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There is not enough evidence to say that AGEs in cat food harm cats. A 2026 study found that the 26 commercial foods it tested differed in measured Maillard reaction products: retorted wet foods had the highest measured levels of the AGE compounds and the highest estimated daily AGE intake. But the study did not test whether those differences cause illness, and its authors say the health implications for cats remain unclear. Don’t switch your cat’s food solely to reduce AGEs; prioritize a nutritionally complete diet suited to your cat’s life stage and health, and consult your veterinarian about medical diet changes.
What are AGEs, and how do they get into cat food?
Advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs, are compounds that can form as food is processed. They are among the products of the Maillard reaction, a set of chemical reactions that can occur when food components are heated. The 2026 cat-food study also measured fructoselysine, an earlier-stage Maillard reaction product.
Finding these compounds in food is a measurement of composition and potential exposure. By itself, it does not show that eating the food causes harm.
What did the 2026 study find in different cat-food formats?
Tate and colleagues analyzed 26 commercial foods from the United Kingdom and United States: six mildly cooked, 10 retorted wet, and 10 extruded dry foods. They measured fructoselysine and three AGEs: Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML), Nε-carboxyethyllysine (CEL), and methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 (MG-H1). The study was published in the Journal of Animal Science on July 9, 2026, and corrected and typeset on July 31, 2026. Tate et al., Journal of Animal Science
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- Retorted wet foods: had the highest measured CEL, MG-H1, and total AGE values in this sample. CML was higher in retorted wet than extruded dry foods, with mildly cooked foods between them.
- Estimated daily intake: was highest for retorted wet foods among the tested diets. This is an estimate based on the foods studied, not a clinical outcome in cats.
- Mildly cooked and extruded dry foods: did not differ statistically in total AGE levels in the study.
These findings apply to the 26 sampled products, not every wet, dry, or mildly cooked food on the market. The study also measured total and reactive lysine: levels differed among formats, and extruded dry foods had the lowest levels. The reactive-to-total lysine ratio did not differ significantly. That matters because food comparisons should not be based on AGE measurements alone.
Do dietary AGEs harm cats?
The study did not establish that dietary AGEs cause disease in cats, identify a safe or unsafe threshold, or measure feline health outcomes. Its authors state: “The health implications of AGE intake in cats remain unclear.” Differences in measured compounds or estimated intake are not proof of harm.
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Evidence about AGEs in people or rodents cannot establish that the same effects occur in cats. The available findings also do not show that a particular food format prevents harm, or that any named brand has low AGE content.
Should you switch your cat’s food because of AGEs?
No AGE-specific switch is supported by these findings. Cornell’s Feline Health Center recommends choosing food that is nutritionally complete and balanced for the cat’s life stage. It notes that dry, semi-moist, and canned foods differ in water content, caloric density, palatability, and digestibility; once nutritional completeness is established, owners can choose a format that works for their cat. Cornell Feline Health Center, “Feeding Your Cat”
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For a practical choice, consider:
- whether the food is nutritionally complete and appropriate for your cat’s life stage;
- your cat’s health needs and whether a veterinarian has recommended a therapeutic diet;
- whether your cat will eat the food and whether its format fits your feeding routine.
Cornell says evidence for claimed benefits of raw or gently cooked diets is lacking and notes pathogen risks. A food’s cooking style or format alone is not evidence that it is safer or healthier with respect to AGEs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When should you ask a veterinarian?
Ask your veterinarian before changing foods if your cat has a diagnosed condition, is losing weight, or needs a therapeutic diet. Medical needs can change which foods are appropriate, so an AGE measurement should not override individualized veterinary advice. Cornell identifies veterinarians as a useful resource for food selection and maintaining a healthy weight. Cornell Feline Health Center, “How often should you feed your cat?”
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