According to a report by the Clean Label Project, published on 2 October 2026, out of 100 cat food products tested from 62 brands, lead was detected in 99% samples, cadmium in 96%, and arsenic in 94%. The measurements were carried out by an independent laboratory accredited to ISO 17025, and the report compares contaminant levels within the sample rather than establishing harm to a specific animal.
Briefly about the main points
- CLP tested 100 cat foods from 62 brands.
- Lead was detected in 99% of the samples tested.
- The dry feed contained approximately three times as much lead.
- The fish feed in the sample contained approximately 18 times more mercury.
- DEHP, a phthalate plasticiser, was detected in 48 products.
What exactly was examined in the report?
Clean Label Project It tested 100 popular products and analysed more than 122 potential contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and phthalates. The organisation was responsible for selecting the products, interpreting and publishing the results, whilst the laboratory analysis was carried out by an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.
The list of products tested included selected items from Purina, Hill’s, Iams, Royal Canin, Sheba and other brands. The inclusion of a product in the sample does not provide a basis for assessing a particular manufacturer’s entire product range.
Differences between types of feed
According to CLP, in dry diets lead level was approximately three times higher than in moist, air-dried or freeze-dried products. The comparison was made on a per 1,000 kilocalories basis to take account of the varying water content in the feed.
In products containing fish and seafood, once the feed formulation was taken into account, mercury levels were approximately 18 times higher than in feeds containing other proteins. For wet fish products, the difference was almost 28 times; cadmium levels in the fish group were approximately 2.5 times higher. At the same time, the CLP noted that not all fish products had high mercury levels.
- DEHP — a phthalate plasticiser — was detected in 48 out of 100 products.
- Glyphosate was detected at the limit of quantification in 37% products.
How to interpret the results
Each product in the study was tested using only one batch, so the report does not reflect any possible differences between batches of the same formula. The authors also explicitly state that their analysis does not determine whether a particular product is capable of causing harm to a specific cat.
This study does not constitute an FDA safety alert or a recall of animal feed. The FDA notes that the risk assessment of chemical contaminants depends, amongst other things, on the concentration of the substance, the type of animal and the frequency of consumption.
Owners can check with the manufacturer to see whether they test their products and how often they do so. Any changes to a cat’s diet, particularly if the animal has a chronic condition, should be discussed with a vet.
