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 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 you horse develops a cough it’s wise to consult your vet.
How to choose a 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 if you’re better off buying a larger volume of supplement if you can as the daily cost can become significantly lower.
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.
Breathing supplements for horses: what are your options?
Here is a selection of the best respiratory supplements for horses that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…
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
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 2l, 5l
RRP: £21.50 for 500ml
Daily measure: 30ml
Cost per day: £1.29
This supplement contains a concentrated solution of natural anti-oxidants, alongside herbs such as 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.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, petdrugsonline.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Science Supplements Respiraid DHA
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.85kg
RRP: £44.99
Daily measure: 61.5g
Cost per day: £1.50
Formulated with the help of scientific research, RespirAid DHA combines a unique encapsulated source of DHA and EPA alongside powerful antioxidants and should be fed on a daily basis for the ultimate support for long term respiratory health.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Audevard Balsamic Air
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 500ml, 1l
RRP: £27.90 for 500ml
Daily measure: 20–30ml
Cost per day: From £1.12
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.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or petdrugsonline.co.uk
Blue Chip Garliq
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £15.95 for 1l
Daily measure: 15ml
Cost per day: £0.24
This concentrated liquid garlic supplement provides effective respiratory relief by aiding the clearance of mucus from the airways and relieving the symptoms of coughs. It’s packed full of anti-oxidants, so is ideal for daily and respiratory health – and as a natural fly repellent.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equine America Airways Xtra Strength Powder
Form: Powder
Sizes: 500g, 2.5kg
RRP: £23.50 for 500g
Daily measure: 14g
Cost per day: £0.66
Designed to support a healthy respiratory system, this powdered supplement contains a blend of plant-derived, concentrated essential oils, including eucalyptus, menthol and peppermint, to help maintain clear and healthy airways. Also available in liquid form.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equine-america.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Winergy Ventil-ate
Form: Powder
Sizes: 2.8kg, 8.4kg
RRP: £48.65 for 2.8kg
Daily measure: 100g
Cost per day: £1.74
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 level of vitamin C found in the lung lining fluid. It also contains garlic, rosemary, nutmeg and grapeseed oil, all of which have been traditionally used to support lung health.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
EquiNutritive Breathe-Rite
Form: Powder
Sizes: 750g, 1.5kg, 4.5kg
RRP: £34.99 for 750g
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £1.40
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.
View EquiNutritive Breathe-Rite now at amazon.co.uk
Feedmark Clarity
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.75kg, 3.5kg, 7kg
RRP: £59.99 for 1.75kg
Daily measure: 60g
Cost per day: £2.06
A powerful blend of herbs that soothe and support the respiratory tract, maintaining clear airways and healthy lung function. Helps to expel dust and pollen particles and excess mucus, allowing your horse to perform at his best.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Hilton Herbs Freeway Gold
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l, 3l, 5l
RRP: £35.17 for 1l
Daily measure: 25ml
Cost per day: £0.88
This is a fast-absorbing liquid supplement that contains herbs, such as eyebright and thyme, to help maintain an efficient respiratory system. It is formulated to support healthy airways and ideal for those affected by spores, dust or pollen. Also available as a powder.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Cavalor Bronchix Pure
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £69
Daily measure: 50g
Cost per day: £3.45
This supplement is formulated to support the airways, by providing a soothing effect and strengthening the body’s natural defences. It opens up the airways and helps to expel any irritants from the respiratory system. It is a 100% natural formula and is based on herbs that are known for their beneficial effect on the lungs, airways and immune system.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Breathe-Free
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg, 2.5kg
RRP: £20.19 for 1kg
Daily measure: 42.5g
Cost per day: £0.86
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.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Aviform Breatheasy
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l, 2.5l
RRP: £31.95 for 1l
Daily measure: 25ml
Cost per day: £0.80
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.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Equine Products UK Breeze-Up
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £21.54
Daily measure: 60ml
Cost per day: £1.29
This supplement is formulated to assist in healthy breathing where dust is present. It contains only natural ingredients, including eucalyptus and menthol.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or equineproducts-ukltd.com
Global Herbs PolleneX
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l, 5l
RRP: £33 for 1l
Daily measure: 25ml
Cost per day: £0.83
This supplement offers soothing comfort from pollen and all other irritating airborne particles. It helps to soothe the nose, eyes and head, especially during the summer months when the pollen count is high. Also available in a powder.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or globalherbs.co.uk
Horse First Garlic & More
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.5kg, 4kg
RRP: £23 for 1.5kg
Daily measure: 25–50
Cost per day: From £0.38
A totally natural supplement containing a powerful blend of garlic, seaweed, herbs and vitamins that can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It also helps utilise nutrition, aid digestion and boost the immune system.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Leovet Respiratory Syrup
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £25.95
Daily measure: 50ml
Cost per day: £1.30
The concentrated liquid made of powerful herb extracts is readily absorbed and aims to offset environmental stress that can interfere with the respiratory tracts and weaken the immune system.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Lincoln Herbal Koff Syrup
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 4l
RRP: £8.50 for 1l
Daily measure: 40ml
Cost per day: £0.34
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.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Maxavita MaxaBreathe
Form: Powder
Sizes: 900g
RRP: £29.85
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £0.99
Designed to help support the respiratory system and combat wheezing and coughing, the green-lipped mussel extract contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have natural soothing properties. An anti-oxidant helps clear congestion, reduce coughing and ease irritated airways, while the soothing herbs also help to ease irritation.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Omega Respirair Boost
Form: Powder
Sizes: 925g, 1.85kg
RRP: £23.35 for 925g
Daily measure: 22g
Cost per day: £0.56
Designed for horses who under-go regular intense physical exercise and competition or older horses, who might be experiencing laboured breathing and therefore 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.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Synovium Airplus Liquid
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 940ml
RRP: £32.95
Daily measure: 30ml
Cost per day: £1.05
This supplement contains a blend of potassium iodide, eucalyptus oil, rosemary, thyme and aniseed, which are known to help clear the airways while soothing the respiratory tract and supporting free breathing.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
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