🌿 Clay: a natural ally for detoxifying the liver of animals
A vital organ for health and performance
Let's talk about horses, cattle, and farm animals. The liver is a key organ: it filters the blood, transforms nutrients from digestion, and neutralizes toxins before they are eliminated.
It is also an essential player in energy metabolism. It participates in the production of bile, (which will be stored in the gallbladder – except in horses which do not have a gallbladder. The liver will also store certain vitamins and serve to break down drug or pollutant residues.
Yes, it's true, we generally talk about liver detoxification treatments in the spring. BUT, when this organ is overloaded or tired, elimination functions slow down, which can affect vitality, appetite and even the quality of the coat or milk production.
When the liver is overworked
Many factors can weaken the liver of animals:
a diet that is too rich or unbalanced,
exposure to chemicals (antibiotics, dewormers, pesticides),
stress (transport, calving, competition, change of environment),
or even rations poorly adapted to the animal's needs.
A fatigued liver often manifests itself through a decrease in appetite, slowed digestion, a dull coat, or unusual skin reactions. In horses, it is sometimes noticeable through a lack of energy and concentration.
The special role of the liver in ruminants
In cattle, sheep and goats, the liver works closely with the rumen, the first compartment of their stomach.
In the rumen, microorganisms convert fiber into volatile fatty acids (VFAs)—acetate, propionate, and butyrate—which provide most of the animal's energy.
Propionate is then converted by the liver into glucose, a vital process called gluconeogenesis.
When the liver is congested (after calving, an overly acidic ration, the presence of mycotoxins or a poorly managed transition), this energy transformation is less efficient.
Result: decreased milk production, fatigue, metabolic disorders (ketosis, steatosis) and weakened immunity.
The clay then helps stabilize the rumen by trapping toxins and limiting unwanted fermentation, while supporting the liver in its filtering function. The rumen-liver duo then functions more smoothly, for more stable production and general condition.
Clay: detox and protective support
Naturally rich in minerals and trace elements, clay (notably montmorillonite from Green Clay ) acts like a natural sponge.
It adsorbs digestive, metabolic and environmental toxins before they reach the liver.
Its beneficial effects:
support of liver functions,
better waste disposal,
protection of the digestive mucosa,
boost of energy and general vitality.
Used as a cure or as a preventative measure, it helps maintain a stable metabolism and an efficient liver throughout the year.
When and how to use internal clay (orally)?
👉 As a seasonal treatment, either at the start of each season or at least in spring and autumn, to stimulate elimination functions.
👉 After medication, deworming, or a period of great stress. Wait 2 to 3 weeks to allow the medication or dewormer to work properly. The goal is simply to eliminate any chemical residues that may be stored in vital organs, including the liver.
👉as protection against toxins possibly contained in the ration (anti-toxins and excellent absorbent agent for fumonisins B1 and B2)
👉 During periods of food transition (weaning, change of pasture, ration, calving, preparation and competition period)
Indicative dosages:
Horses: 2 tablespoons of green clay morning and evening if given the feed 2 x per day or 1 x 4 tablespoons per day for a horse of 1000 to 1200 lbs.
Adult cattle: 1 to 2% of the total daily ration.
Small ruminants (calves, goats, sheep): self-service in the feeders.
Poultry: a few grams per liter of water.
➡️ Choose a quality clay, food grade, pure, untreated and without additives. The Velay Clay, which we import and distribute, is of excellent quality and has all the necessary global analyses and certifications to guarantee it.
➡️ Ideally, do not administer at the same time as medications or leave about 3 hours between the two. The risk of adsorption is not really proven, but it is said to be better.
In conclusion
Supporting the liver with Internal Clay provides the animal with a natural mechanism for self-cleaning and metabolic regeneration.
This gentle and effective approach promotes vitality, digestion, immune resistance and performance.
A simple and natural gesture to integrate into your preventive care routines, in harmony with the well-being of your animals.