Beet Pulp - Ingredients and Their Use In Our Foods

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Beet Pulp Ingredients and
Their Use In Our Foods

Food For Thought™ Technical Bulletin No. 7R
Innovative Research in Dog and Cat Nutrition™

: : What Is Beet Pulp?
: : Fiber and Beet Pulp
: : Myths About Beet Pulp
: : Application

What is Beet Pulp?
Beet pulp is the material which remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets—not red beets. Beet pulp is a source of fiber in dog and cat diets.

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Fiber and Beet Pulp
Fiber can be classified as nonfermentable and fermentable. Nonfermentable fiber remains undigested as it passes through the intestines, thereby providing bulk to move wastes out. Cellulose is a nonfermentable fiber.

Fermentable fiber is broken down in the intestines into short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for cells lining the intestine.

Moderately fermentable fiber does both -- provide bulk to move waste and provide energy for cells lining the intestine. Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber.

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Myths About Beet Pulp
"Beet pulp is harmful."
Beet pulp contains no toxins and is a very safe fiber source.

"Beet pulp affects coat color."
There is nothing in beet pulp that can affect coat pigment. The inside is light in color. The outside peel, which is dark, is not used.

"Beet pulp contains sugar."
By definition, beet pulp is that material that remains after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar.

"Beet pulp causes bloat."
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) is related to a stomach defect that delays emptying. It is believed that bloat is not related to diet or ingredients, such as beet pulp. However, the cause of bloat remains unknown.

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Application

The Iams Company has conducted extensive research on many types of fibers. The results of this research: beet pulp promotes a healthy intestine and works with other nutrients to provide optimal nutrition in all of our products.
The Iams Company holds a patent for moderately fermentable beet pulp.

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