A new scientific study suggests that pets may be exposed to potentially harmful “forever chemicals” through some popular commercial pet foods. These substances, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are synthetic chemicals widely used in products such as non-stick cookware, plastics, cleaning agents, and water-repellent materials. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down in the environment. They have already been detected in drinking water, soil, oceans, wildlife, and even human blood. Researchers analyzing 100 common pet food products sold in Japan—including foods produced in China, the United States, Australia, and the European Union—found measurable levels of PFAS in many of them. According to the study, higher concentrations were frequently found in fish-based pet foods and some dry products. However, the largest overall exposure for pets appeared to come from wet food because animals typically consume larger portions of it compared to dry food.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, showed that PFAS levels varied significantly among different products. Dry dog food contained up to 1.7 nanograms of PFAS per gram, while dry cat food measured up to 16 nanograms per gram. Wet dog food showed lower concentrations, reaching up to 0.67 nanograms per gram, and wet cat food contained up to 9.9 nanograms per gram. Despite these lower concentrations, the larger serving sizes required for wet food could result in higher total exposure for pets. Scientists warn that PFAS have been linked to various health problems in both animals and humans, including damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and thyroid. In humans, long-term exposure has also been associated with infertility, high cholesterol, developmental problems, and certain cancers. Because PFAS accumulate in the environment and the body over time, researchers say further studies are urgently needed to understand how these chemicals may affect the long-term health of dogs and cats.
