Pedigree Dog Food Lawsuit: Too Much Vitamin D?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges Pedigree's Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken & Vegetable dry dog food contains dangerously high levels of vitamin D, contradicting its "100% Complete & Balanced" label.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased Pedigree Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken & Vegetable dry dog food.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division

Pedigree dog food is putting pets’ health at risk, despite promising the opposite on its packaging, a new class action lawsuit claims. 

The lawsuit, filed against Mars, Inc., the maker of Pedigree, alleges that its Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken & Vegetable dry dog food contains dangerously high levels of vitamin D, contradicting its prominent label that the kibble is “100% Complete & Balanced.”

According to the complaint, that label led dog owners to believe they were buying a product with all the essential nutrients in safe amounts. But independent lab testing suggests otherwise.

Pedigree Kibble Allegedly Contains Excessive Vitamin D

Helene Attias of New York filed the proposed class action lawsuit after she said she bought the kibble for her dog Lulu in spring 2024, relying on Pedigree’s label and marketing. But after feeding Lulu the product as instructed, her dog experienced vomiting and diarrhea. 

It wasn’t until later, she alleges, that she learned the kibble contained elevated levels of vitamin D—levels that she says should never have made it into a product advertised as balanced and complete.

A second plaintiff, Trisha Nadeau of Michigan, shared a nearly identical story. She purchased the same Pedigree kibble for her dog Sheba in late 2023 and fed it as directed, only for Sheba to fall ill with similar symptoms. 

Both plaintiffs say they wouldn’t have bought the food, or paid a premium for it, had they known it could put their pets at risk.

High Vitamin D Levels Contradict "Complete" Label

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for dogs, but too much of it can be toxic. Because it’s fat-soluble, excess vitamin D builds up in dogs’ systems instead of being flushed out. Overconsumption can lead to symptoms like excessive drooling, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney damage.

In February 2025, Consumer Reports published the results of its independent tests on thousands of pet food products, including three samples of the Pedigree kibble. 

The report found the product contained, on average, over 28 times the minimum maintenance amount of vitamin D and nearly five times higher than the legal maximum set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

The lawsuit claims these levels directly contradict Pedigree’s label and render the food “unbalanced and incomplete”, precisely the opposite of what it promises.

Pet Food Industry Faces Growing Labeling Challenges

The Pedigree lawsuit is just one of several recent cases alleging that pet food companies are misleading consumers with their labeling.

Barkworthies was hit with a lawsuit over its “odor-free” bully sticks, which customers say still reek once used. Meanwhile, a case against ZuPreem argues that its bird food, marketed as “natural,” contains synthetic additives. 

Purina’s “Natural Yums” cat treats are also under scrutiny for allegedly containing preservatives despite claims of having none. And Wellness Pet Company is facing similar backlash over “natural” branding that may not match the ingredient list.

As pet owners grow more label-savvy and ingredient-conscious, these lawsuits highlight rising consumer expectations, and legal risks, for brands marketing their products as healthy, natural, or complete.

In their case against Mars, the plaintiffs want to represent anyone in the US who purchased the allegedly contaminated kibble. They are suing for violations of New York General Business Law and breach of express warranty, and seek damages, interest, costs, and fees.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Attias, et al. v. Mars Petcare Us, Inc.
• Case Number: 3:25-cv-00507
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Mark N. Foster (Law Office Of Mark N. Foster, PLLC)
• Brittany S. Scott (Smith Krivoshey, PC)

Do you feed your dog Pedigree? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your experience below.