SEATTLE – A Seattle attorney is representing one of two class-action suits filing in the nation that links tainted pet food to the deaths of at least 16 animals.

Menu Foods is reportedly focusing on a single ingredient in its wet food, sold in pouches and cans. While the company refuses to identify the ingredient, they FDA says contaminated wheat gluten may be to blame.

Seattle attorney Michael Meyers is representing Tom Whaley and soon more than a dozen outraged pet owners.

The class-action lawsuit will require Menu Foods and pet food companies such as Iams to respond to allegations, including delaying the recall.

"I think there is a profound concern that Menu Foods was aware of this problem before the recall was announced and as a result many, many pets either became sick or died and that was entirely preventable," said Myers.

Heja Schmid of Burien is certain that her Siamese cat's death was preventable. Danny died just two days after starting Iams wet food.

"It makes me so guilty and furious that this food manufacturer, they should be responsible for food safety for pets," said Schmid.

If you suspect recalled food in your pet's illness or death, you're urged to keep track of all food containers, veterinarian and store receipts. That information will likely be required to receive a claim.