
In the age of social media, information can spread like wildfire, often leading to misconceptions and unfounded rumors. Recently, there have been online whispers suggesting issues with Purina products, claiming that these products are making pets ill, even killing pets. Anecdotal reports were received that nearly 200 animals had fallen ill, and that some of them had died. Though these numbers differ and change quite frequently. Purina said there was no evidence to support those reports.
It’s important to address these concerns, shed light on the misinformation circulating, and emphasize the importance of relying on credible sources for accurate information about pet health.
Who are Behind These Claims?
Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time, a public Facebook group with 74.2K members.


Behind the recent claims regarding Purina products is the Facebook group, “Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time,” boasting a significant membership of 74.2K individuals. While the group’s name suggests a noble cause, it’s important to approach the information shared within it with caution. Social media platforms, including Facebook groups, can serve as valuable spaces for pet owners to connect, share experiences, and seek advice. However, the sheer size of a group doesn’t necessarily guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information circulating within it. In the case of the Purina controversy, it’s crucial to critically assess the claims made within this group and verify them through reputable sources before drawing conclusions about the safety of pet products.
Navigating the complex landscape of veterinary medicine requires a discerning approach, emphasizing evidence-based information to ensure the well-being of our pets. Supporting these claims are individuals such as Dr. Judy, who aligns herself as a veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractitioner, and food therapist with fearmongering messages with nonsense and misleading claims surrounding pet health. She promotes unethical advertising for holistic veterinary medicine.



This is a Pet Store Food. Corn is the first ingredient, no muscle meat used, only by-product meal, synthetic vitamin/mineral supplement, corn and soybean are GMO, waste fillers are abundant. Overpriced in my opinion, considering the poor quality, cheap ingredients used.
Dr. Judy Morgan
...this sort of simplistic characterization of foods as inherently good or evil is not scientific in tone…
Dr. Brennen McKenzie, the SkeptVet
Another figure associated with these allegations is Susan Thixton, described as, “a radical activist with no training or credentials in animal nutrition who makes wild, implausible claims and accusations without evidence. Completely unreliable and untrustworthy source of information.” -Dr. Brennen McKenzie, the SkeptVet
Baseless Claims?
When scrutinized for veterinary records, laboratory results, toxicology reports, or any substantiating evidence, a startling truth – they possess no tangible proof to support their claims. Despite this admission, the propagation of this unfounded narrative persists, leaving a trail of misinformation in its wake. The absence of concrete evidence raises questions about the credibility of those perpetuating the theory, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and reliance on verified information. As responsible pet owners, it becomes imperative to discern fact from fiction, demanding transparency and evidence-based support before entertaining or spreading claims that could potentially mislead and harm our beloved pets.
What does Purina Have to Say?

There’s no where near enough information yet for people to change their pet’s diet nor panic.
*The last recall by Purina was in February of 2023 and now terminated.
Separating Fact from Fiction:
As responsible pet owners, it’s natural to be concerned when we hear rumors about the safety of the food we provide to our furry friends. However, it’s crucial to approach such claims with a discerning eye. The current wave of allegations against Purina is largely anecdotal and lacks any concrete evidence to substantiate the accusations.
Holistic vets and advocates of alternative practices often express concerns about commercial and conventional pet diets. While it’s essential to consider various perspectives, it’s equally important to differentiate between genuine concerns based on scientific evidence and misleading fearmongering messages. Unfortunately, some alternative veterinary medicine proponents may resort to unethical advertising, making baseless claims that can cause unnecessary panic among pet owners.

The Role of Expert Consensus:
To ensure that we make informed decisions about our pets’ well-being, it’s vital to turn to reliable sources. Expert consensus statements, backed by peer-reviewed research, offer a more accurate and trustworthy understanding of pet health. These statements are crafted by groups of experts who carefully review published research, providing a comprehensive and unbiased perspective on various aspects of pet nutrition.
It is much more likely that groups of experts putting out claims that include consensus statements based on peer review published research are much more reliable sources in telling you factual and true information, and not confirmation bias or cherry picking studies by misrepresenting information.
Avoiding Confirmation Bias:
It’s easy to fall into the trap of confirmation bias, where we selectively accept information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs. When it comes to pet health, it’s essential to be vigilant and avoid cherry-picking studies or information that might misrepresent the overall picture. Trustworthy sources present a balanced view, helping us make decisions based on the best available evidence rather than personal biases.

