Respiratory health is one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of horse care. Whether your horse is a sensitive competition horse, a happy hacker, or a veteran in retirement, maintaining a clear and healthy respiratory tract year-round supports performance, comfort, and overall wellbeing.
At Feedem Pet Supermarket, we stock a full range of NAF horse supplements to support your horse through every season.
Why Respiratory Health Matters for Horses
Unlike humans, horses are obligate nasal breathers — they cannot switch to breathing through their mouths. This means any compromise to the respiratory tract has a direct impact on their ability to exercise, perform, and enjoy daily life.
Horses that are sensitive to airborne particles may not always show obvious clinical signs. Reduced performance or lower exercise tolerance can often be the only clue. In more pronounced cases, you may notice:
- Increased effort in breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Untypical head movements
- Audible breath sounds
Starting respiratory support early — before symptoms appear — is far more effective than waiting until your horse is already struggling.
NAF Five Star Respirator Boost
NAF Five Star Respirator Boost is designed to provide targeted nutritional support for horses facing respiratory challenge, helping to maintain a clear, healthy respiratory tract whatever the season. Available in 1 Litre and 5 Litre sizes.
Vitamin C — Antioxidant Support at Times of Challenge
Unlike people, horses can synthesise Vitamin C themselves from glucose, so it isn't required in their general diet. However, at times of respiratory challenge, Vitamin C's role as an antioxidant becomes particularly valuable, and supplementation is recommended for horses facing seasonal pressure.
Herbal Antioxidants — Working With Nature
Antioxidant herbal tinctures — including rosemary, ginger, and turmeric — work alongside Vitamin C to support the body's response to seasonal challenge. These are well-established botanicals with a long history of use in equine nutrition.
Soothing Support Through the Respiratory Tract
Glycerine is included in the formula to help maintain comfort through the respiratory tract — think of it as the equine equivalent of a soothing throat sweet.
Highly Palatable and Easy to Feed
Respirator Boost is highly palatable and simple to add to your horse's daily feed — no fuss, no drama.
When to Start Feeding Respirator Boost
For horses known to be sensitive: start before seasonal issues take hold. Feeding daily helps maintain the lungs in a clear, healthy condition, allowing your horse to go out and enjoy all aspects of equine life.
For horses new to you, or in a new environment: watch for early signs that respiratory function may be compromised. Reduced performance or lower exercise tolerance can often be the first indicator — don't wait for more obvious symptoms before acting.
Management Tips to Support Respiratory Wellbeing
Alongside Respirator Boost, good management practices make a real difference to respiratory health:
- Provide dust-free forage — soaked or steamed hay is ideal for sensitive horses
- Avoid straw bedding and choose low-dust alternatives such as paper, cardboard, or rubber matting
- Keep stables well ventilated and clean — good airflow is one of the most effective tools you have
- Consider air purifiers or misting systems to reduce airborne allergens in the stable environment
- Modify exercise regimes to avoid peak pollen times — early morning and late evening are often better
- Limit turnout during high pollen or particularly dusty periods where possible
- Monitor body weight — excess weight can have a negative effect on breathing and overall respiratory function
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start giving my horse respiratory support?
Ideally before seasonal issues take hold. Starting early and feeding daily helps maintain a clear, healthy respiratory tract throughout the year — particularly important for horses with a history of respiratory sensitivity.
Can all horses benefit from Respirator Boost, or just those with known issues?
It's particularly recommended for horses known to be sensitive to airborne particles, but it can also be useful for horses in new environments or those showing subtle signs such as reduced performance or lower exercise tolerance.
What are the signs that my horse may have a respiratory problem?
Signs can range from subtle — reduced performance, lower exercise tolerance — to more obvious, including increased effort in breathing, nasal discharge, untypical head movements, or audible breath sounds. If you're concerned, speak to your vet.
What management changes can I make alongside supplementation?
Dust-free forage (soaked or steamed hay), low-dust bedding, good stable ventilation, and limiting turnout during high pollen periods all make a meaningful difference alongside targeted nutritional support.
Shop our full range of NAF horse supplements at Feedem Pet Supermarket, including Respirator Boost 1 Litre and Respirator Boost 5 Litre. Free UK delivery available on qualifying orders.