Written by: Dr. Randy Johnson
Last reviewed March 2026
Back in March 2019, we introduced an article discussing the benefits of beet pulp in pet nutrition. Since then, additional scientific research has provided even greater insight into the valuable role this ingredient can play in supporting canine health. We wanted to share these findings and explain why D.O.G. continues to include this remarkable root vegetable in our recipes.
What Is Beet Pulp?
Beet pulp is the fiber-rich portion of the sugar beet that remains after the natural sugars have been extracted for human use. While often misunderstood, beet pulp is widely recognized by animal nutrition researchers as an excellent source of moderately fermentable fiber with significant prebiotic benefits.
What makes beet pulp unique is its balanced combination of soluble and insoluble fibers. This natural ratio has been shown to support healthy digestion and nutrient utilization in dogs. Research conducted by Dr. George Fahey and his team at the University of Illinois demonstrated that beet pulp positively influences digestive health by helping maintain an optimal environment within the gastrointestinal tract.
Supporting Digestive and Immune Health
The insoluble fiber found in beet pulp helps regulate the movement of food through the digestive system, promoting efficient nutrient absorption and supporting healthy, firm stools.
Equally important, beet pulp functions as a prebiotic—providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy population of these microorganisms plays a critical role in digestion, nutrient metabolism, and immune function. In fact, many researchers now recognize that a healthy gut is one of the foundations of a strong immune system.
Beet pulp also contains naturally occurring short-chain carbohydrates, including inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which serve as food sources for beneficial bacteria living in the intestines and colon. As these bacteria ferment the fiber, they produce compounds that help maintain intestinal health and support overall well-being.
What Does the Science Say?
A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Animal Science in November 2019 examined the fermentation characteristics of several fiber sources commonly used in pet foods. The study, titled "Organic Matter Disappearance and Production of Short- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids from Selected Fiber Sources Used in Pet Foods by a Canine In Vitro Fermentation Model," evaluated how different fibers influenced gut health.
The researchers concluded:
"Beet pulp generated the highest concentrations of the individual and overall total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA); thus, from the tested fiber sources, it would be the best alternative for diets targeting gut health."
Short-chain fatty acids are among the most beneficial compounds produced during fiber fermentation. They help nourish the cells lining the colon, support digestive function, and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Why D.O.G. Uses Beet Pulp
At D.O.G., we utilize the fiber-rich root portion of the beet after the sugar has been removed and the root is carefully dried. This allows your dog to receive the digestive and prebiotic benefits of this highly nutritious vegetable without the added sucrose.
The result is a natural ingredient that supports digestive health, promotes beneficial gut bacteria, contributes to healthy stool quality, and helps strengthen the foundation of a healthy immune system.
The Bottom Line
The science is clear: beet pulp is far more than a filler ingredient. It is a proven source of beneficial fiber and prebiotics that can support digestive health, nutrient absorption, gut microbiome balance, and overall wellness in dogs.
At D.O.G., we remain committed to combining the best of nature with the best of science to create recipes that help dogs live healthier, happier lives.
Only Good. Always.™