Why are these Social Media Influencers so popular then?
In delving into the popularity of groups like “Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time” and personalities such as Dr. Judy and Susan Thixton, a fascinating phenomenon becomes apparent. This popularity can be attributed to their adept use of propaganda techniques, employing a strategy of relentless repetition. Regardless of the accuracy or potential danger of the information they disseminate, the sheer repetition can make it more convincing to their audience over time.
This propaganda technique capitalizes on a psychological phenomenon where individuals, when exposed to a message repeatedly, tend to become more inclined to believe it, regardless of its validity. In the case of these figures, the persistence in delivering their narrative, even if it lacks evidence or poses risks, seems to create a sense of familiarity and authority, fostering a dedicated following. Understanding the mechanics of this phenomenon is crucial for pet owners, as it emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating information, seeking diverse perspectives, and relying on evidence-based sources for the well-being of our beloved pets.
Social media serves as proof that people are woefully confused about the differences between facts and opinions. It’s easy to be misled by pseudoscience because we often want to believe. Pseudoscience isn’t science, no matter how awe-inspiring the claims, or how much we wish them to be true.

In the digital age, where information circulates rapidly within online communities, there exists a perplexing phenomenon known as the False Consensus Effect. This cognitive bias sheds light on why individuals tend to believe that their viewpoints are more widely shared than they actually are, particularly within echo chambers.
The False Consensus Effect: Why people believe their echo chambers
Echo chambers, like the online group “Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time” and personalities such as Dr. Judy and Susan Thixton, play a central role in fostering the False Consensus Effect. These platforms often create an environment where like-minded individuals congregate, reinforcing each other’s beliefs through constant repetition of shared ideas. The perceived consensus within these echo chambers can lead individuals to overestimate the prevalence of their views in the broader population.
The mechanism driving this effect lies in the persuasive power of repetition. As individuals encounter information repeatedly within their echo chambers, a false sense of agreement emerges. Even if the information lacks empirical support or contradicts established facts, the consistent exposure can create a belief system that feels widely accepted.

Correlation is not causation.

While shared beliefs within these digital communities may create an illusion of consensus, it’s essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation. Simply because certain claims are associated with Purina Pro Plan in these groups doesn’t necessarily establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Understanding this critical concept is paramount, as it allows us to approach information with a discerning eye, distinguishing between mere correlation and genuine causation when evaluating the safety of pet products. A great read inllustrating this is Acute Illness and Diet – My Dog Got Sick After I Changed Her Food, Caitlin Marie DVM | Doc of All Trades
Responsible Oversight: FDA and Purina Take Action Amidst Controversy
In the face of recent allegations, Purina has taken a responsible stance, actively engaging in the testing of every batch of pet food, and openly communicates with transparency, even when some of these claims may seem far-fetched. This proactive approach, a hallmark of larger companies, serves as a significant advantage. Purina implements comprehensive testing protocols to ensure the safety and quality of their products.
In the swirling currents of online controversy surrounding Purina Pro Plan, it is imperative to approach the situation with a discerning eye. The claims circulating on social media, often fueled by anecdotal evidence and perpetuated by figures lacking in credibility, underscore the importance of seeking reliable sources for information about our pets’ well-being. Beliefs within echo chambers can be distorted, serves as a cautionary tale. Individuals within these digital communities may unknowingly embrace unfounded narratives, leading to the perpetuation of baseless claims.
The silver lining emerges in the form of responsible actions taken by regulatory bodies like the FDA and responsible companies like Purina in their commitment to testing each batch of pet food associated with reported illnesses.
In the pursuit of the truth, let us prioritize evidence over sensationalism, choose transparency over misinformation, and remain vigilant advocates for the well-being of our beloved pets. By fostering a community rooted in responsible information consumption, we can navigate the complex landscape of pet nutrition with confidence and provide our pets with the care they truly deserve.
For any questions or concerns about your pet’s nutrition or health, the best course of action is to consult with your veterinarian or reach out to Purina directly. Veterinarians, with their expertise and understanding of your pet’s unique needs, serve as the most reliable source of information. Purina, as a responsible pet food company, is also available to address any inquiries you may have, providing accurate and trustworthy guidance for the well-being of your beloved pets.
Relying on reputable sources in the veterinary industry provides a foundation of credibility and ensures accurate and trustworthy information for pet owners. For more information:
Don’t be bothered by by-products
The Reality of Pet Food Recalls
Why you shouldn’t judge a pet food by its ingredient list
WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: Raw Meat Based Diets For Pets
WSAVA Global Nutrition Toolkit
Synergistically Yours
Danielle & Sheepdog Riggs
forever in our hearts