Beneful Lawsuit Update
As pet lovers who proudly make and feed our products to our own pets, we appreciate it when pet owners take the time to reach out to us with their questions. Recently, we have received questions about the frivolous Class Action Lawsuit filed against Beneful in early 2015, and we want to share a few of these Q&As:
1. What’s the status of the class action lawsuit?
On June 27, 2016, U.S. plaintiffs who filed a class action lawsuit against Beneful in Feb. 2015 dropped their damage claims for injury to dogs. However, false advertising and related claims remain, including alleging Purina “failed to disclose some issue” with Beneful. The Company is confident those claims will eventually be dismissed as well.
Just a few days before, on June 24, 2016, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto dismissed a similar Canadian class action lawsuit involving Beneful after the plaintiffs’ lawyers determined they would be unable to prove their allegations.
All of this news supports what Purina has said all along in response to the lawsuits: Beneful is a safe, high-quality dog food enjoyed by millions of healthy, happy dogs each year.
We’re pleased that our loyal consumers, retailers, associates and veterinarians stood behind the truth. They understand the quality and care that goes into Purina Beneful, which continues to be one of the most popular dog food brands in America.
2. Why is Beneful launching new recipes for dry dog foods? Is it because of the lawsuit?
The product changes for Beneful dry dog food have been in development for more than two years. That was prior to the baseless class action lawsuit. We are always listening to your feedback and finding new ways to evolve and improve our food. Our new Beneful beef and chicken dry dog food recipes now have real meat as the #1 ingredient. In all new Beneful dry dog food recipes, there’s no added sugar.
3. Are the online rumors true that Beneful made dogs sick?
No. Please remember that your veterinarian is in the best position to understand your pet’s health. By relying on internet rumors or class action lawyers that mislead, pet owners may be placing their pet’s health at risk by delaying advice or treatment from a trusted veterinarian.
4. Why are you proud of Beneful?
Beneful is a safe and healthy dog food that brings nutrition and happiness to millions of dogs every year. There are no quality issues with Beneful, a fact backed up by independent expert sources including leading veterinarians, the FDA, millions of loyal pet owners, and Purina food scientists and employees who make and feed Beneful to their own pets.
In fact, we're so proud of Beneful that we've showcased the men and women who make Beneful and feed it to their own dogs. Watch how we stand behind Beneful, here.
Bottom Line -- We love dogs, and the foods we make for your dogs are the same foods we feed our dogs. Our number one commitment is the health and well-being of pets.
We encourage you to reach out to us at any time with any questions at 1-888-236-3385. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.