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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
2

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
PO
Frequency
q24h
🐈

Cat

Supplementation for folate-deficient cats (chronic GI disease, EPI, IBD)
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/cat
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Serum folate levelsCBCConcurrent B12 status

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →