Why Horse Owners Are Replacing Nitrofurazone with Natural Alternatives like HoneyCoal™

For decades, nitrofurazone ointment has been a staple in equine first-aid kits across barns and veterinary clinics. Trusted for its antibacterial action and versatility, horse owners have relied on it to treat surface wounds, burns, skin infections, and cutaneous ulcers. But as awareness of long-term safety, ingredient sensitivity, and chemical exposure grows, more horse owners are seeking safer alternatives to nitrofurazone—and that’s where HoneyCoal™ by Draw It Out® enters the arena.

In this post, we’ll explore:

What nitrofurazone is and how it’s traditionally used

Why many equestrians are choosing to move away from it

How HoneyCoal™ offers a clean, naturally derived solution

🔬 What Is Nitrofurazone?

Nitrofurazone is a topical antibacterial agent used to prevent or treat surface bacterial infections in horses. It's commonly used on:

Minor wounds

Burns

Abrasions

Skin ulcers

It works by inhibiting the growth of a wide range of bacteria and is typically applied under wraps or dressings. Sounds like a solid solution—so why are horse owners rethinking its use?

⚠️ The Risks & Limitations of Nitrofurazone

While nitrofurazone is effective, there are some significant concerns:

Carcinogenic Warning: Studies have shown that nitrofurazone can cause tumors in laboratory animals. As a result, products containing it often come with a warning to wear gloves during application and to avoid direct contact with skin.

Staining: Nitrofurazone is infamous for its bright yellow color that stains hands, coats, wraps, and anything it touches.

Synthetic Antibiotics: Many horse owners now avoid topical synthetic antibiotics unless necessary, due to concerns over resistance, residue, and sensitivity reactions.

Not for Food Animals: Federal law prohibits its use in food-producing animals, which limits its flexibility across multispecies farms.

These concerns have led to a growing demand for a natural, non-staining, and effective alternative.

🌿 Meet HoneyCoal™: A Safer Alternative to Nitrofurazone

HoneyCoal™ by Draw It Out® was created to address the same issues horse owners have traditionally used nitrofurazone for—but with a modern, naturally derived formula that’s safer for both horses and humans.

💡 What It Does:

HoneyCoal™ is a topical antibacterial wound paste that supports the treatment of:

Surface bacterial infections

Minor wounds and abrasions

Burns and cutaneous ulcers

Skin irritation and redness

It’s designed to be applied directly to the affected area with or without a wrap—just like nitrofurazone—but without the risk of chemical exposure or bright yellow mess.

🧪 What's Inside HoneyCoal™

At the heart of HoneyCoal™ is a proprietary blend of botanical and mineral ingredients, each chosen for their antibacterial, soothing, and protective properties:

Manuka Honey – Naturally antimicrobial and supports tissue healing

Activated Charcoal – Helps draw out impurities and inflammation

Aloe Vera – Soothes and hydrates irritated skin

Calendula Oil – Reduces redness and supports skin repair

Tea Tree Oil – Broad-spectrum antibacterial support

Colloidal Silver – Reinforces microbial defense on the skin

Beeswax & Coconut Oil – Create a breathable, protective barrier

This combination makes HoneyCoal™ a truly safe, effective alternative to nitrofurazone.

✅ Key Benefits of HoneyCoal™ Over Nitrofurazone

Feature

HoneyCoal™

Nitrofurazone

Antibacterial

Natural

Carcinogen Warning

Staining

Wrap Safe

Naturally Derived

Skin Sensitivity

Gentle on skin

Potential irritation

Application Safety

Bare-hand safe

Gloves required

🐴 How Horse Owners Are Using HoneyCoal™

Horse owners are already using HoneyCoal™ in their day-to-day care routine to:

Treat scratches, nicks, and cuts from turnout or trail riding

Support healing for burns, girth galls, or rubs

Apply under wraps for clean, moist wound environments

Replace nitrofurazone in chemical-conscious barns

🛒 The Bottom Line: Cleaner Wound Care Is Here

If you’ve been reaching for nitrofurazone out of habit, it might be time to upgrade. HoneyCoal™ gives you the wound care performance you expect—without the chemicals, the gloves, or the stains.

It’s not just a replacement. It’s a better choice.

🛒 The Bottom Line: Cleaner Wound Care Is Here

If you’ve been reaching for nitrofurazone out of habit, it might be time to upgrade. HoneyCoal™ gives you the wound care performance you expect—without the chemicals, the gloves, or the stains.

It’s not just a replacement. It’s a better choice.