Consumer Reports recently performed some laboratory analysis that wasn’t directly related to pet food, but indirectly raises concern for many brands of pet food. From Food Safety News: “The non-profit organization analyzed 23 protein powders and shakes and found that more than two-thirds contained more lead in a single serving than what its experts say is safe to consume in a day – some by more than ten times.”
The concerning ingredient linked to high levels of lead common to protein powders and protein shakes that is also common to many pet foods: pea protein.
Consumer Reports states: “Lead could enter pea protein at the manufacturing plant, when the dried peas are dehulled and ground into flour, depending on the type of machines and metals used, says Goldman. It could also be introduced during the process where the flour is mixed with water to separate the protein from the starch and fiber, if the water wasn’t tested for contamination. The final step of the process, where the protein is coagulated with food-grade acid, neutralized, and spray-dried into the powder found in many foods and supplements, also offers opportunities for contamination, depending on the materials used.”
The pea protein used in human foods (protein powders and protein shakes) is human grade. But, the pea protein used in pet food is not held to any of the same safety standards of human food, the pea protein ingredients used in (most) pet foods is feed grade.
Of concern – if human grade pea protein products tested 10 times above the daily safe level of lead…what level of lead would be in pet foods that include feed grade pea protein?
Back in 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Taste of the Wild pet food, in part due to high levels of lead. Quoting the lawsuit: “one of the Contaminated Dog Foods tested higher than most homes in Flint Michigan.” Test results of Taste of the Wild Grain Free Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe with Wild Boar Dry Dog Food found “12,200 mcg/kg” of lead in the dog food, a brand that included the ingredient pea protein.
Unfortunately:
- The FDA has not established maximum levels of lead in pet food.
- To our knowledge, no regulatory authority monitors heavy metal levels (through lab analysis) in any pet food.
If your pet’s food contains the ingredients pea protein, pea starch, or pea fiber – email or call the manufacturer and ask if each batch of pet food is tested for heavy metals, ask to be provided with a copy of the lab analysis for the batch of pet food you provide your pet.
My thanks to the pet owner that shared the Consumer Reports testing with me.
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
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