Formulations for animal feed include granules comprising a mixed butyrate lactate salt; in which the mixed butyrate lactate salt is an at least bivalent metal, such as calcium, and the butyrate and lactate are present in a molar ratio between 3:1 and 1:3. The granules may be coated. The optionally coated granules have a particle size of 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.2 mm or more, and about 2 mm or less, preferably about 1 mm or less. In addition, the butyrate lactate salt may be combined with another active ingredient that may be chosen from the group consisting of plant extracts, prebiotic compounds, probiotics, yeast extracts, medium chain fatty acids, unsaturated long chain fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and toxin absorbing compounds.