feed can be considered safe for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP, 2013). The dose shown on the horse card is a reference dose (see note *).
Clinoptilolite is specified by purity (≥ 80%), CEC and surface area, with batch control — ensuring consistency between supplies.
04

Commercial and support

Supplied from Brazil by Pegmatech, with optimized lead times and competitive terms. Custom proposal after contact.
Yes. Formulation analysis, per-species dosage recommendation and implementation follow-through. Free technical consultation.
Yes. Specialized technical follow-up for evaluation on your line, with planning and results analysis.
08 — References

Technical claims with verifiable sources.

Transparency: the technical claims on this site carry a scientific or regulatory reference with a link and access date.

  1. 01
    Pet — fecal odor and consistency (dogs and cats)
    Maia et al., Rev. Bras. Zootecnia 39(11):2442–2446, 2010 (+ Roque et al., RBZ 40(11), 2011)
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-06-03
  2. 02
    Pet — mineral absorption in cats (0.5% to 1%)
    Santos et al., Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec. 63(3):687–693, 2011
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  3. 03
    Safety — clinoptilolite up to 1% of complete feed, all species (EFSA)
    EFSA FEEDAP Panel, EFSA Journal 11(1):3039, 2013
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  4. 04
    Dairy — milk yield (2.5% clinoptilolite in the concentrate)
    Katsoulos PD et al., Veterinary Record 159(13):415–418, 2006
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  5. 05
    Dairy — serum Ca:P ratio (peripartum)
    Folnožić I et al., Veterinarski arhiv 89(4):447–463, 2019
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  6. 06
    Dairy — milk fever (2.5% and 1.25% in the concentrate)
    Katsoulos PD et al., American Journal of Veterinary Research 66(12):2081–2085, 2005
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  7. 07
    Dairy — serum fat-soluble vitamins (long-term feeding)
    Katsoulos PD et al., Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A 52(4):157–161, 2005
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  8. 08
    Beef — ruminal ammonia in feedlot steers
    McCollum FT, Galyean ML, Journal of Animal Science 56(3):517–524, 1983
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  9. 09
    Poultry — broiler litter ammonia and performance by dietary level
    Valadares et al., Poultry Science 105(3):106434, 2026
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  10. 10
    Poultry — broiler growth with 2% clinoptilolite in the feed
    Karamanlis et al., Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 21(11):1642-1650, 2008
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  11. 11
    Poultry — broiler excreta moisture and pH (0.5% in the feed)
    Schneider AF et al., Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec. 69(1):191–197, 2017
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  12. 12
    Poultry — laying hens with 5% in the diet (eggs and shell)
    Olver MD, British Poultry Science 38(2):220–222, 1997
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  13. 13
    Swine — barn ammonia with 1% and 2% in the feed
    Dinuccio et al., Journal of Agricultural Engineering 53(1):1290, 2022
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  14. 14
    Swine — weight gain with 2% in the feed (weaning to slaughter)
    Alexopoulos et al., Livestock Science 111(3):230–241, 2007
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  15. 15
    Swine — high levels (2.5% to 7.5%): energy, nitrogen and phosphorus
    Shurson GC et al., Journal of Animal Science 59(6):1536–1545, 1984
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  16. 16
    Goats — milk fat and somatic cells
    Katsoulos PD et al., American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(3):346–352, 2009
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  17. 17
    Sheep — lambs on a urea-based diet
    Sallam SMA et al., Animal Science Journal 93(1):e13689, 2022
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  18. 18
    Sheep — diarrhea in newborn lambs
    Norouzian MA et al., Biological Trace Element Research 137(2):168–176, 2010
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  19. 19
    Aquaculture — zeolites in fish feed (review)
    Ghasemi Z et al., Reviews in Aquaculture 10(1):75–95, 2018
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  20. 20
    Aquaculture — Nile tilapia weight gain (1%, 3% and 5% in the feed)
    Abbas WT et al., Aquaculture Research 52(12):6678–6688, 2021
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  21. 21
    Aquaculture — Nile tilapia fingerling growth (1% to 3% in the feed)
    Al Amir MA, Ali BA, Journal of Animal, Poultry & Fish Production 11(1):65–73, 2022
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  22. 22
    Aquaculture — Pacific white shrimp feed conversion (5% in the feed)
    Kim S et al., Biology 14(12):1691, 2025
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
  23. 23
    Mechanism — cation exchange and high affinity for NH₄⁺ and metals
    Papaioannou et al. (revisão), Micropor. Mesopor. Mater. 84:161, 2005
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-06-03
  24. 24
    Mechanism — ionic selectivity series (NH₄⁺, heavy metals)
    Zamzow et al., Separation Science and Technology 25(13–15):1555, 1990 (série Pb²⁺>Cd²⁺>Cs⁺…)
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-06-05
  25. 25
    Properties — CEC, surface area and purity of clinoptilolite
    Grifasi et al., Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 2024 (revisão de propriedades)
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-06-03
  26. 26
    Regulatory — Brazilian additive list and EU (binder and anticaking agent)
    MAPA — Lista de Aditivos Autorizados (17/03/2020); Portaria SDA/MAPA nº 1.334/2025; Reg. (UE) 651/2013 + parecer EFSA 2025 (clinoptilolita como ligante e antiaglomerante)
    Open sourceaccessed 2026-09-15
09 — Technical conversation

Talk to our
specialists.

Technical team dedicated to building the ideal solution for your line. Custom service and free consultation.

Units across several regions of Brazil
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