By Millions of pet owners have reached for a bag of Greenies dental chews without a second thought. They’re sold in almost every pet store, recommended by some veterinarians, and marketed as a simple way to keep your dog’s teeth clean. But behind that bright green packaging is a legal and safety history that most dog owners never hear about.
This article covers the Greenies lawsuit in full — from the early reports of dog deaths, through the FDA investigation, to the class-action settlement and what it means if your dog eats these treats today.
How the Greenies Lawsuit Started
Greenies were originally produced by S&M NuTec and launched as one of the first mainstream dental chews for dogs. The green, toothbrush-shaped treats carried the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which gave pet owners confidence. By 2005, annual sales had reached $340 million, making Greenies one of the best-selling dog treats in the country.
The first signs of trouble came through individual veterinarians reporting something unusual: dogs coming in with gastrointestinal blockages caused by partially digested Greenies. The treats, marketed as completely digestible, were not breaking down the way the company claimed.
In November 2005, Michael Eastwood and Jenny Reiff filed a $5 million lawsuit in New York after their Miniature Dachshund, Burt, died following emergency surgery. A veterinary surgeon removed 3.5 feet of Burt’s small intestine along with a spongy green mass that had expanded inside his body. It was not an isolated incident.
The FDA Investigation and What It Found
By March 2006, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) had confirmed 35 complaints tied to Greenies, involving 34 dogs and one cat. Media reports at the time pointed to at least 13 dog deaths. This triggered a formal regulatory investigation — a significant step for a consumer pet product.
Dr. Brendan McKiernan, a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, was among the loudest critics. He had personally treated six esophageal blockage cases and three intestinal obstructions that he linked directly to Greenies. One veterinarian’s compiled data showed Greenies were the third leading cause of esophageal blockages in dogs nationally — behind only bones and fish hooks.
During a February 2006 press teleconference, Greenies founder Joe Roetheli acknowledged the company had compensated or reimbursed veterinary costs for as many as 20 fatalities connected to the treats. The company maintained the incident rate was one in every 8.1 million treats sold — but that number did little to comfort grieving pet owners.
Greenies Lawsuit Timeline
- 2005 — First individual lawsuit filed in New York; media begins covering dog deaths linked to Greenies.
- February 2006 — FDA opens investigation; S&M NuTec updates product labeling.
- March 2006 — FDA’s CVM confirms 35 adverse event reports. Multiple class-action filings begin.
- 2006 — Mars Petcare acquires Greenies from S&M NuTec. Product reformulation begins.
- September 2007 — U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner approves a confidential class-action settlement. Terms sealed.
- August 2024 — Mars Petcare quietly settles a second class-action lawsuit, filed over injuries and deaths occurring after the reformulation.
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What Are the Side Effects of Greenies for Dogs?
The core risk with Greenies — both old and new formulations — is improper chewing. Dogs that gulp or swallow large chunks without breaking them down face the following documented risks:
- Esophageal blockage — A piece lodges between the throat and stomach, causing choking, gagging, or complete obstruction.
- Gastrointestinal obstruction — A chunk reaches the intestines and fails to digest, requiring emergency surgery.
- Vomiting and lethargy — Common early warning signs of a blockage or digestive reaction.
- Allergic reactions — Greenies contain wheat gluten; dogs with wheat or grain sensitivities may develop skin issues, ear infections, or digestive upset.
- Constipation or bowel changes — Some dogs show disrupted bowel patterns after consuming Greenies, particularly if given too frequently.
Why Are Greenies Bad for Dogs — And When Are They Safe?
“Bad” is not the whole story. Greenies are genuinely effective at reducing plaque and tartar — studies commissioned by the manufacturer showed a 64% reduction in calculus buildup. The VOHC seal is not handed out arbitrarily. For many dogs, particularly those that chew methodically, Greenies have caused no problems over years of use.
The danger emerges with specific dogs and circumstances. Small breeds, fast eaters, and dogs prone to swallowing food whole are higher-risk candidates. Using the wrong size treat amplifies the risk considerably — a Petite Greenie in the wrong dog’s mouth is not simply ineffective; it can be dangerous.
Some veterinarians advise supervision during treat time and sizing up — giving a dog one size larger than their weight chart suggests so they have to work harder and break the treat into smaller pieces. Others avoid recommending Greenies altogether for gulping breeds.
Greenies Lawsuit Settlement — What Happened?
The 2007 class-action settlement was approved by U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner after plaintiffs and the makers of Greenies jointly requested dismissal. The specific financial terms were kept confidential, as is common in class-action settlements of this type. Mars Petcare, which had acquired the brand mid-lawsuit, neither admitted fault nor conceded that the product was unsafe.
What the settlement did produce: a reformulated product, updated packaging with clearer size guidance and supervision warnings, and a commitment to ongoing digestibility testing. For many families who lost pets, none of that felt like enough — but it shifted how the entire dental treat category was manufactured.
Then in August 2024, Mars Petcare settled a second class-action lawsuit — this one covering incidents that allegedly occurred after the 2006 reformulation. The 2024 settlement confirmed that the product’s risks did not disappear with the formula change. Terms were again not publicly disclosed.
Countries Affected by the Greenies Lawsuit
The legal actions were filed and prosecuted in the United States, where Greenies has its largest market. The class-action lawsuits were U.S.-based proceedings under federal and state consumer protection frameworks.
However, Greenies are distributed in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and across the EU through Mars Petcare’s global distribution network. Pet owners in those markets have reported similar adverse events through local veterinary systems, though no equivalent multi-party lawsuit reached settlement status outside the U.S. during the primary litigation period.
Is Greenies Good for Dogs Today?
The reformulated Greenies are safer than the original product — that much appears true based on the digestibility testing Mars Petcare conducted post-acquisition. Veterinary opinions, however, remain split.
If your dog chews treats slowly and thoroughly, falls in a standard weight range for the size you’re purchasing, and has no wheat sensitivity or history of digestive issues, Greenies present a relatively low risk and a documented dental health benefit.
If your dog inhales food, is a small or toy breed, has a sensitive stomach, or has ever had digestive surgery — the risk-to-benefit calculation changes. A conversation with your vet, using your dog’s specific profile rather than general marketing claims, is the right starting point.
Final Takeaway
The Greenies lawsuit is not ancient history. Two separate class-action settlements — one in 2007, one in 2024 — tell a story of a product that caused real harm and that continues to carry real risk for the wrong dog. The reformulation helped. The updated packaging helped. But a 2024 settlement happening 18 years after the original FDA investigation suggests the problem was never fully solved.
The question isn’t whether Greenies are categorically safe or unsafe. The question is whether they’re the right choice for your specific dog. That’s a decision worth making with full information — not just a bag and a TV ad.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or veterinary advice. While it discusses the history of legal actions and reported safety concerns surrounding Greenies dental treats, it is not an exhaustive record of all litigation or scientific data. Individual dog health needs vary significantly; always consult with a qualified veterinarian before introducing new treats or supplements into your pet’s diet, especially if your dog has a history of digestive issues or is a “gulping” breed. The mention of specific lawsuits and settlements is based on documented reports and does not imply current fault or liability beyond the terms of those legal agreements.