1. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition
Why to avoid: Pedigree is often marketed as a budget-friendly dog food option, but it contains corn, which is a cheap filler that is difficult for dogs to digest and offers little nutritional value. It also contains artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT, which have been linked to potential carcinogenic properties. These preservatives and color additives are often used to increase shelf life but come at the cost of your dog’s long-term health. Additionally, Pedigree uses meat by-products, which are often of lower quality than whole meat and may contain undesirable parts of the animal, like feet, feathers, or intestines.
Legal Issues: Pedigree has faced consumer lawsuits in the past regarding misleading advertising about its products’ nutritional value. Specifically, pet owners have alleged that the food was promoted as nutritionally complete while including low-quality ingredients. However, there have been no significant class-action suits specifically targeting Pedigree’s overall safety. Still, the ongoing concerns about the food’s poor ingredient quality and potential health risks have sparked debates about its long-term viability as a dog food choice.
2. Purina Dog Chow
Why to avoid: Purina Dog Chow uses corn, wheat, and soy as main ingredients, which are cheap filler products that offer minimal nutritional value to dogs. These ingredients can cause digestive issues, allergies, and even obesity in some dogs. Additionally, the food contains artificial colors and preservatives like BHA, which has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. These fillers can also lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, resulting in mood swings, lack of energy, or even insulin resistance in the long term.
Legal Issues: Purina has been involved in multiple lawsuits over the years. A notable one was filed in 2019, where pet owners claimed that certain Purina foods, including Dog Chow, caused severe health issues in pets due to the presence of harmful ingredients like propylene glycol and BHA. Propylene glycol, found in some of Purina’s wet foods, is an ingredient often used in antifreeze and is known to be toxic to dogs. Though the lawsuit was dismissed, it raised serious concerns about the safety of some Purina products, leading to further scrutiny of the brand’s practices.
3. Iams ProActive Health
Why to avoid: While marketed as a premium dog food, Iams often contains animal by-products and corn gluten meal, both of which are low-quality protein sources. These by-products can include unwanted animal parts, which are less digestible and do not provide the amino acids necessary for your dog’s health. Corn gluten meal is a high-carb filler, which can contribute to weight gain and digestive issues. Additionally, the brand uses artificial flavors and preservatives, which provide no nutritional value and could have negative long-term effects on your dog’s health.
Legal Issues: Iams has faced criticism for its misleading labeling, particularly in terms of promoting its products as “natural” while containing artificial additives and low-quality protein sources. In 2007, Procter & Gamble (Iams’ parent company) was sued for allegedly misleading consumers about the quality of ingredients in Iams foods. The plaintiffs argued that the food did not meet the “premium” claims made by the company, leading to a settlement and a change in how the brand marketed its products.
4. Alpo by Purina
Why to avoid: Alpo is a low-cost option that contains corn and meat by-products—ingredients that are not optimal for your dog’s health. Corn is a known allergen for many dogs, and it provides little in terms of digestibility and nutritional benefits. Additionally, meat by-products are lower quality, consisting of parts of the animal that are less desirable. Alpo also includes artificial preservatives, which are known to contribute to digestive problems and other health issues.
Legal Issues: Alpo has faced several complaints and class-action lawsuits over the years. In 2011, Purina was sued over allegations that Alpo caused pet health issues, such as kidney failure and gastrointestinal distress, due to the inclusion of low-quality ingredients and harmful chemicals. While the case did not go to trial, it contributed to a growing awareness about the potential risks of feeding your dog low-quality food filled with fillers and preservatives.
5. Beneful by Purina
Why to avoid: Beneful contains corn, wheat, and soy, all of which are problematic for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. These ingredients are commonly used as cheap fillers that don’t offer much in terms of nutrition. Additionally, Beneful contains propylene glycol, which is known to be toxic to dogs. The food’s low-quality ingredients and artificial preservatives are linked to obesity, digestive issues, and even cancer in some cases.
Legal Issues: Purina was sued in 2015 by several pet owners who claimed that Beneful led to severe health issues in their pets, including liver failure, vomiting, and diarrhea. The lawsuit alleged that Beneful contained mycotoxins (toxic substances produced by mold) and propylene glycol, which contributed to these health issues. Though Purina denied these claims and the lawsuit was eventually dismissed, the controversy led to increased scrutiny of Beneful’s safety. In 2017, Purina settled the lawsuit without admitting liability, but the case raised questions about the ingredients used in the brand’s formulations.
