Sweet PDZ by PDZ Company, LLC.

An all-natural, non-toxic, granular mineral that is a superior alternative to lime for ammonia removal and moisture absorption in horse stalls.

Tired of lime burning your hands and want a natural zeolite that crushes ammonia odor?

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Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated May 2026

Sweet PDZ by PDZ Company, LLC.
Sweet PDZ is an all-natural, non-toxic, granular mineral that is a superior alternative to lime for ammonia removal and moisture absorption in horse stalls.

Who Is Steelhead Specialty Minerals and the PDZ Company, LLC?
Steelhead Specialty Minerals owns major reserves of natural Zeolites and mineral deposits in the western United States, and produces and markets these natural Zeolite minerals to a broad spectrum of industries. Steelhead has been in business since 1982 during which time it has developed markets for natural Zeolites in a number of fields, including odor control. In 2008 Steehead spun off the Sweet PDZ animal care business and formed a separate company known as, PDZ Company, LLC. All Sweet PDZ branded products are sold through the PDZ Company, LLC. Both companies are located in Spokane, WA.

What Is Sweet PDZ?

Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher is an all-natural, non-toxic and non-hazardous granular volcanic mineral (clinoptilolite, zeolite) that is a superior alternative to hydrated lime & barn lime for ammonia removal and moisture absorption in horse stalls, livestock barns and pet habitats. There is no masking scent or perfume cover-up added to Sweet PDZ. It neutralizes and locks up ammonia and odors naturally, through mineral functions known as Cation Exchange and ADsorption.

How Does Zeolite Help In My Barn?
Well, we're glad you asked! Zeolites have special properties, namely, they absorb moisture (soak up like a sponge) and they adsorb gases (attract and keep gas molecules stuck to them). This means that ammonia, as well as other bad smelling gases, are trapped inside the Sweet PDZ to be harmlessly removed and placed on the compost pile. The qualities make Zeolites useful not only in the barn, but the litter box, the garage and in industry as well!

How Do I Apply Sweet PDZ?

Applying Sweet PD Z in a stall environment is simple, AND, it saves you cleaning time and a savings in shavings consumption. All you do is cover the floor of a stripped stall with a visible covering of Sweet PDZ (~5-6 cups), and then sprinkling a visible layer (~1-2 cups) of it on the wet spots (after removing the wet, soiled bedding) as part of daily stall maintenance routine.

Sweet PDZ is efficient, economical and effective to apply to all bedding materials (shavings, straw, wood pellets, sawdust, etc.) and floors (wood, concrete, dirt, asphalt, rubber mats, etc.). It is also great to use in horse/livestock trailers.

Is Sweet PDZ Safe For My Horses Or Other Animals?

Yes, Sweet PDZ is entirely safe, all-natural, non-hazardous and non-toxic. It’s highly effective to use in dog runs, litter boxes, small animal habitats, bird cages, barn equipment and stall mats. It can be eaten and, in fact, the mineral is used as a feed supplement for cattle and swine to improve metabolism, lessen bloating and overcome scours. It is also safe for use with foals and in birthing areas.

Is Sweet PDZ Expensive?

No, Sweet PDZ is actually less expensive than lime or other products on a cost benefit ratio. You would only need to use about one third as much Sweet PDZ as you would lime to control odors and ammonia. Sweet PDZ is also more effective than lime and not harmful to your animals.

How Long Will A Bag Of Sweet PDZ Last?
A bag of Sweet PDZ will last 3 to 4 weeks in most horse stalls. Usage will depend on time in the stall and the habits of the horse.

Does Sweet PDZ Help With Flies?

Yes, Sweet PDZ reduces fly population by reducing wetness and odor. Sweet PDZ is a desiccant and flies will not light on it or lay their eggs on it.

What Do Horse Owners Say About Sweet PDZ?

Testimonialscome in almost daily. Horse owners across America are reporting fresher, cleaner smelling barns! Once you try Sweet PDZ, you'll be sold yourself.

How Can I Buy Sweet PDZ?

