Synthetic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist that mimics the hunger hormone ghrelin, stimulating appetite via hypothalamic orexigenic pathways. Also stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary. First FDA-approved appetite stimulant for dogs and cats.
At a glance
Class
Ghrelin Receptor Agonist / Appetite Stimulant
Storage
Store at room temperature; use within 6 months of opening
Dosing
FDA-approved for appetite stimulation in dogs
FDA-approved for weight loss management in cats with CKD
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Body weight weekly initiallyFood intakeBUN/creatinine (cats with CKD)GI tolerance
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Capromorelin?
Capromorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist / appetite stimulant used in pets. Synthetic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist that mimics the hunger hormone ghrelin, stimulating appetite via hypothalamic orexigenic pathways. Also stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary. First FDA-approved appetite stimulant for dogs and cats.
›What is Capromorelin used for in pets?
Capromorelin is used in veterinary medicine for: FDA-approved for appetite stimulation in dogs; FDA-approved for weight loss management in cats with CKD.
›What is the Capromorelin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Capromorelin is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for appetite stimulation in dogs: 3 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Capromorelin dose for cats?
For cats, Capromorelin is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for weight loss management in cats with CKD: 2 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Capromorelin need a prescription?
Yes. Capromorelin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database