Beet Pulp for Obese Horses

Beets are a herbaceous plant widely cultivated as a source of food for humans and livestock, and for processing into sugar. Beet pulp is the fibrous material that remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets. An excellent source of digestible fiber, beet pulp is beneficial as a food for horses suffering from obesity, poor diet or dehydration. In the past, beet pulp has been regarded as only a dietary filler, but research has shown it to be a significant source of not only fiber but also other essential nutrients.

  1. Beet Pulp Nutrition Facts

    • Like hay, beet pulp is a good source of digestible fiber.

      Beet pulp is an excellent source of fiber that is easier for horses to digest than the fiber in hay. Unlike grain, beet pulp can be fed in large amounts without the risk of colic, a severe and often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction, or laminitis, an inflammation of sensitive layers of tissue inside horses' hoofs. The protein content of beet pulp equals that of most grains and good-quality hay grasses, and it's also a decent source of calcium.

    Beet Pulp For Obese Horses

    • Beet pulp is a useful addition to a horse's well-rounded diet.

      If fed to horses without any additives such as molasses, beet pulp does not significantly increase caloric intake. Although, pound for pound, beet pulp is equal in calories to oats, the calories are provided as fiber instead of starch. Because it increases dietary fiber but not calories, beet pulp can be added to the diets of obese horses or ponies that do not need any additional calories, but could benefit from a dietary filler.

    Other Types Of Horses That Benefit From Beet Pulp

    • Whether used as a replacement for oats, a source of forage or a fiber supplement, beet pulp is beneficial to many types of horses. Because it's easily digested, large amounts of beet pulp can be fed to underweight horses to encourage eating and weight gain. For horses with dental problems or older horses with digestive or chewing problems, beet pulp offers a softer type of forage. Since it provides calories as fiber instead of starch, beet pulp is also used in the diets of horses that suffer from tying up, a common muscle problem that includes sweating, stiffness and reluctance to move forward. In addition, beet pulp can prevent dehydration in horses because of its high water-holding capacity.

    Soaking Beet Pulp

    • Soaking beet pulp may make it more palatable for your horse.

      It's not necessary to moisten or soak beet pulp before using it as horse feed; however, soaking the pulp may make it taste better and makes it easier to chew. Soaked pulp also provides a useful method for hiding and administering medications and supplements. Soaking beet pulp thoroughly usually takes about three to four hours.