Respiratory supplements: what’s on the market?
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best respiratory supplements for horses to help you support your horse’s breathing and airways.
They have all been specially formulated to support the respiratory system from within and come in a variety of forms, so there’s something to suit every fussy horse.
Best respiratory supplements for horses
NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
NAF Five Star Respirator Boost
This supplement contains a concentrated solution of natural anti-oxidants, alongside herbs (including ginger, rosehip and blueberries) chosen for their targeted support of healthy lung function. Echinacea is included for immune system support and essential oils help maintain clear airways.
Specifications
The Golden Paste Company TurmerBreathe
A natural year-round pelleted respiratory supplement, formulated to underpin a healthy respiratory system. It contains added postbiotic to ensure it’s gentle on the digestive system and the pellets can be fed by hand so it’s easily integrated into daily feeding routines.
Specifications
Audevard Balsamic Air
This syrup supplement combines four essential oils to provide horses with additional nutrition when their respiratory needs are greater. It can be either added to feed, administered orally or sprayed in the horse’s environment.
Specifications
Omega Respirair Boost
Designed for horses who undergo regular intense physical exercise and competition or older horses, who might require some additional support, this supplement contains peppermint oil and mint to soothe the airways. It also contains eucalyptus, which is a decongestant, plus vitamins C and E to support a strong immune system.
Specifications
Equine America Airways Solution
Designed to support a healthy respiratory system, this liquid supplement contains a blend of plant-derived, concentrated essential oils, including eucalyptus, menthol and peppermint, to help maintain clear and healthy airways. Also available as an extra strength powder.
Specifications
Spillers Ventil-ate
This supplement supports the horse’s natural lung defences against unwanted airway irritants with the use of important antioxidants. It provides support to ensure that the lungs are functioning at maximum capacity and contains a form of vitamin C that has been proven to increase the levels found in the lung lining fluid. It also contains garlic, rosemary, and nutmeg, all of which have been traditionally used to support lung health.
Specifications
EquiNutritive Breathe-Rite
This natural respiratory supplement is a blend of seven herbs that help to maintain respiratory health, keep airways clear and support the immune system for strong, healthy lungs.
Specifications
Dodson & Horrell Breathe-Free
A dried blend of herbs, including white horehound, coltsfoot, hyssop and red clover heads, are included in this supplement to help maintain healthy airways and lungs. Aniseed and garlic also help to support clear airways and immune function.
Specifications
Aviform Breatheasy
Contains natural ingredients, including eucalyptus, peppermint, pine and origanum oil, which are known to benefit the respiratory system and help keep your horse’s airways clear of mucus.
Specifications
Lincoln Herbal Koff Syrup
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.85kg
RRP: £44.99
Daily measure: 42g
Cost per day: £1.02
Specifications
This supplement provides fast, natural support to calm and soothe the delicate airways. It helps to maintain healthy respiration in horses exposed to dust, pollen and mould spores. It is fortified with liquorice, glycerine and aniseed for a highly palatable formulation.
Science Supplements RespirAid DHA
Fast acting ultimate support for long term respiratory health, this supplement is perfect for horses who need a little assistance in their day-to-day respiratory system. Rich in DHA & EPA alongside powerful anti-oxidants.
Specifications
Hestevard Respa Solution
A powerful blend of herbs that soothe and support the respiratory tract, maintaining clear airways and healthy lung function. Helps to remove bronchial mucus, allowing your horse to perform at his best that also offers immune support.
Specifications
How to choose the best respiratory supplement for horses
Look out for common ingredients that are found in respiratory and breathing supplements for horses, which include…
- herbs — many of which are known for soothing properties
- anti-oxidants, such as vitamin E, which protects against free radicals
Consider the form the supplement takes – breathing supplements for horses can come in liquid or powder forms. Your horse may have a preference to one over another, which could make all the difference as if he won’t eat it, your horse won’t receive the benefit.
Cost is another consideration – we’ve calculated the daily cost of all the supplements featured in this guide to help you compare them easily. To make it as comparable as possible, we’ve used the smallest tubs available, but you’re better off buying a larger volume of supplement if you can as the daily cost can become significantly lower.
Do I need a breathing supplement for my horse?
There is always a challenge to your horse’s respiratory system — in the summer it’s pollen particles, while increased time in the stable in the winter exposes horses to more dust from forage and bedding.
There are a number of management practices you can put in place to reduce their exposure, but the best respiratory supplements for horses can also help to maintain healthy and clear airways, support the lungs’ natural defences, while also providing a soothing effect.
Coughing can be a sign of respiratory disease so if your horse develops a cough it’s wise to consult your vet.
Can I compete if I am giving my horse a respiratory supplement?
If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements – respiratory supplements or otherwise – you use do not contain any prohibited substances. You can also look for the BETA NOPS logo, which shows that the manufacturers are part of a scheme that prevents use of naturally occurring prohibited substances.
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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.