Sweet PDZ is retailed in thousands of Feed and Farm Supply stores across the United States and in Eastern Canada. Please call their toll free number and they will be happy to refer you to a retailer near you. You may also email them using contact information below to request the name of a retailer near you. Simply provide them with your town name and zip code, and they’ll direct you to a retailer(s) near you.

An all-natural, non-toxic, granular mineral that is a superior alternative to lime for ammonia removal and moisture absorption in horse stalls.

What is Sweet PDZ and why has it led the stall-freshener market since 1983?

Sweet PDZ is a natural earth mineral called zeolite, used to capture, neutralize, and eliminate harmful levels of ammonia and odors from animal waste. In 1983 the Phelps Dodge Company became the first company to introduce a branded odor-control product from its zeolite mineral deposits, trademarking it as Sweet PDZ. Today it is marketed as Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, the #1 stall deodorizer for nearly four decades, sold by brick-and-mortar retailers coast to coast and to online shoppers across the globe. PDZ Company, LLC operates out of Spokane, WA.

What mineral is Sweet PDZ actually made of?

Sweet PDZ is made of a premium grade of clinoptilolite, better known as zeolite, a naturally occurring mineral created from the earth's volcanic activity millions of years ago. Its unique crystalline structure makes it especially suited for gas adsorption and ion exchange, the two properties that let it eliminate harmful ammonia odors from pet and livestock waste. Because the ingredient is a high-purity, premium-grade zeolite, it is far more effective at capturing and neutralizing waste odors than masking-scent deodorizers. It contains no perfumes, masking scents, or color additives.

How does Sweet PDZ neutralize ammonia at the molecular level?

Sweet PDZ works through two special mineral properties. The first is Adsorption, the sticking of the ammonia gas molecule to the surface of the Sweet PDZ granule; when the granules desorb (dry out), the captured ammonia is released as nitrogen, a beneficial garden and soil nutrient. The second is Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), in which a sodium or potassium cation from the zeolite hydrolyzes and the ammonium is exchanged into the granule, a process that works because the granules are always holding water. Sweet PDZ also absorbs 40% to 60% of its weight in moisture, drying the stall and reducing the fly population.

Powder or granular: which Sweet PDZ form fits your barn?

Sweet PDZ comes in two particle sizes. Classic powder, the original product introduced in 1983, has a small granule size that is easy to spread on problem areas and absorbs ammonia quickly and comprehensively; Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher Powder is sold in a 40 lb bag. The gritty, larger, essentially dust-free granular form offers hassle-free application and easy clean-up, and is available in 40 lb and 25 lb bags. A 40 lb bag will treat a typical horse stall for approximately 3 to 6 weeks depending on your horse's habits.

Who should use Sweet PDZ beyond the horse stall?

While its hallmark focus is horse stalls, Sweet PDZ is recommended for creatures big and small, indoor or outdoor, exotic pets and livestock, from aardvarks to zebras and all critters in between. The lineup includes Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher and Healthy World Pet Deodorizer for litter boxes, chicken coops, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, and caged birds. Sweet PDZ is Certified Organic through Omri (Organic Materials Review Institute), all-natural, non-toxic, non-hazardous, and pH neutral, so it is safe to handle even with bare hands while pets and livestock remain in the stall.

Where can you buy Sweet PDZ?

Sweet PDZ is stocked nationwide at major farm and ranch retailers including Tractor Supply Co., CAL Ranch, True Value, Wilco, Big R, Runnings, North 40, Family Farm & Home, Orscheln Farm & Home, and independent feed and tack stores, plus Amazon and other online sellers. The company is based in Spokane, WA and can be reached. PDZ Company, LLC regularly offers promotions, and because you use far less Sweet PDZ than lime to control odors, it remains one of the most economical stall and pet deodorizers available.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

What is Sweet PDZ, and what does it actually do in a horse stall?

Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher is an all-natural, non-toxic granular volcanic mineral (clinoptilolite, zeolite). It neutralizes and locks up ammonia and odors in stalls, livestock barns, and pet habitats — a superior alternative to hydrated lime and barn lime for moisture absorption.

