A new investigation of 100 popular cat foods found detectable lead in 99% of samples, along with other heavy metals, herbicide residue and plastic-related chemicals. The findings raise questions about cats’ repeated, long-term exposure—but researchers emphasize that the tests do not show that any specific food causes harm or establish a need for sudden diet changes.
Key takeaways
The results point to widespread contamination across the products tested, with levels and types of contaminants differing by food format and protein source.
- Lead appeared in 99% of samples; cadmium in 96% and arsenic in 94%.
- Dry foods had about three times more lead than wet or air-dried foods, on average.
- Seafood-based foods were associated with higher mercury and cadmium levels.
- Glyphosate was detected in 37% of products, and the plasticizer DEHP in about half.
- Each product came from a single batch, so results may not reflect every batch or prove health effects.
What the investigation tested
The Clean Label Project, a Colorado nonprofit, analyzed 100 top-selling products from 62 brands for more than 122 contaminants. Tests covered wet, dry, air-dried and freeze-dried foods, including products marketed as natural or premium. The study found heavy metals across food types, while contaminant levels varied among products.
Heavy metals can enter food through environmental pollution and ingredients; chemicals may also be introduced during processing or packaging. Because many cats eat the same food daily, the report’s authors say repeated exposure is worth attention. However, the investigation did not assess whether a particular product would make a cat ill, and testing only one batch per product limits what can be concluded.
Findings differ by format and ingredients
Dry cat food contained roughly three times more lead than wet or air-dried products in the analysis. Fish- and seafood-based foods showed stronger associations with mercury and cadmium. Wet seafood foods had nearly 28 times as much mercury, on average, as wet foods made with other meats, particularly poultry. That does not mean every seafood recipe had high levels: the report noted that results varied by product.
Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, was detectable in 37% of products. The analysis also found DEHP, a plasticizer used in some plastics and food-contact materials, in about half of samples, with higher levels in canned and pouch foods. The report did not establish the source of contamination for each product or demonstrate that these measured levels caused harm to cats.
What cat owners can do
The findings are a reason to ask questions, not to panic or abruptly switch a cat’s diet. Cats with medical conditions may need a specific food, so consult a veterinarian before changing their meals. For other cats, owners can ask manufacturers whether they test finished products for contaminants, how often testing occurs, and whether results vary by batch.
If a cat eats seafood-based food every day, discussing protein variety with a veterinarian may be reasonable. Ingredient labels can offer clues, but the first ingredient alone cannot confirm a food’s contaminant levels. PAWSONA’s cat-care guidance emphasizes looking at health and behavior together; in this case, informed feeding decisions are a separate part of supporting a cat’s long-term wellbeing.
- Cat foods contain toxic chemicals, investigation finds, CNN.
- Do you know what's in your cat's food? Major study uncovers heavy metals, glyphosate, and plastic toxins in 100 top-selling brands, Clarin.com.
- Lead, heavy metals found in 99% of cat foods tested in new study, NewsNation.
- It's Not Good News on Your Cat's Favorite Chow, Newser.