Barkworthies class action says ‘odor-free’ bully sticks are offensively stinky

Barkworthies bully sticks class action overview:

• Who: A California consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Barkworthies.
• Why: The plaintiff claims Barkworthies falsely advertised its bully stick dog treats as odor-free.
• Where: The Barkworthies class action was filed in California federal court.

A new class action lawsuit accuses Barkworthies of falsely advertising its bully stick dog treats as odor-free even though they emit a strong odor when chewed by dogs.

Plaintiff Leonardo Garcia filed the class action complaint against TDBBS LLC, doing business as Barkworthies, on Jan. 8 in California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

Barkworthies is a leading manufacturer of treats and chew products for dogs. These include bully sticks of various thicknesses, flavors, hardness and odors.

Bully sticks are “a single-ingredient dog chew that is made from high-protein beef muscle,” the lawsuit says, adding they provide dental care, are good sources of protein and help sate a dog’s need to chew.

However, bully sticks are known for emitting offensive odors when dogs chew them, according to the lawsuit, resulting in growing demand for “odor-free” bully sticks as an alternative to traditional bully sticks.

Barkworthies bully sticks are not odor-free, lawsuit alleges

Garcia alleges Barkworthies sought to capitalize on this growing consumer demand but failed to deliver on its promise.

He claims Barkworthies’ odor-free bully sticks emit a strong and offensive odor when chewed by dogs, contrary to the company’s marketing claims.

Garcia alleges Barkworthies’ packaging prominently displays the “odor-free” claim on both the front and back, misleading consumers into believing they are purchasing a product that won’t stink up their homes.

He claims he purchased the Barkworthies Odor Free Small Dog Bully Sticks from a Petco store in Petaluma, California, in December 2023 because of its odor-free claims. However, he was disappointed when the bully sticks produced a strong odor when his dog chewed on them.

Garcia is looking to represent anyone in the United States who purchased Barkworthies’ odor-free bully sticks. He is also suing for violations of California consumer laws and is seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

In December 2024, a class action accused Wellness Pet and WellPet of including synthetic additives in products that it sold as “natural” pet foods. 

What do you think of the allegations made in this Barkworthies bully sticks lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Philip L. Fraietta, Jenna L. Gavenman and Joshua B. Glatt of Bursor & Fisher PA.The Barkworthies bully sticks class action lawsuit is Garcia v. TDBBS, LLC, Case No. 3:25-cv-00299 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

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