Reports indicate at least 13 dogs have died after part of a Greenie treat lodged in their esophagus or intestine.

A New York couple has filed a $5 million lawsuit against the manufacturer after the death of their dog.

According to research, compressed vegetable chews, such as Greenies, are now the third biggest cause of esophageal blockages in pets, behind bones and fishhooks.

The toothbrush-shaped treat comes in several sizes -- small and large.

The makers of Greenies won't comment because of the lawsuit, but in an answer to a question on its Web site, it said, "Though injurious incidents with our product are rare, more often than not, the pet is not fed according to our feeding instructions."

Greenies are the most popular pet chew treat in the world, with more than 325 million sold last year.

Related:
November 21, 2005: Dog Treat May Carry Danger