Pet Food Recall Lawsuit: Consumer Reports Finds Excess Vitamin D in Pedigree, Mars Petcare Faces Legal Action

Did you know that what you’re feeding your beloved dog might not be as safe as you think? A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has brought to light a concerning issue: excessive levels of vitamin D in Pedigree’s Complete Nutrition Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable dog food. This discovery has led to a Pet Food Recall Lawsuit against Mars Petcare, the manufacturer of Pedigree, raising serious questions about pet food safety and manufacturer responsibility.

The Consumer Reports Investigation

In February 2025, Consumer Reports published the results of their testing on various pet food products. Among those tested was Pedigree’s Complete Nutrition Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable formula. The findings revealed that this particular dog food contained more than four times the allowed level of vitamin D.

According to the report, the tested kibble contained an average of 14,282 IU/kg of vitamin D. This is more than 28 times the minimum maintenance amount and 4.8 times the maximum amount permitted by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Why is Excess Vitamin D a Problem?

While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, helping them regulate calcium and phosphorus balance, too much of it can be toxic. Excessive vitamin D can lead to a range of health issues, including:

Vomiting
Weight loss
Excessive drooling
Diarrhea
Increased thirst and urination
Inappetence
Kidney failure

In severe cases, vitamin D toxicity can even be fatal.

The Lawsuit Against Mars Petcare

Following the Consumer Reports findings, a lawsuit was filed against Mars Petcare on May 2, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that Mars Petcare falsely advertised its Pedigree Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken & Vegetable Dog Kibble as a “100% Complete & Balanced” diet for dogs, despite the presence of dangerously high levels of vitamin D.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that they purchased the Pedigree dog food under the belief that it was nutritionally balanced and suitable as the sole diet for their dogs. However, after feeding their dogs the contaminated kibble, their pets experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

The lawsuit accuses Mars Petcare of violating consumer protection laws, including false advertising and breach of express warranty. The plaintiffs are seeking damages on behalf of themselves and other similarly affected consumers.

Mars Petcare’s Response

In response to the Consumer Reports findings, Mars Petcare stated that they conducted a thorough review of the referenced Pedigree product batch and confirmed that their products are safe. However, this statement has not deterred the legal action against the company.

Previous Recalls and Concerns

This isn’t the first time Mars Petcare has faced issues related to pet food safety. In May 2024, the company voluntarily recalled its PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food due to the potential presence of loose metal pieces.

Additionally, in January 2021, Mars Petcare UK recalled a limited number of Pedigree and Chappie products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.

These past incidents, coupled with the current lawsuit, raise concerns about Mars Petcare’s quality control processes and the safety of their pet food products.

What Can You Do?

If you’ve been feeding your dog Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable dog food, here are some steps you can take:

Consult your veterinarian: Discuss your concerns with your vet and have your dog examined for any signs of vitamin D toxicity.
Discontinue use: Stop feeding your dog the affected Pedigree dog food immediately.
Monitor your dog’s health: Keep a close eye on your dog for any symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or increased thirst and urination.
Consider joining the lawsuit: If your dog has suffered health issues after consuming the contaminated Pedigree dog food, you may be eligible to join the class-action lawsuit against Mars Petcare. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your legal options.
Report to the FDA: You can report any adverse events related to pet food to the FDA.

Choosing Safe Pet Food

The recent Pet Food Recall Lawsuit highlights the importance of choosing safe and nutritious food for your pets. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:

Read labels carefully: Pay attention to the ingredient list and nutritional information.
Look for AAFCO statements: Choose pet foods that meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Consult your veterinarian: Your vet can provide personalized recommendations based on your pet’s individual needs.
Research brands: Look into the pet food brands and check if they have had recalls.
Consider fresh or homemade options: If you have the time and resources, you can prepare fresh or homemade meals for your pet under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.

Legal Options for Affected Pet Owners

If your dog has been affected by contaminated pet food, you may have legal recourse. A pet food lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, including:

Filing a lawsuit: You may be able to file a lawsuit against the pet food manufacturer to recover damages for your pet’s injuries and related expenses.
Joining a class action: If a class-action lawsuit has already been filed, you may be able to join the suit as a class member.
Negotiating a settlement: An attorney can negotiate with the pet food company to reach a fair settlement.

Conclusion

The Pet Food Recall Lawsuit against Mars Petcare serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly safe pet food products. By staying informed, consulting with your veterinarian, and taking appropriate legal action when necessary, you can protect your furry friends from harm and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.