Federal Judge Lets Natural Dog Food Class Action Move Forward
Los Angeles federal court is hearing a class action that challenges the labeling of Instinct pet food as “natural” while it contains preservatives such as mixed tocopherols and citric acid. The lawsuit was filed in August by Nicole Flick, a San Diego resident, and a judge denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss earlier this week.
The case highlights the growing market for premium “clean label” pet foods, a segment valued at about $14 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $23 billion by 2030. Stores like Healthy Spot in Silver Lake showcase products that tout raw, grass‑fed, and preservative‑free claims, yet the ingredient lists often include chemical‑sounding vitamins and minerals.
What the lawsuit alleges
Flick’s complaint says Instinct pet food lists mixed tocopherols and citric acid as ingredients, both of which function as preservatives. She argues the company marketed the product as free of artificial colors or preservatives, leading her to rely on those statements when purchasing.
- 1Discovery phase begins – both sides exchange evidence.
- 2Potential settlement negotiations may occur.
- 3If no settlement, case proceeds to trial.
- 4Judgment could affect labeling practices industry‑wide.
Source: Courthouse News Service
Judge’s decision and legal reasoning
Chief U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant rejected Instinct’s argument that the ingredients are merely “chemical preservatives” and not “artificial”. She noted that whether a process yields a “synthetic” or “nonsynthetic” ingredient is a factual question the court cannot resolve at the dismissal stage.
Implications for pet owners
Consumers who choose premium pet foods to avoid artificial additives may need to scrutinize ingredient lists more closely. The case does not set a binding rule yet, but it signals that courts may examine labeling claims more rigorously. Pet owners should keep receipts and packaging if they believe a product’s labeling is misleading.
When legal help may be useful
If you suspect a pet‑food product’s labeling is deceptive, consulting an attorney experienced in consumer class actions can help assess whether you have a claim and guide you through the discovery process.
What this means: our conclusions
- What to watchPotential shift in pet‑food labeling scrutiny
The ruling may encourage regulators and courts to examine natural‑label claims more closely, affecting how companies market premium pet foods.
- RiskConsumers may face higher vigilance
Dog owners seeking preservative‑free foods might need to read ingredient lists more carefully, as "natural" labels are not automatically guaranteed.
- What to watchIndustry could see reform pressures
Pet‑food manufacturers may adjust formulations or labeling to avoid future lawsuits, potentially increasing costs for premium products.
- What to doLegal recourse remains available
Affected pet owners can join the class action or consult a lawyer to explore individual claims based on misleading labeling.
- ContextMarket growth continues despite controversy
The clean‑label pet‑food segment is projected to expand, indicating strong consumer demand even as legal challenges arise.
| Party | Position |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff (Nicole Flick) | Alleges preservatives are used despite natural‑label claims |
| Defendant (M.I. Industries/Instinct) | Argues citric acid and tocopherols are chemical, not artificial, preservatives |
Source: Courthouse News Service
This article is general information based on Courthouse News Service and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published November 13, 2026.
Source: Courthouse News Service
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