How and When to Feed Beet Pulp to Horses

Updated November 27, 2024 | By: Carolyn Hammer DVM, PhD

Beet Pulp’s Role in the Equine Diet

Beet pulp is a byproduct of the sugar beet industry, which might lead you to wonder why you would want to include something associated with sugar in your horse’s diet. Even though beet pulp is a byproduct of the sugar beet industry, it is actually very low in sugar. This is because it is the fibrous material that remains after the sugar is extracted from sugar beets.

Beet pulp is commonly included in horse diets because it is a highly digestible form of fiber and provides a good source of energy without the high sugar or starch content found in many grains.

Shredded vs Pelleted Beet Pulp

Beet pulp comes in two main forms, shredded or pelleted. These different forms can be purchased separately in individual bags or found combined as an ingredient in concentrated grain mixes.

1. Shredded Beet Pulp: thin, chopped pieces that are typically quicker to soak and easier to mix with other feed ingredients.
2. Pelleted Beet Pulp: made by pressing and then drying raw beet pulp into pellets. It is denser and requires a longer soaking time than the shredded variety.

Molasses is sometimes added to increase palatability and to reduce dust. When comparing beet pulp products, it is important to identify whether the product has added molasses, as it will change the nutritional profile of the product (increases sugar content).

Nutritional Profile of Beet Pulp

The exact nutritional composition of beet pulp can vary depending on processing methods and whether molasses has been added.

Typical nutritional analysis of beet pulp (dry matter basis):

• Energy (Digestible Energy): 1.0–1.2 Mcal/lb (megacalories per pound)
  • Considered an energy-dense feed but provides slow-release energy, unlike grains.
• Crude Protein: 7-10%
  • Moderate protein content.
• Crude Fiber: 18-22%
  • Rich in digestible fiber, making it a great source of slow-releasing energy.
• Fat Content: 0.5–1%
  • Very low in fat, so it is not a significant source of dietary fat. Horses requiring higher fat intake will need additional fat sources, such as oils or rice bran, added to their diet.
• Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC): 8-12% (without molasses)
  • Plain beet pulp without molasses is naturally low in sugars and starch, making it appropriate for horses with metabolic conditions, such as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing’s Disease). When molasses is added, it typically raises the NSC content around 2%.
• Calcium: 0.6-1.0%
  • Contains a relatively high level of calcium, which may help balance the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the diet, particularly if the horse's diet is rich in grains (which tend to be high in phosphorus).
• Phosphorus: 0.05-0.1%
  • The phosphorus content is low, so it's important to ensure that the horse's overall diet maintains a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (ideally between 1.5:1 to 2:1).
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Beet pulp is low or devoid of most vitamins and minerals and should not be relied on to provide these essential components of the diet.

Beet Pulp’s Effects on the Horse’s Gut Microbiome

Beet pulp has a positive impact on the horse’s gut due to its high fiber content and digestibility. Here’s how it affects the equine gastrointestinal tract:

1. Supports Hindgut Fermentation: The fermentable fiber in beet pulp is easily broken down by the beneficial microbes in the hindgut into a slow-release form of energy. This is ideal for sustaining energy levels without causing sugar highs or excitability.
2. Maintains Gut Health and Function: Beet pulp’s high fiber content helps promote proper gut motility, which is essential in lessening the risk of digestive disorders.
3. Helps Minimize Acid-Related Issues: Beet pulp produces less gastric acid release in the stomach compared to high-grain feeds.
4. Regulates Gut Microbiome: The fiber in beet pulp is a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the beneficial microbes in the hindgut, fostering a healthy gut microbiome. This may reduce the risk of digestive imbalances, diarrhea, and other gut-related issues.
5. Helps with Sugar-Related Gut Issues: Beet pulp, especially in its unsweetened form (without molasses), is low in sugar and starch. This minimizes the risk of hindgut acidosis.

To Feed or Not to Feed: Which Horses Benefit from Beet Pulp?

Beet pulp is a versatile feed that can be beneficial for many different types of horses and various feeding situations. Here are some of the common situations in which feeding it is advantageous:

• Horses Needing to Gain Weight: It is higher in calories (more energy dense) than average hay.
• Senior Horses or Horses with Dental Issues: These horses often struggle eating hay and other forage, making beet pulp a good alternative since it can be soaked and made softer. It also provides necessary fiber to support gut health.
• Hard Keepers: Horses that have a hard time keeping weight on, often due to high activity levels, nervous temperaments, or a high metabolism, may benefit from beet pulp as an additional calorie source without increasing sugar intake.
• Poor Hay Quality or Lack of Availability: When hay quality is low or unavailable, beet pulp could be a forage substitute, adding fiber and bulk to the diet. Learn more by watching this Ask the Vet video on beet pulp as a hay alternative.

