[AskAVet] Re: adding beet pulp to a horse's diet

I am a very big advocate of beet pulp for any horse, not just rescue horses.  Yes, it does provide additional nutrition for older horses, because it's easier on the digestive system and doesn't require as much of the body to process it.  If you read more about it, you will see that a horse is able to actually USE 65% of the beet pulp they eat as opposed to maybe 40% of hay and grass.   Therefore, they get more out of what they eat.  There is really not enough sugars in the beet pulp to make any difference.   All the sugar has been removed (beet pulp is the byproduct of sugar production), and they add a touch of molasses to give it some flavor (otherwise it is very, very bland).  Yes, there are times I get a bag that has a bit more molasses in it, but not enough to make a huge difference.
 
Endurance riders are known to feed this to their "performance" horses, especially on a ride.  It helps provide good, digestible fiber as well as plenty of moisture.  I have never known a horse to colic or choke on beet pulp when fed properly.
 
I add the horse's pelleted feed to the beet pulp - I don't feed it by itself.  When hay is scarce, beet pulp can be used to replace hay/grass if absolutely necessary.  The only issue I have found with that is that the horse wants to chew something, and there's nothing to chew when being fed beet pulp.  Currently, with the hay situation the way it is, my entire herd of 45 horses are being fed one feeding of beet pulp/pelleted feed, and one of hay/feed.  They are all nice and healthy.  Yes, most of those horses do not get worked on a regular basis but those that do are staying in good shape.

 

Renee Ilse, John Lyons Certified Trainer
and CHA Certified Level 2 Riding Instructor
Check out my website at www.full-circle-enterprises.com!
To keep up with the latest activities, join my email group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/full_circle_equestrian/
Helping people in South Central Texas
"God forbid I go to a Heaven where there are no horses!"

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