Feeding beet pulp

I thought the pelleted ones HAD to be soaked! One day a girl who thought they were something else gave them to a horse in pellet form and he got choke and nearly died...So how come people feed the pellets without soaking them?! =/

I don't know Always, the tag's long gone. That's probably what happened though; I picked up a bag with the added molasses. The bags all look the same, so I figured I was getting the usual.

Sarah, if a horse isn't prone to choke, there's no real reason you HAVE to soak any of it.

I bet your horses liked their new sweeter beet pulp.

Probably. Hope they didn't like it too much though, because they won't be getting it again!

Mean mean horse owner.

I know, I'm horribly abusive and neglectful! I should be ashamed! Muaahaahaa!

If a horse eats too fast, then he can choke on any pelleted feed, or even grains. People soak beet pulp either to be careful, or because they know their horse has choked in the past. Soaking also adds water to your horse's diet, which can be beneficial in the winter or hot summer.

Just remember that when you soak it, they will expand. We've used shredded and pelleted that was rolled, to break them up some. For our 6 horses, we use 2 scoops dry for shredded and one scoop dry for the rolled pellets . The pellets come out more like mush and don't drain as well. When soaked, both usually result in 6 wet scoops(1 scoop per horse). Most of the time we soak it in the morning for about 1 or 2 hours in hot water. That way when we give it to them it's still warm. We have also soaked overnight and haven't had any problems.

You don't need to soak it as long as your horse eats it slow. They can choke if they eat too fast.

My trainer is convinced that you HAVE to soak it overnight or they will colic.

I've read studies that show that you can actually feed it dry.

I soak it overnight because it's her barn. But if I were feeding my horse beet pulp shreds like she does, I'd soak it in warm water when I first get out to the barn, do a couple other things, then feed it to her.

What are your guys' opinions on feeding beet pulp dry?

I think feeding dry beet pulp is fine.

Remind your trainer that most senior complete feeds have a large quantity of beet pulp in them. Most people do not soak that stuff.

The Myths and Reality of Beet Pulp - Susan Evans Garlinghouse



I do normally soak my beet pulp, but that is because the main reason I am feeding it is I have a horse that does not drink well in the winter.