Beet Pulp for Horses: A Practical Guide for Owners

If you’ve ever owned or cared for a horse, chances are you’ve heard about beet pulp. Maybe a barn mate swears by it, or you’ve seen all the buzz online. But is it actually worth feeding? And more importantly—is it right for your horse?

Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of horses: hard keepers who struggle to hold weight, easy keepers prone to laminitis, and seniors with chewing issues. I’ve also spent countless hours helping fellow owners navigate the confusing world of equine nutrition—and beet pulp always seems to come up.

Personally, I’ve seen beet pulp make a real difference in my horses’ condition and overall health. But while it can be an excellent feed ingredient when used thoughtfully, there’s also a lot of misinformation out there.

1. What Is Beet Pulp and Why Feed It to Horses?

Beet pulp is the fibrous material left after extracting sugar from beets. It’s mostly digestible fiber, with very little sugar if molasses hasn’t been added. I sometimes use beet pulp when I need a carrier for a supplement or powder I want to give, and for it’s digestion bonuses. It works especially well for horses struggling to keep weight on, seniors who can’t chew hay well, and those with metabolic concerns.

What makes beet pulp useful is how easily horses digest it compared to hay. This “super fiber” offers calories similar to oats but without making horses energetic or “hot”. It doesn’t fully replace forage but helps top up calories and keeps fiber intake high, which is critical for digestive health, here is where the but comes in…

➡️ If your horse needs extra soluble fiber (like a senior who can’t chew hay), beet pulp can be helpful—ideally in a fortified formula.
➡️ If your horse is already on plenty hay and a fortified feed, you’re just throwing money at a bag of fiber they don’t need.

(More on this in the next sections)

2. Where Does Beet Pulp Fit: Forage, Concentrate, or Something Else?

Beet pulp sits in an interesting middle ground. It doesn’t provide enough long-stem fiber to stimulate chewing and saliva production as hay does. At the same time, it isn’t a grain or concentrate like oats or corn. Because of its fiber content and digestibility, beet pulp is often called a “super fiber.”

Let’s clear something up right away: beet pulp can be a useful feed ingredient—but only in specific situations. But many times it’s fed out of habit, doubt, or Facebook advice, not because it’s the right choice for the horse. Here’s the critical problem…

Most horses are already on diets rich in fiber.

If your horse has full access to hay or pasture, you’re already providing all the fiber their gut needs—and then some. In that case, adding bagged beet pulp (especially pelleted and unfortified) just means you’re spending extra time and money on a nutrient they already get plenty of.

This is especially baffling when beet pulp is added to a diet that already includes it—such as many commercial senior or performance feeds. If beet pulp is already in the feed, and your horse is on full forage, why are we throwing another fiber source on top? That’s like buying bottled water to dump into an already full watering trough.

Even worse? The pelleted beet pulp sold in feed store bags is unfortified. That means no added amino acids, no vitamins, no minerals, and no digestive support. You’re paying for calories and fiber—and that’s it. Once you start adding in all the extra supplements needed to balance it, the “cheap” beet pulp can cost you hundreds of dollars more per year than just feeding a complete fortified feed.

I used to buy beet pulp pellets and feed it to my horses as if it were the most important ingredient, but one day I stumbled into this article (don’t worry, it’s not about beet pulp being bad for your horse, it’s about beet being oversold and people spending unnecessary money to buy it as a separate ingredient that doesn’t do as much as they lead you to believe it does): 7 Reasons Why I HATE Beet Pulp! by On Course Equine Nutrition, and now I buy feed that contains beet pulp in it because of it’s benefits, saving myself time and money.

OK, Full Disclosure…

Before you catch me in a lie—I do still keep a bag of beet pulp pellets on hand.

But like any tool, beet pulp has its place—when used intentionally, not habitually. That’s the key difference. There are a few specific scenarios where beet pulp actually makes sense, and I’ll cover those in the next sections. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “When should I feed beet pulp?”— The next sections will walk you through exactly when it’s useful, when it’s a waste, and how to make it work for you instead of against your feed room budget.

