Why Folic Acid is Not Ideal for Dogs and Cats

When it comes to pet nutrition, ensuring that our dogs and cats receive the right nutrients in their natural form is essential. One commonly used synthetic vitamin, folic acid, is often added to commercial pet foods and supplements—but is it truly beneficial? Let’s explore why folic acid may not be the best choice for your pet’s health and what natural alternatives are better suited to their needs.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B-vitamin (B9) that plays a crucial role in cell division, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. While folate is naturally found in whole foods, folic acid is an artificially created version used in many processed pet foods.


The Problem with Folic Acid

• Synthetic vs. Natural Absorption
Folic acid must be converted by the liver into its active form (5-MTHF) before the body can use it. Dogs and cats have almost no ability to process folic acid efficiently, which can lead to unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) accumulating in the bloodstream.

Potential Health Risks

Research suggests that excessive levels of folic acid can contribute to various health concerns, including:
• Immune System Disruption – High UMFA levels may interfere with normal immune function.
• Increased Cancer Risk – Unmetabolized folic acid has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers in humans, and similar risks may exist for pets.
• Neurological Issues – Some studies indicate that excess folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiencies, which are crucial for neurological health.
• Unnatural Additive in Processed Pet Food Many commercial pet foods use synthetic vitamins like folic acid to compensate for nutrient loss during processing. However, these artificial forms are not as bioavailable or beneficial as naturally occurring nutrients from whole foods.


Natural Alternatives to Folic Acid

Instead of relying on synthetic folic acid, pet parents can provide naturally occurring folate through whole, species-appropriate foods. Some excellent sources of natural folate include:
• Liver (especially beef and chicken liver)
• Egg yolks
• Leafy greens (such as spinach and kale, in moderation for dogs)
• Grass-fed organ meats



Final Thoughts

While folate is an essential nutrient, the synthetic version—folic acid—may pose unnecessary risks for dogs and cats. Choosing a biologically appropriate, whole-food diet rich in naturally occurring folate ensures that your pet gets the nutrients they need without the potential downsides of synthetic additives.

Looking to improve your pet’s diet with natural, species-appropriate nutrition? Book a consultation today for personalized guidance on optimizing your pet’s health!

-Valerie San Nicolas CPCN