Let’s Talk: Has Your Dog Had Ill Effects from Chicken Jerky?

The FDA recently cautioned consumers once again about feeding their dogs chicken jerky products made for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips, or nuggets). “In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China,” the FDA advisory states.

Here’s what you get to do if you go ahead and feed your dog these popular treats, if you want to go by the FDA recommendations:

“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). 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.”

Jake and other dog friends would kill for these treats, and now it turns out the treats could kill them! After that warning, I won’t be feeding him these treats again. I’d rather not have to monitor him closely for hours or days of feeding him this treat, hoping he won’t fall terribly ill.

The FDA and other organizations are continuing to monitor the situation. So far, no pathogens or other contaminants have been found.

Dogsters, since we have such a big audience, I wonder if we might benefit from a little powwow. Have your dogs had problems with chicken jerky products? If not, will you continue using them? If so, what happened? What would you tell others?

I’ll start it out by posting a comment recently left by Colleen, who read a 2007 Dogster story on the same topic:

I recently bought (about a month ago) a bag of waggin trains jerky from costco who knew that this would cause such a nightmare in my life. My 2 yr old Boxer is now in the hospital on IVs for pancreatitis. People need to realize that not every bag is contaminated! bc you have feed your dog this before and has been fine or is fine does not mean the product is safe! I had not known there was any issue or debate about this product at all until today had there been some warning at Costco about this of course I would have not bought it! I am completely outraged that even though their were reports and questions about these products they are still on the shelves. I think we need to take a stand here people and make sure we get this off the shelves!

Terrible. Colleen, we hope your Boxer is better very soon.

Thank you for the cautionary tale. If the cause was indeed from the jerky, your writing may have saved the lives of other dogs.

Now it’s your turn, Dogsters. Let’s talk and see what’s going on in the community.

View the original article here