In the wake of some highly publicized incidents of pet deaths, the makers of Greenies, a popular dog treat, say they will clarify the instructions on the packaging.
Some pet owners reported their dogs died after eating the treats, which they said failed to be properly digested and led to fatal intestinal obstructions.
"As with any product, the instructions are very important," said Greenies founder Joe Roetheli during a teleconference. "Greenies is recommended for dogs over six months of age and over five pounds," the company says on its Website.
"Feed the correct size Greenies for your dog's weight, as indicated above, one to two times daily as a treat. Greenies are not intended to be complete and balanced and therefore should not exceed 25% of your dog's daily diet," the instructions say.
Late last year a New York couple filed a $5 million lawsuit against Greenies' manufacturer, S&M NuTec, charging the treats are unsafe and inadequately labeled. The couple charged an undigested Greenie caused the death of their four year old Dachshund.
The company said the label on the package will be revised to clarify feeding instructions and will be printed in a larger type face. The green-tinted treats are in the shape of a toothbrush and are promoted as an effective way to prevent gum disease in animals and promote oral health.