3. Soaking and Preparing Beet Pulp: Is It Required?

It is not required, but I highly recommend you do it. Soaking makes it softer and easier to chew, reducing the risk of choke and impaction, specially on horses that don’t drink enough water. While some pelleted beet pulp products can be fed dry if your horse has healthy teeth and eats slowly, most veterinarians and nutritionists still recommend soaking. Soaking is the safest most welfare-conscious choice.

While it’s technically not always required, soaking beet pulp is something I highly recommend—and here’s why.

Soaking transforms those dry, hard pellets or shreds into a soft, mash-like consistency that’s easier to chew and safer to swallow. This is especially important for:

• Older horses with dental issues
• Horses that bolt their feed
• Any horse prone to choke or dehydration-related impaction

Yes, some manufacturers may state their beet pulp can be fed dry. And in theory, a healthy horse with excellent teeth and slow eating habits might do fine with it. But most veterinarians and equine nutritionists agree: soaking is the safest, most welfare-conscious choice.

It also has bonus benefits:

• Encourages hydration
• Helps picky eaters accept supplements
• Makes it easier to mix in other feeds

So if you’re going to feed beet pulp, take the extra time to do it. Your horse’s throat, gut—and possibly your vet bill—will thank you.

4. How Long Should You Soak Beet Pulp?

I typically use a ratio of one part beet pulp to at least two parts water by volume, though some products may need as much as four or five parts water to fully expand. The type and form of beet pulp you’re using makes a big difference here. Shredded beet pulp soaks much faster than pelleted beet pulp, and warm water will speed things up for both. (Don’t worry if you add more water than needed, any extra water you can always drain off before feeding)

Specialized quick-soak products like Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet can be ready in as little as 10 to 15 minutes with warm water. Shredded beet pulp often takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on temperature and water volume. Pelleted beet pulp, on the other hand, can take an hour or more even in warm water—and longer in cold.

I personally soak pelleted beet pulp for at least 3–4 hours if I’m using cold water, and then I feel it with my hands to make absolutely sure it’s fully expanded.

In hot weather, I only soak what my horses will eat at that meal, since soaked beet pulp can spoil quickly. If it smells sour, feels slimy, or has been sitting out too long, throw it out.

Beet Pulp Soaking Time Chart

5. Products (U.S. & Canada)

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist before making any changes to your horse’s diet, especially if your horse has underlying health conditions or metabolic concerns.

Choosing the Right Texture: Shreds vs Pellets

Shredded beet pulp
– Soaks faster
– Softer texture for senior horses
– Easy to mix, less time-consuming

Pelleted beet pulp
– Denser and more cost-effective per calorie
– Slower to soak (can take over an hour)
– Less dusty and easier to store

6. Can Beet Pulp Spoil After Soaking?

Yes. Soaked beet pulp can ferment quickly in warm temperatures. If any is left more than 6 to 12 hours in cool weather and it smells like vinegar throw it away. In summer heat, I discard leftovers after 1 to 2 hours.

7. Nutritional Facts: Sugar, Calcium, and More

Despite the myths floating around, beet pulp is not high in protein, fat, or any “magic” nutrient. What it is high in is soluble fiber—and that’s its one true nutritional strength.

• Unmolassed beet pulp is typically low in sugar and starch, with an average NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) content between 10% and 15%, making it generally safe for metabolic horses—if it’s the plain version.
• Molassed beet pulp, on the other hand, can exceed 17% NSC, which makes it a poor choice for insulin-resistant, laminitic, or Cushing’s horses unless rinsed thoroughly or avoided altogether.
• On a mineral level, beet pulp has a very high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, typically around 10:1. This is far outside the ideal balance for horses and should be accounted for if fed in large amounts—especially in growing or breeding animals.
• Crude protein hovers around 9%, and crude fat is barely over 1%, which makes it far from a protein- or fat-rich feed, despite what some internet myths claim.
• In terms of energy, beet pulp offers about 1.2 Mcal/lb—similar to good-quality hay but significantly less than high-fat feeds or performance formulas.

The takeaway? Beet pulp is a fiber source—not a protein, fat, or vitamin source. If you’re relying on it to build topline, improve coat, or balance a forage-based diet, you’re barking up the wrong (very fibrous) tree.

