Rachael Ray Dog Food Recall 2025 – Full List & Safety Guide

Rachael Ray Nutrish Pet Food Class Action Review

Who:
A class action lawsuit settlement process was filed against Post Consumer Brands LLC by plaintiff Sevk Krikorian.

Why:
Krikorian argues that Post Consumer Brands falsely advertises its Rachael Ray Nutrish pet food products as being preservative-free.

Where:
The Rachael Ray Pet Food Class Action lawsuit was filed in a California federal court.

Detailed:

A new nationwide consumer class action lawsuit alleges that Post Consumer Brands falsely advertises its Rachael Ray Nutrish pet food products as preservative-free. Plaintiff Sevk Krikorian claims that, despite these claims, the products contain artificially produced citric acid — meaning they are not truly preservative-free.

Krikorian states that he represents a subset of consumers in California and nationwide who purchased Rachael Ray pet food products within the past four years. The lawsuit alleges that Post Consumer Brands intentionally misled consumers into believing the products were preservative-free and safe, allowing them to charge a premium price.

The Rachael Ray pet food class action lawsuit argues that consumers were misled.

“Defendants know that consumers are willing to pay a premium for natural, healthy products,” the lawsuit claims. “The Rachael Ray pet food class action alleges that the company advertises its products with the intent to induce consumers to believe the challenged representations made on the front of the product packaging.”

Krikorian alleges that Post Consumer Brands’ mismanagement allowed the company to maintain an unfair competitive advantage over its “lawfully operating” competitors.

He further argues that Post Consumer Brands engaged in breach of express warranties, unjust enrichment, and violated the Unfair Competition Law case California, False Advertising Law, and Consumer Legal Remedies Act.

Krikorian seeks a jury trial and an award of declaratory, compensatory, and injunctive relief, along with statutory and punitive damages for all class members.

This is the latest in a series of class action lawsuits alleging that “natural” pet food companies have falsely advertised their products. These lawsuits target major brands, including Mars Pet Care, Merck Pet Care, and Wellness Pet Company, which are accused of using a variety of synthetic ingredients despite their marketing claims.

Do you believe the allegations made in this pet food class action lawsuit settlement process? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Walter Malkhasian and Eric Pogosian of Malk & Pogosian Law Group LLP are representing the plaintiffs.

What do you think about the allegations made in this pet food class action lawsuit? Post Consumer Brands LLC, case number 2:25-cv-02122, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Customer Testimonials

Rachael Ray’s pet food brand has faced multiple recalls and has been involved in several lawsuits. Reports claim that her dog food has been linked to heart disease, contains glyphosate, and may include other potentially harmful ingredients. Worst of all, there was even a dog food recall related to excessive vitamin D levels.

I won’t speculate further, but personally, I don’t trust this brand.

This is just one of many sources:
https://www.petful.com/brands/nutrish/

About Rachael Ray Dog Food

The Rachael Ray Nutrish brand was founded in 2008, inspired by celebrity chef Rachael Ray’s desire to create wholesome dog food recipes for her beloved Pitbull, Isaboo. Originally part of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, the brand was acquired by The J.M. Smucker Company in 2019. Smucker also owns other well-known pet brands, including Milk-Bone, Milo’s Kitchen, Meow Mix, and Nature’s Recipe.

Nutrish began with just a few dog food recipes but has grown significantly over the years. Today, the brand offers a wide range of dry and wet dog foods, as well as dog treats, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Ingredient Sourcing United States Only

Rachael Ray Nutrish sources its ingredients primarily from U.S.-based suppliers, though sourcing may vary depending on availability. All dry dog food is manufactured by Big Heart Pet Brands, headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, a division of The J.M. Smucker Company.

While Nutrish dry dog food is developed and produced in the United States, its wet food products are manufactured in Thailand.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Recall History and Lawsuits

Rachael Ray Nutrish has experienced a few notable recalls and legal challenges:

• 2015 Rachael Ray Dog Food Recall – The brand’s wet cat food was recalled due to excessive levels of vitamin D, which can be toxic contaminants in dog food to both cats and dogs when consumed in large amounts.

