Greenies Lawsuit 2026, Class Action Settlement Details, False Advertising Claims & What Pet Owners Need To Know
The makers of Greenies settled a class action lawsuit in September 2007 alleging the popular teeth-cleaning dog treats injured or killed close to a dozen dogs. In addition, Paragon Pet Products Europe has filed a lawsuit accusing Mars Inc. of deceiving dog owners with an unsubstantiated “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim on packaging.
The settlement terms were not publicly disclosed, but Mars Petcare agreed to compensate affected pet owners and implement changes to the formulation and manufacturing processes. Here’s what consumers need to know about the lawsuit history, current false advertising claims, and their rights in 2026.
What Was The Original Greenies Class Action Lawsuit About?
Pet owners alleged Greenies caused severe health issues in their pets, including gastrointestinal blockages, choking hazards, and fatalities. The plaintiffs claimed the treats did not dissolve as advertised, leading to blockages in the digestive tract that required surgical intervention or, in tragic cases, death.
As of March 2006, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine confirmed 35 complaints involving 34 dogs and one cat, prompting a regulatory investigation. At least 13 dogs reportedly died from complications tied to ingesting the product.
False Advertising Claims Against Mars Inc. In 2026
Paragon Pet Products Europe filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York accusing Mars of deceiving consumers with the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim. Paragon argues the claim is unsubstantiated and false, with packaging footnotes suggesting Greenies is not actually recommended by most or even a plurality of veterinarians.
On July 20, the judge granted Paragon’s application ordering Mars to produce all substantiation documents, reports, studies, data, and emails for the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim. Paragon’s complaint seeks an injunction requiring Mars to halt use of the claim, offer refunds to deceived purchasers, and correct false advertising statements including recall or correction of retail packaging.
2007 Settlement Details & Product Reformulation
Following the 2007 settlement, Greenies were reformulated in November 2007 to be more highly soluble and thus safer, yet effective as a daily preventive of oral disease.
During a February 2006 teleconference, Greenies founder Joe Roetheli stated the company financially compensated or reimbursed veterinary expenses for no more than 20 fatalities allegedly tied to the bone-shaped dog treats. The company contended the product had an incident rate of one in 8.1 million sold.
S&M NuTec (now owned by Mars Petcare) changed labeling to remind buyers to match treats based on dog size and alert owners to monitor pets when feeding Greenies to ensure animals are not gulping the treat.
For more information about how defective products create legal liability and consumer rights when manufacturers fail to properly warn about safety risks, understanding McDonald’s Hot Coffee Just Burned Another Victim Face, can help you navigate product liability claims.
Who Was Eligible For The 2007 Settlement?
Pet owners whose dogs suffered injuries or died after consuming Greenies between approximately 2003 and 2007 were eligible. Michael Eastwood and wife Jenny Reiff filed a $5 million lawsuit in New York claiming their Miniature Dachshund Burt died following surgery to remove an undigested piece of Greenies from its intestine.
The settlement required documentation of veterinary treatment, surgery records, or proof of pet death linked to Greenies consumption.
What You Must Know About Greenies In 2026
Hidden rule: Mars Petcare maintains the safety and efficacy of their products despite settling the lawsuit. The settlement included no admission of wrongdoing.
Common mistake: Pet owners continue purchasing Greenies without understanding size-appropriate selection. Veterinarians caution that feeding wrong-sized treats or allowing dogs to gulp them whole can still cause obstructions.
2026 update: The Paragon false advertising lawsuit remains active in federal court. A hearing was set for July 28 to consider next steps in the case challenging Mars’s veterinary recommendation claims.
Current Compensation Status
No active class action settlement currently offers compensation for Greenies-related injuries. The 2007 settlement concluded with payments to affected class members, and no new class action has been certified.
Pet owners who experience injuries after 2007 may pursue individual legal claims. However, many Greenies purchase agreements include arbitration clauses requiring disputes to be resolved outside court unless customers opt out within specified timeframes.
What To Do If Your Pet Was Injured By Greenies
Option 1: Document the incident. Take photos of the product, save receipts, obtain veterinary records documenting the injury or illness, and preserve any undigested pieces of the treat if possible.
Option 2: Report to the FDA. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine tracks adverse events tied to pet products and accepts consumer complaints. Report incidents to help identify safety patterns.
Option 3: Consult a product liability attorney. Attorneys specializing in consumer protection or product liability can evaluate whether you have grounds for individual legal action against Mars Petcare.
Option 4: Consider alternative dental treats. Many veterinarians recommend raw bones, bully sticks, or other natural chews without the obstruction risks associated with compressed dental treats.
FAQs About The Greenies Lawsuit
Can I still file a claim for the 2007 settlement?
No. The 2007 class action settlement concluded years ago with no ongoing claim process. No current settlement offers compensation for Greenies injuries.
Is there compensation available for recent Greenies injuries?
Currently, no active class action settlement provides compensation. Pet owners may pursue individual legal claims through product liability attorneys, though success depends on specific case circumstances and evidence.
What injuries qualified for the original settlement?
Gastrointestinal blockages requiring surgery, esophageal obstructions, choking incidents requiring veterinary intervention, and pet deaths linked to Greenies consumption qualified for compensation in the 2007 settlement.
Are Greenies safer now than in 2007?
Greenies were reformulated in November 2007 to be more highly soluble. However, veterinarians still report obstruction cases, particularly when dogs swallow treats whole or receive wrong-sized products.
What is the Paragon lawsuit about?
Paragon Pet Products is challenging Mars’s “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” marketing claim as false and unsubstantiated. The lawsuit seeks refunds for deceived consumers and correction of packaging claims.
Should I stop giving my dog Greenies?
This is a personal decision. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate dental care alternatives. If you continue using Greenies, select proper sizing for your dog’s weight and supervise consumption to prevent gulping.
How do I report a Greenies-related injury?
Contact the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine Consumer Complaint Coordinators to report adverse events. Documentation helps track safety issues and may support future regulatory action or legal claims.
Last Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Greenies lawsuit for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or veterinary guidance.
If your pet experienced health complications from Greenies, consult a product liability attorney to discuss your individual rights and options.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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