8. Is Beet Pulp Safe for Specific Horse Needs?

• Metabolic Horses: Unmolassed beet pulp is often safe, but I introduce it slowly and check for added sugars
• Seniors or Dental Issues: Soaked beet pulp mash helps horses who can’t chew hay properly.
• Choke Risk: Always soak beet pulp unless a vet says otherwise.
• Hay Replacement: Most experts suggest not replacing more than 50% of forage with beet pulp. Add chopped hay or hay cubes for long-stem fiber.

9. How Much Beet Pulp Is Safe to Feed?

I usually start with ¼ to ½ pound of dry beet pulp per feeding, soaked. Then, only if there’s a clear reason, I’ll gradually work up to 2 to 4 pounds per day, always split into at least two meals.

A horse can safely consume up to 50% of it’s daily forage intake as beet pulp.

As you increase the amount, always monitor:

• Manure consistency – Watch for looseness or overly dry stools, which can indicate gut imbalance or dehydration.
• Hydration status – Make sure your horse is drinking enough, especially if you’re feeding beet pulp dry (not recommended).
• Energy and attitude – While beet pulp is low-starch, it still adds calories. Monitor how your horse responds.

🔁 Increase gradually over 7–10 days, and always soak thoroughly (especially pellets) to reduce risk of choke or impaction.

10. Feeding Tips and Mixes

Here are the few situations where I actually support increasing beet pulp in the diet:

✔️ When it’s replacing lost forage

If your horse can’t eat enough hay due to dental issues, poor pasture, or limited access, beet pulp can act as a partial forage replacer thanks to its high digestible fiber content.

✔️ When you need more calories without more starch

For hard keepers or performance horses that can’t tolerate high-starch feeds, beet pulp provides modest, “cool” calories that support weight gain and energy without lighting them up like a bottle rocket. Although you could also use flaxseed and fish oil and actually benefit from the omega 3’s.

✔️ When you’re using it as a carrier

Sometimes, the horse won’t eat supplements or meds unless they’re mixed into something mashy. Beet pulp works great as a vehicle—but even then, you only need a small amount.

✔️ When your vet or nutritionist has a real reason

There are cases where beet pulp shows up in smart diet plans: certain rehab programs, senior horses who can’t handle long-stem hay, or during seasonal forage gaps. But those decisions are goal-oriented, not emotional.

So yes, you can work up to 2–4 lbs of beet pulp per day if it serves a purpose. But if you’re just throwing it into the bucket because it’s trendy or someone online said it’s “high in protein” (spoiler alert: it’s not), then you’re wasting money and adding complexity to your feed room that your horse doesn’t need.

Bottom line: Feed beet pulp with intent—not just habit. Also watch calcium levels when feeding large amounts.

12. Special Benefits

Let’s be honest—beet pulp isn’t the miracle feed some horse owners make it out to be. But when it’s used for the right reasons, it can absolutely be a valuable tool in your nutrition toolbox.

Here’s what beet pulp actually does well:

✅ Highly Digestible Fiber

Beet pulp is rich in soluble fiber (especially pectin), which makes it easier to ferment and digest than long-stem hay. This supports gut health and feed efficiency—especially helpful for horses with poor teeth, limited hay intake, or sensitive digestion.

✅ “Cool” Calories

Beet pulp provides around 1.2 Mcal/lb, similar to high-quality hay, but without the starch spike of grains. That makes it a safe energy source for hard keepers, senior horses, or any horse that needs extra calories without getting “hot.”

✅ Gentle on the Gut (But Not a Miracle for Ulcers)

Beet pulp is generally soothing to the digestive tract, which is why it’s often used in ulcer-prone horses. However, it’s not as acid-buffering as alfalfa, so it shouldn’t be your first line of defense for gastric ulcers.

✅ Forage Replacement (When Hay Isn’t an Option)

If a horse can’t chew long-stem forage, soaked beet pulp can be a practical partial hay replacer. Just remember: it lacks fiber length and chew time, so it won’t fully replace hay’s mechanical role in digestion.

✅ Hydration Boost

Soaked beet pulp carries water into the gut—making it a great option for travel, hot weather, or post-exercise recovery. Horses who don’t drink well often benefit from a juicy beet pulp mash to get fluids in.

