Study of PFAS Content in Pet Food

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Detection of PFAS in Pet Food

Laboratory analysis of 100 popular dog and cat foods revealed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." The highest concentrations of these compounds were found in fish-based products. In some cases, PFAS levels exceeded the safety thresholds set for humans by European regulators.

Characteristics of PFAS

PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals known for their ability to reduce water’s surface tension, making them repel water, grease, and dirt. Thanks to these properties, PFAS are widely used in various industries, including the production of non-stick coatings, fast food packaging, and cosmetics. Most PFAS are resistant to microbial breakdown and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Health Impact

Previous studies have shown that regular exposure to PFAS in humans increases the risk of liver damage and certain types of cancer. For pets, the effects of these compounds are not well studied, but their presence in cats has been linked to thyroid, kidney, and respiratory diseases.

Research Methodology

A team of Japanese researchers analyzed 100 commercial dog and cat foods sold in Japan from 2018 to 2020. The sample included both dry and wet foods. In the laboratory, specialists searched for traces of 34 PFAS compounds using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Analysis Results

PFAS were detected in many samples, with concentrations varying significantly depending on the ingredients and country of origin. The highest levels were found in fish-based foods, especially perfluorooctanesulfonic, perfluoroundecanoic, and perfluorotridecanoic acids. Samples from China, Japan, and Thailand contained the compound 9Cl-PF3ONS, which is part of the industrial mixture F-53B.

Risk Assessment

The researchers estimated the approximate PFAS dose an animal would receive from a single serving of food and compared it to the acceptable levels for humans set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). For some foods, this indicator exceeded the permissible threshold, indicating a potential health risk for animals.

Feed Composition Features

Grain-based dog foods produced in Japan contained the highest PFAS levels. Possible sources of contamination include plant ingredients grown with polluted water or soil, as well as the addition of fish meal. Even a small amount of fish meal can significantly increase the overall PFAS content in the product.

Meat-based diets were found to be much cleaner: some Japanese and Australian brands contained no detectable PFAS. In cat foods, the highest concentrations were found in fish-based canned foods and pouches from Asia, the USA, and Europe, especially those produced in Thailand.

PFAS Entry Pathways

PFAS are often present in contaminated water. When cheap fish meal made from fish living in such water is used, synthetic compounds accumulated by the fish over their lifetime enter the feed along with the protein.

Need for Further Research

Experts note that standards set for humans should not be directly applied to animals. Additional studies and the development of specific regulations and assessment methods for veterinary use are needed to evaluate risks. Currently, there is insufficient data on the long-term effects of PFAS on cats and dogs consuming such foods daily.

Conclusion

The issue is not so much with the pet food itself, but with the use of fish containing PFAS. Even fresh and seemingly high-quality food can contain hazardous compounds if it includes fish ingredients with "forever chemicals."

The study results were published in the journal Environmental Pollution.