Greenie meanies?

A class-action lawsuit was settled Monday by the makers of Greenies, a dog treat that supposedly cleans teeth and freshens breath.

In an article published by the Kansas City Star, the attorney for 10 dog owners said the case was settled but the terms were confidential.

The lawsuit claimed that the product injured or killed close to a dozen dogs.

The manufacturer, S&M NuTec, which is owned by Mars Inc., has repeatedly said Greenies were safe when the dogs were given the appropriate size and didn't gulp it down. They have since made the product more digestible and changed the packaging information.

Kate has, on occasion, eaten a Greenie.

Here again is a video I shot and posted in June.



As with all things chewable — food, snacks or toys — it is up to the pet's owner to make sure they are used safely. I have heard stories of dogs woofing down rawhide chews without eating them. They can swell in the stomach and cause blockages.

Once a friend gave Kate a flat piece of rawhide, something I thought was much safer than the pressed, rolled chews. A small piece lodged in her throat (she was acting like she had eaten peanut butter) and I had to go down the street to my vet/neighbor to remove it.

Vet/neighbor said she probably would have coughed it up eventually — and then eaten it again! Dogs will be dogs.