Chicken jerky treats made in China may be linked to kidney disease in dogs
When:
2011-11-21 23:38:00 -0800
Where:
United States
Details:
Update May 22, 2012:
Nearly 1000 dogs have reportedly been made ill and over 300 reportedly have died because of ingesting chicken jerky treats made in China. Treats containing yam, sweet potato, and pork (pig ears) were also cited by pet owners. The US Food and Drug Administration updated the tally of complaints, saying Federal health officials have received 900 complaints from worried owners and veterinarians since last November.
Despite continued research, the agency's inspectors have no findings yet available. Although no suspected products have been recalled, at least one product manufacturer has settled a claim with a dog owner.
Representatives from Milo's Kitchen confirmed that the firm has paid at least one owner who complained about a sick dog $100 in exchange for a release of all liability. Firm officials said arrangements are conducted on a case-by-case basis. They declined to confirm how many similar agreements are in place. A spokesman for Waggin' Train also said that the firm negotiates agreements with complaining pet owners individually.
Dog owners whose dog may have been affected can continue to submit complaints to the FDA's safety reporting portal.
Only products made in China appear to be affected.
Concerned pet owners cited the following products/brands:
- Waggin' Train Chicken Jerky and Yam Good chicken produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co.
- Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders, produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co.
- Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp
- Beefeaters Sweet Potato Treats (16 types of yam-related treats)
- Kingdom Pets at Costco (exact item not specified)
- Drs. Foster and Smith (exact item not specified)
- Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality (4 types of Veggie Life brands)
- Smokehouse (exact item not specified)
- Bestro (exact item not specified)
Check individual packaging or contact the manufacturer to verify the origin of ingredients as not all jerky treats may be made in China.
The treats may also be called by other names such as stix, chips, poppers, tenders, drumettes, kabob’s, strips, fries, lollipops, twists, wraps, bars, tops, treats, and discs.
Top Symptoms reported by pet owners whose dogs have gotten sick from the treats are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Change in Appetite
- Change in Activity Level
Update March 26, 2012:
Over 600 dogs are suspected to have gotten sick from chicken jerky products across the United States. FDA records show there are three major brands that are cited most by concerned dog owners and appear to be associated with the tainted treats, manufactured in China. Concerned pet owners cited the following products:
- Waggin' Train Chicken Jerky and Yam Good chicken produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co.
- Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders, produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co.
- Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp
Nestle Purina and Del Monte officials said their treats are safe and FDA regulators said repeated tests have shown no absolute tie to any brand or manufacturer.
“No specific products have been recalled because a definitive cause has not been determined,” FDA officials said in a statement.
Since 2007, FDA scientists have analyzed jerky treats for evidence of dangerous toxins, including heavy metals, melamine, melamine analogs and diethylene glycol, chemicals used in plastics and resins.
"We still invite owners and veterinarians to submit complaints and samples,” said Siobhan DeLancey, an FDA spokeswoman. "The more information we have, the more likely we can find a link."
Consumers and veterinarians who see dogs affected by Fanconi-like syndrome and suspect the treats can report llnesses to the FDA's pet food complaint site.
Pet owners should be aware that chicken jerky products from China may be associated with reports of Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned of chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be fed occasionally in small quantities.
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 that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; 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). Fanconi syndrome can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, through urine analysis, which would show glucose in the urine. Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died. FDA's Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (VLRN) is now available to support these animal health diagnostic laboratories.
To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA continues extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified a contaminant. Fanconi syndrome is often breed related, but toxins are also known to induce this condition. Known toxins could include lead, copper, mercury, maleic acid, Lysol and some drugs, such as outdated antibiotics.
Product recall notices have not been issued, nor have any specific treats been identified. Jerky treats are made of dried meat and are available in a variety of stores.
Note: DogHeirs posted a similar NeighborHound Alert in June 2011 for our Canadian readers when several dogs in Ontario were diagnosed with Fanconi Syndrome. All dogs in reported cases had been fed chicken jerky treats that were manufactured in China.
DogHeirs and DogHeirs members have published a selection of articles and NeighborHound Alerts about the treats which can be read below.
- List of products reported by consumers
- FDA Update Q&A on Chicken Jerky Treats from China (June 19, 2012)
- Chicken jerky treats made in China may be linked to kidney disease in dogs (updated May 22, 2012)
- Dog owner offered $150 in exchange for silence by chicken jerky manufacturer (April 18, 2012)
- Dog owner sues chicken jerky manufacturer claiming treats killed his dog (April 13, 2012)
- Possible link between chicken jerky treats made in China and kidney disease says the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (June 20, 2011)
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