Speedi Beet vs Sugar Beet

I use kwikbeet from D and H and I know that has no molasses in it.

Funnily enough it's black, and when I used an unmolassed one in the past (nto quick) it was white?!?
 
I have looked on the Speedibeet and Trident websites and Speedibeet contains 12.4 MJDE/kg whilst Trident molassed beet pellets contain 12.5MJDE/kg, so not a lot in it!

However, I do find it a bit confusing that Speedibeet is only 5% sugar whilst the Trident pellets are 21% - you would think that there would be a bigger difference in calorie levels.
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Yes, the Sugar Beet is more fattening. Speedi Beet has the molasses removed so is lower in sugar. Discussed this with my vet only last night as we are trying to come up with a suitable diet for Lottie.
 
Ok - all sounds good. So feeding something like Speedi Beet is unlikely to make the boy pile on the pounds. And means I can soak just what I want, rather than loads of sugar beat for the week.

Thanks all.
 
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Ok - all sounds good. So feeding something like Speedi Beet is unlikely to make the boy pile on the pounds. And means I can soak just what I want, rather than loads of sugar beat for the week.

Thanks all.

[/ QUOTE ] Depends how much you feed - the Speedibeet at 12.4 MJDE/kg is actually a little higher in calories than Spillers Conditioning Mix (which is 12.2 MJDE/kg)!

So if you just feed a little handful you should be fine but larger quantities could easily result in weight gain.
 
I won't feed in huge quantities. But I was considering additing to his feed to help with episodes of choke.

He's a very good doer and only has two small feeds a day, and I would say that I would probably feed half a scoop of the beet only.

What do you think?
 
Well half a scoop soaked probably equals quite a small quantity before soaking (dry weight is what the energy content is based on) - so should be fine.

What else are you feeding - if he is prone to choke I would soak that before feeding as well.
 
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What else are you feeding - if he is prone to choke I would soak that before feeding as well.

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Alfa A, pony nuts, balancer.

He's only had choke twice, but in quite a short space of time (see post below). Yes, it seems from responses on my Choke post that I need to soak his feed rather than just dapening it.
 
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I'd just soak the pony nuts and alfa

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Yes maybe I should start off doing that first - rather than spend money on something he doesnt' really need.
 
I switched onto Speedibeet after my horse Sam had laminitis this spring. He was on Spillers Happy Hoof too and although he has NEVER been a fussy eater he stopped eating his tea, I think because without the sugar molasses in it just tasted too dull.
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Have given in and he now gets a dollop of 'normal' sugar beet. With pony nuts you probably wont get this though!
 
I use speedi beet in the summer when I only need it occasionaly (it soaks in 5 mins) and use Simple Systems unmollasssed beet in the winter when I regularly make up lots. Its an excellent source of fibre and is very succulent.

Incidentaly I was told never ever to give my mare sugar beet. I discussed this with the vet and finaly contacted my mares original owners, they fed her beet no probs, I have had no probs either. She does go loopy is she has any mollassed hard feeds, seems the sugar beet was incorrectly blamed for the problem.
 
If he is on Alfa A, have you looked into Alfa Beat?

It is half sugar beat and half Alfalfa... Just put my two on it recently, and Grace LOVES it! She is now eating every last scrap of her feed, and licking the bowl too
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You can make it really watery or quite thick, it depends on how you want it. I just make up a small bucket which lasts about 2-3 days, and it only takes 2 hours to soak with cold water or 15 mins in warm water!!!
 
my two get bored of speedibeet by Christmas. I buy the normal sugarbeet shreds in the winter (Jan - March) and as long as I manage the amount I feed and drain the water away (the fizz is in the water) I get no adverse effects even with them been lively thoroughbreds and one is prone to tying up.

I feed it alongside Spillers conditioning cubes and alfa a oil. I do not soak the nuts because any soluble nutrients will be lost. As with the hay they get wet down 5 mins before feeding. I find it softens them sufficiently.

I only really feed Sugarbeet as a succulent during the winter but the weight gain properties are an advantage. It also is a good source of salts, calcium and a good probiotic which benefit them and saves me £££££.

I spoke to dengie about alternatives and they tell me Alfabeet would be good with as it combines Alfalfa with the sugarbeet and is good for condition whilst also suits laminitics etc - not sure if thats just product spin though...
 
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I I do not soak the nuts because any soluble nutrients will be lost.

[/ QUOTE ] Nutrients will only be lost if the nuts are soaked in too much water, I just add enough to make a firm mash.

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I spoke to dengie about alternatives and they tell me Alfabeet would be good with as it combines Alfalfa with the sugarbeet and is good for condition whilst also suits laminitics etc - not sure if thats just product spin though...

[/ QUOTE ] I use AlfaBeet and find it a great feed, although it might need to be combined with a higher energy source such as oil and/or cereals for some poor doers. I find it works out cheaper for me than feeding Alfa A and speedibeet separately.
 
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