Friskies Class Action: Cat Treats Contain Preservatives, Consumers Claim

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Purina's Friskies Party Mix cat treats contain preservatives despite being labeled as having "No Preservatives."

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Friskies Party Mix Natural Yums cat treats.

Court: Circuit Court of Dupage County, Illinois Law Division

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is accused of misleading consumers with its Friskies Party Mix Natural Yums cat treats. Marketed as having “No Artificial Flavors Colors or Preservatives,” the treats are alleged to contain synthetic ingredients that act as preservatives, according to a recent class action lawsuit.

Friskies Cat Treats Contain Preservatives Despite Label

The complaint highlights citric acid and phosphoric acid as the ingredients in question. Both are commonly used in food products to extend shelf life. Citric acid lowers pH levels, reducing bacterial and fungal growth, while phosphoric acid inhibits microbial activity by increasing acidity. These functions, the filing states, classify them as preservatives regardless of their intended purpose.

Plaintiff Ryan Most claims he purchased the treats from a PetSmart earlier this year, relying on the packaging’s preservative-free claim. He alleges that he and other consumers paid a premium for what they believed was a superior product, unaware of the presence of these synthetic compounds.

“Consumers expect product labels to be truthful and accurate, especially when it comes to pet food,” the complaint asserts. The filing argues that the label contradicts the actual composition of the treats, leaving buyers unable to make informed decisions about the ingredients in the products they purchase for their pets.

According to the filing, Purina’s use of citric acid and phosphoric acid directly undermines the “No Preservatives” label. The plaintiff contends that these substances perform the same functions as traditional preservatives, despite not being explicitly labeled as such.

Other Pet Food Companies Face Similar Lawsuits Over Labeling

This legal action follows other recent lawsuits targeting pet food labeling. A separate case filed last week accused Merrick Pet Care of advertising products as “natural” while containing synthetic ingredients.

In the Friskies class action, Most aims to represent a nationwide class of individuals affected by what he describes as deceptive marketing practices. He is asking the court to hold Purina accountable for allegedly misleading claims, provide refunds to affected consumers, and mandate changes to the product labeling.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Most v. Nestle Purina Petcare Company
• Case Number: 1:24-cv-12206
• Court: Circuit Court of Dupage County, Illinois Law Division

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Todd M. Friedman and Steven G. Perry (Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman)

Do you give your cat Friskies Party Mix treats? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.