Clean Label Project study finds lead and heavy metals in 99% of top cat food brands
A new investigation by the nonprofit Clean Label Project tested 100 top-selling cat foods from 62 brands and found toxic contaminants in nearly all samples. Lead was detected in 99% of the products, while cadmium and arsenic appeared in 96% and 94% respectively. The study also identified toxic plastic chemicals and the herbicide glyphosate across wet, dry, and freeze-dried varieties. Fish-based foods showed higher levels of mercury and cadmium, whereas chicken-based options had higher rates of lead and herbicides. Experts warn that chronic exposure to these substances may accumulate in cats over time, potentially contributing to kidney disease, though the pet food industry maintains that current safety protocols ensure product safety.
Key points
- The Clean Label Project analyzed 100 top-selling cat food products from 62 different brands for over 120 contaminants.
- Lead was found in 99% of the tested samples, with cadmium present in 96% and arsenic in 94%.
- Toxic plastic contaminants and the herbicide glyphosate were detected in all types of cat food, including wet, dry, and freeze-dried varieties.
- Fish and seafood-based proteins, particularly wet versions, contained the highest levels of mercury and cadmium.
- Chicken-based foods showed higher rates of lead and herbicides compared to other protein sources.
- Only 25% of fish-based products met the Clean Label Project’s purity standard, compared to 85% of poultry-based foods.
Background
This report follows earlier concerns about metal contamination in pet food, such as the August 2026 recall of Fromm dog food due to potential metal contamination. The Clean Label Project’s findings highlight a broader issue of toxic contaminants in pet food, with previous studies also finding lead, mercury, and pesticides in nearly all top-selling cat foods. The industry has maintained that current safety protocols ensure product safety, but experts warn that chronic exposure to these substances may accumulate in cats over time, potentially contributing to health issues such as kidney disease.
Why it matters
The widespread presence of toxic contaminants in cat food raises significant concerns about the long-term health of pets. Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, as well as toxic plastic chemicals and herbicides, may accumulate in cats over time, potentially contributing to kidney disease and other health issues. The findings suggest that even premium or 'natural' labeled products may not be free from these contaminants, prompting pet owners to reconsider their choices and seek safer alternatives. The report’s recommendations to vary diets and choose wet or air-dried products over dry food may help reduce exposure to these harmful substances.
What to watch
Pet owners are advised to vary their cat’s diet and choose wet or air-dried products over dry food to reduce lead exposure. Avoiding foods with plants in the top ten ingredients may help lower pesticide exposure. The pet food industry may face increased scrutiny and pressure to improve safety protocols and transparency regarding contaminant levels. Further research and regulatory action may be needed to address the widespread presence of toxic contaminants in pet food and protect the health of pets.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on WWBT