Beet pulp is a by-product of the sugar beet industry that is used to feed horses. It is high in fiber and has a low starch content. It is an excellent source of energy and is often used as an alternative to grains for horses that are prone to laminitis or other metabolic disorders. Beet pulp is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Types of Beet Pulp
Beet pulp comes in a few different forms. There is shredded beet pulp, which is the most common form, pelleted beet pulp, and cooked beet pulp. Shredded beet pulp is the most common form and is usually sold in a bag. It is made up of small pieces of dried beetroot and is often soaked in water before it is fed to the horse. Pelleted beet pulp is made up of compressed particles of beet pulp and is usually sold in a bag or a block. Cooked beet pulp is a pre-cooked form of beet pulp and is sold in a can or a bag.
Benefits of Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is a great source of energy for horses and is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. It is high in fiber and low in starch, making it an ideal feed for horses prone to laminitis or other metabolic disorders. It is also a great source of energy for older, less active horses and can help to keep them in good condition.
Nutritional Value of Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is a great source of energy and essential vitamins and minerals. It is high in fiber, with approximately 13.5% crude fiber, and contains low levels of starch, with approximately 5%. Beet pulp also contains high levels of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. It is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus, and contains trace elements such as copper, zinc, and iron.
How Much Beet Pulp Should I Feed My Horse?
The amount of beet pulp you should feed your horse will depend on a few factors, such as the horse’s age, weight, and activity level. As a general guideline, horses should receive between 1-2% of their body weight in beet pulp per day. For example, a 500kg horse should receive between 5-10kg of beet pulp per day. It is also important to remember to soak the beet pulp before feeding it to your horse to ensure that it is palatable and easy to digest.
How to Feed Beet Pulp
Beet pulp can be fed to your horse either dry or soaked. If you are feeding it dry, it is important to make sure that the beet pulp is in small pieces so that your horse can easily chew it. If you are feeding it soaked, it is important to make sure that the beet pulp is fully saturated and that there are no dry pieces. It is also important to remember to soak the beet pulp for at least 12 hours before feeding it to your horse.
Tips for Feeding Beet Pulp
When feeding beet pulp to your horse, it is important to remember a few tips. Firstly, it is important to only feed your horse the recommended amount of beet pulp per day. Too much beet pulp can lead to digestive issues and can also be detrimental to your horse’s health. Secondly, it is important to make sure that the beet pulp is properly soaked before feeding it to your horse. Finally, it is important to feed your horse a balanced diet and to make sure that they are receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals from other sources.
Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses With Metabolic Disorders
If your horse has a metabolic disorder, such as laminitis, it is important to feed them the recommended amount of beet pulp per day. It is also important to make sure that the beet pulp is properly soaked before feeding it to your horse. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your horse is receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals from other sources.
Things to Avoid When Feeding Beet Pulp
When feeding beet pulp to your horse, it is important to avoid a few things. Firstly, it is important to avoid feeding your horse too much beet pulp, as this can lead to digestive issues. Secondly, it is important to avoid feeding your horse dry beet pulp, as this can be difficult for them to digest. Finally, it is important to avoid feeding your horse beet pulp that has not been properly soaked, as this can lead to colic.
Conclusion
Beet pulp is a great source of energy and essential vitamins and minerals for horses and is an excellent alternative to grains for horses that are prone to laminitis or other metabolic disorders. The amount of beet pulp you should feed your horse will depend on a few factors, such as the horse’s age, weight, and activity level. It is important to remember to soak the beet pulp before feeding it to your horse to ensure that it is palatable and easy to digest. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your horse is receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals from other sources, and to avoid feeding your horse too much beet pulp, dry beet pulp, or beet pulp that has not been properly soaked.
References
- Beet Pulp for Horses: What You Need to Know – The Spruce Pets; https://www.thesprucepets.com/beet-pulp-for-horses-1824500
- Beet Pulp for Horses: Why and How to Feed It – Horse & Rider; https://www.horseandrider.com/nutrition/beet-pulp-for-horses-why-and-how-to-feed-it
- Beet Pulp Nutrition for Horses – Horse & Rider; https://www.horseandrider.com/nutrition/beet-pulp-nutrition-for-horses