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Quick answer: in October 2026 the US organisation Clean Label Project tested 100 cat foods from 62 American brands and found lead in 99%, cadmium in 96% and arsenic in 94% of them, plus glyphosate and plastic-related compounds in some. The study does not show that these levels are harmful to cats, but it offers a useful pointer: fish recipes contained far more mercury. Rotating proteins is simple, sensible advice.
The story made headlines around the world in early October and raised plenty of questions among cat owners. Although it concerns products on the US market, its findings help us read labels better and vary our cats’ diets in Europe too.
What was tested and what was found
100 products were bought in shops (31 dry, 40 wet and 29 air-dried or freeze-dried) and an accredited laboratory screened for more than 122 contaminants. The main results, as reported by the veterinary publication dvm360:
- Lead in 99% of products, cadmium in 96% and arsenic in 94%.
- Glyphosate in 37%; the phthalate DEHP in 48 products; bisphenol A in 2.
- Fish-based foods had on average around 18 times more mercury than the rest and around 2.5 times more cadmium.
- About 85% of poultry recipes met the study’s own purity standard, compared with just 26% of fish and seafood recipes.
- Dry food had around 3 times more lead per calorie than wet or air-dried food.
What the study does not say
These figures need to be read calmly. The authors acknowledge that they did not compare the levels with safety thresholds or look at any link with diseases such as kidney disease. Each product was tested only once, and Clean Label Project runs its own certification scheme. The US trade body Pet Food Institute has criticised the use of a private standard rather than regulatory risk assessments. In short: a signal to improve testing, not a reason to panic.
What you can do for your cat
- Rotate proteins: if your cat almost always eats tuna or fish, mix in chicken, turkey or lamb recipes.
- Read beyond the first ingredient: look at the first ten and check whether the product is “complete” or “complementary”.
- Prioritise a complete food your cat enjoys: it is the foundation of good health.
- If you have any doubts about your cat’s diet, talk to your vet, especially if your cat is older or has kidney problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I stop feeding my cat fish?
There is no need to cut it out. The authors recommend rotating it with other proteins, as some fish recipes did meet their standard.
Is wet food better than dry food?
In this analysis dry food had more lead per calorie, but overall the differences between dry and wet were minimal. Combining both formats works well for many cats.
Does this affect products sold in Europe?
The study looked at US brands and does not assess the European market. Its practical advice, such as rotating proteins, applies anywhere.
Keep reading
- Wet cat food: complete or complementary?
- Minerals in dog and cat food: new study
- How to read a pet food label
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