Dog Owners Across the U.S. May Qualify for Compensation in $5.5M Pet Food Settlement

Dog owners nationwide — including many here in Nevada — may now be eligible for monetary compensation following a $5.5 million class action settlement involving multiple dog food brands produced by Mid America Pet Food, the manufacturer behind Victor Super Premium, Wayne Feeds, Eagle Mountain, and Member’s Mark.

The settlement stems from a series of 2023 recalls tied to potential Salmonella contamination. While Mid America Pet Food denies wrongdoing, both sides agreed to a settlement to avoid the cost and length of further litigation. Consumers who purchased affected foods during the claim period may now file for reimbursement or submit injury-related claims for pets who became sick.

How the Recalls Began

Between September and November 2023, the FDA identified Salmonella concerns in products manufactured at Mid America’s Mount Pleasant, Texas facility. This led to three consecutive recalls across several widely distributed brands. According to settlement documents, the recalled foods were sold between October 31, 2022 and February 29, 2024, expanding the group of eligible consumers.

The lawsuit alleged that contaminated food caused illness, veterinary emergencies, and in some cases death — not only in pets but also in people who handled the food. Mid America Pet Food denied these claims but agreed to settle to resolve the matter.

What Sets This Settlement Apart

Unlike many recall reimbursements, this settlement outlines multiple legal options, specific deadlines, and formal court oversight. It is not simply a refund program — it is a federal class action with structured consumer rights, injury claims, and opt-out options.

Important dates include:

• January 6, 2026 – Deadline to exclude yourself or object
• February 5, 2026 – Claim submission deadline
• February 6, 2026 – Final approval hearing

The court must still grant final approval before payments can be distributed.

Which Dog Owners Are Included

You may be part of the settlement if you:

• Purchased Victor, Wayne Feeds, Eagle Mountain, or Member’s Mark dog foods
• Bought them between 10/31/2022 and 2/29/2024
• Live in the United States

Exclusions include resellers, company officers, and individuals who already received separate compensation from the manufacturer.

Types of Claims You Can File

The settlement allows dog owners to submit either or both of the following:

Consumer Purchase Claims

• With proof of purchase
  Reimbursed at 100% of documented losses
• Without proof
  $20 per bag, up to two bags (maximum $40)

Documentation may include receipts, invoices, shipping confirmations, order histories, or bank statements.

Pet Injury Claims

If a dog became ill or died and you believe the recalled food was responsible, you may qualify for compensation.

• Fully Documented Claims
  Reimbursed at 100% of approved veterinary costs (up to the plan limits)
• Documented Solely by Declaration
  $50 for illness, $100 for death

Breeders may also file documented business-loss claims up to $100,000.

All payouts may be reduced proportionally depending on the total number of claims, as noted in the settlement plan.

What Dog Owners Must Do

To receive any reimbursement, you must submit a valid claim form by February 5, 2026.
Submitting a claim is the only way to receive benefits.

Your choices include:

• Submit a claim – receive reimbursement if eligible
• Ask to be excluded – receive no reimbursement but keep your right to sue individually
• Object to the settlement – share feedback with the court while remaining in the class
• Do nothing – receive no compensation and give up the right to sue separately

Claims will be processed only after the settlement receives final approval in federal court.

Why This Matters for Dog Owners

This settlement goes beyond refunding the cost of a bag of food — it acknowledges the real financial and emotional toll pet food contamination can cause. With brands sold at major retailers, including warehouse clubs and farm stores, this settlement could include a significant number of local dog owners.

For Nevada households, especially those who regularly purchase Victor or Member’s Mark, reviewing purchase histories from late 2022 through early 2024 may determine whether they qualify.