Greenies Lawsuit: Complete 2026 Guide to Pet Injury Claims, Legal History & Your Rights

Quick Answer: The Greenies lawsuit refers to a series of legal actions against the makers of Greenies dog dental treats, primarily centered on claims that the treats caused intestinal and esophageal blockages in dogs, injuring and killing pets. The original class action was settled confidentially in 2007 after 10 pet owners sued S&M NuTec LLC. A second lawsuit in 2015 challenged Mars Inc.’s claim that Greenies is the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew.” If your dog was recently harmed by Greenies, no open class action settlement currently exists to file a claim against — but you may have individual legal options available. Roundup Lawsuit Statute of Limitations

Overview Table: Greenies Lawsuit at a Glance

What Is the Greenies Lawsuit About?

Background of the Lawsuit

Greenies dog dental treats have been one of the best-selling pet products in the United States for decades. They’re shaped like a toothbrush, colored dark green, and marketed as a way to reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath in dogs. The packaging long claimed the product was “completely edible” and highly digestible — a selling point that became central to multiple legal battles.

The trouble started surfacing publicly around 2005 and 2006, when pet owners across the country began reporting that their dogs were getting seriously ill after eating Greenies. Veterinarians started raising alarms that the treats were not breaking down in dogs’ digestive tracts the way the manufacturer claimed. Instead of dissolving, pieces of the treat were lodging in dogs’ esophaguses and intestines, causing painful obstructions that often required emergency surgery.

Some dogs didn’t survive. At least 13 dogs reportedly died from complications tied to the treat. One board-certified veterinary internist in Colorado told media at the time that the treats “don’t dissolve in the stomach” — and that when surgically removed, they remained largely intact even after being lodged for days. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine opened a formal inquiry after receiving 35 complaints involving 34 dogs and one cat, prompting the manufacturer to take some early steps to change its labeling.

Timeline of Key Events in the Greenies Lawsuit

Who Filed the Lawsuit?

The most prominent individual lawsuit was filed by Michael Eastwood and Jenny Reiff, a couple from New York whose Miniature Dachshund named Burt died after a piece of Greenie became lodged in his intestine. A veterinary surgeon removed 3.5 feet of Burt’s small intestine along with a green, spongy object that the couple claimed was an undigested Greenie that had expanded inside their dog’s body. They filed a $5 million lawsuit against S&M NuTec in New York in November 2005.

The class action lawsuit that followed was brought by 10 pet owners and originally filed in New York in February 2006. It was later transferred to the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, where the company was headquartered. The case was presided over by U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner.

A separate legal challenge came in 2015, when Netherlands-based Paragon Pet Products Europe B.V. — the maker of Whimzees dental chews — sued Mars Inc. in the Southern District of New York. Paragon alleged that Mars’s claim that Greenies is the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” was unsubstantiated and misleading to dog owners.

What Were the Core Allegations?

The original class action raised several serious safety claims against S&M NuTec:

Pet Injury Allegations:

• Greenies were marketed as “edible” and “digestible” but allegedly failed to break down properly in dogs’ digestive tracts
• Treats became lodged in dogs’ esophaguses and intestines, causing life-threatening blockages
• The manufacturer allegedly knew about consumer complaints but failed to warn pet owners about the risk
• At least 13 dogs died from complications reportedly tied to the treats
• Many more dogs required expensive emergency surgeries to remove lodged pieces
• Veterinarians testified that Greenies were among the top causes of esophageal blockages in dogs, alongside bones and fish hooks
• The product’s safety incidents were tied to dogs that “gulped” treats rather than chewing carefully

False Advertising Allegations (Paragon v. Mars, 2015):

• The “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim on Greenies packaging was alleged to be false and misleading
• A footnote buried on the back of the packaging suggested the claim was not supported by most veterinarians
• Paragon sought an injunction to stop Mars from using the claim, plus consumer refunds and corrective advertising

Is There Currently an Active Greenies Lawsuit or Settlement?

