✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated April 2026
Bitter Balm™ by Sergents 3, LLC - Image 2 on InfoHorse.com
Bitter Balm™ by Sergeant 3 LLC, is a non-toxic, water‑resistant ointment made from thickened mineral oil , grapefruit seed oil, and bittering agents. It is specifically designed to stop chewing, licking, biting on wood, bandages, trailers, tails, manes, paws, and hotspots—across a range of large and small animals, including horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, alpacas, llamas, and even dogs or puppies It's competition‑safe for USEF, FEI, TRA, AQHA events—contains no banned substances.
Bitter Balm™ by Sergents 3, LLC Bitter Balm™ by Sergents 3, LLC powerful, safe, weather-proof anti-chew grease made from thickened mineral oil and a truly yucky substance to stop the chewers in your barn! What is Bitter Balm™?Bitter Balm™ by Sergeant 3 LLC, is a non-toxic, water‑resistant ointment made from thickened mineral oil, grapefruit seed oil, and bittering agents. It is specifically designed to stop chewing, licking, biting on wood, bandages, trailers, tails, manes, paws, and hotspots—across a range of large and small animals, including horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, alpacas, llamas, and even dogs or puppies It’s competition‑safe for USEF, FEI, TRA, AQHA events—contains no banned substances
Safe for horses, dogs, and other animals
Stops chewing, licking, and biting fast
Works on wounds, bandages, sutures, tails, wood, and more
Weather-resistant, non-toxic, and competition-safe
Comes in sizes for home, travel, and barn use
Why Choose Bitter Balm™?
Extremely Bitter– the taste is intense and memorable, ensuring animals learn quickly to stop chewing.
Long-Lasting & Weather-Resistant– won’t melt, freeze, or wash off immediately in rain. Remains effective through heat, cold, and dust.
Non-Toxic & Non-Flammable– safe for both humans and animals, odorless and non‑combustible.
Easy Application– use gloves and a brush or cloth; stir if separation occurs; apply to bandages, wood, metal, mane/tail, or trailers.
No Expiry, Easy Storage– store with household chemicals; doesn’t spoil. Oil-thickened formula ensures stability.
Is Bitter Balm™ Safe For All Wounds?
Yes. Think of it like baby oil for minor wounds—gentle and protective.
No known limitations—if unsure, always check with your vet.
No stinging sensation, even on tender skin.
Can I Use BitterBalm On My Dog’s HotSpots, Wounds or Paws?
Absolutely! This is a huge help to dog owners who want to help Heal but stop the licking!
Recommended for dogs’ paws, sores, hot spots, even skin areas like ankles or hands that animals might target.
Excellent for dogs that excessively chew their feet or develop hot spots during allergy flare-ups or stress.
Safe for pit bulls chewing at pen rails, puppies gnawing at furniture, or dogs coming home with bandages.
How Do I Apply?
Wear gloves– keeps the bitterness off your hands. Stir if oil has separated.
Pour a small amount into a cup and apply with a cloth, cotton swab, or paintbrush.
For porous surfaces, use a sealant first to prevent fast absorption.
Clean up with paper towels and water; for heavier cleanup, use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Is It Toxic IF My Dog or Horse Licks It Once?
Once is usually all it takes! But you don’t have to worry— completely non toxic.
Non-toxic, even if licked or accidentally ingested.
Non-flammable, and safe for use in stalls, barns, trailers, and around pets.
What Sized Are Available?
Available in 2 oz, 10 oz, and 1-gallon containers.
2 oz is great for travel or small areas.
10 oz handles most household or stable applications.
1 gallon is ideal for multi-animal households, barn aisles, or fences.
Is It Competition Safe?
Yes. Bitter Balm™ contains no banned ingredients and is safe for use during competition per USEF, FEI, TRA, and AQHA rules.
How Bitter Is it? What If I Accidentally Taste It?
It’s extremely bitter—enough to stop animals (and people!) in their tracks.
If accidentally tasted, it’s harmless but very unpleasant. The taste may linger for 15–20 minutes.
A piece of milk chocolate is the recommended remedy to mask the bitterness.
Order Bitter Balm Today and Have It When You Need It Most!
Whether you're dealing with a wood-chewing horse, a tail-munching foal, or a dog licking hot spots raw—Bitter Balm™ is the go-to solution. Safe, long-lasting, and bitter enough to get the message across, it's trusted by animal owners who care deeply about their four-legged companions. From the barn to the house, Bitter Balm™ provides peace of mind and protection—without stinging, harming, or introducing harsh chemicals.
Bitter Balm anti-chew ointment 2 oz tin by Sergeants 3 LLC
What surfaces and animals does Bitter Balm protect?
