Sulfur Flower: What It Is and How It Is Given

Flowers of sulphur is one of the oldest additives in animal husbandry. It has been given over feed for generations — for horses as well as pigeons, chickens, dogs, and cats.

This text explains what flowers of sulphur is, how it is made, how it differs from similarly named products, and how it is used in practice. You will not find claims about any health effects here: under Regulation (EC) No 767/2009, feed materials may not promise effects on diseases or bodily functions, and we adhere to that.

Where the name comes from

Flowers of sulphur is produced through sublimation: sulphur is heated, passes directly from the solid to the gaseous state, and then settles out again as a fine, pale yellow powder as it cools. These fine, flower-like crystals give the product its name — in English it is correspondingly called flowers of sulphur.

The result is a very fine powder with a large surface area. It is precisely this fineness that distinguishes flowers of sulphur from coarsely ground sulphur.

Purity and quality

Our flowers of sulphur has a purity level of 99.9 % and is declared feed-grade. That is not a given: sulphur is also traded for technical purposes — for example in crop production or industry — and these grades are not intended for feeding.

When buying, it is therefore worth checking the declaration. For animal husbandry, the packaging should state which animal species the product is intended for.

Flowers of sulphur is not MSM

A common mix-up: MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a different substance. It is an organic sulphur compound that is manufactured synthetically or obtained from plant sources. Flowers of sulphur, by contrast, is elemental sulphur — a single chemical element, not a molecule with carbon.

The two products are not interchangeable, even though both have “sulphur” in the name.

Use in feed

Flowers of sulphur is given dry over the feed. In practice, the same problem arises as with all fine powders: the powder slides off smooth grain and collects at the bottom of the bucket.

The solution is a binding agent. The feed is lightly moistened with a feed oil, then the powder is mixed in. This helps it cling to the grain. What matters is lightly — wet feed clumps together and quickly becomes unappetising in warm weather.

Practical procedure:

• Put the daily feed portion into a bucket
• add a few milliliters of oil and mix well until the grain has a dull sheen
• add flowers of sulphur and mix again
• only prepare as much as will be fed on the same day

For dosage: The feeding recommendation is stated on the packaging and varies depending on the animal species and container size. This information is authoritative — please read and follow it before use.

External use

Traditionally, flowers of sulphur is also used externally, for example on stressed skin areas. Here too, what the specific product is intended for is stated in the manufacturer information on the packaging.

Storage

Flowers of sulphur is hygroscopic and clumps when it absorbs moisture. It should be stored dry, cool, and sealed, preferably in the original container. Clumped powder can still be crushed, but it is harder to dose.

Its typical smell can transfer to nearby supplies — anyone storing feed in the same room is better off keeping flowers of sulphur separate.

What flowers of sulphur is not

Three distinctions so no false expectations arise:

Not a medicine. For sick animals, a veterinarian should be consulted. A feed material is neither intended nor suitable for that.

Not an approved parasite treatment. For the treatment of mites, ticks, or other parasites, there are approved products with the appropriate designation. Flowers of sulphur is a feed material and does not have such approval.

Not a substitute for good husbandry hygiene. The basis remains a suitable feed ration, clean drinking water, and a dry, clean stable.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is flowers of sulphur?

Fine, pale yellow elemental sulphur obtained by sublimation. Our product has 99.9 % purity and is declared feed-grade.

For which animals is flowers of sulphur intended?

Depending on the package, for horses, dogs, cats, pigeons, and ornamental birds. The exact information is on the respective product page and on the packaging.

Why does the powder not stay on the feed?

Because dry grain is smooth. Lightly moisten the feed with oil first, then the powder will stick.

Is flowers of sulphur the same as MSM?

No. MSM is an organic sulphur compound; flowers of sulphur is elemental sulphur. Two different products.

How long does flowers of sulphur keep?

If stored dry and sealed, it keeps for a very long time — elemental sulphur does not spoil. The limiting factor is moisture, which causes clumping.

Does it smell in the stable?

Yes, to some extent. The smell is noticeable on the feed and fades after feeding.

In the range

Eurital Flowers of Sulfur are available in 600 g and 1,200 g, each in a tin and in a bag:

• Flowers of sulphur 600 g for birds and pigeons
• Flowers of sulphur 600 g in a bag for horses, dogs, and birds
• Flowers of sulphur 1,200 g
• Flowers of sulphur 1,200 g in a bag

You can find other single feed materials and herbal products under Herbs & Phyto, the range for horses under Horse.