⚠️ Important Notice: As of March 2026, there is no open class action settlement against Greenies that individual pet owners can file claims against. The original 2007 class action was settled confidentially, meaning the terms were never publicly disclosed and no general consumer claim process was ever established for the broader public.

If your dog was recently hurt or killed after eating Greenies, you are not too late to explore legal options — but those options take the form of individual personal injury claims, not claims against a pre-existing settlement fund.

What the 2007 Settlement Did and Did Not Include

Who Might Have a Legal Claim Against Greenies Today?

Even though there is no open settlement, you may still have a valid individual legal claim if your pet was recently harmed. Here’s who could potentially qualify:

Eligibility Considerations for an Individual Claim

Who Likely Does NOT Have a Strong Claim

You may face a harder road legally if:

• The harm happened many years ago and statutes of limitations have passed (varies by state, typically 2-4 years for property damage)
• Your dog was given the wrong-sized treat per the packaging instructions
• There is no veterinary documentation connecting the Greenies to the harm
• Your dog had a pre-existing gastrointestinal condition

What Documentation Would You Need?

If you’re considering legal action, gather as much of the following as possible before consulting an attorney:

Required Documentation for a Potential Greenies Claim

The History of Greenies: How Did We Get Here?

The Rise of Greenies

S&M NuTec — named for founders Joe and Judy Roetheli’s sons Steffan and Michael — was built from the ground up in Kansas City starting in 1996. The company grew at a staggering pace, going from a basement operation to one of the top ten pet treat companies in the world. By 2005, Greenies had surpassed Milk-Bone as the largest U.S. dog treat brand by value sales, generating $340 million in annual revenue. The product’s popularity was built on a simple, appealing promise: your dog gets a tasty treat and cleaner teeth at the same time.

Then came the media scrutiny. In 2005 and 2006, ABC News, CNN, and other major outlets ran stories about dogs dying after eating Greenies. Veterinarians went on record to say they were seeing blockage cases at alarming rates. One vet told ABC News that Greenies had become the third most common cause of esophageal blockages in dogs, behind only bones and fish hooks. S&M NuTec CEO Joe Roetheli pushed back, insisting the product had an incident rate of roughly one in 8.1 million treats sold, and that the company had financially compensated veterinary expenses in no more than 20 fatalities. Native Hair Care Lawsuit

The FDA Steps In

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine formally confirmed it had received 35 complaints involving 34 dogs and one cat and began an informal inquiry. While the FDA stopped short of ordering a product recall or mandatory label changes, the agency encouraged consumers to report problems. S&M NuTec, in response, announced plans to update its packaging with more prominent warnings — specifically reminding owners to match treat size to dog size and to supervise dogs while they chew, ensuring the animal doesn’t “gulp” the treat whole.

The company simultaneously announced a formula change, claiming the updated product was more than 97% digestible. Critics argued these measures put the burden of safety on pet owners rather than on the manufacturer.

Mars Acquires S&M NuTec

In 2006 — right in the middle of the legal and media firestorm — Mars Inc. acquired S&M NuTec and took over the Greenies brand. Mars, one of the largest pet food companies in the world, brought significant resources and distribution power to Greenies, but also inherited the liability concerns. The class action lawsuit brought by 10 pet owners continued after the acquisition and was ultimately settled confidentially in September 2007 when U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner dismissed the case with prejudice.

The “#1 Vet Recommended” Lawsuit: A Different Kind of Legal Battle

In 2015, the Greenies legal story took a different turn. Rather than a pet owner suing over an injured dog, this time it was a competing company — Paragon Pet Products Europe B.V., the maker of Whimzees dental chews — that took Mars to court.

Paragon’s argument was straightforward: the bold claim on Greenies packaging that the product is the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” is false and misleading. According to Paragon, the fine print on the very same packaging contained a footnote that undermined the headline claim, suggesting that Greenies was not in fact recommended by most or even a plurality of veterinarians.

