Beet pulp is a forage not a concentrate as many people think. Beet pulp relies on digestion in the hind gut making it closer to pasture and hay than concentrates such as grains which need digestion in the small intestine. Yet when it comes to calories per pound it compares more closely to oats than hay. This makes it an excellent choice for hard keepers.
Beet pulp is a by-product of the sugar beet industry and consists of what remains after the sugar is removed. Therefore, despite the name, the sugar and starch content is low and safe for use in horses with IR, PSSM and HYPP.
The amount to feed depends on your horse. If you are needing to stretch hay, have a hard keeper or a horse with worn teeth you can feed up to 30 - 50% of the forage as beet pulp (dry weight). Remember beet pulp has more calories per pound than an equal amount of grass hay so when feeding beet pulp to an easy keeper you will most likely find yourself feeding less forage per day.
