How Much Folic Acid for Pregnant Dogs & Cats

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I strongly advocate supplementing pregnant female dogs & cats with folic acid. This recommendation is rooted in studies demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing cleft palates in dogs. While similar studies in cats are scarce, given that cleft palate remains the foremost congenital abnormality in kittens, I still think it is a good precautionary measure until contrary evidence emerges.

For an in-depth understanding, I encourage you to check the blogs I wrote on this topic:

Cleft Palates in dogs and cats: 21 facts breeders need to know

Part I

Part II

So when it comes to sourcing folic acid, there are three main avenues:

Veterinary Supplements

In some countries, there are folic acid supplements that are sold at the veterinary clinic. I saw them when I was travelling in Malta a few years ago, and am sure other solutions exist. However, availability varies by country, and such supplements are not universally found, as in the case of Canada. Consulting your veterinarian is crucial here.

Human Folic Acid Supplements

An abundant variety exists, but caution is necessary.

Multivitamin formulations often fall short in folic acid concentration and can pose a risk of hypervitaminosis in small dogs due to excessive amounts of other vitamins, like vitamin A for instance.

To avoid such complications, opt for supplements containing solely folic acid.

In human health, there’s a distinction between folic acid and folate. Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, often found in supplements and fortified foods. Folate, on the other hand, is the natural form of this vitamin present in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits.

In humans, some individuals have difficulty converting folic acid into the active form of folate, which can affect its effectiveness.

But what about dogs?

To my knowledge, there haven’t been specific studies on this topic in the canine species. In the studies related to canine gestation and cleft palates, the focus has been primarily on folic acid supplementation.

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Diets Already Supplemented in Folic Acid

My preferred method involves diets already fortified with folic acid.

This approach simplifies compliance significantly. While administering daily pills can lead to occasional lapses, feeding is a routine rarely missed.

This ensures consistent folic acid intake during gestation – which is key to preventing cleft palates successfully.

👉🏽 Here are the diets I recommend in small dogs, large dogs and cats. 👈🏽

These diets are available through a breeder program. Learn more about options in the USA and Canada.

How Much Folic Acid is Ideal in Pregnant Dogs and Cats?

Now, the crucial aspect… is the dosage.

How much folic acid is ideal for supplementation? The answer lies in this research publication, which interestingly aligns with human recommendations. A later study focusing on French Bulldogs adapted this dosage for 10kg (22lb) dogs.

Based on those 2 studies, the dosage I recommend for folic acid supplementation is 0.5mg/kg/d.

The way I see it, folic acid supplementation during gestation in dogs and cats is an investment in the health of future generations of puppies and kittens. To fully grasp the significance and application of this knowledge, I again point you to my blog on cleft palates.