Hoof Nutrition Intelligence Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month web segment that is designed to add to the education of footcare professionals when it comes to effectively feeding the hoof. The goal of this web-exclusive feature is to zero in on specific areas of hoof nutrition and avoid broad-based articles that simply look at the overall equine feeding situation.

Below you will find Part 2 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: What are the benefits of feeding beet pulp?

By Jessica Normand

A byproduct of sugar processing, beet pulp is the leftover fiber after the sugary parts of the beet are separated. Feeding beet pulp is a great way to make sure your horse is getting enough moisture to help prevent colic and other problems.

Feeding beet pulp is also a great way to put more pounds on an underweight horse. It’s a healthy fiber that is low in sugars and starches that an underweight horse can convert into energy.

Soaking beet pulp will help get more moisture into your horses. If you are feeding beet pulp, don’t buy a product that has molasses added for flavoring as that increases the sugar content.

Jessica Normand is director of equine health for SmartPak in Plymouth, Mass.

Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (Absorbine). Absorbine

Like many significant achievements, Absorbine® grew out of humble beginnings—and through the tenacity of someone willing to question the status quo. In this case, it was a young woman in late 19th-century Massachusetts: Mary Ida Young. Her husband, Wilbur Fenelon Young, was an enterprising piano deliveryman who relied on the couple’s team of horses to make deliveries throughout the Northeast. Inspired by Mary Ida and Wilbur’s vision, Absorbine® has continued to add innovative products throughout the years — products used every day by horse owners around the world. Which is why, since 1892, we’ve been The Horse World’s Most Trusted Name®.

Click here to read Part 1 of the March 15, 2017 installment: If my horses are in good condition, is it necessary to have nutritional concerns about hoof growth and hoof quality?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.