Misleading “No Artificial Preservatives” Claims in Pet Food: What Pet Owners Should Know

Pet owners go to great lengths to give their furry companions the very best. That often means paying more for pet foods labeled “natural,” “preservative-free,” or “not artificially preserved.” 

But what if some of those claims aren’t true?

Morgan & Morgan is investigating several major pet food brands that may have misled consumers with deceptive “No Artificial Preservatives” labels. Our goal is simple: to protect consumers from false advertising and hold companies accountable when their marketing doesn’t match reality.

What We’re Investigating

Our attorneys are currently reviewing claims that a number of pet food brands, including those sold under well-known names like Costco Kirkland Signature, Hill’s Science Diet, Blue Buffalo, Iams, Sheba, Stella & Chewy’s, The Honest Kitchen, Jinx, and ACANA, may have falsely advertised their products as free from artificial preservatives.

While the ingredients in question are generally recognized as safe, the concern is truth in labeling. If these foods do, in fact, contain artificial preservatives or have been treated with preservative agents, then pet owners may have paid premium prices for products that were not as “natural” as promised.

Some of the claims under investigation include:

• “No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives”
• “Not Artificially Preserved”
• “No … artificial preservatives”
• “0% Artificial Preservatives”

If these statements are inaccurate, it’s an illegal breach of consumer trust.

Why It Matters to Pet Owners

Consumers today value transparency. When a label says a product is “preservative-free,” most people take that at face value and are willing to spend more to avoid artificial additives. These claims can influence buying decisions, especially for conscientious pet parents who want to provide the healthiest food possible for their animals.

But when a company uses misleading or exaggerated claims to gain a competitive edge, it’s consumers who lose. Deceptive marketing erodes trust, skews the marketplace, and violates state and federal laws that protect against false advertising.

Even if these preservatives aren’t dangerous, the principle still matters: pet owners deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for.

The Legal Issue: Misrepresentation and False Advertising

This investigation is not about whether these products are safe to feed your pet but rather whether consumers were misled.

Under consumer protection laws, companies cannot advertise a product as having certain qualities if it doesn’t. Claims like “No Artificial Preservatives” carry a clear meaning to consumers, and if testing or documentation shows those claims are inaccurate, that could amount to false advertising.

Morgan & Morgan’s investigation seeks to determine whether these companies:

• Misrepresented the presence of artificial preservatives.
• Charged a premium price based on misleading “preservative-free” claims.
• Violated consumer protection or false advertising laws.
   

If so, affected pet owners may be entitled to compensation.

How to Get Involved

If you’ve purchased one or more of the following pet food brands based on their “No Artificial Preservatives” claims, you may have been misled:

• Costco Kirkland Signature Pate Wet Dog & Cat Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Dog & Cat Food
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
• Jinx brand dog foods
• Iams Proactive Health Dog Food
• Sheba Perfect Portions Cat Food
• Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend Dry Dog Food
• The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain & Grain-Free Clusters / Essential Clusters
• ACANA Dry Dog Foods
   

You can join our investigation or learn more by contacting Morgan & Morgan. Our consumer protection attorneys are reviewing these claims to determine whether a class action lawsuit may be appropriate.

Standing Up for Truth in Advertising

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe companies should be held to the promises they make, especially when those promises come with a price tag. Pet owners have the right to trust that what’s on the label reflects what’s in the bag.

If you bought one of these “No Artificial Preservatives” pet foods, you may be eligible to join our ongoing investigation. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.