• 2019 Recall Rachaek Ray Dog Food – Several grain-free dog food brands were recalled by the FDA amid concerns about a potential link to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Nutrish’s grain-free recipes were among the products included.

In addition to Rachael Ray dog food recalls, Nutrish faced a 2018 class-action lawsuit filed by consumer Markeath Parks, who alleged that the “natural” label on Nutrish products was a misleading natural pet food label because the food contained trace amounts of glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide.

The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in April 2019, with the court ruling that the glyphosate levels were negligible and unlikely to harm dogs or mislead reasonable consumers. Parks later appealed and amended the lawsuit, but it was dismissed again.

Key Takeaway
While recalls and lawsuits have occurred, they highlight the importance of staying informed about what we feed our pets. Dog owners should always research brands, check ingredient lists before buying carefully, and choose foods that meet their pets’ health needs. Packaging and marketing claims can be persuasive, but due diligence ensures your dog’s diet is both safe and nutritious.

Rachael Ray’s Dog Food Brand, Nutrish, Sued Over Glyphosate Contamination Claims

Rachael Ray’s dog food brand, Nutrish, has come under fire after being sued over alleged contamination with glyphosate, a widely used lawn chemical.

The Nutrish brand is marketed as “natural food for dogs.” Initially manufactured by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, the brand was purchased by J.M. Smucker Co. for approximately $2 billion.

Bronx resident Markeith Parks, the plaintiff in this case, claims — as outlined in court documents — that Rachael Ray’s “natural” claims are false, deceptive, and misleading on the food label.

“The problem is that the products are not ‘natural.’ The products contain a powerful biocide — the unnatural chemical glyphosate — and an endocrine disruptor. These have well-known harmful health effects,” the lawsuit states.

Court filings allege that glyphosate — the active ingredient in glyphosate weed killers such as Roundup — was detected in Nutrish products by an independent laboratory. Glyphosate is classified as an herbicide and is not considered safe for consumption.

In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified glyphosate as a probable human and animal carcinogen. Additional studies have linked glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a cancer affecting the lymphatic and immune systems.

Bobby Modi, vice president of pet food safety testing protocols and pet products for J.M. Smucker, stated in response to the lawsuit:

“Roundup and related glyphosate-based products are not safe for human consumption. We plan to aggressively contest these claims because, as animal lovers and human beings, we do not include pesticides as ingredients in our products. We are confident that the non-GMO natutral per foods claim we make are safe.”

However, the lawsuit argues that Parks does not know the exact source of glyphosate contamination in dog food but speculates it may come from soy or peas used in the recipes.

Parks’ filing further compares this alleged contamination to the 2007 melamine pet food scandal, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of pets and the recall of over 150 pet food products. Pets suffered kidney failure after consuming melamine-tainted food. [1]

Cornucopia, a competitor in the pet food space, has highlighted its own record:

“We have never had a dog food recall rachael ray at Cornucopia, and we take pride in making healthy, natural dog foods. See the difference at Cornucopia Pet Foods.”

Concerns About J.M. Smucker Co.

Rachael Ray sold Nutrish to J.M. Smucker Co. in February 2018 for $2 billion. Since then, there have been 19 Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food recalls of pet food brands owned by Smucker due to pentobarbital contamination in pet food— a euthanasia drug in dog food.

On March 2, 2018, the FDA grain-free dog food recall confirmed the presence of pentobarbital in certain Smucker-owned pet food brands, including Gravy Train, Kibbles ’N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy. [2]

Federal law classifies pentobarbital as a controlled substance that should only be handled by licensed veterinarians. Consumption of pentobarbital contamination in pet food may cause:

• Dizziness

• Agitation

• Drowsiness

• Nausea

• Loss of balance

• Nystagmus (rapid eye movement)

• Inability to stand

• Coma or death in severe cases

References

[1] Medicine, Center for Veterinary. “Recalls & Withdrawals – Melamine Pet Food Recall – Frequently Asked Questions.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/ucm129932.htm.

