# Grapiprant vs Meloxicam in Dogs: Dosing, Safety & Key Differences

> GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the METACAM Oral Suspension label discusses cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs in…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/compare/grapiprant-vs-meloxicam-dogs/
- Type: Comparison
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-10-28
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the METACAM Oral Suspension label discusses cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs in dogs [1][2] In dogs, GALLIPRANT was given at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) once daily for 28 days in a controlled field study, and METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment, then once daily at 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) for all treatments after day 1 [1][2] Meloxicam has a day-one dose of 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg), whereas grapiprant stays at 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) once daily [1][2].

## Grapiprant vs meloxicam: side by side
| Feature | Grapiprant | Meloxicam |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) | The METACAM label discusses cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs [1][2] |
| Formulation on these labels | Tablets | Oral suspension [1][2] |
| Most common adverse effects | Diarrhea, vomiting, inappetence | Vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, inappetence [1][2] |

## Dosing grapiprant vs meloxicam
| Drug | Species | Dose | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grapiprant (GALLIPRANT) | Dog | 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) |  | once daily [1] |
| Meloxicam (METACAM) | Dog | 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) | PO | First day of treatment only [2] |
| Meloxicam (METACAM) | Dog | 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) | PO | Once daily thereafter [2] |

- If additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose of GALLIPRANT, a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary [1]
- Meloxicam suspension may be mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth [2].

## Mechanism of each
- GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) [1]
- The METACAM label states that, as a class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic toxicity, and NSAIDs may inhibit the prostaglandins that maintain normal homeostatic function [2]

## Side effects
- Diarrhea, vomiting and inappetence were the most common treatment-related adverse reactions to grapiprant [1].
- Vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea and inappetence were the most common adverse reactions to meloxicam [2].

## When to avoid each
- Dogs at greatest risk for adverse events with GALLIPRANT are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with existing renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction [1]
- Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity with METACAM Oral Suspension are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with existing renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction [2]
- In dogs, serious adverse reactions associated with METACAM can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death [2]
- Both labels name dehydrated dogs and dogs on concomitant diuretic therapy among those at greatest risk [1][2].

## Combining with other anti-inflammatories
- If additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose of GALLIPRANT, a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary [1]
- Meloxicam should not be used together with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids [2].

## Key differences
- GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), while the METACAM label discusses cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs [1][2]
- In dogs, METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment, whereas GALLIPRANT was given at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) once daily for 28 days in a controlled field study [1][2]
- In a controlled field study, GALLIPRANT-treated dogs ranged in age from 2 to 16.75 years, and field safety for METACAM was evaluated in 306 dogs [1][2]

## Frequently asked questions

### Does meloxicam need a loading dose but grapiprant not?

Meloxicam starts at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) on day one, while grapiprant is given at 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) once daily [1][2].

### Can I switch a dog from meloxicam to grapiprant and give both?

For dogs, the METACAM label says the use of another NSAID is not recommended and to consider appropriate washout times when switching from corticosteroid use or from one NSAID to another, while the GALLIPRANT label says a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary if additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose [1][2]

### Which can be given with food?

METACAM Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth [2]

## References

[1] Galliprant (grapiprant tablets) — Product Information — Drugs.com (FDA-approved label, Elanco). https://www.drugs.com/vet/galliprant.html
[2] Metacam (meloxicam oral suspension) for dogs — Product Information — Drugs.com (FDA-approved label, Boehringer Ingelheim). https://www.drugs.com/vet/metacam-oral-suspension.html

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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