Cat food investigation finds toxic contaminants across nearly all brands

(CNN) - A new investigation into cat food found toxic chemicals in nearly all types and brands.

One hundred of the top-selling cat foods, including wet, dry and air- or freeze-dried foods, were tested for more than 120 contaminants.

Toxic plastic contaminants, the herbicide glyphosate and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic were found in all types of the foods tested.

Metal levels across brands

Of cat food samples across 62 brands, lead was found in 99% of samples. Cadmium, which harms the kidneys and bones, was found in 96% of samples. Arsenic was found in 94% of samples.

Differences by protein type

The report, by the nonprofit Clean Label Project, found fish and seafood proteins, especially wet versions, generally contained the most mercury and cadmium.

Chicken versions saw higher rates of lead and herbicides.

Nearly 85% of poultry-based foods met Clean Label Project’s purity standard, compared with 25% of fish and seafood products.

Recommendations from the report

According to the report, cat owners should try to vary their pet’s diet.

Wet or air-dried products are preferable to dry food for lower lead exposure.

Avoiding foods with plants in the top ten ingredients could help lower pesticide exposure.