Petco Sued Over Dog Food Linked to Heart Disease

Petco is being sued over its WholeHearted grain-free dog food after a New York woman says the products killed her dog.

Plaintiff Mina Maiman filed a class action complaint against Petco Health and Wellness Company on March 16 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges Petco marketed its WholeHearted grain-free line as providing "complete nutrition" and "maximum benefits" while the products allegedly lacked critical nutrients and could cause serious health problems in dogs.

According to the complaint, Maiman purchased WholeHearted grain-free dog food for her dog, Oskar, because she believed the marketing claims that the food was a healthier option. Oskar allegedly developed dilated cardiomyopathy — a condition where the heart muscle enlarges and weakens — and ultimately died.

What the lawsuit alleges

The complaint claims grain-free dog food has surged in popularity in recent years as pet owners look for diets they believe are more natural and healthful. However, many grain-free formulas replace grains with ingredients like peas, lentils, chickpeas, and pea flour. The lawsuit cites multiple peer-reviewed studies linking these high-legume diets to heart problems in dogs, including one study that allegedly found signs of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs within 30 days of switching to a grain-free, legume-heavy diet.

The FDA has been investigating a possible connection between grain-free pet foods and canine dilated cardiomyopathy since 2018. The agency has received over 1,300 reports of DCM in dogs, and its data showed that more than 90% of the products reported in those cases were grain-free and 93% contained peas or lentils.

Despite this, Petco allegedly continued to market its WholeHearted grain-free products as healthy without including any warnings about potential risks, the lawsuit claims.

Maiman is seeking to represent anyone in the United States who purchased WholeHearted grain-free dog food products. The complaint seeks class certification, damages, fees, costs, and a jury trial. It also asks the court to require Petco to update its labeling to include health warnings and to stop making marketing claims the lawsuit says are not supported by science.

No settlement yet

This case is in its early stages, and no settlement has been reached. Petco has not publicly responded to the allegations.

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