FDA Reports Almost 600 Dog Deaths Linked to Jerky Treats

Despite testing hundreds of samples and inspecting facilities in China, investigators still can't identify the source of the problem.

According to a new report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are still plenty of reasons to be careful about giving your dog those jerky treats that they so dearly love. Earlier this year, Joe's Jerky Treats and Dogswell announced recalls of their treats made in China because of contamination with salmonella and antibiotic residue. On Tuesday, the FDA released a progress report stating that reports of illness or death due to jerky treats have declined sharply since the product recalls, but it's still investigating, and it says vets and pet owners should still be cautious.

The FDA reported more than 3,000 complaints about illness linked to chicken, duck, or sweet potato jerky treats, including almost 600 deaths since 2007. The problems include gastrointestinal and kidney problems, including Fanconi syndrome.

Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, says that "This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we've encountered." The FDA reports that it has tested 1,200 samples and inspected facilities in China, but it still can't find the source of the problems. Dunham says that "Our beloved four-legged companions deserve our best effort, and we are giving it," and that the FDA wants to hear from veterinarians and consumers about any symptoms that might be connected to jerky treats.

So what do you look for if you're afraid that your beloved pet might have gotten a bad treat? A fact sheet released by the FDA says that the most common symptoms include decreased appetite, low energy, increased water consumption, urination, diarrhea, or vomiting within a few hours of eating a jerky treat. Even though reports are declining, for now it might be a good idea to look for alternative tasty rewards for your four-legged friend.

Via Food and Drug Administration Website

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Dogswell Recalls Chicken and Duck Jerky Treats Made in China

Heads-up, dog people: The treats contain residue of an antibiotic that's not approved for use in the United States.

Dogswell is voluntarily withdrawing certain Dogswell and Catswell jerky treats made with chicken or duck with a “Best Before” date of Jan. 28, 2015, or any earlier date. 

The culprit is one we've seen before: trace amounts of an antibiotic residue that has not been approved for use in the United States, though it is important to note that this antibiotic is accepted for use in other countries, including the European Union.

The New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets discovered the residue during routine testing of a sample of Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken Breast Jerky. The department notified the company during the week of July 22, and the company voluntarily recalled Chicken Breast and Duck Breast jerky under the following brands: Breathies, Happy Heart, Happy Hips, Mellow Mut, Shape Up, Veggie Life, Vitality, and Vitakitty. 

This recall covers brands that are labeled with a “Best Before” date of Jan. 28, 2015, or any earlier date. The company says the jerky treats were made in China.

The company stresses that the rest of its products are safe, that no animals have become sick, and that there is no evidence that products containing trace amounts of this antibiotic pose a health risk for pets.

  Interestingly, the company explains why it uses products made in China, which is ground zero in the ongoing chicken jerky treat debacle. It says that most Dogswell products are made in the U.S., but "some" are made in China. Why? The company explains:

"China is a country where dark meat is more popular due to its inherent fat and flavor. Dogswell believes it is less wasteful to obtain our white meat in China where it is abundant, rather than sourcing it domestically, where white meat is less available and held at a premium. Not only do we care about your pet's health by sourcing only the healthiest meat available, we also practice sustainability by reducing as much waste as possible."

The company also explains its treatment of chickens: "Cage-free chickens are kept in barns where they can roam, scratch and perch as they please. Our chickens eat a natural diet, have plenty of room to roam, and live and grow free of stress."

For more information, and to received a full refund for an affected product, you can call Dogswell at 1-888-559-8833. Visit the website here.

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Product Reviews: Dogswell Jerky Bars

Jerkey Bars are made to be a protein bar for dogs. According to the manufacturer, they are  packed with antibiotic-free protein, plus vegetables, fruits and other ingredients for help give your dog healthy eyes, skin and coat, or support joint health.

