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Folic Acid

Water-Soluble Vitamin (B9)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Essential cofactor for DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and red blood cell maturation. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia.

At a glance

Class

Water-Soluble Vitamin (B9)

Schedule

OTC

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Supplement during phenobarbital therapy, sulfonamide therapy, and chronic GI mal

Dose

0.05–0.2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

🐈

Cat

Supplementation for folate-deficient cats (chronic GI disease, EPI, IBD)

Dose

0.25–0.5 mg/cat

Route

Frequency

q24h

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 →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Serum folate levelsCBCConcurrent B12 status

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Sulfasalazine

moderate

Sulfasalazine inhibits folate absorption (sulfapyridine component inhibits dihydrofolate reductase). Chronic use causes folate deficiency.

Management: Supplement with folic acid 0.5-1 mg/day during chronic sulfasalazine therapy.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Folvite

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Folic Acid?

Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin (b9) used in pets. Essential cofactor for DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and red blood cell maturation. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia.

›What is Folic Acid used for in pets?

Folic Acid is used in veterinary medicine for: Supplement during phenobarbital therapy, sulfonamide therapy, and chronic GI mal; Supplementation for folate-deficient cats (chronic GI disease, EPI, IBD).

›What is the Folic Acid dose for dogs?

For dogs, Folic Acid is typically dosed as follows — Supplement during phenobarbital therapy, sulfonamide therapy, and chronic GI mal: 0.05–0.2 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Folic Acid dose for cats?

For cats, Folic Acid is typically dosed as follows — Supplementation for folate-deficient cats (chronic GI disease, EPI, IBD): 0.25–0.5 mg/cat PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Folic Acid need a prescription?

Folic Acid is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

Educational reference only

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