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A plastic diet for pets: Exploratory evidence of microplastics in commercial dry pet food in Spain
Claudio Casella1, Umberto Cornelli2, Santiago Ballaz3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as emerging xenobiotics that may adversely affect animal health. Their presence in dry pet food (DPF) is poorly understood. This study provides the first exploratory evidence of MP contamination in commercially available DPF in Spain. Using μ-FTIR, stereomicroscopy, and SEM, MPs were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 5 brands). Comparing dog food to cat food, the former had over twice as many MPs (9.33 ± 0.41 MPs/5g vs. 4.07 ± 0.68 MPs/5 g; p < 0.0001). polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and polystyrene (PS) were the polymers identified, and the main sources of contamination were environmental, processing, and packaging factors. A risk index model that considered species sensitivity, the nanometric fraction, and projected daily consumption showed that dogs are more vulnerable to systemic effects from MPs, whereas cats may have chronic intestinal inflammation because of the fibres' preponderance. Additionally, this study highlights the relevance of MPs to overall health, considering pets as potential indicators of environmental exposure. This study aimed to analyze the presence and characteristics of MPs, as well as their potential health risks in DPF marketed in Spain.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) contaminate dry pet food (DPF) in Spain, with dog food showing higher levels than cat food. Potential health risks vary by species, indicating pets as environmental exposure indicators.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with potential adverse effects on animal health.
- The extent of MP contamination in dry pet food (DPF) remains largely unknown.
- Pets may serve as valuable indicators of environmental exposure to MPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence, characteristics, and potential health risks of MPs in commercially available DPF in Spain.
- To compare MP contamination levels between dog and cat food.
- To assess the vulnerability of dogs and cats to MP-related health effects.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DPF samples from five brands using μ-FTIR, stereomicroscopy, and SEM.
- Identification of polymer types, including PET, PE, PP, PA, EVA, and PS.
- Development of a risk index model considering species sensitivity, MP size, and consumption patterns.
Main Results:
- MPs were detected in all analyzed DPF samples.
- Dog food contained significantly higher MP concentrations (9.33 MPs/5g) than cat food (4.07 MPs/5g).
- Environmental, processing, and packaging factors were identified as primary contamination sources.
Conclusions:
- DPF represents a significant source of MP exposure for pets in Spain.
- Dogs may be more susceptible to systemic MP toxicity, while cats might face risks of chronic intestinal inflammation.
- MPs in DPF pose potential health risks to pets and highlight their role as bioindicators of environmental contamination.
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