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Lawsuit Filed Against Purina Claims Food Sickens, Kills Dogs

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A class action lawsuit filed in San Francisco claims that Nestle Purina's Beneful dog food is actually killing the pets they are supposed to keep healthy.

"He had a seizure. Kidneys gave out, and he died in my arms," one pet owner said.

The lawsuit claims over 3,000 dogs have been poisoned by toxins called propylene glycol and mycotoxins, produced by mold found in grains that Beneful uses in the dog food.

The specific kinds of dry kibble dog food listed in the complaint include: Beneful Healthy Weight, Original, Incredibites, Healthy Growth for Puppies, Healthy Smile, Healthy Fiesta, Healthy Radiance, and Playful Life.

"With the vets not having any other explanation for his kidney failure at such a young age, what else am I supposed to think," said the pet owner.

For its part, the manufacturer denies there is any problem with its dog food, saying in a statement:

"We believe the lawsuit is baseless, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves and our brand. Beneful had two previous class action suits filed in recent years with similar baseless allegations, and both were dismissed by the courts."

The law firm representing pet owners told KDKA they did not know of any specific Pittsburgh area incidents yet, but that calls are coming in from everywhere.

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