Omeprazole is the proven treatment for equine ulcers, and the branded product, GastroGard, is the gold standard. The catch is cost: a full course commonly runs north of $1,000, and that price tag leads some owners to under-treat or skip treatment entirely. The good news is that the active ingredient is available more affordably. The honest part: not every option is equal, and the cheapest route isn’t always the right one. Here’s how they actually compare.
The options, compared
| Option | FDA-approved? | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GastroGard (treatment) | Yes | Highest | The proven gold standard; potency and stability verified. Prescription-only. |
| UlcerGard (same drug, prevention label) | Yes | Lower per day at the preventive dose | Identical omeprazole; using it at the full treatment dose is off-label and needs vet direction. |
| Generic / compounded omeprazole | No | Lowest | Same active ingredient at a fraction of the cost; potency and stability can vary, so source carefully and use with vet guidance. |
How to choose — with your vet
The smart, safe way to save money looks like this: confirm the diagnosis with a scope, get a treatment plan and prescription from your vet, then source the omeprazole affordably from a reputable supplier rather than defaulting to the premium brand. Finish the full course and re-scope to confirm healing — cutting the course short to save money is the most expensive mistake of all. See how treatment works for the full protocol.
Where VETR fits
VETR exists to make animal health more accessible and affordable — the same idea behind this page. Through VETR you can connect with a licensed vet to build the right plan and access affordable gastric care, so cost is less likely to stand between your horse and treatment.
Get an affordable plan that actually works
VETR is building nationwide telehealth that connects you with licensed veterinarians from home. Join the list and we’ll help you map the most cost-effective path to healing your horse’s ulcers.
Join VETR →Confirm equine telehealth availability and your state’s prescribing rules before launch.
Affordable gastric care from VETR
Browse VETR’s range, built around accessible, affordable animal health for everyday horse owners.
Shop VETR →Supportive supplements are not a treatment for diagnosed ulcers and don’t replace veterinary care.
Frequently asked questions
Is generic omeprazole as good as GastroGard?
It contains the same active ingredient, omeprazole. The key difference is that GastroGard is FDA-approved, meaning its potency and stability are verified, while generic and compounded versions are not - so quality can vary by supplier. Used under veterinary guidance with a reputable source, affordable omeprazole is how many owners make treatment possible.
Is compounded omeprazole safe for horses?
It can be, but compounded products are not FDA-approved and independent testing has sometimes found potency or stability that differs from the label. Choose a reputable compounder or supplier and use it under veterinary direction.
Can I use UlcerGard to treat ulcers instead of GastroGard?
UlcerGard is the exact same omeprazole as GastroGard, just dosed and labeled for prevention. Some owners use it at the higher treatment dose, but that is off-label, so it should only be done on your veterinarian's advice.
Why is GastroGard so expensive?
It is the only FDA-approved omeprazole treatment, and a full course uses about one tube per 1,250 lb of body weight per day for roughly 28 days - a lot of tubes for a full-size horse, which pushes a course north of $1,000.
Is there a true generic version of GastroGard?
There is no AB-rated generic of the branded paste, but the same active ingredient is available in generic and compounded omeprazole products at lower cost. Discuss options with your vet.
References & sources
- Sykes BW, et al. ECEIM Consensus Statement: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in Adult Horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2015;29(5):1288–1299.
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Gastric Ulcers in Horses (clinical)
Dosing figures follow FDA-approved label rates for omeprazole; cost ranges are general market estimates. Always confirm diagnosis, dosing, and treatment with your veterinarian.