Serves as a methyl donor and precursor for glutathione synthesis, providing hepatocellular protection and supporting detoxification pathways; also has antioxidant properties
At a glance
Class
Hepatoprotectant / Nutraceutical supplement
Storage
Store below 25°C; keep in original blister pack until use; do not crush or split tablets
Dosing
Hepatic support / Drug-induced hepatopathy / Chronic liver disease
Frequency
SID (on empty stomach)
Duration: Long-term for chronic liver disease
Hepatic lipidosis / Cholangitis / Drug-induced hepatopathy
Frequency
SID (on empty stomach)
Duration: Long-term
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
Adverse effects
Common
Inappetence (if not given on empty stomach)
Mild GI upset
Serious
None reported at therapeutic doses
Hepatic enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT)Bile acids
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 S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)?
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a hepatoprotectant / nutraceutical supplement used in pets. Serves as a methyl donor and precursor for glutathione synthesis, providing hepatocellular protection and supporting detoxification pathways; also has antioxidant properties
›What is S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) used for in pets?
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is used in veterinary medicine for: Hepatic support / Drug-induced hepatopathy / Chronic liver disease; Hepatic lipidosis / Cholangitis / Drug-induced hepatopathy.
›What is the S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) dose for dogs?
For dogs, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is typically dosed as follows — Hepatic support / Drug-induced hepatopathy / Chronic liver disease: 17–20 mg/kg PO SID (on empty stomach). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) dose for cats?
For cats, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is typically dosed as follows — Hepatic lipidosis / Cholangitis / Drug-induced hepatopathy: 17–20 mg/kg PO SID (on empty stomach). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)?
Common: Inappetence (if not given on empty stomach), Mild GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): None reported at therapeutic doses.
›Does S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) need a prescription?
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
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