If you feed Blue Buffalo items to your dog, you should carefully read the label. According to a new lawsuit, the company’s dog feeds contain dangerously high levels of lead, a hazardous element that can cause major health problems in both dogs and people.
What Is the Purpose of the Lawsuit?
A California lady named Vladi Zakinov filed the case in June 2017 after purchasing Blue Buffalo dog chow for her 4-year-old Cocker Spaniel called Coco. She claims that after consuming the food, Coco suffered renal problems and other ailments and that she had to pay hundreds of dollars in veterinarian fees.
The lawsuit alleges that Blue Buffalo knowingly sold dog food that contained lead levels far above the acceptable limits federal and state authorities set. It also accuses the company of false advertising, breach of warranty, and negligence.
The lawsuit specifically names three Blue Buffalo dog foods:
-Blue Wilderness Chicken Recipe for Adult Small Breed Dogs.
-Blue Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Adult Dogs of Small Breeds.
-Blue Basics Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Adult Dog Recipe.
According to the lawsuit, independent lab testing of these products found that they contained lead levels ranging from 140 to 840 parts per billion (ppb). For comparison, the FDA’s maximum allowable level of lead in bottled water is 5 ppb, and the EPA’s limit for drinking water is 15 ppb.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status, meaning it could represent thousands of other consumers who bought the same products and whose dogs may have been harmed by them.
What Does Blue Buffalo Have to Say?
Blue Buffalo has refuted the charges and has promised to fight them in court. According to the company, it tests every batch of its products for lead and other impurities and that its products meet or exceed all federal and state quality and safety regulations.
In addition, the firm stated that it had received no reports of illness or injury from its customers or veterinarians as a result of the goods specified in the case.
The action was also dismissed by a judge in 2018, but the plaintiff was allowed to file an amended complaint, according to Blue Buffalo. The business anticipates that the updated complaint will be dismissed as well.
What Should You Do If You Feed Blue Buffalo to Your Dog?
If you are concerned about your dog’s health and safety, you should seek guidance from your veterinarian on what type of food to feed your dog. Check the label of your dog food to see whether it matches any of the items mentioned in the lawsuit.
If you feel your dog has been exposed to high levels of lead or has acquired lead poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, seizures, or behavioral problems, you should seek emergency veterinary assistance.