How does the zeolite mineral in Sweet PDZ work chemically?

Zeolites have special properties — they absorb and lock up ammonia through mineral functions known as Cation Exchange and ADsorption. There is no masking scent or perfume cover-up in Sweet PDZ; the odor neutralization is purely mineral-based.

Is Sweet PDZ safer than hydrated lime?

Sweet PDZ is positioned as a superior alternative to hydrated lime for ammonia removal and moisture absorption. It is described as non-toxic and non-hazardous, in contrast to caustic lime products that can pose handling risks.

Who makes Sweet PDZ?

Sweet PDZ is made by the PDZ Company, LLC, a Spokane, WA company spun off in 2008 from Steelhead Specialty Minerals. Steelhead has owned major Zeolite mineral reserves in the western United States since 1982.

Can Sweet PDZ be used in places other than horse stalls?

Yes — Sweet PDZ is suitable for livestock barns and pet habitats in addition to horse stalls. The same Zeolite chemistry that neutralizes equine ammonia works across other animal-housing applications.

What is Sweet PDZ made of?

Sweet PDZ is made of a premium grade of clinoptilolite, better known as zeolite, a naturally occurring mineral formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago. Its unique structure makes it ideally suited for gas adsorption and ion exchange, the two properties that let it capture, neutralize, and eliminate harmful levels of ammonia odors from pet and livestock waste. It contains no perfumes, masking scents, or color additives.

How does Sweet PDZ actually eliminate ammonia odor?

Sweet PDZ uses two special mineral properties. Adsorption is the sticking of the ammonia gas molecule to the surface of the Sweet PDZ granule, and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is the liquid exchange in which a sodium or potassium cation hydrolyzes and the ammonium is exchanged into the granule. When the granules dry out and desorb, the captured ammonia is released as nitrogen, which becomes a beneficial nutrient for gardens, compost, and soil. Because its ingredient is a high-purity premium zeolite, it neutralizes odors rather than masking them.

Is Sweet PDZ safe to handle and breathe around animals?

Yes. Sweet PDZ is all-natural, non-toxic, and non-hazardous, and is 100% safe to breathe, handle (even with bare hands), and recycle. It is safe to apply while pets and livestock are in the stall or habitat. Unlike hydrated lime, it does not dry or crack hooves, nor does it sting the eyes or skin of people or pets.

Is Sweet PDZ organic certified?

Yes. Sweet PDZ is Certified Organic through OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute. It is all-natural, non-toxic, and non-hazardous, with no perfumes, masking scents, or color additives. The company describes it as a full-circle green-earth mineral, borrowed from the earth and returned to the earth where it enhances soil, gardens, and compost.

What is the difference between the powder and granular forms?

Sweet PDZ comes in two particle sizes. The classic powder, introduced in 1983, has a small granule size that is easy to spread over problem areas and absorbs ammonia at a faster rate, making it ideal for discrete or more challenging spots in the stall. The granular form is larger and essentially dust-free, allowing for easy handling and application, and is the product of choice for litter boxes, small animal habitats, and larger areas needing easy clean-out.

What package sizes does Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher come in?

Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher Powder is sold in a 40 lb bag. The granular form is available in both 40 lb and 25 lb bags. The company also offers a Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher (10 lb granular) and Healthy World Pet Deodorizer (3.5 lb granular) for coops, litter boxes, and small-animal habitats.

How long will a bag of Sweet PDZ last in a horse stall?

Usage depends on the activities and habits of your horse, but by sprinkling it with a simple feed scoop, routinely cleaning, and focusing on high-impact areas where urine and moisture accumulate, you can expect a 40 lb bag to treat a typical horse stall for approximately 3 to 6 weeks. For small and medium-sized pets used for occasional household accidents, a bag can last several months or more. The company offers a Stall Application video to help gauge your usage.

Is Sweet PDZ the same as lime?

No. Sweet PDZ is not barn lime, hydrated lime, or any other kind of lime. It is a naturally occurring clinoptilolite zeolite mineral that is pH neutral and safe for people, pets, and the planet. Lime products mask odors rather than neutralizing them, and hydrated lime is extremely hazardous to handle or breathe, while Sweet PDZ neutralizes the source of the smell and is safe to touch.

