Beet pulp is a very common ingredient in many different pet foods. It has long been recognized as a popular feed additive for horses and other livestock and, more recently, has also been added to many dog and cat foods.  Beet pulp is the material which remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets—not red beets. It is a good source of fiber is a dog or cats diet.

Beet pulp is considered to be an excellent fiber source in most commercial pet foods. The addition of beet pulp to commercial dog and cat food is widespread, but the actual amount eaten per day is quite small. Beet pulp is rarely the only available fiber source; as a rule, a variety of fiber sources that cross all ranges of fermentability and solubility are recommended. In addition to being a good fiber source, beet pulp may have a slight advantage over some other fiber sources because of its benefit to the intestinal bacteria that help maintain colon health. Beet pulp is often found in many quality foods, and when fed correctly, is an ingredient that can be beneficial to almost all pets.

Myths About Beet Pulp:

• Beet Pulp clogs the villae in the intestine.

False ~ Beet pulp does not clog the villae in the intestine. There are no scientific studies which support this theory and there are several studies which show how beet pulp is beneficial in promoting a healthy digestive system.

 

• Beet pulp is harmful.

False ~ Beet pulp contains no toxins and is a very safe fiber source.

• Saponins in the beet pulp might be responsible for bloat.

False ~ This could not be further from the truth.

• Beet pulp is an indigestible fiber  

Filed under: Dog Food