In recent weeks, social media has been abuzz with complaints from pet owners who claim that Purina pet food has led to illnesses and even deaths in their beloved dogs and cats. The controversy, first amplified in a Facebook group called “Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time,” has sparked fear among pet parents, but Purina adamantly denies any issues with its products.
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In a statement released on Monday, Purina stated, “Pet parents continue to be understandably scared by an online rumor that there is an issue with Purina pet foods. This rumor is false, and we are saddened to see the confusion and fear that it has caused.”
The claims gained traction when group administrator Kelly Bone shared multiple reports of pets falling ill or dying after consuming Purina Pro Plan, a popular pet food formula available in wet and dry varieties for both dogs and cats.
Bone claims to have received 969 reports of pets getting sick after eating Purina food, with 234 reported deaths. The reported symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, seizures, rapid weight loss, and rectal bleeding.
The controversy has also spread to TikTok, where users have issued warnings about Purina products, referencing the discussions on Facebook. Purina asserts that its quality assurance team thoroughly investigated the rumors and found no data or trend indicating any issues with their products.
Despite Purina’s denial, pet owners like James Diehl from Long Island, New York, are searching for answers. Diehl attributes the illnesses and deaths of two of his dogs to Purina food, while Purina maintains that their products are safe.
The situation has led to conflicting narratives, with Purina questioning the credibility of those spreading the allegations. Purina spokesperson Lorie Westhoff suggested that some individuals promoting the claims may have competing interests, pointing to TikTok creator Rachel Fusaro and veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan.
Fusaro, who has a significant following on TikTok, posted videos about Purina that have since been taken down. Westhoff mentioned Fusaro’s potential financial incentives through paid partnerships and commissions on certain dog food brands. Dr. Judy Morgan, a veterinarian and moderator for the Facebook group, has warned about Purina products on social media and is reportedly paying to get Purina food tested in an independent laboratory.
As the controversy unfolds, some pet owners are filing complaints with the company, while others express frustration over the lack of clarity. Purina has not issued any recalls, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not mandated one, urging pet owners and veterinarians to report illnesses online.
While concerns persist among pet owners, Kenneth Simpson, a professor of small animal medicine at Cornell University, and a member of Purina’s scientific advisory board, states that he has not heard of any problems related to Purina products. He emphasizes the ethical practices of most pet food producers and the importance of recalls when issues arise.
Purina did have a voluntary recall last year for a prescription dog food, Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental, due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D, though it is unrelated to the recent reports of illnesses circulating on social media.
