Fish-based dog food has been sold as “clean” and premium for decades - however new research suggests they may be quietly serving up PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) - also known as “forever chemicals” - to our cats and dogs. This study adds to growing evidence that what goes into the bowl can carry invisible contaminants with very real health implications.
What the study found
- Scientists analysed 100 commercial dog and cat foods (wet and dry) and measured 34 different PFAS chemicals – the same persistent compounds used in non‑stick pans, waterproof fabrics and food packaging.
- Many products contained detectable PFAS, with fish‑based recipes showing some of the highest levels, often above the European Food Safety Authority’s intake threshold for humans.
- For dogs, some Japanese grain‑based foods also tested high, likely because they included fish by‑products; for cats, fish‑based wet foods from Asia, the US and Europe were among the worst offenders.
Why “forever chemicals” are a problem
- PFAS do not readily break down; they persist in the environment for decades and can accumulate up the food chain, especially in aquatic ecosystems – meaning fish ingredients are a major exposure route.
- In people, long‑term PFAS exposure is linked to liver issues, some cancers, altered cholesterol and immune disruption; early work in pets suggests associations with liver, kidney, thyroid and respiratory disease in cats and liver changes in dogs.
- The researchers stress this is not an instant emergency, but the levels seen are high enough that proper, species‑specific risk assessments and tighter regulation are urgently needed.
What this means for dog parents
- If your dog’s main protein source is fish - especially fish‑heavy wet food - this study suggests they may be getting more PFAS than you realise, with no proven health benefit over safer protein options.
- PFAS exposure is cumulative and comes from multiple sources (water, home furnishings, packaging), so the bowl is one area where conscious dog parents can meaningfully reduce the overall load.
- The authors advise checking ingredient lists, rotating away from frequent fish‑based meals and pushing for better transparency and contaminant monitoring from pet food brands.
How Omni’s novel‑protein approach helps
- Omni does not rely on marine fish as a primary protein source, which cuts out one of the most PFAS‑contaminated parts of the global food system and supports dogs with fish allergies or sensitivities at the same time.
- Our vet‑formulated recipes use carefully selected novel proteins and ingredient sourcing standards that prioritise safety, traceability and long‑term health over cheap by‑products or trendy “fish dinners.”
- As more evidence emerges about PFAS and other persistent pollutants in animal products, choosing lower‑contamination, science‑backed diets is one of the most powerful ways to protect both your dog and the planet they walk on.
Simple steps you can take today
- If your dog is currently on a fish‑based or fish‑heavy diet, speak to your vet about transitioning to a complete, balanced novel‑protein food that avoids marine fish ingredients.
- Avoid constantly rotating between high‑fish products; aim for a stable, lower‑risk protein base with treats and toppers that don’t rely on fish meal or fish oils as the star of the show.
- Keep an eye on label transparency and look for brands that openly discuss contaminants, sustainability and independent testing - not just marketing buzzwords.
