Sugar beet pulp is often referred to as a ‘superfibre’. Sugar beet is a root vegetable that looks like an elongated swede or turnip. It is grown for the sugar that is extracted from its flesh and the fibrous root pulp is what is left behind and used as animal feed. The pulp is dried and subsequently requires soaking before being fed to the horse. The pulp is available in dried pellets, cubes, shreds and micronised flakes; the main difference being the time that they have to be soaked before feeding. Shreds need to be soaked for 12 hours whereas the pellets or cubes are soaked for 24 hours. The micronised flakes need much less time, and may require even less soaking if warm or hot water is used (but do read the manufacturer’s instructions about this). Sugar beet is also available either in molassed or unmolassed forms.
Sugar beet pulp is fed to horses for a variety of reasons. It is said to be…
- A high energy feed
- Low in starch and sugars (the unmolassed variety)
- A source of soluble fibre
- A natural prebiotic
- A more natural feeding choice
- Great for competition horses as it provides slow release energy. It is also useful for keeping competition horses hydrated due to its high water content when soaked.
- Good for sick or hard-working animals (molassed variety)
- Great for hydration
- Economical way to add bulk to the horse’s diet
- Suitable for those at risk of laminitis or tying up (unmolassed variety) – but always check with your vet
- Good for older horses with poor teeth
- Great to disguise powdered supplements or medication