When Ruthie Shimabukuro rushed her beloved dog to the emergency vet, she never imagined a dental treat could be the culprit. Nearly $12,000 in veterinary bills later, she discovered that a Greenies dog treat had become lodged in her pet’s intestine. She wasn’t alone.
The Greenies lawsuit represents one of the most significant controversies in the pet food industry, transforming how companies manufacture dental treats and how pet parents evaluate product safety. What started as isolated incidents evolved into a class-action lawsuit claiming the teeth-cleaning product injured or killed close to a dozen dogs.
When America’s Favorite Dental Treat Turned Deadly
By March 2006, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine had confirmed 35 complaints involving 34 dogs and one cat, sparking a regulatory investigation. The green, toothbrush-shaped treats, marketed as completely digestible and beneficial for oral health, were allegedly causing gastrointestinal blockages when dogs swallowed large chunks without proper chewing.
One veterinarian reported preliminary national figures indicating that Greenies were the number three cause of esophageal blockages, behind only bones and fish hooks. That’s a staggering statistic for a product designed to improve pet health.
Michael Eastwood and Jenny Reiff know this pain intimately. Their dog Burt died after eating a Greenie, and a veterinary surgeon removed 3.5 feet of small intestine along with a spongy green object that expanded in Burt’s body. They filed a $5 million lawsuit against the company, claiming their Miniature Dachshund died following surgery to remove an undigested piece.
The Numbers That Sparked Outrage
During a February 2006 teleconference, Greenies founder Joe Roetheli admitted the company had financially compensated or reimbursed veterinary expenses for no more than 20 fatalities allegedly tied to the treats. The company maintained the product had an incident rate of one in 8.1 million sold, but for grieving pet owners, statistics offered little comfort.
By 2005, Greenies had reached $340 million in sales, making it one of America’s top-selling dog treats. The contrast between commercial success and the heartbreaking stories of pet deaths created a perfect storm of public scrutiny.
Dr. Brendan McKiernan, a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, became one of the most vocal critics. He had personally treated six esophageal cases and three intestinal obstructions related to Greenies, giving him firsthand knowledge of the treats’ potential dangers.
What Changed After the Settlement
In September 2007, U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner approved a settlement between the makers of Greenies and affected pet owners. While the specific terms were not fully disclosed, Mars Petcare agreed to pay a substantial amount to resolve claims and establish measures to prevent future issues.
The real victory came in product reformulation. In 2006, Greenies were reformulated to be more easily digestible and to break down more effectively in the digestive system. When Mars acquired Greenies in 2006, global pet scientists implemented rigorous digestive solubility testing and formulation shifts to ensure safety.
Packaging was updated to make product use warnings more prominent and to include size guides to help owners choose the correct treat for their pet’s breed and weight. These weren’t superficial changes—they represented a fundamental shift in how dental treats were manufactured and marketed.
The Veterinary Community Remains Divided
Even today, veterinarians don’t universally agree on Greenies safety. Some practitioners point to rigorous testing showing the reformulated chews are both soluble and digestible. Others remain cautious, particularly for dogs prone to gulping treats whole.
What’s undeniable is that the controversy forced the entire pet treat industry to reconsider safety standards. The Greenies lawsuit became a cautionary tale about the gap between marketing promises and real-world product performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Greenies safe for dogs now? The reformulated version has significantly improved safety profiles compared to the original product. However, supervision remains essential. Choose the appropriate size for your dog’s weight, and ensure they chew thoroughly rather than gulping.
Did Greenies get recalled? No official recall was issued. Instead, the company voluntarily reformulated the product and settled the class-action lawsuit to address safety concerns.
How much did the Greenies lawsuit settlement cost? The exact settlement amount was not publicly disclosed, though the company did compensate affected families for veterinary expenses and fatalities.
What should I do if my dog has a reaction to Greenies? Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows signs of choking, vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal pain after consuming any dental treat.
Are there safer alternatives to Greenies? Many veterinarians recommend raw meaty bones, bully sticks, or simply brushing your dog’s teeth regularly for dental health.
The Lasting Impact
The Greenies lawsuit fundamentally changed pet product accountability. It highlighted the need for rigorous safety testing and transparent communication regarding pet products, prompting other manufacturers to reassess their own protocols.
For pet parents, the lesson is clear: marketing claims don’t guarantee safety. Even products with veterinary endorsements require careful supervision and appropriate use. Your dog’s size, chewing habits, and individual needs should guide every treat decision.
The controversy also sparked important conversations about dental health alternatives. While convenient, no treat replaces regular veterinary dental checkups and home tooth brushing.
Today’s Greenies bear little resemblance to their 2006 predecessors, but the stories of dogs like Burt remind us why vigilance matters. Every treat we give our dogs carries responsibility—and that’s a lesson worth remembering, regardless of the brand name on the package.