Your Dog's Food Is Contaminated With PFAS
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/7/2026
Researchers tested pet food for dogs and cats and found PFAS in product after product. Some exceeded safety thresholds set for humans.
PFAS in Every Aisle of the Pet Store
A 2026 study in Environ Pollut tested commercially available dog and cat food in Japan for 34 PFAS compounds. They checked both dry and wet food types.
PFAS showed up frequently. Fish-based products had the highest levels of PFOS, PFUnDA, and PFTrDA. Hazard quotient assessments (based on European food safety limits) exceeded 1 for several products. That means the exposure from eating that food crosses the line into potential health risk territory.
Fish Is the Main Problem
Fish ingredients drove the highest PFAS levels. Fish accumulate these chemicals from contaminated water throughout their lives. When that fish becomes pet food, the PFAS come along for the ride. Wet food delivered higher total exposure because pets eat more of it per meal.
Country of origin mattered too. Some Asian-specific PFAS variants (like F-53B) showed up in certain products, pointing to regional contamination sources.
Your Pet Is a Canary in the Coal Mine
Dogs and cats eat the same food every day for years. They live in the same homes, breathe the same air, and drink the same water as their owners. If your pet's food is loaded with PFAS, your household exposure is likely high too.
What You Can Do
Vary your pet's protein sources instead of feeding fish-based food exclusively. Look for pet food brands that test for contaminants. Filter your home's water for the whole family, pets included. Explore non-toxic home essentials for a cleaner household.
Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.