Wellness CORE · Pet Food Bags
Wellness CORE Original Dry Cat Food
Lower concern for PFAS via the bag itself, but pet food packaging requires baseline verification.
Wellness CORE dry cat food comes in a standard kraft paper/cardboard bag with printed graphics, conventional materials with lower inherent PFAS risk. The brand makes no public PFAS disclosure or claims.
Shop Wellness CORE on Amazon →Material
paper/cardboard bag with ink printing; kibble contents
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 Original arrives in a paper/cardboard bag with ink printing on the exterior. The kibble itself is a meat-based dry formulation with no known coating hazards typical of wet pet foods. Paper bags do not leach BPA, phthalates, or Teflon-type coating fumes; the primary exposure route would be ink residue or printing chemicals on the outer surface contacting hands or food-prep surfaces, though this is minimal since the bag exterior rarely contacts the kibble directly.
The brand's record and disclosure
Wellness Core (owned by WellPet) has not disclosed PFAS testing or stance on packaging contamination, placing it in the 'silent majority' of pet food makers. No major recalls specific to Wellness CORE for contamination, heavy metals in kibble, or packaging chemicals have been publicly documented. The brand does not publish third-party safety certifications (e.g., AAFCO nutrient profiles are standard but transparency on sourcing or ingredient testing varies). Typical for premium-positioned pet food, not exceptional in disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Dry pet food in paper bags is one of the safer packaging formats: it avoids plastic leaching risk, does not require food-contact polymer coatings, and paper itself does not bioaccumulate. Compared to canned pet food (BPA in can linings) or plastic-bagged alternatives (potential phthalates), paper bags present lower chemical exposure. Most mainstream and premium pet food brands use identical or similar paper packaging, making Wellness CORE typical in this regard.
If you buy it
Store the bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent mold or insect infestation; paper bags are permeable and will absorb odors and humidity. Transfer kibble to an airtight glass or stainless-steel container if storing long-term or if your home is humid. Wash hands after handling the bag exterior, though risk is minimal. Use the kibble within 6-8 weeks of opening for freshness; no special heat precautions required since dry pet food has negligible moisture.
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.”
Ink and printing chemicals on bag exterior
Paper bag printing inks are typically food-safe soy or mineral oil based in compliant US production, but Wellness CORE does not specify ink type or sourcing. No reported contamination events from the ink itself. Contact with hands is low-risk; transfer to sealed containers minimizes any indirect exposure.
Mold and mycotoxins (storage-dependent)
Paper bags are permeable and absorb moisture; improper storage in humid environments creates risk for mold colonization on kibble, which can produce aflatoxins or other mycotoxins. This is a storage and handling issue, not a manufacturing defect, but paper packaging is more susceptible than sealed plastic or tin.
Ingredient sourcing transparency / heavy metal limits in kibble
Wellness CORE does not publicly commit to heavy metal testing (e.g., lead, cadmium, mercury in meat or mineral premixes). AAFCO sets upper limits for ash and mineral content but not explicit metal thresholds. No recalls for heavy metal contamination in Wellness CORE on record, but brand does not disclose third-party testing.
Allergen cross-contamination during manufacturing
Wellness CORE is meat-based and may contain common allergens (poultry, fish). The brand does not publicly detail allergen testing or facility segregation for cross-contamination prevention. No reported incidents, but disclosure is minimal.
Bacterial growth (post-opening, storage-dependent)
Dry pet food is shelf-stable, but once the bag is opened, airflow and humidity can introduce bacterial spores or mold. Paper bags accelerate this risk compared to resealable plastic. Proper airtight storage after opening is necessary to prevent spoilage.
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.