Montmorillonite Clay
Our ingredient score: 2 / 5 · Clay or anti-caking agent · How We Score
Montmorillonite is a clay of volcanic origin and is used in food to prevent caking. By binding mold toxins in the gut, it may protect the cat from them and may ease diarrhea. On the other hand, along with toxins, clay can also bind some vitamins and minerals; when it is used in high amounts, their absorption may decrease. Because it is mined from nature, there is a chance it contains heavy metal residues, and its purity depends on the supplier. No harm is known at the small amounts used in food; there is no evidence in cats for the "detox" claims made for some foods.
Common Questions
Does montmorillonite clay detox cats?
There is no evidence in cats for the detox claims made for some foods.
Is montmorillonite clay safe for cats?
Montmorillonite is a natural clay mineral and the main component of bentonite, which FDA includes on its GRAS list for animal feed. In cat food it works as an anti-caking agent. A study of a related phyllosilicate clay (HSCAS) found it tightly binds aflatoxins, a type of mold toxin, and reduced aflatoxin effects in rats, poultry, lambs and pigs. Evidence in cats is limited, so ask your veterinarian if your cat has a medical condition.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
What is montmorillonite clay in cat food?
Montmorillonite clay is a fine, absorbent clay that forms from volcanic ash. In dry cat food it keeps ingredients from clumping and can absorb moisture. Some makers also add it as a binder for mold toxins that can show up in grains. It is used in small amounts.
Is montmorillonite the same as bentonite?
Close, but not exactly. Bentonite is a clay made up mostly of montmorillonite, so the two names often describe similar material. FDA lists bentonite on its GRAS list for animal feed. Some products specify calcium or sodium montmorillonite, which refers to the main mineral ion in the clay.
Source: ecfr.gov
Can clay in cat food bind vitamins or minerals?
It can at high levels. Clays such as montmorillonite attract and hold many kinds of molecules, which is why they are studied as mold toxin binders. The same property means large amounts could also hold onto some vitamins or minerals in the gut. At the small amounts used as an anti-caking agent, the effect is expected to be smaller, though few studies have measured it in cats.
How does Pettings score montmorillonite clay?
Pettings gives montmorillonite clay 2 out of 5 and lists it as a clay or anti-caking agent. It appears on 6 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The score balances its possible use as a mold toxin binder against the chance of trace contaminants and nutrient binding. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Montmorillonite Clay Compare
Montmorillonite Clay is on the label of 6 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.