Bentonite Clay

[bluemoose]

So I was on www.rawfedcats.org/feedingraw.htm and it said,

"Feeding your cat very small amounts of bentonite clay is another way to supplement your cat's diet. Clay is an excellent source of many trace minerals, and there are many animals in nature that eat clay regularly. Clay is well known as a powerful detoxification agent, and it's thought that some animals eat clay in order to neutralize certain toxic substances they may ingest in their diets. And since clay is also so rich in minerals, this may be another reason so many animals are known to consume it. To use clay as a supplement, add a pinch or two mixed in with a raw egg or sprinkled on raw meat once or twice a week. Please refer to the links section for information on where to purchase good quality clay."

When I looked at the link, it took me here californiaearthminerals.com/store/index.php?cPath=3_27
I found the same thing on amazon for half the price but I'm wondering if anyone uses bentonite clay or has heard of it. I know it says cats but since cats and ferrets are both obligate carnivores, I assume most of the supplements that are good for one are good for the other. Thoughts?

Edit: Amazon's description of the product,

"Nutramin for Cats contains 57 ion charged minerals that are safe and easily absorbed by both kittens, mature cats, and small animals. Just sprinkle on food or water. Will not only increase mineral intake and keep water clean, but will help build strong bones, joints, and teeth. Minerals can also relieve joint pain. Ion charged minerals clean tarter from teeth and kill bacteria responsible for gum infections. Cats will instinctively know to seek out nutrient rich mineral sources such as this if left to use their survival instincts. Domestic life and cat food do not replace that kind of natural mineral nutrition. Nutramin ion charged minerals were designed by the strong forces of nature millions of years ago. The minerals measure in at one micron in size, an accomplishment thought to be impossible by even today's technological standards. The small size of the minerals allows them to be gently and quickly absorbed. Nutramin ion charged minerals work to sooth and protect the digestive track while building the immune system. Minerals can be used externally by applying as a dry powder or mixed with water and applied as a poultice on skin bites, bruises, stings, wounds, rashes, and other irritations to relieve pain, itching, and heal."

[mustelidmusk]

wild animals have been observed licking clay and/or eating small amounts of clay to self-medicate for diarrhea/digestive issue. The two most common types of edible clays are betonite and montmorillonite.

Clays provide the following primary benefits:
1. calcium and minerals
2. detox (especially heavy metals)
3. digestive benefits for diarrhea (clay is in kaopectate)

Nature's Variety frozen foods contain montmorillonite.

Use with care:
Here are my thoughts about clay:
1. Less is more - I recommend using LESS than the recommended dose for ferrets.

2. If you intend to feed clay daily, provide it in very small quantities. I recommend alternating mineral sources (rotate clays with super greens/kelp/marine algae, etc.)

3. Buy a good brand - Clays can contain contaminants depending upon source

4. WARNING: clay swells when wet. Make sure clay is well saturated in foods. A clay that is too dry can contribute to dehydration and/or obstructions in ferrets.
LESS IS MORE.

I've been feeding small amounts of Mezotrace Pet formula for over 5 years. It was recommended by 2 different holistic/integrative vets. I do feed much less than the recommended dose, and I do rotate between mezotrace and super greens. The mezotrace is now marketed as a dog supplement since a chemist has suggests that it could potentially cause excessive earwax and/or urinary tract issues in male cats. Not cases of these issues have been reported, and my holistic vet still uses Mezotrace in cats in smaller-than recommended doses.

-jennifer



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[kainslie]

My girlfriend gives her Ibizan hound bentonite clay *I think* everyday with his meals because he has upset stomach and bowels.

I would wet it also, and with a ferret you'd only need a very light sprinkle

[rarnold18]

I won't even feed our feeder rabbits or our guinea's alfalfa cubes that have bentonite clay in them as a binder... I'm just not comfortable with feeding them something that is used in cement as a binder, used as a sealer for pond linings (the pond walls and floor are coated with bentonite so water doesn't seep back into the ground), an additive to clumping cat litter (it absorbs the moisture to make the clumps), amoung other things...
Please be very careful when using this as it does absorb the nutrients that are fed to the person or animal...it is not reccomended to be given with food but at least two hours before medicines or suppliments are administered and at least 1 hour gap before food as it will absorb the nutrients, both good and bad bactieria, and vitamins so the body of person or animal getting the bentonite will not absorb what it needs because the bentonite steals it away...

[bluemoose]

Yeah I'm still debating about the clay. The benefits sound good but of course they're trying to sell a product. It does seem like a very weird idea so I'm still looking into it.

[3kaw]

I've seen this used in combination with other things (like acidophulus sups, and a good fiber sup) as part of a detox regiment, particularly for yeast detox.

I know there are other benefits for humans, but have not researched it fully for either humans or animals.