At Hestevard, we are always committed to selecting high-quality and balanced nutrients that not only meet your horse's needs but also make a difference in its nutrition and overall well-being.
In this series, we will take a closer look at some of our ingredients, as some of them may be unfamiliar to you, and you may have questions about them.
First, let's focus on micronized sugar beet pulp. While it may seem like a humble ingredient, we pack a lot of science into this component to make it a highly balanced part of the formula. For Biofix-40, we don’t simply use sugar beets, but micronized sugar beet pulp.
At first glance, sugar is listed as the first ingredient, which might lead one to think it's not healthy for our horses. But let's pause and take a closer look to understand what micronized sugar beet pulp is all about. It is actually an excellent ingredient, and surprisingly, the sugar content is completely safe.
So, what’s the difference between sugar beets, sugar, and micronized sugar beet pulp?
Micronized sugar beet pulp is a feed additive made from sugar beets. The root vegetable resembles a turnip or swede and is grown in most temperate climates. In the UK, Hestevard’s home country, it has been traditionally cultivated on a large scale (for example, the grandparents of our marketing manager grew sugar beets on their farm in Yorkshire). Typically, sugar beets are processed into sugar. However, in our case, we process the flesh to remove the sugar. The resulting powder, known as micronized sugar beet pulp, is still sugar beet but without the sugar content.
Why are micronized sugar beet pulps used in some horse feeds and Hestevard supplements like Biofix-40?
One of the main reasons for adding micronized sugar beet pulp to horse feed is its high fiber content. Fiber is an essential component of horse nutrition, helping to support the digestive organs and strengthening the horse's natural defenses against conditions like colic. These fibers are particularly effective in sugar beet pulp as they are fermentable, helping to promote healthy gut bacteria and allowing for a slow release of energy.
In addition, micronized sugar beet pulp is an excellent source of non-structural carbohydrates, which are an important energy source, especially for horses that work, train, or compete regularly.
Summary of Micronized Sugar Beet Pulp
Micronized sugar beet pulp is a great addition to horse feed and nutrition, as it is rich in fiber and carbohydrate-based energy sources. It also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals essential for the horse's healthy bones, teeth, and muscles, including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It can be used as an alternative to other feed ingredients, particularly for horses prone to digestive or metabolic issues.
At Hestevard, we have used micronized sugar beet pulp as the foundation of our Biofix-40: a nutritious mini pellet that supports your horse’s hooves. Since it has a high fiber content and allows for slow energy release, it contains no sugar. This well-chosen base has been combined with a high concentration of biotin (40 mg per 100 g), followed by a balanced mix of other vitamins and minerals. We are confident we’ve created a top-tier product, but ultimately, you will be the judge of whether micronized sugar beet pulp proves to be a valuable feed supplement.
Simply put, micronized sugar beet is a sugar beet with the sugar content removed.