6. Science Diet by Hill’s (Certain Varieties)
Why to avoid: While Hill’s Science Diet is often recommended by veterinarians, some of its formulas contain corn gluten meal, animal by-products, and artificial preservatives like BHA. Corn gluten meal is a filler and not an ideal protein source for dogs, leading to potential digestive issues. Animal by-products are often less digestible and of lower nutritional value. Artificial preservatives have been linked to potential long-term health issues such as cancer and organ damage.
Legal Issues: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the maker of Science Diet, was sued in 2019 after it was revealed that certain batches of Science Diet contained excessive levels of vitamin D, leading to kidney issues in dogs. The lawsuit alleged that the excessive vitamin D levels were not disclosed to consumers and caused severe health problems in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. The company recalled the affected batches, but the lawsuit highlighted the potential risks associated with some of Hill’s products.
7. Royal Canin (Certain Varieties)
Why to avoid: Royal Canin is known for its breed-specific formulas, but many of its products rely on corn and by-products as primary ingredients. These fillers offer little nutritional value and can lead to digestive problems and allergies. Additionally, some formulas contain artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT, which are known to be harmful to pets’ health over time.
Legal Issues: Royal Canin has not been the subject of major lawsuits. However, in 2015, a number of complaints were filed by pet owners who claimed that Royal Canin’s food caused gastrointestinal issues and allergies in their dogs. While no lawsuits have directly targeted the brand, these concerns have led some pet owners to question the quality of the ingredients used in Royal Canin products. The company has responded by reformulating some of their products, but it remains under scrutiny by some pet owners.
8. Ol’ Roy
Why to avoid: Ol’ Roy is a highly affordable dog food brand filled with corn, soy, and animal by-products, which are low-quality, hard-to-digest ingredients. Corn is a cheap filler that contributes little to the overall health of your dog, while animal by-products can include undesirable parts of the animal that offer limited nutritional value. Ol’ Roy also contains artificial colors and preservatives, which are linked to various health problems, including allergic reactions and behavioral issues.
Legal Issues: Ol’ Roy has not faced a significant class-action lawsuit, but it has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints over the years. Pet owners have reported health issues such as skin irritation, digestive upset, and obesity after feeding their dogs Ol’ Roy. While the brand is marketed as affordable, the risks associated with low-quality ingredients make it a poor choice for long-term health.
9. Taste of the Wild (Certain Varieties)
Why to avoid: Taste of the Wild is often considered a natural, grain-free option, but it contains peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, which have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in certain dog breeds. DCM is a heart condition that can be aggravated by a diet high in legumes. Though the FDA has not conclusively linked Taste of the Wild to DCM, it is better to be cautious, particularly if your dog has a breed predisposed to the condition.
Legal Issues: Taste of the Wild has faced legal scrutiny due to its potential connection to DCM. In 2018, a class-action lawsuit was filed by dog owners alleging that the high levels of peas and legumes in the food could be contributing to heart disease in pets. While the lawsuit is still ongoing, the FDA has included Taste of the Wild in its broader investigation into the potential links between grain-free diets and DCM.
10. Merrick Grain-Free Dog Food (Certain Varieties)
Why to avoid: Merrick’s grain-free formulas often contain high levels of peas, lentils, and potatoes, which are thought to contribute to the rise of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some dogs. Some studies have raised concerns about the relationship between grain-free foods and heart disease, particularly for breeds genetically predisposed to DCM.
Legal Issues: Merrick has not been directly sued in connection with DCM, but it has been part of the FDA’s investigation into grain-free diets. Merrick is frequently listed among the brands being reviewed for their potential role in contributing to heart disease. Although no lawsuits have been filed against Merrick as of now, the ongoing investigation into DCM has led to growing concerns among pet owners and veterinarians.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best food for your dog, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients, manufacturing processes, and any potential legal issues that could arise. Many of the brands listed above have faced criticism, complaints, or even lawsuits due to low-quality ingredients, harmful additives, or misleading marketing practices. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, and carefully research the brand and formula you’re considering. Your dog’s health is worth the investment in high-quality food!