[2] Medicine, Center for Veterinary. “News & Events – FDA Alerts Pet Owners About Potential Pentobarbital Contamination in Canned Dog Food Manufactured by The J.M. Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy Products of the Smucker Company.” U.S.  Food and Drug Administration, www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/ucm597135.htm.

[3] “Roundup Weed Killer Cancer Link Litigation.” Carse Law, carselaw.com/dallas-personal-injury-lawyer/roundup-weed-killer-litigation/keyword=glyphosate+dangers&gclid=CjwKCAjw2MTbBRASEiwAdYIpsSs_1k0UvzoNP0xZdeUA4Nvg5VGVa75hoxA-YxPPLP9u1b2TqnQH7RoCXqkQAvD_BwE.

What Nutrish pet foods are mentioned in the lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleges that the following nutrient-rich pet foods, and possibly others, are misleadingly labeled as “natural.”

• Nutritious Indoor Whole Grain Chicken & Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food;

• Nutrish Dish Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food

• Nutrish Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food;

• Nutritional Inner Health Turkey, Salmon & Chickpea Recipe Dry Cat Food;

• Nutritional Longevity Chicken, Salmon & Chickpea Recipe Dry Cat Food

• Nutrish Real Savory Bites Yummy Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Cat Food;

• Nutrish Savory Bites Tasty Salmon & Veggies Recipe Dry Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Chicken Purrcata Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Chicken Lover’s Variety Pack Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Ocean Fish-a-licious Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Shrimp Pawttenesca Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Tuna Purrfection Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Grain Free Ocean Lover’s Variety Pack Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Grain Free Sea-Sational Florentine Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Purrfect Entrées Grain-Free Green Crown Chicken Diner Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Grain Free Fin-Tastic Primavera Wet Cat Food;

• Nutrish Perfect Entrées Grain-Free Variety Pack Wet Cat Food

Who Is Involved in the Lawsuit?

This case applies to anyone in the United States who has purchased any of the products listed on this page for personal, family, or household use (not for resale), as permitted under applicable law.

DNA Content Analysis of Rachael Ray Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food

Court documents filed in April 2020 against Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6® Dog Food include DNA test results (“DNA Content Analysis” – Exhibit A) that reveal disturbing findings about the product’s composition. According to the filing, dog DNA found in pet food was detected in Rachael Ray Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food.

Below is the summarized DNA lab report from Exhibit A:

According to the product label, the main ingredients (excluding supplements) are:
brown rice, lamb meal, dried plain beet pulp, ground rice, natural pork flavor, and chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols).

The lawsuit argues that despite marketing claims of containing “only 6 ingredients,” lab tests revealed additional components — including wheat, corn, soy, and beef — that were not disclosed on the label. This, according to the complaint, constitutes false advertising and a violation of trade dress.

Interestingly, the lawsuit does not emphasize the most shocking result: the detection of dog and horse DNA in the food sample.

The filing also includes a photograph of a bag of Nutrish Just 6 dog food, which allegedly contains “an express warranty signed by Rachael Ray.” Additionally, the lawsuit highlights a statement from the official Nutrish website:

“Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® demands the highest standards of quality and food safety from our suppliers. We maintain rigorous testing to ensure the safety of our products and ingredients.”

These findings raise serious questions about quality control and ingredient sourcing practices in one of the most popular dog food brands in the U.S.

Recall Rachael Ray Dog Food History

As with all our Dog Food reviews, we investigate any recalls on Rachael Ray dog food associated with the products we cover. According to our research, Rachael Ray Nutrish has never been recalled.

Conclusion of Rachael Ray Dog Food Recall

In the end, Rachael Ray Nutrish offers above-average dog food and treats, with none of the recipes manufactured in China. The brand is recognized for using generally high-quality ingredients, though it has faced its share of recalls and customer complaints over the years. Customer satisfaction can vary depending on the specific recipe, so it’s wise to research the individual formulas before purchasing.

If you’re ever unsure about what’s best for your dog, consulting your veterinarian is always the safest way to get expert recommendations and peace of mind.

If you’d like more information about the Dog Food Recall Rachael Ray, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.

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