8 Heavy Metals in Dog Food: What UK Pet Owners Need to Know

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In the US, the 2025 Scientific Reports study and earlier Clean Label Project tests found heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic in 80-96% of pet food samples, with some exceeding safety limits, posing risks to dogs' kidneys and overall health due to imported ingredients and lax regulations. In the UK, while strict EU-derived rules (e.g., max 10 mg/kg lead) keep levels lower, the reliance on similar global supply chains, especially fish-based imports, could introduce comparable contamination risks, though current data suggests safer thresholds overall.

If you’re a dog owner in the UK, you might have heard worrying news about heavy metals in pet food. A recent study highlighted toxic metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic in dog and cat food worldwide, including brands sold here. Let’s break it down simply and focus on what this means for UK pet parents.

The Study: What’s the Concern?

A 2025 study in Scientific Reports (a top journal) tested 93 pet food samples from around the world, including some from the US and Europe. It found:

Toxic metals everywhere: Lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and arsenic were in all samples, with lead being the highest. Some levels even broke safety rules.

Health risks: These metals can harm your dog’s tummy, nervous system, heart, and kidneys over time. Cadmium might even increase cancer risk, and lead can stress the kidneys, which filter toxins.

The study didn’t focus only on the UK, but it raises questions about imported brands common here. So, are UK dogs at risk too

Does This Affect UK Dog Food?

Yes, but the situation is better controlled thanks to strict UK rules (inherited from EU laws post-Brexit).

Here’s what we know:

UK Studies:

A 2017 UK study found trace amounts of lead and arsenic in some wet and dry dog foods, especially those with fish. Levels were low enough to be safe short-term but could add up over years.

Imported Brands: Many UK-sold products (check your brand ) come from the US or Europe. The 2025 study suggests these could carry small amounts of metals, depending on where ingredients are sourced.

Local Brands: UK-made options like Lily’s Kitchen or Burns often use local ingredients and follow safety guidelines, reducing risks. Still, no food is 100% metal-free due to environmental factors like polluted soil or water.

Lily's Kitchen HERE

Burns HERE

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) sets strict limits:Lead: Max 10 mg/kg

Cadmium: 1–2 mg/kg

Mercury: 0.02–0.1 mg/kg

There’s been no major UK recall for heavy metals in 2024–2025, but fish-based foods (popular here) can have more mercury and arsenic from the sea.

What Can UK Pet Owners Do?

Don’t panic—most UK dog foods are safe with normal use.

Here are easy steps to protect your pup:

Pick Smart: Choose poultry or red meat-based foods over fish-heavy ones. Look for brands that test for metals (check their websites).

Mix It Up: Rotate between wet and dry food or different proteins to avoid too much of one contaminant.

Read Labels: Go for “complete and balanced” foods meeting FEDIAF or AAFCO standards. Avoid untested raw diets unless a vet approves.

Watch Health: If your dog seems off (e.g., kidney issues), ask your vet about a blood test for metals.

Push for More: Support calls for clearer pet food safety rules in the UK.

Can Feeding Raw Help

Feeding raw food might reduce exposure to heavy metals compared to some commercial processed pet foods, as it avoids additives and potential contamination from manufacturing processes. However, raw diets can still contain metals like lead or arsenic if sourced from contaminated environments (e.g., polluted soil or water affecting meat or fish). In the UK, where regulations on animal feed are strict, raw ingredients from reputable suppliers are less likely to have high levels, but risks remain if sourcing isn’t verified. Studies (e.g., 2023 EU pet food research) suggest raw can be safer if carefully managed, but consult a vet to ensure balance and safety, as raw diets carry other risks like bacterial contamination.

Check Out Our Stunning Range Of Collars and Leads HERE

Final Thoughts

Heavy metals in dog food are a global issue, and the UK isn’t immune, especially with imported brands. But our regulations help keep risks low. By choosing wisely and staying informed, you can keep your dog happy and healthy. Got a favourite UK brand?

Always consult your vet for advice tailored to your dog. For the latest research, check sources like the FSA or Scientific Reports.

Written with love for UK dog lovers by your

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