What's Hiding in Your Pets' Food? The Contaminants Labels Don't Show | Greta Wire

Overview

Greta speaks with Sean Callen of the Clean Label Project about contaminants that may be present in pet food but are not listed on ingredient labels. The nonprofit tests consumer products for substances such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides, and offers third-party certification for products it finds cleaner than others in their category.

Main Points

• Callen says the Clean Label Project found heavy metals in nearly all the cat foods it tested. He stresses that lead is a cumulative toxin and argues that reducing exposure is preferable, while noting that contaminants can originate in ingredients before food is manufactured.
• Fish-based foods can contain mercury and other metals because fish accumulate contaminants from their environment. Callen suggests rotating proteins rather than feeding cats fish-based food all the time. He says dog foods can also be contaminated, though their ingredients may lead to a different mix of concerns—for example, more plant ingredients can mean more lead or pesticide exposure.
• A higher price is not a guarantee of lower contamination. Fresh food appeared less contaminated by weight in the project’s testing, but Callen says its higher water content can dilute measured levels, and pets need to eat more of it. He says all types of food—canned, dry, fresh, and freeze-dried—have room for improvement.
• The discussion highlights gaps in oversight and disclosure. Callen says pet-food rules address ingredients and labeling, and that food safety issues such as bacteria are regulated, but he argues there are no comparable binding limits for many contaminants consumers worry about. Greta questions whether large manufacturers are unaware of their products’ test results; Callen agrees some large companies likely test, while smaller brands may have fewer resources.
• Suggested steps for pet owners include looking for credible third-party testing or certification, asking brands for actual test results, and varying protein sources. Callen also says ingredient lists can be hard to interpret and that several plant-derived ingredients may appear separately.
• Greta describes giving her older cats fluids at home, which she believes has helped them. Callen agrees hydration matters but does not present this as medical advice; he notes he is not a veterinarian.
• Beyond pet food, Callen says the organization has studied baby food, protein powders, prenatal vitamins, sunscreen, and deodorants. He flags potential heavy metals in some products, including soy-based protein powders, and says lead is the contaminant he is most concerned about.

Presenters and Contributors

• Greta Van Susteren (host)
• Sean Callen (Clean Label Project)