BPA & Pet Health
- Everwell Pets
- Mar 5
- 7 min read
Defining BPA's and digging into their impacts on pet health and how to avoid chemical exposure.
If you’re like most pet parents reading The Everwell Digest, you already know that what you feed your pet matters. You’ve carefully curated a species-appropriate diet, avoided unnecessary pharmaceuticals, and questioned the overuse of vaccines. But what about everyday environmental toxins—like bisphenol A (BPA)?
BPA (Bisphenol A) has long been a villain in the world of human health, linked to endocrine disruption, metabolic disorders, and even cancers. But what about our pets? The unfortunate reality is that pets are just as—if not more—susceptible to the effects of this ubiquitous environmental toxin.
If you’re like me—constantly questioning what’s really safe for our four-legged companions—then buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the fascinating and concerning world of BPA’s epigenetic influence on pets.
What Is BPA?
(BPA) is a synthetic chemical commonly used in plastics, resins, food can linings, and even some veterinary products. It’s an endocrine disruptor, meaning it mimics or interferes with hormones in the body—especially estrogen [3]. While it’s widely known for its harmful effects on human health, research shows that BPA doesn’t just impact us—it affects our pets too, and in ways that go beyond immediate toxicity.
Most concerning, BPA has an epigenetic impact, meaning it doesn’t just affect an individual pet but can alter gene expression in ways that can be inherited by future generations. In other words, exposure today could influence the health of puppies or kittens that haven’t even been born yet.
BPA has been shown to induce epigenetic changes in mammals. In rodents, exposure to BPA during pregnancy alters DNA methylation patterns in offspring, leading to metabolic disorders, reproductive issues, and even behavioral changes [4]. Given the biological similarities between mammals, it’s not a stretch to assume similar effects occur in dogs and cats.
Where Are Pets Exposed To BPA?
BPA leaches into food and beverages from plastic containers, canned goods, and even thermal paper receipts.
Common Sources of BPA for Pets:
Canned pet food: Many brands still use BPA-lined cans.
Plastic food and water bowls: Heat and wear break down plastics, leading to leaching.
Chew toys and synthetic bones: Especially problematic for dogs that love to gnaw.
Contaminated water sources: BPA has been found in tap water due to environmental pollution.
Kibble bags and food packaging: Some pet food bags are lined with materials containing BPA derivatives.
A study published in 2023 analyzed 172 samples from 86 different commercial cat foods available in the Czech Republic. The research found measurable concentrations of BPA in all samples, with varying levels depending on the type of packaging:
Canned Food: Highest BPA concentrations, averaging 24.6 ± 34.8 ng/g.
Food Trays: Moderate levels, averaging 1.58 ± 0.974 ng/g.
Dry Food: Moderate levels, averaging 1.18 ± 0.518 ng/g.
Pouches: Lowest BPA concentrations, averaging 0.591 ± 0.592 ng/g.
While pouches exhibited the lowest BPA levels among the packaging types studied, the presence of BPA was still detectable. The study concluded that canned foods pose the highest risk of BPA exposure to pets, but other packaging types, including pouches, are not entirely free from contamination. [1]
It's important to note that BPA contamination can occur not only from packaging materials but also during the manufacturing process or from contaminated raw materials. Therefore, even products in packaging types traditionally considered safer may still contain trace amounts of BPA.
BPA can also be introduced during the manufacturing process or from contaminated raw materials. While specific raw ingredients inherently containing BPA are not well-documented, the processing and handling of these ingredients can lead to contamination. For instance, during high-temperature processing (extrusion process for kibble), BPA can leach from equipment or packaging into the food. Additionally, environmental exposure during ingredient sourcing can contribute to BPA presence in pet foods. Therefore, even with BPA-free packaging, trace amounts might still be present due to these factors. [1]
Furthermore, a study found that dogs fed canned food had a nearly threefold increase in BPA levels within two weeks compared to dogs eating fresh food [2].
Additionally, many plastic water bowls contain BPA, which can leach into drinking water, especially when exposed to heat or scratches. If your pet drinks from a plastic bowl that’s been sitting in the sun, they’re getting an unintended dose of endocrine disruptors. A simple rule I live by is only use glass or metal for food and water bowls.
Pet Health Impacts From BPA
Hormonal Disruption and Reproductive Issues
BPA exposure has been linked to reproductive issues in multiple species. In dogs, altered estrogen and testosterone levels can affect fertility, leading to reduced sperm quality in males and irregular estrus cycles in females [5]. Since epigenetic changes can be passed down, a mother dog exposed to BPA today could influence her offspring’s reproductive health before they’re even conceived.
Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
BPA is considered an obesogen, meaning it promotes weight gain by disrupting normal metabolic functions. It interferes with leptin and insulin signaling, which are crucial for regulating appetite and blood sugar levels [6]. Since you’re already familiar with leptin as the master hormone of the brain, you know that when leptin signaling goes haywire, it’s a fast track to obesity and metabolic chaos. If your pet struggles with weight despite a healthy diet, BPA exposure might be an unseen factor.
