Why Beet Pulp Deserves a Place in Your East Kootenays Horse Feed Plan

When you're caring for horses in the East Kootenays, you know our environment presents unique challenges. Long winters, changing forage quality, cold snaps that affect hydration, and horses that work hard on trails, ranches and in local arenas. That's why having versatile feed options matters. One of the most reliable tools in a horse-owner's toolkit is beet pulp.

What is beet pulp?

Beet pulp is the fibrous material left over after sugar beets are processed. Once dried, it becomes a highly digestible, low-sugar fibre source that functions more like a forage than a traditional grain. It's available in shreds or pellets and can be fed soaked or dry, depending on your horse's needs.

Why beet pulp works so well in the East Kootenays

Our region's climate and forage cycles make beet pulp especially useful:

• Forage quality can vary season to season. Beet pulp provides a consistent, reliable fibre source.
• Senior horses often need extra support. Beet pulp is gentle on the digestive system and easy to chew when soaked.
• Working horses benefit from slow-release energy. Rather than creating energy spikes, beet pulp provides steady, hindgut-friendly fuel.
• Hydration is a challenge in cold or dry barns. Soaked beet pulp is a great way to increase water intake during the winter months.

Key benefits of feeding beet pulp

1. Supports gut health

Beet pulp is rich in digestible fibre, which helps maintain a healthy hindgut. A stable hindgut means better digestion, fewer issues, and more efficient use of hay.

2. Excellent source of cool, steady energy

Because beet pulp is low in starch and sugar, it offers calories without the risks often associated with grain-heavy diets. Horses needing more conditioning or moderate energy for work usually do well on it.

3. Ideal for seniors and horses with dental issues

When soaked, beet pulp becomes soft and easy to eat, making it a great option for older horses or those who struggle with long-stem hay.

4. Helps maintain weight through winter

Cold temperatures increase calorie needs. Beet pulp can be a practical way to add extra calories without feeding large amounts of grain.

5. Useful when hay supply is limited or low-quality

In years when hay is stemmy, short, or difficult to source, beet pulp can help fill nutritional gaps.

Feeding tips for local horse-owners

• Shreds vs pellets: Both are effective; shreds tend to soak faster.
• Soaking: While healthy horses can eat it dry, soaking helps with hydration and palatability, especially useful in winter.
• Balance the diet: Beet pulp is not a complete feed. Ensure your horse gets a balanced vitamin/mineral source alongside it.
• Introduce gradually: Any feed change should be made slowly over 7–10 days to support digestive comfort.
• Use strategically: Think of beet pulp as a flexible supplement to your base forage, not a replacement for hay.

When beet pulp is a good fit

• Horses needing to maintain or gain weight
• Older horses or those with chewing difficulties
• Moderate workhorses need slow-release energy
• Times when hay is scarce or inconsistent
• Winter months, when hydration drops

When to take a thoughtful approach

• Horses with very specific mineral requirements
• Horses that need tightly regulated diets
• Minis or small ponies that may require careful monitoring of mineral balance

Our perspective

At SKC, our goal is to help East Kootenay horse-owners make smart, informed decisions for their animals — whether that's through quality feed, fencing solutions, or honest advice. Beet pulp isn't a magic fix for every horse, but it's one of the most versatile, gut-friendly and practical feeds available, especially in our region.

If you'd like guidance on incorporating beet pulp into your horse's diet — or you need quality feed, mineral supplements, feeders, or fencing supplies — our team is always here to help.

Feel free to stop by the shop or give us a call anytime.

— The SKC Team