Bitter Balm is a thickened-mineral-oil ointment that stops destructive chewing, licking, and biting through an extremely bitter, long-lasting taste. It can be painted onto wood, bandages, trailers, fences, gates, cages, furniture, barns, trees, metal, and rubber, and it can be applied directly to tails, manes, paws, hotspots, and skin. The formula works across a wide range of large and small animals, including horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, alpacas, llamas, pit bulls, large dogs, small dogs, and puppies.
Bitter Balm competition-safe anti-chew gel 10 oz tin
Who makes Bitter Balm?
Bitter Balm is produced by Sergeants 3 LLC of 1272 Pleasant Point Rd, Surry, VA 23883, the same maker behind Sgt Reckless' Horse Grease. The company sells direct at horsegrease.com and can be reached at or. Bitter Balm and Horse Grease share the company's signature bad-tasting, thickened-oil chemistry, with Bitter Balm positioned as the competition-safe member of the family.
Bitter Balm 1 gallon pail for barns and large operations
What is Bitter Balm made of?
The core formula is built on mineral oil, a food-grade-style thickener, and bitterants (bittering agents), with the 10 oz tin adding grapefruit seed oil to the blend. The result is described as all-natural, odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-combustible. Because there are no banned substances in the recipe, the product carries the company's "Competition Safe" designation.
Sgt Reckless Horse Grease and Bitter Balm brand product image by Sergeants 3 LLC
How does the deterrent work and how long does it last?
Bitter Balm relies on taste rather than odor or pain: the moment an animal mouths a treated surface, the intensely bitter coating teaches it to stop. The ointment is water-resistant and heat-resistant, so it stays put and keeps working through rain, dust, dirt, and outdoor weather year-round. On porous wood the maker recommends sealing the surface first so the balm sits on top and lasts longer.
Is Bitter Balm safe for show and competition horses?
Yes. Bitter Balm is marketed as "Competition Safe" and "won't test" for events sanctioned by USEF, FEI, TRA, and AQHA, because the formula contains no banned substances. That makes it a practical choice for stopping bandage-chewing, mane- and tail-chewing, and stall-wood gnawing on horses that are actively showing or racing. It is suitable for Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, trotters, barrel racers, cutting horses, and other equines.
What sizes are available and how do you buy it?
Bitter Balm is sold directly at horsegrease.com in a 2 oz (2.1 fl oz) size at $12.92 with free shipping, a 10 oz tin at $23.30, and a 1 gallon pail (128 fl oz) at $215.51 for large operations. Volume discounts apply at scale, including 24+ of the 2 oz at $5.67 each and 12+ of the 10 oz at $17.22 each. Apply with a small paint brush, cloth, or cotton swab; stir if any oil separation occurs.
What is Bitter Balm — and how is it different from Horse Grease (the Sergents 3 sibling)?
Per Sergents 3, LLC: Bitter Balm™ is the company's anti-chew product; sibling Horse Grease is a different product line. Bitter Balm is a non-toxic, water-resistant ointment made from thickened mineral oil, grapefruit seed oil, and bittering agents — specifically designed to stop chewing, licking, and biting.
Competition-safe for USEF, FEI, TRA, AQHA events — no banned substances
Non-toxic, non-flammable
Why does Bitter Balm work?
Per Sergents 3:
Extremely Bitter — taste is intense and memorable; animals learn quickly to stop chewing
Long-Lasting & Weather-Resistant — won't melt, freeze, or wash off immediately in rain
Remains effective through heat, cold, dust
Easy Application — gloves + brush or cloth; stir if separation occurs
No Expiry — store with household chemicals; doesn't spoil
Is it safe on wounds + sensitive skin?
Per Sergents 3: Yes — think of it like baby oil for minor wounds. Gentle and protective. No stinging sensation, even on tender skin. No known limitations (always check with your vet if unsure).
Can I use Bitter Balm on dog hot spots and paws?
Per Sergents 3: Absolutely. Per the company: "This is a huge help to dog owners who want to help HEAL but stop the licking." Recommended for dogs' paws, sores, hot spots, ankles, hands. Excellent for dogs that excessively chew their feet or develop hot spots during allergy flare-ups or stress. Safe for pit bulls chewing pen rails, puppies gnawing.
How do I order?
Per Sergents 3, LLC: Phone 757-927-5841, email Admin@Sergeants3.us, website https://www.horsegrease.com/. Pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors.
What is Bitter Balm?
Bitter Balm is a non-toxic, water-resistant anti-chew ointment made from thickened mineral oil and bittering agents. It stops animals from chewing, licking, and biting surfaces by coating them in an intensely bitter taste. It is made by Sergeants 3 LLC, the company behind Sgt Reckless' Horse Grease.
