What is perlite?
Perlite is a volcanic rock formed when silica-rich lava cools quickly and later takes up a small amount of water into its glassy structure. When crushed perlite ore is heated rapidly to a high temperature, this bound water turns to steam and the softened glass puffs up like popcorn. The result, expanded perlite, is a white, very low-density material made of countless tiny glass cells.
Chemically it is an amorphous (non-crystalline) aluminosilicate glass. Türkiye is one of the countries with large perlite reserves, and perlite is used widely in construction, horticulture and filtration (filter aid) as well as in feed.
What does perlite do in animal feed?
Perlite is used for its physical properties, not as a nutrient. It does not swell like bentonite and does not have the ion-exchange behaviour of zeolite; its value lies in its low density, porous structure and chemical inertness.
- Anticaking agent: coats and separates particles, helping hygroscopic powders and premixes stay free-flowing.
- Flow aid: improves the handling, dosing and discharge of fine powders from bins and feeders.
- Carrier and absorbent: its porous structure can absorb liquids, so it can be used to turn small amounts of liquid ingredients into a flowable powder.
- Diluent: because it is very light, a small weight gives a large volume, which can help distribution in some formulations.
Regulatory status
Perlite's status as a feed additive differs between markets. In the EU, perlite (1i599) was authorised in September 2026 as a technological additive in the functional group of anticaking agents for poultry for fattening, poultry reared for laying or reproduction, ornamental birds, piglets and pigs for fattening (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2072). Other animal species are not covered by that authorisation. The conditions include worker protection measures against dust inhalation. Local regulations and the product label always prevail.
How is inclusion assessed?
Because perlite is not a nutrient, there is no requirement for it. The inclusion level is decided by the technological problem being solved, such as how hygroscopic or cohesive a powder is, and is kept within the conditions of the authorisation that applies in the target market. Since it contributes bulk but no nutrients, its share in a premix or feed is accounted for as dilution in the formulation. Its very low bulk density also means that it behaves differently from heavy carriers such as calcium carbonate during mixing, so mixing uniformity should be checked.
Quality criteria and handling
- Identity and purity: expanded amorphous perlite, confirmed by mineralogical analysis (e.g. X-ray diffraction).
- Crystalline silica: respirable crystalline silica should be very low; this is part of the EU specification.
- Heavy metals and other impurities: within feed legislation limits; the EU specification also sets a limit for nickel and requires the material to be asbestos-free.
- Particle size and bulk density: determine flow, dustiness and mixing behaviour.
- Moisture: low moisture is essential for an anticaking agent.
- Dust control: fine perlite is dusty, so closed handling, ventilation and respiratory protection are used.
CTF Premix and perlite
Where it is permitted for the target species and market, perlite can be evaluated as an anticaking agent or carrier in CTF Premix's vitamin, mineral and custom premixes according to the customer's formulation. Premixes are produced at our 10,000 m² facility in Ankara under ISO 9001:2015 and GMP with lot traceability, and each lot's certificate of analysis can be viewed on the batch verification page.
This page is for general information. Inclusion rates and product choice should be decided with a nutritionist, taking into account the species, the feed formulation and the applicable regulations.