✅ Mash Base & Supplement Carrier

Its soft, palatable texture makes beet pulp an ideal medium for delivering supplements, medications, or loose salt—especially for picky eaters.

13. Common Concerns and Myths

Let’s bust a few persistent beet pulp myths that keep circling Facebook like flies on a summer manure pile. Here’s what you actually need to know:

❌ “Beet pulp causes hindgut acidosis.”

Nope. Unmolassed beet pulp is a fermentable fiber, not a starch. It gets broken down in the hindgut slowly and actually supports microbial health if introduced gradually. The real culprits for acidosis? High-starch grains, not fiber-rich by-products like beet pulp.

❌ “It’s unnatural for horses.”

Sure, but so are alfalfa, oats, rice bran, and pretty much everything in a bag. “Natural” is a nice word, but digestibility, safety, and nutritional balance are what actually matter. Beet pulp may be a by-product, but so are many of the most valuable tools in your feed room.

❌ “It’s high in protein and fat.”

Absolutely not. Beet pulp is low in both—usually around 9% crude protein and barely 1% fat. That’s less than good grass hay. If you’re feeding beet pulp for “muscle-building” or “weight gain through fat,” you’re being misled. It’s a fiber source, not a muscle feed or high-calorie bomb.

❌ “It makes horses hot.”

Also no. Beet pulp is considered a low-starch, cool-energy feed. If your horse gets more energetic after feeding it, you’re likely seeing an overall calorie effect or coincidental behavior—not a metabolic spike.

❌ “Beet pulp swells in the stomach and causes choke.”

The swelling myth is persistent—but false. Choke is caused by inadequate chewing or dry feed being bolted, not by food expanding in the stomach. That said, soaking beet pulp is still best practice, especially for pellets, as it prevents dry feed from being swallowed too quickly.

❌ “All beet pulp is low sugar.”

Nope again. Unmolassed beet pulp tends to have 10–15% NSC, which is usually safe. But molassed beet pulp can easily hit 17–20% NSC or more—not ideal for insulin-resistant, laminitic, or Cushing’s horses. Always check the label or lab test if you’re unsure.

14. Can Beet Pulp Be Combined With Other Forages or Feeds?

Beet pulp works well alongside most forage types, including grass hay, alfalfa, and haylage. If you’re feeding legume hays like alfalfa, be aware of the total calcium content in the diet. Beet pulp also pairs well with grains or commercial concentrates. In fact, its fermentable fiber can help buffer high-starch meals and support healthy hindgut function.

15. How Should Beet Pulp Be Stored?

• Dry beet pulp: Keep in a cool, dry place in a sealed bin to prevent mold.
• Soaked beet pulp: Feed within 1–2 hours of expanding in warm weather. In winter, use warm water and insulated containers to prevent freezing. Discard leftovers daily.

16. Can Miniature Horses, Ponies, or Donkeys Eat Beet Pulp?

Yes, but in smaller amounts. Unmolassed beet pulp is safest for these animals due to their tendency toward insulin resistance. Start with ¼ lb soaked and consult your vet before making it a regular part of the diet.

17. Does Beet Pulp Affect Hydration or Electrolyte Needs?

Soaked beet pulp contributes to hydration but does not supply significant electrolytes. For horses in heavy work or hot climates, add a balanced electrolyte supplement alongside.

18. How to Transition a Horse Onto Beet Pulp

Introduce beet pulp gradually over 7–10 days:

1. Start with ¼ to ½ lb (dry weight), soaked.
2. Feed once daily for 2–3 days.
3. Slowly increase over time based on body condition and tolerance.
4. Monitor manure consistency and appetite.

19. Can You Soak Beet Pulp Overnight?

Yes—in cool weather. Store in a sealed bucket with a lid to prevent contamination. In warm weather, it’s safer to soak for no more than 6–8 hours or refrigerate overnight if possible.

20. Is Beet Pulp Safe for Horses With Colic History?

In many cases, yes. Because it’s low in starch and provides fermentable fiber, beet pulp is often used in feeding programs for horses prone to impaction or gas colic. But it must be soaked and introduced graudally, especially for impaction-prone horses. Always consult your veterinarian before feeding it to horses with a history of colic.

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