About Attapulgite Animal Feed Grade
Attapulgite animal feed grade is a natural clay powder used in compound feed, premixes and liquid feed supplements as a technological ingredient. Feed mills use it as a pellet binder, an anti-caking and flow aid, a carrier for liquid ingredients, and a suspending agent in molasses-based liquid feeds.
Its performance comes from the needle structure. During conditioning and pelleting, the fine needles help bind particles together, supporting pellet durability and reducing fines. In dry blends the clay absorbs surface moisture and liquid additions, which helps premixes stay free-flowing in silos and bags. In liquid supplements, a small addition forms a gel network that keeps minerals and other solids suspended instead of settling at the bottom of the tank.
The use of clay minerals in animal feed is regulated differently from country to country, and some markets restrict the purposes and inclusion levels allowed. Use of this grade is subject to local regulatory approval, and customers should verify suitability for their species, formulation and market before use. Obsidian Minerals supports that process with a batch Certificate of Analysis from our NABL-accredited laboratory, a Technical Data Sheet and an MSDS/SDS. Additional contaminant testing, such as heavy metals, can be discussed on request.
Typical specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Free moisture (105 °C) | ≤ 12 % | Internal method |
| Residue greater than 75 µm | ≤ 5.0 % | Wet sieve, internal method |
| pH (10 % slurry) | 7.5–9.5 | Internal method |
| Loose bulk density | 0.45–0.65 g/cm³ | Internal method |
| Appearance | Free-flowing cream to light tan powder | Visual |
| Heavy metals and contaminants | Reported on request | — |
Typical values for guidance. Guaranteed limits are stated on the Technical Data Sheet and batch CoA. Customers are responsible for confirming compliance with the feed regulations of their market.
Key features & benefits
Pellet binding support
Fine attapulgite needles help hold feed particles together through conditioning and pelleting, supporting pellet durability and reducing the fines generated during cooling, conveying and bagging.
Flow and anti-caking aid
The high surface area absorbs surface moisture and liquid additions, helping premixes and mineral mixes stay free-flowing in bins, screws and bags rather than bridging or caking.
Suspension in liquid feeds
In molasses and other liquid supplements, a small addition of attapulgite builds a gel network that keeps minerals and insoluble solids evenly suspended during storage and dispensing.
Documentation for compliance work
Each batch is supplied with a CoA from our NABL-accredited laboratory, a Technical Data Sheet and an MSDS/SDS, giving regulatory and QA teams a consistent basis for supplier approval.
Applications
Pelleted compound feed
Used by feed mills as a binder for poultry, cattle and aquafeed pellets where permitted, helping manage pellet quality and fines alongside steam conditioning, die selection and cooler settings.
Premixes and mineral mixes
Used as a carrier and flow aid in vitamin–mineral premixes, keeping fine ingredients dispersed and the blend easy to dose, subject to local regulatory approval.
Liquid feed supplements
Used as a suspending agent in molasses-based and other liquid supplements, so that minerals and fine solids remain distributed throughout the tank instead of settling.
Usage & handling
- Inclusion is commonly in the range of 0.5–2 % of the feed, but the permitted level depends on local regulation and the intended function.
- For pellets, blend into the mash before conditioning so the clay is evenly distributed ahead of the die.
- For liquid supplements, add under high-shear mixing so the needles disperse fully and build suspension.
- Store in a dry, clean area away from feed contaminants and chemicals, keeping bags closed between uses.
Packaging & supply
- 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE or paper bags for feed mill handling
- 1 MT or 1.2 MT FIBC jumbo bags for bulk intake
- Private-label packaging for feed ingredient distributors on request
Frequently asked questions
What is attapulgite used for in animal feed?
Attapulgite is used in feed as a technological ingredient, mainly as a pellet binder, an anti-caking and flow aid, a carrier for liquid ingredients and a suspending agent in liquid supplements. The permitted uses and maximum inclusion levels differ by country, so the intended function should be checked against local feed regulations before formulating.
Is this attapulgite approved as a feed additive in my country?
Approval depends on your market. Use of attapulgite in feed is subject to local regulatory approval, and the customer is responsible for confirming that the material and its intended use are permitted. We supply a batch CoA, Technical Data Sheet and MSDS/SDS to support your registration or supplier approval process, and can discuss additional testing on request.
How much attapulgite is added to feed pellets?
As a binder or flow aid, clay minerals are commonly used at about 0.5 to 2 % of the formulated feed. The right level depends on the raw materials, conditioning temperature and pellet mill settings, and it must stay within any legal maximum in your market. A short pelleting trial measuring pellet durability is the most reliable way to set the dose.
Can you test the feed grade for heavy metals and other contaminants?
Contaminant testing, including heavy metals, can be arranged on request and reported alongside the standard batch parameters. Tell us which limits apply in your market and the test methods your QA team accepts, and we will confirm what our NABL-accredited laboratory can report before the order is placed.