Clean Label Project Report Finds Lead in 99% of Top Cat Foods

Key points

• Lead was detected in 99% of the 100 tested cat food samples, while cadmium and arsenic were found in 96% and 94% respectively.
• Fish-based cat foods contained approximately 18 times more mercury and 2.5 times more cadmium than other protein sources, with wet seafood products showing the highest levels.
• Dry cat food contained roughly three times more lead than wet or air-dried alternatives, while chicken-based foods showed higher rates of lead and herbicides compared to fish.
• Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, was detected in 37% of products, with levels increasing significantly when more plant ingredients appeared in the top ten of the label.
• The plastic chemical DEHP was found in 48% of products, with canned and pouch formats containing about five times more than bagged products.

Background

This report follows a similar February 2026 assessment by the Clean Label Project regarding dog food, which found heavy metal levels three to 13 times higher than in human food. Additionally, in August 2026, the Fromm Family Foods company recalled over 5,000 cases of wet dog food due to potential metal contamination, highlighting ongoing concerns about heavy metals in pet nutrition.

How outlets are covering it

CNN and 14 News emphasized the broad presence of toxins, noting that even premium or 'natural' labeled foods contained contaminants. They highlighted the health risks associated with chronic exposure, such as kidney disease in cats. USA Today provided a more nuanced view, stressing that the study compares contaminant levels rather than determining if specific products are unsafe. USA Today also noted limitations, such as testing only single batches and most brands contributing just one product. The Pet Food Institute, cited by CNN, defended the industry by stating that manufacturers use rigorous safety protocols, supplier verification, and testing to ensure products are safe and consistent, urging owners to feel confident in current standards.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that pet owners cannot rely solely on ingredient labels or premium pricing to ensure safety. The accumulation of heavy metals like lead and cadmium over a cat's lifetime may contribute to chronic health issues, including kidney disease. The report underscores the need for better transparency and testing standards in the pet food industry, as current regulations often focus on farm animals rather than small pets.

What to watch

Pet owners are advised to vary their cats' diets to limit exposure to specific contaminants, such as alternating fish with chicken to reduce mercury intake. Experts recommend contacting manufacturers to inquire about their testing protocols for heavy metals and plastic chemicals. The Clean Label Project suggests that wet or air-dried foods may offer lower lead exposure compared to dry options, while minimizing plant ingredients in the top ten of the label can help reduce pesticide exposure.