Wellness CORE · Pet Food Bags
Wellness CORE Grain Free Ocean Dog Food
Lower PFAS concern for a dry pet food bag, but generic paper-plastic packaging without brand transparency.
Wellness CORE dog food comes in standard paper-plastic laminate packaging typical of dry pet foods. This material class carries lower inherent PFAS risk compared to grease-resistant or water-resistant treated packaging, since dry kibble doesn't require barrier coatings.
Shop Wellness CORE on Amazon →Material
paper/cardboard bag with plastic film lining (likely polyethylene or polypropylene)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Wellness CORE Grain Free Ocean comes in a paper/cardboard exterior bag with an inner plastic film lining, most likely polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). This dual-layer design protects dry kibble from moisture and oxygen while maintaining shelf stability. The plastic layer does not directly contact food in typical storage; it acts as a moisture barrier. Because this is a dry product stored at ambient temperature, chemical migration from the plastic into the kibble is negligible compared to wet foods or heated liquids.
The brand's record and disclosure
Wellness (owned by WellPet LLC) maintains a website with ingredient transparency and has published sourcing statements, though detailed packaging chemical disclosures are not publicly prominent. The brand has not faced major pet food safety recalls related to packaging contaminants in recent years. Wellness does not explicitly market PFAS-free packaging, and the brand has not released independent testing data on PFAS levels in bag materials. No established controversies regarding heavy metals, BPA, or other packaging hazards are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Pet food bags across the industry (including premium brands like Orijen, Acana, and Taste of the Wild) use nearly identical paper-plastic laminate construction. Wellness CORE's packaging is standard for the dry pet food category and does not stand out as either more or less protective than competitors. Some boutique or smaller brands offer paper bags without plastic linings, but these offer worse moisture protection and shorter shelf life. No significant safety advantage or disadvantage exists relative to mainstream alternatives.
If you buy it
Store the bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve kibble quality and minimize any potential plastic off-gassing. Once opened, transfer kibble to an airtight pet food container (glass or food-grade plastic) to maintain freshness and eliminate further contact with bag materials. Check the bag for visible tears, punctures, or moisture before purchase; a compromised seal can allow mold growth independent of packaging chemistry. Replace the bag every 4 to 6 weeks after opening, or per the manufacturer's "best by" date, to ensure food safety.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Polyethylene/polypropylene leaching (general plastic migration)
PE and PP are among the most chemically stable food-contact plastics. At room temperature and with dry food, monomer or additive migration into kibble is not established as a concern. No recalls or safety advisories for Wellness CORE related to plastic leaching have been documented.
BPA or BPS in plastic film
Modern PE and PP films used in pet food bags rarely contain BPA or BPS. Wellness CORE does not disclose specific resin codes or additives, but the brand has no history of BPA-related contamination. BPA is primarily a concern in rigid polycarbonate containers, not flexible film.
Ink or adhesive off-gassing from bag printing
The exterior bag carries printed graphics and logos using commercial inks. In theory, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from inks can off-gas, particularly if the bag is stored in warm environments. However, this is a minor concern because the kibble is isolated by the plastic liner, and dry pet food does not absorb volatile compounds the way moist foods would.
Moisture and mold growth if seal fails
If the bag is punctured or the seal degrades, moisture ingress can allow fungal or bacterial growth on kibble. This is a storage and handling risk rather than a chemical hazard, but it is the primary non-chemical safety concern. Inspect bags before purchase and store in dry conditions.
Heavy metals in kibble itself (not packaging)
Wellness CORE does not disclose heavy metal testing results for finished kibble. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) sets limits for ash and some contaminants, but third-party testing of this specific product for lead, cadmium, or arsenic is not publicly available. Packaging is not the source for any in-kibble metals, though this remains a general pet food concern.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More pet food bags grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.