American pet owners could get up to $100,000 from a $5.5 million contaminated pet food settlement — with just a receipt as proof

Pet owners can claim compensation by submitting their forms online or mailing them to Philadelphia before the deadline.

PUBLISHED 4 HOURS AGO

(L) A cat eating pet food. (R) A person holding a receipt. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Nico De Pasquale Photography, (R) Ratana21)

Pet owners across the US may be eligible for a substantial cash payout after a major pet food settlement. Americans who purchased certain Mid America Pet Food products or whose pets became sick could claim up to $100,000, depending on their proof of purchase and injury. This settlement, part of a $5.5 million resolution to a class action lawsuit, offers pet owners a chance to be compensated for harm caused by potentially contaminated pet food, and can be claimed with simply a receipt as proof.

Woman giving cat food from a can to her pet cat. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | CasarsaGuru)

As reported by The Sun on November 12, 2025, the lawsuit centers around pet food products that were recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination. The affected products were recalled between September 3 and November 9, 2023, per Open Class Actions. Mid America Pet Food, a Texas-based manufacturer known for popular brands like Victor Super Premium, Wayne Feeds, Eagle Mountain, and Member’s Mark, has denied any wrongdoing. However, the company agreed to settle the case to avoid the costs and risks associated with ongoing litigation. Pet owners who submit injury claims and provide receipts along with veterinary records could be eligible for the maximum payout of $100,000. For those without documentation, there are still options for compensation up to $100 for pets that became sick or died after consuming the affected pet food, and up to $40 for product purchases without proof of purchase.

Person holding a long receipt. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Karolina Kaboompics)

To be eligible for compensation, pet owners need to submit their claims by February 5, 2026. Claims can be submitted either online or through traditional mail to an address in Philadelphia. It’s important to note that January 6, 2026, is the deadline to file exclusions, which allows individuals to opt out of the settlement. To do so, you must mail a valid Exclusion Request to the Settlement Administrator by this date. By opting out, you will keep your right to sue Mid America Pet Food separately, but you will not receive any payment from this settlement. The request must include your full name, current address, and a statement expressing your desire to be excluded. A final approval hearing is scheduled for February 6, 2026, and while the exact date for payouts has not been confirmed, successful claimants will receive their compensation by either check or electronically via PayPal or Venmo.

A dog getting treated at a vet clinic. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Manu Vega)

Pet owners who do not have receipts or veterinary records can still file a claim by providing detailed information about the product, including the store where it was purchased, the city, and the price paid. This information will help determine their eligibility for smaller compensation amounts. The settlement highlights the dangers of pet food contamination and provides pet owners with an opportunity to recover financial losses caused by faulty products. By filing claims, pet owners can not only seek compensation for their pets' illness or death but also contribute to the larger legal process that holds companies accountable for the risks their products may pose to consumers.