Recently, some negative statements have appeared on various blogs concerning Purina’s Beneful brand dog food. These allegations and misleading statements indicate that the product may cause specific problems, ranging from basic vomiting and diarrhea to death. These statements are not backed by any scientific studies, and the conditions described in the postings are amongst the most common conditions seen in everyday veterinary practice.

When a pet is sick, pet owners often look first to the pet’s food as the cause. However, it is rare that their food is responsible for the illness.

I’ve read through many of the current comments regarding Beneful and believe they do not provide any evidenced-based rationale for making such claims.  Some of the comments mention illness resulting from a “one time feeding,” which in itself could be the cause of the gastro-intestinal symptoms described. A pet’s food should not be changed abruptly. Instead, whenever a new food is introduced, it should be mixed with the previous food on a gradual basis, over a period of a week to 10 days, to help prevent such symptoms from occurring.  Other claims are that the dog suffered from chronic weight loss, or even death, but from these internet descriptions, it seems possible that these animals were ill to begin with and thus the diet (Beneful or otherwise) likely had nothing to do with the illness.

I have been a practicing veterinarian for over 40 years, specializing in small animal internal medicine and cardiology. During this period I also have participated in numerous pharmaceutical and food trials as well as writing scientific papers on the results of these clinical studies.  I edit and am a contributing author of the Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, a book used throughout the world by veterinary students and clinicians for up-to-date, timely and peer-reviewed information on veterinary medicine, including nutritional aspects of medicine.

While in practice, I have trained externs (preveterinary school graduates), interns (first year veterinary graduates) and residents (graduates pursuing a specialty). One of the hallmarks of the training (and that at accredited veterinary institutions) is the need to look for empirical evidence regarding statements made about diseases, drug therapies, surgical techniques and nutritional requirements. To lay blame on one particular product without substantial studies as proof of claim is inappropriate and misguided.

As someone who has worked in the industry for years, including work with Purina, I have been impressed with Purina’s quality and safety standards. Purina pet food products are made under rigorous quality supervision. Prior to making accusations that may be unfounded, it is first necessary to investigate the actual cause of a dog’s illness.  Veterinary scientists can help to identify causes of illness and death and should be consulted for their expertise before making broad statements that have not been shown to have a scientific basis.

I do agree that ANY abnormalities noted by pet owners should be brought to the attention of their veterinarian, and any concerns with a particular product should immediately be brought to the attention of the manufacturer so that information can be collected and products appropriately monitored. The veterinarian and the pet owner then can decide whether to contact the FDA, as well. To date there has been no evidence that Beneful has caused any problems when fed to dogs. Poison control groups have not expressed any concerns, nor has the FDA.

As a final remark, I might mention that my own dog, Katie, a happy, healthy 8-year-old Newfoundland has been fed Beneful virtually all of her life. I feed her Beneful because she is a very fussy eater and has refused every other dry food we have tried. Neither cost, nor for that matter, contents are the reason for her getting this food, but rather her own preference. Until I am aware of there being a real reason to discontinue any pet food product made under such rigorous standards and controls, I will continue to feed her the product she chooses to eat.

Dr. Stephen Ettinger is a world-renowned veterinarian with more than 40 years of experience in the veterinary care industry. His areas of expertise include small animal veterinary internal medicine, small animal cardiology, hospital management and professional veterinary development. He continues to practice small animal medicine and works with a number of animal health companies, including serving as the Nestlé Purina Fellow in Veterinary Medicine and as a spokesperson for Purina Care pet insurance.