Question

I am from Sweden, where I'd say 80% of caretakers feed their horses sugar beet pulp either shredded (less soaking time) or pelleted (plenty of soaking time and water). I was always under the impression that it must be soaked. I've read in certain places that beet pulp doesn't have to be soaked. Which is correct?

Answer

As you know, sugar beet is a very popular fibre source for horses around the world. Beet is widely available in pelleted form, shreds, and micronized flakes. Most companies selling beet as a fibre source recommend soaking before feeding, especially if the products are in pellet or flake form. We also agree that when feeding beet as a fibre source, soaking is a good idea to enhance palatability and increase water intake. However, it does not have to be soaked and there are many people feeding up to 1 lb (500 g) plus dry feed per day without soaking. If a horse has a tendency to eat rapidly, or is at risk of choke, then of course we recommend soaking beet pellets or flakes before feeding.

Beet is also used as a feed ingredient, where it is added to textured or pelleted feeds as shreds or crumbles. In these cases, the beet does not need to be soaked. The inclusion rate of beet in full feeds is usually between 5-10%. You will find that many muesli and pelleted feeds in Europe, Asia, and the United States have added beet shreds or crumbles and are safely fed without soaking.

More on information on beet pulp can be found in this article: Beet Pulp: The Ultimate Fibre for Horses.