Since December 2023, online publications (archive) claimed that dozens of dogs became ill after consuming Purina dog food, with at least 10 (archived article) while dying. Iterations of the claim appear to originate from the Facebook group Saving pets, one animal at a time (archive).
Below is a sample of some of the comments seen in the group as of January 30, 2024:
(Snopes compilation)
A website claims that “in at least one case, Purina offered to cover the pet owner’s veterinary bills.” Snopes is awaiting clarification from Purina as to the veracity of this claim.
In response to our popular request, Purina spokesperson Lorie Westhoff told Snopes that as of this publication, “Purina has no active or pending recalls.”
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees pet food regulation, remember may be conducted “on a company’s own initiative, at the request of the FDA, or by order of the FDA pursuant to legal authority.”
When Snopes searched the FDA Database (archive) for Purina recalls, three have appeared – two from 2023 and one from 2022, which we have listed below:
- March 10, 2023: Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food for a “potentially high ingredient level.”
- February 8, 2023: Veterinary Diets EL Elemental – dry dog food for “potentially elevated vitamin D”. (Note: This was a voluntary recall following two complaints of dog illness, according to Purine.)
- December 2, 2022: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat (PPVD EN Low Fat) prescription wet dog food for “mislabeling”.
Purina confirmed that these recalls were carried out and stopped by the FDA.
Westhoff referred Snopes to a Purina Press release (archive) which addressed concerns about the safety of Purina dog food, last updated on January 15, 2024. In it, the company said it was investigating claims made online, although it believed that they were not credible:
In light of this rumor, our quality assurance team has reviewed all incoming consumer contact, manufacturing and quality assurance data (this includes ingredient testing, analytical data throughout the production process). production and post-production quality assurance testing) for the past year.
Additionally, our Office of Consumer Affairs, which receives calls and messages from pet owners and works closely with our quality assurance experts, veterinarians, nutritionists, veterinary toxicologist and many others, to investigate on product complaints, reviewed its data from the past year. Extensive investigations by both teams found no data or trends that would indicate a previously unresolved product issue.
“Just to reiterate, the group that started the rumor has not provided any evidence or facts to support this narrative. It’s currently based on anecdotal stories from pet owners,” Westhoff said. “Almost all of the calls we have received about this are from scared pet owners who have read this false rumor online and are trying to figure out if there is a problem with our food, which is not the case. case. These rumors cause unnecessary stress and create an understandable sense of panic that they might be doing something wrong.
According to the Purina press release, several people Those perpetuating this claim are believed to be marketing or selling products that “compete with Purina, and some have served as paid social media influencers to promote products and brands that are not actively targeted by this rumor.”
Snopes posted in the Facebook group seeking feedback from members willing to provide a verified and confirmed report (i.e., a veterinarian’s autopsy) directly linking Purina dog food to the illness or death of their dog. At the time of this publication, we have not received a response.
The FDA did not respond to specific questions about whether it was investigating claims related to supposed illnesses and deaths associated with Purina dog food. Instead, the agency wrote in an email:
The FDA takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that pet food ingredients are safe and nutritious. Although the agency cannot comment on the details of these particular illness reports at this time, generally speaking, when the FDA becomes aware of pet illnesses, we will evaluate them and determine what action, if any, will be taken. of the FDA may be justified. The agency encourages pet owners or their veterinarians to submit reports of illness or other adverse events associated with pet foods directly to the FDA by following the instructions on this page: How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
The agency also referred Snopes to a Message which he shared on January 12, 2024, encourage pet owners to report diet-related medical problems to the FDA:
If your pet is sick, consult a veterinarian! If a veterinarian examines the animal and suspects a health problem is diet-related, please submit a formal report to the FDA. Here’s how: https://t.co/xK4jzOa1CB. Timely and detailed reports with medical records and food information help us review your case. pic.twitter.com/CXyvl1s7Ce
– FDA CVM (Center for Veterinary Medicine) (@FDAanimalhealth) January 12, 2024
Snopes will continue to monitor the situation and update this article if new information emerges.