What Paragon Sought From Mars

The case was filed in the Southern District of New York. On July 20 of the hearing process, Judge Paul A. Engelmayer granted Paragon’s request for an order directing Mars to produce all documentation, reports, studies, data, and emails that Mars used to substantiate its “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim. A follow-up hearing was set to determine next steps.

This type of lawsuit — known as a Lanham Act false advertising claim — doesn’t directly compensate individual consumers, but its outcome could have significant implications for how Greenies is marketed and whether misleading consumers through false endorsement claims is permitted going forward.

How Does the Greenies Lawsuit Compare to Similar Pet Product Cases?

Pet food and treat litigation has a long and active history in the United States. Here’s how the Greenies situation stacks up against comparable legal battles:

Comparison: Greenies vs. Similar Pet Product Lawsuits

What Makes the Greenies Situation Unique

The Greenies lawsuits are notable for a few reasons. First, the original case directly involved the death and serious injury of pets — which adds an emotional weight that product mislabeling cases typically don’t carry. Second, the formula change that Mars/S&M NuTec made during the litigation essentially acknowledged that the original product had digestibility concerns, even as the company denied wrongdoing.

Third, the ongoing false advertising angle (the “#1 Vet Recommended” claim) keeps Greenies in legal crosshairs years after the original injury cases were resolved. And finally, despite all the legal history, Greenies remains one of the most commercially successful dental treats on the market — which means new pet owners are still encountering the product without necessarily knowing about its legal past.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Quick Answer: If your dog was recently harmed by Greenies, you very likely do need to consult a lawyer — because there is no active settlement claim form to file and your only path to compensation is through an individual legal action. The good news is that most pet injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency (meaning you pay nothing unless you win).

When to Consult a Lawyer

You should reach out to a personal injury or product liability attorney if:

• Your dog suffered a gastrointestinal obstruction after eating Greenies and required surgery
• Your dog died after eating Greenies in the past two to four years
• You have documented veterinary bills tied to a Greenies-related injury
• You’re unsure whether your state’s statute of limitations has expired

What a Lawyer Can Do For You

An attorney handling a product liability case like this will typically:

• Review your documentation at no charge during an initial consultation
• Determine whether your claim falls within your state’s statute of limitations
• Assess the strength of the causation evidence (connecting the treat to the injury)
• File an individual lawsuit or explore settlement directly with Mars Petcare
• Pursue damages including veterinary bills, emotional distress, and in some states, the market value of your pet

Free Legal Help

For attorney referrals related to pet injury cases or product liability claims involving Greenies, you can contact: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com

You can also search your state bar’s attorney referral service for local product liability lawyers who handle pet injury cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Greenies Lawsuit

What is the Greenies lawsuit?

Quick Answer: The Greenies lawsuit refers primarily to a 2006-2007 class action filed by 10 pet owners who alleged that Greenies dog dental treats failed to digest properly and caused fatal or serious internal blockages in their dogs.

The case was originally filed in New York and transferred to Kansas City, Missouri. S&M NuTec, the maker at the time (later acquired by Mars Inc.), settled the case in September 2007 under confidential terms, and a federal judge dismissed it with prejudice. A separate 2015 lawsuit involved a competitor challenging Mars’s “#1 Vet Recommended” advertising claim. Lugano Diamonds Lawsuit

Is there an active Greenies class action settlement I can file a claim for?

Quick Answer: No. As of March 2026, there is no open class action settlement fund with a claim filing process available to the general public.

The 2007 settlement was reached between 10 specific named plaintiffs and the manufacturer, with confidential terms. No broader consumer claims process was established from that settlement. If your dog was recently harmed, your option is to pursue an individual personal injury / product liability claim.

My dog got sick after eating Greenies. What should I do?

Your first priority is your dog’s health — get them to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately if you haven’t already. Once your dog is cared for, document everything: the vet’s notes, the diagnosis, any imaging or surgery records, the bills, and the packaging from the treats. Don’t throw the package away. Take photos of the lot number and expiration date.

