Is Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Falsely Advertised as Grain Free?

Despite Nature’s Recipe Dog Food marketing that states the pet food is grain free, some consumers claim that the dog food may actually contain grains.

Where Is Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Made?

Nature’s Recipe Dog Food is made by Big Heart Pet Brands, a pet supply company that manufactures and distributes several popular brands of pet food. The company is based out of San Francisco, and distributes pet food across the United States and online. Big Heart Pet Brands is owned by the J.M. Smucker Company, which also owns brands including Jif, Folgers, and Smucker’s.

In addition to producing Nature’s Recipe dog food, Big Heart Pet Brands also owns Milk Bone, Meow Mix, Kibbles ‘n Bits, and Rachel Ray Nutrish.

Is Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Grain Free?

Although several types of dog food sold by Nature’s Recipe claim to be grain free, customers have reported otherwise. According to a recent lawsuit filed against the pet food company by several pet owners, these products may be mislabeled and falsely advertised.

Plaintiffs John M., Paula R., Kay R., Patricia D., Shareise M., Linda F., Valerie M., and Musaddiq T. filed their false advertising lawsuit against Nature’s Recipe in June 2020, demanding a jury trial to hear their complaint against the company. In addition to pursuing justice and compensation for themselves, they are also seeking class action status in order to provide relief for others who may have been harmed in similar ways.

According to the plaintiffs in the Nature’s Recipe lawsuit, although the pet food is advertised as a grain free alternative to traditional dog food, the food contains significant levels of corn and soy proteins.

As many dogs suffer from food allergies including intolerance of corn, soy, or wheat, it is important that pet food that is labeled as grain free is actually free of these ingredients. Additionally, grain free pet food products are often sold at a higher price point than those that contain grain. The plaintiffs claim that not only are these products potentially dangerous to dogs with food allergies, but they are being falsely advertised at a marked up price.

The specific type of pet food noted in the lawsuit is Nature’s Recipe’s Grain Free Easy to Digest Salmon Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe. According to the plaintiffs, all of whom have purchased Nature’s Recipe products multiple times, this food was marketed towards owners of dogs with food allergies.

According to their lawsuit, the company makes claims about its products including that these foods do not contain corn or wheat, are free of artificial flavors and preservatives, and have real meat as the first ingredient. However, the plaintiffs claim that independent testing conducted on the Free Easy to Digest Salmon Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe dog food has revealed that it contains both soy and corn proteins.

John claims that both of his dogs suffered from allergic reactions after eating the food, and would constantly chew and itch at their own skin. Valerie claims that her dog began to rub at his head with his paws and would also rub his head on furniture or walls after eating the food. Head rubbing or itching may be a symptom of a grain allergy.

Did Nature’s Recipe Break False Advertising Laws?

The plaintiffs claim that Nature’s Recipe has broken false advertising laws by selling food that contains grains to owners of animals with food allergies. At least one independent test has confirmed the presence of grains in these supposedly grain free products.

If Nature’s Recipe advertises pet food that contains soy, corn, or wheat proteins as grain free, the company may be in violation of false advertising laws. False advertising laws were put in place to prevent consumers from being taken advantage of by companies who make claims regarding their products that are untrue, or unable to be proven.

Can You Join a Nature’s Recipe Lawsuit for False Advertising?

If you have purchased what you believed to be grain free pet food from Nature’s Recipe and your dog suffered from a grain allergy after eating it, you may be eligible to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal rights. Some victims may be able to pursue compensation for purchases made due to false advertising by joining a class action lawsuit against the company, as well as compensation for any pet medical expenses resulting from use of the pet food.

The Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Lawsuit is Case No: 3:19-cv-03613, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Free Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dog Food Claim Evaluation

If you live in California and purchased Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Salmon Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dog Food, you may be eligible to participate in a free class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.