If you’ve spent any time around a barn, chances are you’ve heard fellow equestrians chatting about beet pulp. And honestly… they’re onto something.

This humble feed has become a true staple in the horse world, and once you understand why, you may find yourself adding it to your feeding program too.

Beet pulp is the fibrous material left over after sugar beets are processed for sugar production.

Think of it as the by-product that actually turned out to be the hero! It’s available in shredded or pelleted forms and can be purchased with or without added molasses.

What makes beet pulp stand out is its highly digestible fiber content. While it’s not a complete feed on its own, it’s an incredibly versatile supplement that can support a wide range of nutritional needs.

1. Supports Healthy Weight Gain

If you’re trying to add weight to a hard keeper or senior horse, beet pulp can be a game changer. It’s calorie dense without being overly rich, helping promote steady healthy weight gain. Best of all, it provides calories without causing the excitability sometimes associated with high grain diets.

2. Promotes Digestive Health

Beet pulp is rich in fermentable fiber, which supports healthy hindgut function and may help reduce the risk of digestive issues like colic or ulcers. It ferments slowly in the cecum and colon, producing beneficial fatty acids that nourish the gut lining. When soaked, it also adds valuable moisture to the diet – always a plus for digestive health!

3. Provides Steady, Long Lasting Energy

Unlike simple carbohydrates that cause quick energy spikes and crashes, beet pulp offers slow release energy through fiber fermentation. This makes it an excellent choice for performance horses that need consistent fuel without the “hot” behavior associated with high starch feeds.

4. Ideal for Senior Horses

Older horses often struggle with dental issues and maintaining weight. Soaked beet pulp creates an easy to chew mash that’s gentle on aging teeth while still delivering meaningful nutrition. It’s basically comfort food that’s actually good for them!

5. Low in Sugar and Starch

Unmolassed beet pulp is naturally low in sugar and starch, making it a smart option for horses with metabolic concerns such as insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, or a history of laminitis. It supports calorie intake without significantly impacting blood sugar levels.

Let’s talk numbers! Here’s what makes beet pulp nutritionally impressive:

• Digestible Energy: Comparable to oats
• Crude Protein: 8% to 10%
• Crude Fiber: 18% to 22%
• Sugar Content: 6% to 10% (unmolassed), 15 to 20% (molassed)
• Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: High in calcium, which can be beneficial but requires balanced feeding

The digestibility of beet pulp fiber is around 80%, which is significantly higher than most hay. This means your horse can actually extract and use most of the nutrients present.

Soaking Is A Must

This part is non-negotiable! Always soak beet pulp before feeding.

Dry beet pulp can expand in your horse’s digestive system and potentially cause choke or impaction.

Soaking Guidelines:

• Shredded Beet Pulp: Cover with 2 to 4 times the volume of water, soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Pelleted Beet Pulp: Cover with 3 to 4 times the volume of water, soak for 2 to 4 hours or overnight
• Use cold water in summer and warm water in winter for quicker soaking and a more comfortable meal

Beet pulp should be fully softened and fluffy before feeding, with no hard pieces left behind.

How Much Should You Feed?

Start slow and increase gradually over 1 to 2 weeks to allow your horse’s digestive system to adjust. A good starting point is 1 to 2 cups of dry beet pulp per day.

General Feeding Ranges (Dry Weight Before Soaking):

• Maintenance: 1 to 4 pounds dry weight per day
• Weight Gain: 4 to 8 pounds dry weight per day
• Senior Horses: 2 to 6 pounds dry weight per day

Remember, these amounts refer to the dry product before soaking. After soaking, it will expand to roughly 3 to 4 times its original volume.

Feeding Tips

Beet pulp can be mixed with your horse’s regular grain or fed on its own. Many horses love it, especially when served warm in colder weather.

It’s also a great base for adding supplements, medications, or a splash of oil for extra calories.

If your horse is picky, try mixing in a small amount of their favorite grain, a drizzle of molasses, or even a bit of apple juice to boost appeal.

• Molassed beet pulp has molasses added for sweetness and extra calories. It’s a good choice for underweight horses without metabolic concerns.

• Unmolassed (plain) beet pulp is better suited for horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, laminitis risk, or those on low sugar diets. Many horses still find it plenty tasty, especially when properly soaked!

Beet pulp is an excellent choice for:

• Hard keepers who need extra calories
• Senior horses with dental issues
• Performance horses needing sustained energy
• Horses recovering from illness or injury
• Metabolic horses when fed unmolassed beet pulp
• Horses on restricted hay diets
• Any horse who could benefit from additional digestible fiber

While beet pulp is generally very safe, a few factors are worth keeping in mind:

• Calcium to Phosphorus Balance: Beet pulp is naturally high in calcium. If you’re feeding large amounts, you may want to add a phosphorus supplement or feed alongside alfalfa pellets to balance things out.

• Storage: Once soaked, beet pulp should be fed within 24 hours (sooner in warm weather) as it can ferment or grow mold. Store dry beet pulp in a cool dry place in tightly sealed containers.

• Cost: Beet pulp isn’t always the least expensive feed option, but many owners find it’s worth every penny for the results they see!

Beet pulp has earned its strong reputation in the equine nutrition world. It’s safe, highly digestible, effective, versatile, and most horses think it’s delicious!

Whether you’re trying to add weight to your Thoroughbred, supporting your senior horse’s digestion, or providing safe calories to your metabolic mare, beet pulp is a valuable addition to many feeding programs.

Just remember the golden rule: always soak before feeding! With that simple step, you’re giving your horse a nutritious, digestible, and beneficial addition to their diet.

Thinking about adding beet pulp to your routine? Start slowly, soak thoroughly, and monitor your horse’s condition.

As always, consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist when making significant dietary changes.