POLK COUNTY, Ga. — Pet owners can apply to get money back after paying a premium for high-end dog food Blue Buffalo.
The company has reached a $32 million settlement to avoid a costly court case.
Blue Buffalo was sued by consumers who said the food contained byproducts, despite labeling to the contrary.
By logging on to www.petfoodsettlement.com, customers with receipts can get up to a 10 percent refund, capped at $200. Buyers with no receipts can get $10.
"I was trying to give my dog what would keep her healthy. Now it's just like any other dog food," customer Ryan Smith of Rockmart said.
Blue Buffalo denies wrongdoing and blames suppliers and an ingredient broker for the trouble.
“More than a year ago, we informed our Pet Parents about the misconduct of a former ingredient supplier and a broker," Bill Bishop, chairman and founder of Blue Buffalo, said in a news release. "While we will continue to pursue our claims against them, we decided that it is in the best interest of our Pet Parents and our company to resolve the class actions now. All of us at Blue Buffalo continue to work tirelessly to make pet food with the finest natural ingredients for our furry family members."