What are the ingredients in Bitter Balm?
The base formula is mineral oil, a thickener, and bitterants (bittering agents). The 10 oz tin also includes grapefruit seed oil in the blend. The maker describes the product as all-natural, odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-combustible.
How does Bitter Balm stop chewing?
It works on taste, not odor or pain. As soon as an animal mouths a treated surface, the extremely bitter coating creates an unpleasant experience that quickly teaches the animal to leave the spot alone. Because the taste does the work, animals learn to avoid treated areas rather than being harmed.
What surfaces can I apply Bitter Balm to?
It can be painted onto wood, bandages, trailers, fences, gates, cages, furniture, barns, trees, metal, and rubber. It can also be applied directly to animal skin and coat areas such as tails, manes, paws, and hotspots. On porous wood, the maker recommends sealing the surface first so the balm sits on top and lasts longer.
Which animals is Bitter Balm safe to use on?
Bitter Balm is formulated for a wide range of large and small animals, including horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, alpacas, and llamas, as well as pit bulls, large dogs, small dogs, and puppies. Because it is non-toxic and odorless, it is designed to deter chewing without harming the animal.
Is Bitter Balm competition safe?
Yes. Bitter Balm is marketed as Competition Safe and 'won't test' for events sanctioned by USEF, FEI, TRA, and AQHA because the formula contains no banned substances. That makes it suitable for actively showing and racing horses, including stopping bandage-chewing and mane- or tail-chewing.
Is Bitter Balm water-resistant and weatherproof?
Yes. The ointment is both water-resistant and heat-resistant, so it stays in place and keeps working through rain, dust, dirt, and outdoor weather. This makes it suitable for year-round use on fences, gates, trailers, and barn surfaces that are exposed to the elements.
How do I apply Bitter Balm?
Apply it directly to the target surface with a small paint brush, cloth, or cotton swab. For porous surfaces such as raw wood, apply a sealant coating first so the balm stays on the surface. If any oil separation occurs in the container, simply stir it back together before use.
What sizes does Bitter Balm come in?
Bitter Balm is sold in a 2 oz (2.1 fl oz) size, a 10 oz tin, and a 1 gallon pail (128 fl oz) for large operations. The 2 oz is suited to spot treatments and single animals, while the gallon pail is geared toward barns, kennels, and commercial use.
How much does Bitter Balm cost?
On horsegrease.com the 2 oz is $12.92 with free shipping, the 10 oz tin is $23.30, and the 1 gallon pail is $215.51. Volume discounts apply at higher quantities, such as 24+ of the 2 oz at $5.67 each and 12+ of the 10 oz at $17.22 each. Prices are listed by the manufacturer and may change.
Where can I buy Bitter Balm?
Bitter Balm is sold directly by the manufacturer at horsegrease.com. The same site also carries Sgt Reckless' Horse Grease. The product is additionally stocked by select tack and vet retailers.
Who makes Bitter Balm?
Bitter Balm is made by Sergeants 3 LLC, located at 1272 Pleasant Point Rd, Surry, VA 23883. The company can be reached at 757-927-5841 or by email at Sergeants3@pm.me. Sergeants 3 LLC also produces Sgt Reckless' Horse Grease.
What is the difference between Bitter Balm and Horse Grease?
Both are bad-tasting, thickened-oil chewing deterrents from Sergeants 3 LLC, and they share the same core anti-chew chemistry. Bitter Balm is positioned as the Competition Safe member of the family, designed not to test for USEF, FEI, TRA, and AQHA events. Horse Grease is the company's flagship anti-chew product line.
Is Bitter Balm toxic or dangerous to animals?
No. The formula is described as non-toxic, odorless, non-flammable, and non-combustible. It is built around mineral oil, a thickener, and bittering agents, and it deters chewing through taste rather than through any harmful or caustic ingredient.
Can Bitter Balm stop a horse from chewing its bandages?
Yes. Stopping bandage-chewing is a primary use. Because Bitter Balm can be applied directly to bandages, manes, and tails and is competition safe, it is a practical choice for horses that pull at wraps during stall rest or recovery without disqualifying them from sanctioned competition.
How long does Bitter Balm last after application?
The maker describes the ointment as long-lasting and effective in extreme weather, with water- and heat-resistance helping it stay put outdoors through rain, dust, and dirt. Sealing porous wood before application helps the coating last even longer. Reapply as needed when the deterrent effect fades.
How do I clean up or remove Bitter Balm?
For the 2 oz formula, the maker notes that water and paper towels can be used for cleanup, and gloves are recommended during application. The companion Horse Grease line suggests rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or paint thinner with a cloth for removal from harder surfaces. Store the product with household chemicals in a cabinet, shed, or garage.
