Canned cat foods contain significantly higher levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)—harmful compounds formed during high-heat cooking—compared to fresh and dry foods, according to a 2026 analysis of 26 commercial cat foods. Cats eating canned food would consume substantially more of these compounds daily than cats eating fresh or dry kibble. However, while AGEs are linked to health problems in humans and rodents, scientists still need to study whether these levels actually harm cats.
Researchers tested 26 different cat foods sold in the UK and US to measure harmful compounds called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that form when food is cooked at high temperatures. According to Gram Research analysis, wet canned foods contained the most of these compounds, while fresh and dry kibble had lower levels. The study provides the first detailed look at how different cat food types—canned, fresh, and dry—expose cats to these substances. While scientists know AGEs can cause health problems in humans and rats, we still don’t fully understand if they harm cats, making this research an important first step.
Key Statistics
A 2026 analysis of 26 commercial cat foods found that canned wet foods contained significantly higher levels of all three advanced glycation end-products (CML, CEL, and MG-H1) compared to fresh mildly-cooked and dry kibble foods.
According to research reviewed by Gram, cats eating canned wet food would consume greater daily AGE intake (measured per kilogram of body weight) compared to cats eating fresh or dry food formats.
A 2026 study measuring four types of Maillard reaction products in cat foods found that dry kibble contained the lowest levels of fructoselysine, an early-stage compound that forms during high-heat processing.
Research analyzing 26 commercial cat foods discovered that lysine, an essential amino acid, was lowest in extruded dry diets, suggesting the high-heat extrusion process may reduce the availability of this important nutrient.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much of harmful compounds called AGEs (advanced glycation end-products) are in different types of commercial cat food, and whether the cooking method affects the amount.
- Who participated: 26 commercial cat foods from the UK and US: 6 fresh mildly-cooked foods, 10 canned/wet retorted foods, and 10 dry kibble foods.
- Key finding: Canned wet cat foods contained significantly higher levels of AGEs compared to fresh and dry foods. Cats eating canned food would consume about 30-50% more of these compounds daily than cats eating fresh or dry food.
- What it means for you: If your cat eats canned food, they’re exposed to more AGEs than with other food types. However, scientists still need to study whether this actually harms cats. This research is a starting point, not a reason to panic about your cat’s current diet.
The Research Details
Researchers bought 26 different cat foods from stores in the UK and US and tested them in a laboratory using advanced chemical analysis. They measured four different types of harmful compounds that form when food is cooked: fructoselysine (an early-stage compound) and three AGEs (CML, CEL, and MG-H1). They used a machine called ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which is like a super-sensitive detector that can identify these compounds at very tiny levels.
The three food types tested were: dry kibble (made by extrusion, a high-heat process), canned/wet foods (made by retorting, another high-heat process), and fresh mildly-cooked foods (a newer processing method using lower temperatures). The researchers compared the levels of each compound across the three food types using statistical analysis to see if the differences were real or just random variation.
They also calculated how much of these compounds a typical adult cat would eat each day based on the food’s concentration and a cat’s body weight. Additionally, they measured lysine (an important amino acid) in each food to see if the cooking process damaged this nutrient.
This research matters because we know from human and animal studies that eating too many AGEs can cause inflammation and damage to organs over time. However, no one had carefully measured how much AGEs are in different cat foods before. By establishing baseline numbers, scientists can now design future studies to see if cats actually get sick from these compounds in their food. This is like taking a first measurement before deciding if there’s a real problem.
This study is a solid first step but has important limitations. It measured only 26 foods, which is a small sample of the thousands of cat foods available worldwide. The study didn’t actually feed these foods to cats or measure health effects—it only measured the chemical compounds in the food. The researchers used reliable laboratory methods (mass spectrometry is a gold-standard technique), but the findings are descriptive rather than experimental. This means we can trust the measurements, but we can’t yet say whether these AGE levels actually cause health problems in cats.
What the Results Show
Canned wet foods had the highest levels of all three AGEs measured (CML, CEL, and MG-H1), with total AGE concentrations significantly greater than both fresh and dry foods. Fresh mildly-cooked and dry kibble foods had similar AGE levels to each other, both substantially lower than canned foods. When researchers calculated daily AGE intake for a typical adult cat, canned foods resulted in the greatest exposure—meaning a cat eating canned food would consume more of these compounds each day than a cat eating fresh or dry food.
Fructoselysine, an early-stage compound that forms before AGEs develop, was highest in fresh and canned foods, with dry kibble containing the least. This suggests that the high-heat extrusion process used for dry kibble may prevent some of these compounds from forming in the first place. Interestingly, the differences in fructoselysine between fresh and canned foods were smaller than the differences in the more advanced AGEs, suggesting that canned foods undergo additional processing that converts early compounds into more advanced AGEs.
Lysine, an essential amino acid cats need to stay healthy, was lowest in dry kibble foods. This means the extrusion process may damage this important nutrient, making it less available for the cat’s body to use. However, the ratio of reactive (usable) lysine to total lysine didn’t differ significantly among food types, suggesting that while the amount of lysine decreased, the proportion that cats could actually use remained similar.
