Disodium EDTA - Feed Ingredient

Disodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt) is a synthetic chelating agent commonly used in both food and feed industries. It is the disodium salt form of EDTA and functions by binding to metal ions, forming stable, water-soluble complexes.

In equine feeds and supplements, disodium EDTA is occasionally used to chelate trace metals and prevent undesirable metal-catalyzed reactions such as oxidation. By binding free metal ions like iron and copper, it can help preserve the stability and shelf life of formulations. It may also be included in oral or topical preparations to assist with metal detoxification or improve ingredient solubility.

Its use in feed should be limited to approved concentrations, as excessive intake could interfere with mineral absorption by binding essential trace elements. There is limited data on its long-term effects in horses, and inclusion is generally more common in non-nutritional roles such as feed preservation.