Feeding Beet Pulp to Horses: Benefits, Tips, and Safe Use

August 20, 2025

Beet pulp is a nutritional powerhouse that has earned its place in feeding programs for horses and other livestock. Known for its digestible fiber, slow-release energy, and supportive role in digestive health, beet pulp offers a smart solution for animals with unique nutritional needs. At Standlee, we are proud to source and deliver premium beet pulp products designed to promote wellness from the inside out.

What is Beet Pulp?

Beet pulp is the fibrous material that remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets. It is then dried and formed into shreds or pellets. This process preserves its natural fiber and makes it easier to store, handle, and feed. Beet pulp is low in starch and sugar but high in digestible fiber, making it ideal for horses with metabolic concerns or dietary sensitivities.

Where Does Standlee’s Beet Pulp Come From?

Standlee’s Smart Beet products are made using beet pulp sourced directly from Amalgamated Sugar Company in Idaho. As one of the largest sugar beet processors in the United States, Amalgamated grows beets on approximately 180,000 acres of prime irrigated land, producing over 7 million tons of sugar beets annually. This local partnership allows us to deliver high-quality, consistent forage products.

Nutritional Benefits of Beet Pulp

Beet pulp supports equine health in several key areas:

• Digestive Healthb>: High in fermentable fiber, beet pulp promotes a healthy hindgut and helps reduce the risk of colic or ulcers.
• Energy: Provides slow-release energy sourced from fiber rather than starch or sugar.
• Weight Management: Helps maintain or gain weight in horses without grain-heavy diets.
• Hydration: When soaked, beet pulp increases water intake and supports fluid balance.

Feeding and Preparation Tips

Standlee recommends soaking Smart Beet Pellets and Shreds in a 2:1 water-to-beet pulp ratio. Allow to soak for at least 15 minutes or until properly softened. This soft texture is easier to chew and improves palatability, especially important for senior horses or animals with dental issues. Avoid letting soaked beet pulp sit out too long in warm climates, as it can ferment.

When to Use Beet Pulp

• Senior horses or those with dental issues
• Hard keepers or horses needing calm, non-starch calories
• Horses in moderate to intense work
• Animals requiring hydration support

Myths and FAQs

Does beet pulp expand in the stomach if not soaked?

While beet pulp can absorb water in the stomach, it won’t cause the stomach to rupture. However, soaking helps prevent discomfort and improves hydration.

Does beet pulp contain sugar?

Only trace amounts remain after processing. Standlee’s Smart Beet products are low in sugar, making them suitable for horses with sugar sensitivities.

Backed by Science, Trusted by Horse Owners

Research supports beet pulp as an excellent source of digestible energy. It has been shown to improve muscle glycogen and reduce lactate buildup after exercise. Its low glycemic index makes it an ideal option for horses with metabolic conditions.

Why Choose Standlee

Standlee Premium Western Forage® offers high-quality beet pulp pellets and shreds that are clean, dust-free, and carefully processed for consistent nutrition. Our commitment to sourcing, safety, and quality control ensures you're feeding only the best.