Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses: What You Need to Know

Beet pulp is a common ingredient in many horse diets, but it can raise questions around how it works and when it’s a good fit. Understanding what beet pulp is — and how to feed it properly — can help you decide if it belongs in your horse’s feeding program.

What is Beet Pulp?

Beet pulp is the fibrous material left after most of the sugar is removed from sugar beets during processing. Because fresh beet pulp has a high moisture content and can spoil quickly, it’s dried for storage and feeding. You’ll typically find dried beet pulp available in shredded or pelleted form.
Good to know: Beet pulp is valued as a highly digestible fibre source. It can help support a horse’s fibre or forage needs while contributing energy without adding significant sugar or starch.

Why Feed Beet Pulp?

Beet pulp provides digestible energy that falls between hay and grain — higher than most forages, but lower than cereal grains. This makes it a helpful option for horses that need additional calories without increasing starch intake.
You might consider adding beet pulp if:

• Your horse is a hard keeper that needs support maintaining body condition
• Forage quality is inconsistent or limited
• Your horse has trouble chewing or digesting hay, which is common in senior horses
• You’re feeding a complete feed and want additional digestible fibre

Because of its fibre profile, beet pulp is often used in feeds designed for older horses or those requiring reduced dust exposure.

Nutritional Considerations

Beet pulp contains roughly 7% crude protein and is naturally high in calcium, with very little phosphorus. While calcium is an essential mineral, feeding too much beet pulp can affect the overall calcium‑to‑phosphorus ratio in the diet.
Maintaining this balance is especially important for:

• Growing horses, where mineral balance supports proper bone development
• Older horses, where long‑term mineral excess may increase health risks

For this reason, beet pulp should be fed in moderation and as part of a well‑balanced feeding program.

Is Beet Pulp Safe to Feed?

Beet pulp has been safely used in horse feeds for many years. Horses consuming beet pulp‑based feeds do not show a higher incidence of colic when it is fed properly.
However, because beet pulp is high in calcium, extra care should be taken when feeding:

• Miniature horses
• Horses with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
• Horses prone to enteroliths (intestinal stones)

If you have concerns, a Purina® Equine Nutritionist or your veterinarian can help tailor a feeding program to your horse’s needs.

Proper Soaking Matters

Dried beet pulp should always be soaked before feeding.
To prepare beet pulp:

• Place beet pulp in a bucket or container
• Add two parts water to one part beet pulp by volume
• Allow it to soak until fully expanded
• • Warm water: at least 30 minutes
  • Cold water: at least 60 minutes

Only soak enough beet pulp for one feeding at a time to maintain freshness.