Chicken Jerky treats Possible recall

[Doodlesville]

http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/C...sChicJerky.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 Coordinatorhttp://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html in their state.
Web page updated by hd - December 19, 2008, 1:12 PM ET

[Raleighsmom]

Thanks Nancy!! When I see these treats in the stores, they don't look very appetizing in the least!!! I wouldn't ever dream of buying them, and would love to see PetSmart and Petco remove them from their shlves like Trader Joes did!

[Doodlesville]

Actually my dogs loved them,, wont be using them any longer though

[Jac]

Nancy, I lost one of my 8 week old puppies last year, from eating these treats!
They are not kidding...seriously dangerous. I read a month or so ago, that China has been feeding melamine to their animals...so I figure that is why chicken tenders are toxic.
Thanks for posting this...it's about time they recall...these treats have been killing dogs for nearly 2 years now...that we know of.

[MaxandMe]

jac that is soooooo sad and unfortunate

i only give Max/peanut real food treats i make or are in fridge.
i cut up chicken and also use cheese most times

[Doodlesville]

AnnMarie, can you post recipes for dog treats ?? I would love to have them to send home for my customers
In fact anyone, we may all need to use them, we obviously cannot trust our govenment to keep us or our pets safe

[Doodlesville]

Jac im so sorry ,, i lost 2 pups after they went home due to Nutro can food,
this is just soooo stupid,,why is our government allowing this to happen? I just dont get it,,

[Lucee&Rusty]

Thanks for posting Nancy. From what I read in the media here, they have been recalled due to
causing kidney and liver damage in dogs. This is our second recall in the last two months.
Orijen cat food got recalled in November for causing vitamin A deficiency, the cats were
suffering from paralysis and having to be euthanised.

[Doodlesville]

OMG<,when do we say ENOUGH!!!!

My brother came this weekend and told me about walmart having a food dehydrator that has recipes for doggy treats,,
know what??
Im considering getting it,,i have just bout had enough with our goverment allowing this type thing to happen
whos next US??

[Julie B.]

Bumped this link because the FDA has renewed its inquiry into chicken jerky dog treats made in China. (Google, sorry don't have the link.) We have given our pup Costco chicken jerky, made in China, and she has had a few bouts of diarrhea. Wondering if anyone else's dogs have had a bad experience? Throwing them away just in case.

[LabyLabradoodle]

I've read this article many times. The Chicken Jerky treat issue is really something we should be aware off.