Can Sweet PDZ be used for animals other than horses?

Absolutely. While Sweet PDZ is primarily sold as a horse stall refresher, it is suited to all manner of animal waste problems for creatures big and small, indoor or outdoor, exotic pets and livestock. It works wonderfully in habitats for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, and caged birds, and is a lifesaver for chicken coops. The company also makes Healthy World Pet Deodorizer and Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher as litter additives and for treating stubborn household pet accidents.

How does Sweet PDZ help with respiratory health?

By absorbing ammonia from horse urine, Sweet PDZ diminishes the risk of equine respiratory issues such as heaves, COPD (now called RAO, recurrent airway obstruction), and IAD (inflammatory airway disease). Ammonia exposure is a leading cause of respiratory distress and provides an easy access route for bacteria, viruses, mold, and parasites. The company notes that of horses referred for veterinary exams because of poor performance, 81% had respiratory disease, so providing fresh air in the stall promotes good health.

Does Sweet PDZ absorb moisture?

Yes, Sweet PDZ has exceptional moisture absorption. Owing to its Adsorption and Cation Exchange Capacity, it captures ammonia and odor gases, changes their chemistry, and holds and neutralizes them. As a premium grade, highly absorbent zeolite, Sweet PDZ can absorb 40% to 60% of its weight in moisture, which is why it performs so well on wet spots, pet accidents, spills, and flooded spaces.

Does Sweet PDZ work with any type of bedding?

Yes. Sweet PDZ performs very well with all types of bedding and in all stalls, whether they have concrete, wood, rubber mats, or dirt floors. It can be used with straw in horse stalls, with all types of chicken bedding in coops, and is safe on carpets, flooring, furnishings, and fabrics. In cat litter boxes it works equally well with traditional clay (non-clumping) or clumping litter.

Will Sweet PDZ keep working even if it gets wet?

Yes. Moisture does not reduce the effectiveness of Sweet PDZ to capture and load up with ammonia and odors. By its nature the product always holds some level of water inside its crystalline structure, which is actually necessary for its unique mineral function to capture and hold ammonium and odors. It responds extremely effectively on wet spots, pet accidents, high-moisture areas, spills, and flooded spaces.

Does Sweet PDZ help control flies?

Yes. One lesser-known benefit of Sweet PDZ is its ability to reduce the fly population by drying damp and malodorous areas that attract flies. Sweet PDZ is a desiccant (drying agent), and flies do not like to land on treated areas or lay their eggs in them. Because it dries those areas, it also causes bugs to dehydrate and die, which is desirable in horse stalls, areas of standing moisture, attics, and crawl spaces.

Is Sweet PDZ expensive to use?

Sweet PDZ is one of the most economical pet and stall deodorizers available, and on a benefit-to-cost basis it is actually less expensive than lime. You use much less Sweet PDZ than lime to control odors, and because lime only masks odors you tend to use more and reapply often without eliminating the source. PDZ Company, LLC also aims for a consumer-friendly price point and regularly offers promotions to its customers.

Who makes Sweet PDZ and where are they located?

Sweet PDZ is produced by PDZ Company, LLC, based in Spokane, WA. The brand traces back to 1983, when the Phelps Dodge Company became the first to introduce a branded odor-control product from its zeolite mineral deposits and trademarked it as Sweet PDZ. The company can be reached at 800-367-1534, and it produces zeolite mineral products for odor control, water filtration, feed additive, and soil amendment applications.

Will Sweet PDZ harm the environment after I use it?

No, it is actually beneficial. After use in the stall, the waste material and bedding containing Sweet PDZ can be recycled and applied to pastures and gardens, where it serves as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and soil amendment. Because Sweet PDZ is pH neutral, it will not upset the soil balance and instead brings real benefit to it, slowly releasing ammonium nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and various trace elements that improve plant growth. The company describes it as a full-circle green-earth mineral, borrowed from the earth and returned to it.