Overview

Researchers at the Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, conducted a comprehensive analysis of 100 commercially available dog and cat food products in Japan. Thirty-four PFAS compounds were quantified.

PFAS were frequently detected, particularly in fish-based products. Hazard quotient (HQ) calculations based on EFSA tolerable intake values exceeded 1 for several products, suggesting potential health risks to companion animals.

This study provides the first systematic large-scale evidence of ingredient-driven PFAS contamination in pet food and highlights the need for regulatory oversight and species-specific toxicological evaluation.

Details

Key Findings

1. Frequent detection of PFAS across products
   Dry foods showed higher concentrations, whereas wet foods resulted in higher estimated daily intake due to larger feeding volumes.

2. Fish-based ingredients as major contamination drivers
   Products listing fish as the primary ingredient contained significantly higher ΣPFAS levels. Long-chain PFCAs such as PFUnDA and PFTrDA, as well as PFOS, were dominant.

3. Country-of-origin specific PFAS patterns
   PCA revealed clustering differences between Asian and U.S. products. The PFOS alternative F-53B–related compound (9Cl-PF3ONS) was detected in some Asian-manufactured products.

4. Hazard Quotients exceeding 1
   EFSA-based HQ estimates for the sum of four PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS) exceeded 1 in multiple products, especially wet food.

Publication Information

Journal: Environmental Pollution

Title: Widespread PFAS contamination in pet food: Dietary sources and health risks to companion animals

Authors: Kei Nomiyama*, Aika Sato, Rumi Tanoue, Kohei Saeki, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Hazuki Mizukawa

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127779

URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127779