Mars sued over Greenies ‘#1 Vet Recommended’ claim

Netherlands-based Paragon Pet Products Europe B.V. has filed a lawsuit accusing Mars Inc. of deceiving and misleading dog owners with a claim that its Greenies dental chews are the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew.”
Paragon says the claim is unsubstantiated and false. A footnote on the back panel of the packaging suggests that Greenies is not, in fact, recommended by most or even a plurality of veterinarians.
On July 20, the judge hearing the case in the Southern District of New York – Paul A. Engelmayer – granted Paragon’s application for an order directing Mars to produce “all substantiation (e.g., documents, reports, studies, data, emails, and so forth” for the claim, “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew.” A hearing has been set for July 28 to consider next steps – including Paragon’s request for preliminary injunctive relief against Mars.
Paragon manufactures and sells Whimzees dental chews in competition with Greenies dental chews. Paragon’s complaint seeks an injunction requiring Mars to halt further use of the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim, to offer refunds to deceived purchasers of Greenies dental chews, and to correct and abate prior false advertising statements, including by correction or recall of Greenies retail packaging which contains the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim. Paragon is also seeking monetary relief.
 The complaint is Paragon Pet Products Europe B.V. vs. Mars Inc.

GREENIES Brand to host Pet Oral Health Event August 4-5

The GREENIES Brand, makers of pet dental chews and treats, will host its third annual GREENIES Pet Oral Health Event at Petco stores on Saturday, August 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, August 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Through this oral health how-to event, pet parents will learn how to help keep their pets' mouths healthy from GREENIES representatives and will receive coupons for GREENIES Brand dental chews and treats. The event will focus on at-home preventative dental care for pets, such as daily tooth brushing.
"Pet parents must realize that pets are not that different from humans in that they require daily oral care," said veterinary dental expert, Dr. Jan Bellows, incoming president of the American Veterinary Dental College. "The GREENIES Pet Oral Health Event is a great opportunity for pet parents to become more informed on how to care for their pets' mouths at home, and when and why they should seek the advice of their veterinarian."

Greenies works to promote pet oral health

The Greenies Brand, makers of pet dental treats, is working to educate pet owners on the importance of providing daily preventative oral care to their pet.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal disease affects three-fourths of dogs and cats over age three, and is often a result of the pet owner's failure to provide daily oral care. A study published in the AVMA Journal found disease and inflamed gums to be associated with inflammatory effects in other parts of the pet's body. When treated, the study found that the pet's systematic reactions lessened.

"Gum disease, which research tells us can affect more than just a pet’s mouth, is initiated by plaque accumulating on teeth and not being cleaned,” said Dr. Jan Bellows, veterinary dental specialist and incoming president of the American Veterinary Dental College. “The good news is every pet parent has the power to keep their pet’s teeth clean and gums healthy. It starts with daily at-home oral care with brushing or Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved dental products. And each pet should have a veterinary oral exam at least annually with professional cleanings as advised.” 
The Greenies Brand says it is trying to make it easier for pet owners to provide this at-home oral care by offering special holiday packaging for its pet oral health products as many pet owners select holiday gifts for their pets.

Greenies, Petco to promote pet oral health Nov. 13-14

Greenies will partner with Petco for the Greenies Pet Oral Health Event taking place November 13 and 14.
The event will be held at Petco stores across the US on Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will emphasize the importance of regular professional oral care by a veterinarian, as well as at-home preventive care through daily tooth brushing. Pet owners attending the event will also receive product coupons redeemable at Petco.

Greenies hosts pet smile contest

Greenies will hold its second-annual “Show Us Your Pet's Healthy Smile” contest, an initiative dedicated to educating pet owners on the importance of daily oral care for their pets.

Greenies restricted to veterinarians, specialty retailers

Nutro Products Inc. has restricted the sale of Greenies, canine and feline dental chews, to veterinary hospitals and pet specialty retailers, according to a FAQ section on Nutro’s Web site.
Pet owners suggested that the treats were too difficult to digest because when some pets swallowed the chews whole, the treats became lodged in the pets’ throats.
However, the company created a new Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved, 96% digestible formula for the chews in 2006. Since the reformulation, no problems with the chews have been reported.
The Web site stated the reason for the restriction: “Each of the five sizes [of Greenies] is specially formulated to deliver the maximum dental benefit to each weight range.”
“Pet medical professionals at veterinary hospitals and well-trained, knowledgeable staff at pet specialty stores are best equipped to ... make the right recommendation,” Carolyn Hanigan, vice president of marketing at Nutro.