The Pet Food Institute (PFI) and its members share a commitment to the health and well‑being of pets, and we support research that advances consumer understanding of pet nutrition and safety. However, a study that was recently released by the Clean Label Project risks misleading pet owners because it lacks essential scientific and regulatory context that is necessary for interpreting its claims that many dog foods in the United States contain harmful toxins.
It is important to understand that the presence of detectable heavy metals or other elements in food does not inherently indicate health risk, as modern laboratory methods can identify trace amounts of naturally occurring substances found in soil, water, and crops. These elements can appear in both human and animal foods at levels far below those that would pose harm.
In the U.S., pet food is among the most highly regulated of all food products and must meet both federal and state regulations. Pet food makers also implement robust quality assurance programs that include strict ingredient standards, supplier audits, and traceability systems—to ensure safety, nutritional adequacy, and consistency.
The Clean Label Project report does not disclose key information, such as sampling methods, analytical protocols, or how its findings compare to established safety thresholds. Furthermore, it appears that the data failed to account for differences in product moisture levels, which is scientifically required to accurately compare fresh and dry pet foods. Product-specific data are also not disclosed. Without this transparency, consumers and veterinarians cannot assess whether the reported levels have any relevance to pet health.
Pet owners should feel confident that the food they are feeding their cats and dogs is safe and produced with quality ingredients. U.S. pet food makers provide complete and balanced nutrition for the dogs and cats in 94 million U.S. households and are committed to producing the safest possible food products to support the long-term health of the country’s dogs and cats.