  

• Performance Horses: Those in heavy work (such as eventers or racing and endurance horses) often need more calories than forage alone provides. Beet pulp offers a digestible fiber source that supports prolonged energy levels.
• Metabolic Conditions: While beet pulp does contain some sugar, it may be an appropriate option compared to high-starch grains for horses with metabolic conditions, such as insulin resistance or laminitis. Although, added molasses would not be ideal for horses with those conditions.
• Digestive Issues: Horses prone to colic, ulcers, or other digestive disturbances might benefit from beet pulp’s effects on the gut.
• Hydration Needs: Soaked beet pulp is a way to increase a horse’s water intake.
• Low-Starch Diets: Those with muscle disorders (PSSM, tying up, etc.) or excitability from grain can benefit from the low-starch, low-sugar profile of beet pulp.
• Horses Recovering from Illness or Surgery: Beet pulp can provide an easily digestible source of energy and support gut health.

Dos and Don’ts of Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses

Feeding beet pulp to horses can be beneficial when done correctly, but there are some important guidelines to follow. Here’s a list of dos and don’ts to help ensure it’s an appropriate and valuable addition to your horse’s diet:

Dos

• Do soak beet pulp:
  • It is generally recommended to soak beet pulp before feeding. However, there is a common and long-held misconception that beet pulp must be soaked prior to feeding. Beet pulp will not cause horses to choke if it is properly chewed. It will not swell in the stomach, causing it to rupture, nor soak up all the water in the intestine, leading to an impaction. Still, soaking may reduce the risk of choking for horses that tend to eat too quickly or have problems chewing.
  • Use a 1:2 ratio of beet pulp to water (meaning soak 1-part beet pulp in 2-parts of water). Either hot or cold water can be used for soaking. Shredded beet pulp soaks up water more quickly than pellets.
  • Experts generally recommend letting shreds soak for at least 15 to 30 minutes and pellets soak for at least 2 hours. The length of time isn’t as important as the mash consistency, it just needs to soak long enough to soften.
• Do feed in moderate amounts:
  • The recommended amount for the average horse (1,000 lb) is about 1-2 pounds of dry beet pulp (soaked to 3-4 pounds when hydrated). Feeding excessive amounts can disrupt the nutrient balance of the diet.
• Do introduce slowly:
  • As with any new feed, gradually introduce beet pulp into your horse's diet. Sudden dietary changes can upset the gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues.
• Do use beet pulp as a forage substitute if necessary:
  • Beet pulp can replace some forage for horses with dental issues or during times when hay quality or supplies are low. Beet pulp can replace up to 50% of the dietary forage, but it should not be the sole source of fiber in the diet.
• Do feed as part of a balanced diet:
  • While beet pulp is a good fiber source, it lacks certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Work with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to ensure your horse is receiving a balanced diet.

Don’ts

• Don’t feed beet pulp dry:
  • Feeding dry beet pulp can lead to choking if the horse is prone to bolting its food or has dental issues that prevent it from being chewed properly.
• Don’t rely on beet pulp alone for all calories:
  • Beet pulp provides calories but lacks many nutrients required for a balanced diet. It should complement, not replace, the main diet. Talk to your veterinarian or equine nutritionist about additionally feeding a fortified grain, ration balancer, or multivitamin supplement to help fill any nutrient gaps.
• Don’t use beet pulp with high molasses content for horses with metabolic conditions:
  • Avoid added molasses if you have a metabolic horse. Look for “plain” or unmolassed beet pulp.
• Don’t feed moldy or spoiled beet pulp:
  • Wet beet pulp spoils quickly, especially in hot weather. Only soak what you’ll use at one feeding and discard any leftovers.

Beet Pulp FAQ’s

Can I soak the beet pulp overnight?

Beet pulp can typically soak for 12 hours or more without risk of spoiling. However, a shorter time may be needed in hot and humid climates.

How do I tell if the soaked beet pulp is spoiled?

Often the best way to identify spoiled beet pulp is by smell. If it smells fermented or sour (like vinegar), throw it out.

Does it matter if I use cold or warm water to soak the beet pulp?

No, the temperature of the water used to soak beet pulp doesn’t matter. However, beet pulp does tend to absorb warm water more quickly.

What is the best way to soak beet pulp in cold climates?

Soaking beet pulp can be difficult in the extreme cold. Tips for cold environments include keeping the beet pulp up off the ground (coolest temperatures are usually near the ground) and using shredded beet pulp instead of pellets to shorten the time required for soaking.

Evidence-Based References

1. Equine Clinical Nutrition. Edited by R. Remillard. 2023. Second Edition. Hoboken, NJ. Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2. Ford, T., Z. McAdams, K.S. Townsend, L. Martin, P.J. Johnson, and A.C. Ericsson. 2023. Effect of sugar beet pulp on the composition and predicted function of equine fecal microbiota. Biology. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12091254
3. National Research Council. 2007. Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Edition. Washington, DC. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11653
4. Richardson, K., and J.A.M.D. Murray. 2016. Fiber for performance horses. J. Equine Vet Sci. 46:31-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2016.02.234