Chicken Jerky Treats--FDA Warning

[Kris L. Christi]

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http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/ComplaintsChicJerky.htm


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 http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html in their state.

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

[daisysmom]

I bought some dried chicken strips from Costco a couple of years ago and had to throw them out. They made Daisy sick. She didn't get really ill just threw up right after eating one. The same thing happened to my daughters dog. They said product of the USA on them.

[Ake]

Isn't it just a specific brand? I mean I find it hard to believe that ALL Chicken Jerky treats are causing illnesses?

[Kris L. Christi]

Originally Posted by Ake

Isn't it just a specific brand? I mean I find it hard to believe that ALL Chicken Jerky treats are causing illnesses?

Ake,

The FDA warning specifically cits chicken jerky, strips and treats Made in China -- so, it is not all chicken treats, only those made in China.

Kris

[rubyred]

I have 3 dogs and have fed chicken jerky treats occassionally. It took a few times for me to realize what it was, but one of my dogs, a mini dachshund experiences intestinal issues when he has one of these treats. After reading this, I checked the bag and yes, they were made in China! I threw them out! Thanks for posting this. I don't plan to take any chances.

[~WelshStump~]

When they first started to really add these treats a few years ago, I thought they looked good (ingredients being only chicken breast) and bought a bag from Sam's club! I didn't even think for a moment they were from China till after I found someone say on a dog forum that there made there!
I immediately stopped giving Jinjo any.
For Maddy, she was just plain old and if nothing had killed her before, why should these? Well they didn't, but I never bought them again and sure enough this type of report came out shortly after, and hasn't stopped being issued since.
I honestly cringe every time I see someone anymore in Sam's buying them, and when the person seems well meaning enough I have even told them about the problem, mostly to there horror that a company would do such a thing.
I will say, I now check the bag of ALL treats I buy before hand. And with my next pup I hope to be even more careful about what I feed in hopes of a better quality of life.

[Savage Destiny]

If anyone still wants to feed chicken jerky, Primal makes some here in the US, and with antibiotic and hormone free chickens to boot.

http://www.primalpetfoods.com/treats.htm