After that, consult with a product liability attorney. Most offer free initial consultations and can tell you quickly whether you have a viable claim. Time is important because statutes of limitations vary by state.

What exactly was wrong with Greenies?

Quick Answer: Veterinarians and plaintiffs alleged that Greenies did not break down properly during digestion, leading to blockages in dogs’ esophaguses and intestines.

The manufacturer marketed the treats as “edible” and “digestible,” but multiple board-certified veterinary internists reported surgically removing largely intact Greenies pieces from dogs even after the treats had been lodged inside them for days. The FDA received 35 formal complaints involving 34 dogs and one cat during its inquiry period.

Has the Greenies formula been changed?

Quick Answer: Yes. Around 2006-2007, the manufacturer changed the Greenies formula and claimed the new product was more than 97% digestible.

Packaging was also updated to include more prominent size-matching guidelines and supervision warnings. Critics argued these changes represented an implicit acknowledgment of the earlier product’s problems, even as the company denied wrongdoing.

Who manufactured Greenies at the time of the lawsuit?

Quick Answer: S&M NuTec LLC, a Kansas City company founded by Joe and Judy Roetheli, manufactured Greenies at the time the original lawsuits were filed. Mars Inc. acquired S&M NuTec in 2006.

Mars Petcare (a division of Mars Inc.) now owns and manufactures Greenies. Mars is also the parent company of brands including Pedigree, Royal Canin, IAMS, Eukanuba, Whiskas, and Temptations, as well as veterinary hospital chains including Banfield and VCA.

What was the Paragon lawsuit about?

Quick Answer: In 2015, Paragon Pet Products Europe B.V. (makers of Whimzees dental chews) sued Mars Inc. in federal court, alleging that the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim on Greenies packaging was unsubstantiated and false.

Paragon argued that Greenies was not, in fact, recommended by most or even a plurality of veterinarians — and that a footnote buried on the back of the same packaging contradicted the bold front-of-pack headline claim. The court ordered Mars to produce all evidence used to back up the claim.

Can I sue Greenies (Mars Petcare) on my own?

Yes. Individual pet owners can file a product liability or personal injury lawsuit against Mars Petcare for harm caused by Greenies. You don’t need to be part of a class action to do this. An attorney can evaluate your claim, review your documentation, and advise you on whether your case is worth pursuing given the costs and your state’s legal standards for pet injury claims.

How much could I recover if I sue?

Quick Answer: Recoverable amounts in pet injury cases vary widely. Documented veterinary bills are the most straightforward element of damages.

Courts in most U.S. states treat pets as personal property, meaning compensation is typically tied to veterinary expenses and the market value of the animal. Some states allow claims for emotional distress, and a small but growing number of courts have recognized the “intrinsic value” of pets. A product liability attorney in your state can give you a realistic picture of what you might recover.

Did any dogs die from Greenies?

Quick Answer: Yes. At least 13 dogs reportedly died from complications tied to Greenies ingestion prior to the 2007 settlement.

The individual $5 million lawsuit filed by Michael Eastwood and Jenny Reiff was specifically over the death of their Miniature Dachshund, Burt, who required emergency surgery to remove a piece of Greenie from his intestine and did not survive. The Greenies CEO acknowledged at the time that the company had financially compensated veterinary expenses in no more than 20 fatality cases.

Did the FDA recall Greenies?

Quick Answer: No. The FDA conducted an informal inquiry and received dozens of complaints, but never issued a mandatory recall of Greenies.

The inquiry by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine was described as informal and investigative in nature. The agency encouraged consumers to report problems but stopped short of ordering a recall. The manufacturer voluntarily changed its labeling and later changed its formula during this period.

What size Greenies should I give my dog?