Behavioral Changes and Neurological Effects
Emerging research suggests that BPA affects neurological development. Studies in mice have found that perinatal BPA exposure leads to anxiety, hyperactivity, and altered social behaviors [7]. Since pets share similar neuroendocrine pathways with humans and rodents, BPA exposure could contribute to increased anxiety, reactivity, or cognitive dysfunction in aging pets. This should be a top priority because, in my experience, many pet parents tend to increase the amount of canned food in their senior pets' diets.
How to Protect Your Pet from BPA
The good news? You’re not powerless when it comes to minimizing BPA exposure and supporting your pet’s epigenetic health. There are practical steps you can take to make a difference!
First, ditch those plastic water bowls. Switch to stainless steel, ceramic, or glass options, which are safer and won’t leach chemicals. When storing pet food, opt for BPA-free containers or glass jars instead of plastic bins, which can release harmful chemicals over time.
Feeding a frozen raw dog food diet not only aligns with your pet’s species-appropriate nutritional needs, but it also reduces their exposure to BPA. If you must use canned food, look for brands that specifically label their cans as “BPA-free.”
Many pet toys are made from cheap plastic that may contain BPA or similar endocrine disruptors. Instead, choose natural rubber, untreated wood, fabric-based toys, or raw bones that are safer and more natural for your pet.
BPA can even show up in trace amounts in municipal water supplies. Using a high-quality carbon or reverse osmosis filter can help reduce not just BPA but other contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals. Just remember to re-mineralize your pet's reverse osmosis water by adding high-quality salt—stay away from regular table salt!
Since BPA is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in body fat over time. To support your pet’s ability to detox, provide a species-appropriate diet rich in antioxidants. Occasionally, incorporating liver-supportive supplements like milk thistle or dandelion root can also help your pet naturally eliminate toxins.
To promote a healthy epigenetic environment for your pet, prioritize exposure to natural light and grounding to support their circadian rhythms. Minimize exposure to chemicals like pesticides and synthetic flea/tick preventatives, and encourage regular exercise along with mental enrichment to build stress resilience and support neuroplasticity. These steps create a foundation for better overall health, helping your pet thrive both physically and mentally.
What Is Being Done to Eliminate BPA
Europe
In a significant move to safeguard public health, the European Commission has enacted a comprehensive ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. This decision, announced on December 19, 2024, targets items such as metal can coatings, reusable plastic drink bottles, water coolers, and various kitchenware. The ban is a response to mounting scientific evidence highlighting BPA's potential health risks, particularly its disruptive effects on the endocrine system and potential harm to the immune system. [8]
United States
In the United States, the regulation of Bisphenol A (BPA) has been a bit of a mixed bag, with a combination of federal actions and state-level initiatives aimed at reducing potential health risks. So far, 13 states have passed 19 policies regulating BPA in consumer products, mostly focusing on items meant for young children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made NO specific efforts to limit BPA exposure. In 2012 the FDA, amended its regulations to ban the use of BPA-based polycarbonate resins in baby bottles and sippy cups in response to the industry phasing out the use of BPA. Again in 2013, the FDA amended its regulations to ban BPA-based epoxy resins as coatings in packaging for infant formula. But only after the industry itself stopped the use of toxic
BPA. While the FDA continues to monitor BPA’s safety in food contact applications, it has not implemented a blanket ban on BPA in all food packaging. The agency still maintains that the low levels of BPA exposure from food packaging are considered safe. [10]
In response to regulatory actions and consumer concerns, many manufacturers have voluntarily removed BPA from products such as water bottles, food containers, and infant products, often labeling them as "BPA-free." However, there is ongoing concern about the safety of alternative chemicals used in place of BPA, as some may have similar endocrine-disrupting effects. [9]
In Summary
BPA isn’t just a plastic problem—it’s an epigenetic one. The choices you make today impact not just your pet’s health, but potentially the health of future generations. By making small, intentional changes, you’re helping to safeguard your pet’s genetic blueprint for years to come.
As a reader of The Everwell Pets Digest, you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to questioning conventional wisdom and seeking optimal health solutions. So let’s keep leading the charge—because our pets deserve better than a toxic inheritance.
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Citations:
[2] Koestel, Z. L., Backus, R. C., Tsuruta, K., & Spollen, W. G. (2017). Science of the Total Environment
[3] Rubin, B. S. (2011). Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
[4] Dolinoy, D. C., Huang, D., & Jirtle, R. L. (2007). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
[5] Manabe, N., Nishihara, M., Sugimoto, M., & Miyamoto, H. (2013). Environmental Health Perspectives
[6] Schug, T. T., Janesick, A., Blumberg, B., & Heindel, J. J. (2011). Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
[7] Wolstenholme, J. T., Rissman, E. F., & Connelly, J. J. (2011). Hormones and Behavior
[9] business.edf.org
[10] fda.gov