[Kris L. Christine]

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Preliminary Animal Health Notification - Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs

Preliminary Animal Health Notification

December 19, 2008

FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S. from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

Australian news organizations report the University of Sydney is also investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the chicken jerky product was manufactured in China.

FDA believes the continued trend of consumer complaints coupled with the information obtained from Australia warrants an additional reminder and animal health notification.

Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be
used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.

FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S, is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.

FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator FDA's Consumer Complaint Coordinators in their state.

Web page updated by hd - December 19, 2008, 1:12 PM ET

thanks for posting this information atleast im aware of it

[Kris L. Christine]

You're welcome.

[lange]

My dogs go crazy for Waggin Train chicken jerky treats. Until today, I never knew there was serious scrutiny surrounding these treats along with others made in China. It's unfortunate that more isn't done to protect the public & pets by just pulling these products off the market instead of just warning consumers who may not even be aware of it!

[CorkyMax]

As far as I am concerned-ANYTHING (treats/toys/dog food ingredients/dog bowls or dishes, etc.) from China is a big NO NO!!! China even gives/allows dangerous/'poisonous' food/products to their own people--and the people there are even concerned! Walmart is selling a lot of cheap made in China things for dogs as is Farm and Fleet--But I think the majority of pet toys are made in China no matter where you go to buy them! I did a thread/post in here recently about the fuzzy tennis balls from China that have lead in the painted print on them. If I remember right--the dyes they use in materials is not the best either. I will not buy any dishes/cups made in China for myself either (Walmart). Yet Obama wants to do more business with China!!! I think we ought to ban all dangerous products from China, PERIOD! And do more inspecting of all things from China. There are a few (lot) countries that are prob. just about as bad. USA may not be perfect but a he*l of a lot better choice--and my #1 choice!

[chiclet]

This is a very old thread.

I have to admit though, that I have been very reluctant to get anything for my pets that is made in China. If enough do that, maybe some industry can come back to North America. Although, there already are a number of companies that only use North American ingredients.

[lange]

And I have to admit I'm not the most vigilant when it comes to these things. Being on this forum has helped me be more aware of different dangers.

I know this is old news to some people but I had never known there were serious concerns over (specifically) these products until the other day. The Waggin Train brand is all over the place like Sams Club, Walgreens, ect. It says its an American company but made in China so I had to check the packaging for ALL the print on it as they seem to want you to hunt for it. Some people have blamed these products on losing their dogs & kidney failure even in '09 & '10. Thankfully I don't give these products daily but you never know what harm it can be doing even in smaller quantities. I'm just glad I now know! I always buy the biggest bag & it's now in the trash where it belongs. From now on I'm going to look into treats more carefully instead of just mindlessly grabbing something I think they'd like.

[lange]

It's happening again!! Dogs are getting sick and is pointing to China jerky: Vitals - Chicken jerky treats linked to mystery illnesses, deaths in dogs Please read if you feed your dog commercial chicken jerky!