Greenies are sold in multiple sizes: Teenie (5-15 lbs), Petite (15-25 lbs), Regular (25-50 lbs), Large (50-100 lbs), and Jumbo (over 100 lbs). The manufacturer’s guidelines emphasize matching the treat size to your dog’s weight and ensuring your dog chews rather than gulps the treat. The legal cases were often complicated by the question of whether dogs were given improperly sized treats — the manufacturer argued the product is safe when used as directed.

Are Greenies still sold today?

Quick Answer: Yes. Greenies remain one of the most widely sold dog dental treats in the United States as of 2026, sold in major pet retail chains, grocery stores, and online.

Mars Petcare continues to sell Greenies with the reformulated recipe and updated packaging. The brand also expanded to include cat dental treats (Feline Greenies) and a variety of dog sizes and flavors. Consumer reviews remain mixed, with many pet owners reporting safe, positive experiences and others continuing to report digestive issues. Ongoing consumer complaints suggest the product’s safety debate is not entirely settled.

What other lawsuits has Greenies been involved in?

Beyond the 2006-2007 pet injury class action and the 2015 Paragon false advertising case, Mars has also used Greenies as the basis for protecting its own intellectual property. In 2013, Mars filed a lawsuit against J.M. Smucker (Big Heart Pet Inc.) for trademark infringement, claiming Smucker’s Milk-Bone Pill Pouches were “confusingly similar” to Mars’s Greenies Pill Pockets. Mars has also sued Rondo Food GmbH for allegedly copying the distinctive toothbrush shape, bone handle, and green color of the Greenies treat design.

How do I report a Greenies-related pet injury today?

If your pet was recently harmed, you can report the incident to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine by calling their Consumer Complaint Coordinators or using the Safety Reporting Portal on the FDA website. You should also report to your state veterinarian and document the incident with your vet in writing. These reports strengthen both your individual claim and help regulators identify whether a broader public health pattern is developing.

What’s the difference between the original Greenies lawsuit and a new claim?

The 2007 class action involved specific named plaintiffs filing claims arising from incidents in 2005-2006, settled confidentially. A new claim filed today would be a separate, individual action based on a new incident — entirely independent of that old settlement. You are not “too late” because of the 2007 settlement. What matters for a new claim is whether your state’s statute of limitations (typically 2-4 years from the date of harm) has expired and whether you have adequate documentation to support causation.

Should I stop giving my dog Greenies?

This is ultimately a decision for you and your veterinarian. The manufacturer changed the formula in 2006-2007 and continues to sell the product with updated warnings. Many dogs consume Greenies without incident. Key safety guidelines from the manufacturer include: always match the treat size to your dog’s weight, supervise your dog while eating, and don’t give Greenies to dogs that gulp food without chewing. If your dog has a history of gastrointestinal problems or tends to swallow food whole, speak with your vet before continuing use. Similar dental chews from competing brands are widely available as alternatives.

What should I do if I think my dog is choking or has a Greenies blockage right now?

If your dog is showing signs of a blockage — including repeated swallowing, gagging, drooling, refusing food, vomiting, obvious distress, or a distended abdomen — contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait. Intestinal obstructions can become life-threatening within hours. Tell the vet exactly what your dog ate, how much, and when. If possible, bring the Greenies packaging with you so the vet can see the product details.

Key Takeaways for Pet Owners

The Greenies lawsuit is a cautionary story about what can happen when marketing claims outpace product safety — and about how slowly the legal system sometimes moves to hold manufacturers accountable. The original class action was settled confidentially, meaning no meaningful public accountability ever came from the courtroom. The formula was changed, the packaging was updated, and the brand kept growing.

If your dog has been harmed by Greenies, your path forward today is through an individual legal claim, not a settlement fund. Document everything, act quickly given statute of limitations concerns, and consult a product liability attorney who handles pet injury cases. Most initial consultations are free, and most pet injury attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.

For consumers still feeding Greenies to their dogs, the safest approach is to follow the size guidelines carefully, supervise every feeding session, and have an honest conversation with your veterinarian about whether the product is appropriate for your specific dog’s chewing habits and digestive health.