End Plastics
The Hidden Dangers in Pet Products: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
April 11, 2025
Just under a year ago, EARTHDAY.ORG released the Pets vs. Plastics report, revealing disturbing truths about how plastics and unsafe chemicals are making their way into the products and food our pets consume. Just weeks later, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a troubling move by “evolving” its 17-year relationship with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as the entity that set standards for pet food and safety, though keeping them on their committees. This change has significant implications for pet food safety, as AAFCO had been setting the standards for pet food ingredients in the United States, allowing certain harmful substances to enter the food chain. The FDA is still figuring out a new system of pet food regulation.
It’s time to revisit these findings, and not let regulations and standards for our pets products slip through the cracks.
They’re Not Our Furry Friends, They’re Our Family
In recent years, the pet care industry has exploded. Over one billion pets exist worldwide, and the United States, Brazil, the European Union, and China alone account for over half a billion of these. As pet ownership rises, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, the relationship between pets and their owners has become more like that of a child to a parent. In fact, the majority of pet owners view their pets, especially dogs and cats, as beloved family members. Millennials, often referred to as the “fur-baby-boom generation,” own more pets than any other generation, which significantly contributes to the growing pet care market. But they’re not the only ones: the most recent National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) found that of the 66% of U.S. households with a pet.
We care deeply about our pets—two-thirds of people take better care of their pets than themselves and feel closer to their pets than their immediate family. And it makes sense, our pets improve our health. Having a pet reduces stress and anxiety which, in the long-term, can help us to live longer lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated that it can only regulate products if they pose a risk to humans, leaving pets largely unprotected from harmful toys, bedding, and clothes. When we care more about pets than ourselves, why are we not demanding better regulation of the things our pets come in contact with?
Our Pets Are Not Your Cash Cows
With so many pets, the industry is big business. In recent years the pet care market has been projected to grow at a rate of around 5.1% each year, and the global market’s pet trajectory is conservatively predicted to hit $500 billion by 2030. With such a large profit margin, it seems completely feasible to instate firmer regulations for the things our pets come into contact with.
Where Plastics Lurk
Plastics and synthetic materials, like polyester and nylon, are present in many household items, like our couches, kitchen materials, nicknacks, and more. They shed microplastics and microfibers into the air which then become part of household dust, which pets frequently breath in and ingest through grooming and play. Being closer to the ground than humans, pets are at a higher risk of exposure to these harmful substances. Research has already shown that toxic flame retardant chemicals are present in the blood of dogs and cats and are associated with thyroid issues, weakening our pets’ immune systems which can cause more serious health issues such as heart problems, vision loss, and weak bones.
All Plastic, No Play
The toys that our pets chew on may also contain harmful chemicals. When buying our pets toys, we often think of their fun and not their health. Plastic additives like phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA) are common in many pet toys, leaching into pets’ gums, stomachs, and skin. Given that pets frequently chew and play with these items, they are directly ingesting these dangerous substances, which could lead to long-term health issues.
Micro plastics are not the only danger with their toys. Plastic toys are often brittle and break. You’d think with the growth in the pet industry that pet toys would be regulated, right? Wrong. There are virtually no federal or state laws, which expressly apply solely to the manufacture and sale of pet toys. This is concerning as, in addition to the chemicals that we cannot see with the human eye harm our pets, many toys are known to cause physical obstructions. A 2022 study supported this concern, showing that a significant percentage of dogs experienced health issues after chewing on toys that led to physical blockages or other injuries. Toys aren’t the only way our pets consume plastic chemicals.
Food Should be Fuel, Not Poison
Pet food is not immune to plastic contamination. Many pet foods are packaged in plastic, which can leach harmful chemicals into the food. Cat food cans, for instance, are often lined with PVC-based coatings, while dog food cans are coated with BPA. Additionally, some pet food ingredients may come from discarded human food, which can still be wrapped in plastic. Even ear tags from livestock animals can end up in pet food. These plastics can break down into tiny fragments, posing serious health risks to our pets.
Do you remember in the beginning when we talked about the FDA not properly regulating pet food? Well this is what they do now: The FDA does not permit the intentional addition of plastics to pet food, but it only inspects manufacturing plants on a complaint basis, meaning there’s little oversight to prevent plastic contamination. This lack of proactive oversight means there’s little to stop plastic from entering the food supply chain, putting our pets at risk.
Just as microplastics are increasingly found in human food, pet food is not immune to these contaminants. One study found that 88% of meat, fish, and vegetarian alternatives contained microplastics. It’s highly likely that pet food, given its processing, is similarly affected.
When it comes to labeling, the pet food industry has also been caught mislabeling ingredients and adding substances that aren’t listed on the label. While laws do require pet food to be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, free from harmful substances, and truthfully labeled, it’s important to note that pet food doesn’t undergo any pre-market review before hitting shelves. The only real regulation is around food additives, which leaves a gap in ensuring overall safety.
What Can You Do?
These plastic chemicals found in our pet’s toys, food, beds, and more have already been associated with a variety of pet health issues, from embryo development in dogs, to potential infertility, liver and kidney damage and cancers.
As pet owners, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to reduce our pets’ exposure to harmful plastics and chemicals. Buy non-plastic toys and feed them whole food if possible. One of the most effective ways to minimize the risk of microplastics in your pet’s environment is by regularly cleaning and vacuuming your home.Additionally, using an indoor air filter can further reduce the presence of microplastics in your home, creating a cleaner and safer environment for both you and your pets.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that pets are considered sentinel animals in scientific research. This means that their exposure to harmful toxins and chemicals is often indicative of what humans are exposed to. What’s bad for our dogs and cats is ultimately bad for us too.
Our pets are not just accessories—they are beloved family members who deserve the same level of care and protection that we expect for ourselves. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to demand safer alternatives, support businesses that prioritize pet health, and advocate for stronger regulations that protect our furry family members.
Given the lack of regulation, it’s essential for pet owners to push for change. Consider contacting local political leaders to advocate for stronger protections for pets. Demand the FDA regulate pet food carefully to ensure that the products we buy for our pets are safe. Vote for lawmakers who support pet-friendly legislation, and sign the Global Plastics Treaty. Just as we have safety regulations for food and consumer products, our pets deserve the same level of protection.
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