The study found that relationships between nutrients (like protein and fat content) and MRP/AGE levels varied depending on the food format. In other words, a high-protein canned food didn’t necessarily have higher AGEs than a lower-protein canned food, but the pattern was different for dry foods. This suggests that the cooking method matters more than the ingredient composition in determining AGE levels. The researchers also noted that mildly-cooked fresh foods, a newer category on the market, had AGE levels similar to dry kibble, suggesting this processing method may be gentler on amino acids than traditional canning.
This is the first study to comprehensively measure multiple types of AGEs in commercial cat foods across different processing methods. Previous research in humans and rodents has shown that high AGE intake is linked to inflammation, kidney disease, and diabetes. However, cat nutrition research has largely ignored AGEs until now. This study fills an important gap by providing baseline data. The findings align with what we know about how high-heat processing creates AGEs in human foods—canned foods, which use high-temperature retorting, have more AGEs than foods processed at lower temperatures.
The study measured only 26 foods, which is a small sample. It didn’t include all brands or all food types available in stores. The research measured AGEs in the food but didn’t study actual cats eating these foods, so we don’t know if these AGE levels actually cause health problems in cats. The study was conducted at one point in time, so it doesn’t show whether AGE levels change over time or vary between batches of the same food. Additionally, the study didn’t measure all possible AGEs—only four types—so there may be other harmful compounds not captured. Finally, the study didn’t account for other factors that might affect a cat’s health, like overall diet quality, exercise, or genetics.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research alone, there’s no strong evidence to change your cat’s diet immediately. However, if your cat has kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, discussing food options with your veterinarian is wise. The research suggests that rotating between food types (mixing canned, fresh, and dry) might reduce AGE exposure compared to feeding only canned food. This is a moderate-confidence recommendation based on the AGE measurements, though we still need studies showing this actually improves cat health. Monitor your cat’s health and discuss any concerns with your vet.
Cat owners should be aware of these findings, especially those with cats that have kidney disease, diabetes, or inflammatory conditions, since AGEs are linked to these problems in humans and rodents. Veterinarians and pet food manufacturers should use this data to guide future research and product development. Pet food companies may want to explore gentler processing methods that reduce AGE formation. Healthy cats eating a balanced diet don’t need to make immediate changes based on this single study, but the information is worth knowing.
If AGEs do harm cats the way they harm humans, the damage would likely develop slowly over months to years, not days or weeks. Any health benefits from reducing AGE exposure would probably take weeks to months to become noticeable. This is why we need long-term studies feeding cats different foods and monitoring their health over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are advanced glycation end-products in cat food bad for my cat?
Scientists know AGEs harm humans and rodents, but haven’t yet studied whether they harm cats. This 2026 research measured AGEs in cat foods for the first time, showing canned foods have the most. More research is needed to determine if these levels actually cause health problems in cats.
Which type of cat food has the least harmful compounds?
According to a 2026 analysis of 26 cat foods, fresh mildly-cooked and dry kibble foods had similar, lower levels of advanced glycation end-products compared to canned wet foods. Dry kibble had the lowest early-stage Maillard compounds (fructoselysine).
Should I switch my cat from canned to dry food based on this research?
Not necessarily based on this study alone. While canned foods contain more AGEs, we don’t yet know if these levels harm cats. Discuss your cat’s specific diet with your veterinarian, especially if your cat has kidney disease or diabetes. Gradual food changes should always be made under veterinary guidance.
What are Maillard reaction products and why do they form in cat food?
Maillard reaction products form when amino acids (protein building blocks) react with sugars during high-heat cooking. All three cat food types studied—canned, fresh, and dry—use heat processing, but canned foods use the highest temperatures, creating the most of these compounds.
Does the brand of cat food matter for AGE levels?
This study didn’t compare specific brands directly, but found that food format (canned, fresh, or dry) matters more than nutrient composition. The cooking method appears to be the main factor determining AGE levels, regardless of brand or ingredients.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log your cat’s food type (canned, fresh, or dry) and brand weekly. If rotating foods, track which type you’re using each day. Note any changes in your cat’s energy, coat quality, or litter box habits monthly.
- If concerned about AGE exposure, gradually introduce fresh or dry food options alongside your cat’s current food. Try rotating between food types weekly (e.g., canned Monday-Wednesday, fresh Thursday-Friday, dry Saturday-Sunday) to reduce overall AGE exposure while allowing your cat to adjust to different foods.
- Track your cat’s weight, energy level, and coat condition monthly. If your cat has a chronic condition like kidney disease or diabetes, monitor relevant health markers (like blood work results) every 3-6 months with your vet. Keep notes on which food types your cat eats and any health changes you notice to share with your veterinarian.
This research measures chemical compounds in cat foods but does not establish that these compounds cause health problems in cats. The findings are descriptive and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet, especially if your cat has existing health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or digestive issues. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary guidance. Individual cats may respond differently to different foods based on their age, health status, and individual metabolism.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.