Is beet pulp good for dogs?
There are many opinions about dog food. Everyone naturally wants the best for their dog. Instead of just following talk, we like to delve deeper into science and physiology to arrive at a rational point of view.
For the reader who would like to read our position immediately: Good quality beet pulp is an added value for your dog.
Where does beet pulp come from?
Beet pulp includes the fibers of sugar beets. The 'cubes of sugar' are first removed from the sugar beets. What remains is beet pulp. This beet pulp is then dried. Good quality beet pulp contains a very low percentage of sugar and is therefore rich in fiber. Beet pulp is a local product.
Beet pulp contains pectin. Pectin has the following benefits for the dog's body.
Pectin is a type of fiber that is also found in the skin of apples. Each type of fiber has its own effect in the body. For example, pectin and therefore also beet pulp provide:
- better digestion of proteins: because the food remains in the stomach for longer, proteins are better pre-digested in the stomach
- satiating: because the food stays in the stomach longer, the dog is satiated more quickly.
- good intestinal flora: The pectin fiber is prebiotic. This means that they are beneficial for the intestinal flora and indirectly also for the dog's immunity
- nutrition for the intestinal wall: A by-product of the digestion of pectin is that mainly butyric acid is produced in the intestines. Butyric acid is the ideal source of nutrition for the cells of the small intestine (the intestinal villi). A strong intestinal wall also indirectly provides good immunity for the dog.
- A better bowel movement score: pectin is a type of fiber that binds water. That is precisely why it ensures easy defecation for the dog. The dog suffers less from both constipation and flat stools. The stool is not too hard, but not too soft either. And that is of course nice for both the dog and the owner.
Too much is too much
We know that eating apples is healthy, but eating too many apples in one day is just a bit too much of a good thing. This is exactly the same for beet pulp. A good recipe should therefore contain no more than 5% beet pulp.
- too much beet pulp has a laxative effect
- Too much beet pulp causes food to pass through the intestines too quickly, which compromises the absorption of other nutrients.
Conclusion
Beet pulp certainly has proven added value as an ingredient in dog food. Too much beet pulp can cause discomfort. A quality dog food brand will use good quality beet pulp in its recipes. That is, a beet pulp that is rich in pectin and low in sugars.