Jerky Bars are about 1.5? square. This makes them a bigger treat, so they’d be ideal for medium and large dogs. Small dogs would probably enjoy them very much, but would have to bite off pieces. So for smaller dogs, they’d make a great treat, but not for training, where you’d want a quick munch. Fortunately, they’re dehydrated, so they would be easy for a dog to bite through or for you to break them apart. Dehydrated meat is suitable for a dog snack, rather than dried meat that you’d find in a human jerky stick, because they have to sit on the shelf longer. Also, the dog can just eat it, rather than having to chew, chew, chew, like a regular piece of jerky. And for dogs who don’t take the time to chew, dehydrated protein is easier to digest than dried jerky.

There are two varieties: Vitality and Happy Hips. Each comes in four flavors: Chicken & Veggies, Lamb & Veggies, Turkey & Veggies and Salmon & Veggies. Each variety — although dehydrated — actually smell like the primary ingredient (turkey, chicken, etc.). This increases the dog’s interest.

These treats, wich are made in the USA, have a guaranteed analysis of 30% protein. The manufacturer’s website says they contain 85% animal protein. That could mean that of the 30% protein in each bar, 85% of that protein comes from animals and the other 15% might come from plant sources.

Jerky Bars are low glycemic treats, which I was happy to see, since there are a lot of foods and treats on the market that are said to benefit skin and coat, and then the first ingredient is wheat or corn, which gives many dogs skin allergies. Jerky Bars contain no gluten, corn, wheat, soy, BHA/BHT, ethoxyquin, byproducts, antibiotics, added hormones, artificial colors, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Our two test dogs loved the flavors we tested. The size and consistency was just right. They are flanking me as I write this, staring at the bags, then at me, then at the bags, then at me. : ) To put this in perspective, these are dogs who are accustomed to a raw diet. They dine every day on raw hamburger, chicken wings, fish, beef tongue, liver, gizzards, and other delicacies. Their training treats are beef hot dogs. If I put down a bowl of kibble, they look at the bowl and then look at me as if to say, “Erm, mom? What are we doing?” Given that, I would say that palatability for Jerky Treats must be very high.

The daily feeding guide advises dog owners to feed between 1 and 10 Jerky Bars to their dogs per day, depending on the dog’s size. This may be a way to encourage dog owners to feed these treats every day. However, at 32 cents apiece, I don’t think I would be feeding 10 per day to my two 75 lb dogs (that would cost $194 per month). So, since this is not intended to be a dog’s main source of nutrition, I would probably just feed these occasionally as a tasty and nutritious treat, rather than putting my dog on a feeding schedule of treats.

Overall, this is a well-thought-out, well-made, nutritious treat that’s shelf-stable, yet not cardboardy. Our test dogs found them yummy and easily digestible.

Manufacturer: Dogswell

Retail Price (15 oz/about 40 pieces): $12.99

Buy them at: A variety of websites and stores. Find a store near you by searching the Dogswell store finder, or Google “Dogswell Jerky Bars” to find an online retailer.

Click on our coupons page for a coupon for $1 off a bag of Jerky Bars

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We Wondered When This Would Happen: First Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Over Chicken Jerky

"Who in their right mind would feed something to an animal that has an FDA warning?" distraught owner of dead dog asks.

We've been writing about the potential deadly effects of chicken jerky made in China for years. Every time we do, we're deluged by readers who share their own heartbreaking tales of their own dogs who have either died or been made extremely ill from the jerky treats.

So the news from Chicago of the first class-action lawsuit against a couple of jerky-related companies isn't a big surprise. The only surprise is that it didn't happen sooner.

Chicago-area resident Dennis Adkins has filed the federal lawsuit against Netle Purina Petcare (makers of Waggin' Train chicken jerky) and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where he bought the treats. He says his Pomeranian died of kidney failure shortly after he started feeding them to her. His other Pom, who did not get any of the treats, was perfectly fine.

Last fall the FDA cautioned consumers -- and not for the first time -- about feeding their dogs chicken jerky products (also sold as chicken tenders, strips, or nuggets) made for dogs. "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 advisory stated. In 2007 the FDA put a cautionary warning on the products.

Adkins said he had no idea about this, and that he never would have thought of looking on the package for a warning. His suit claims that Nestle Purina was aware of more than 500 cases of dogs dying or becoming extremely ill after eating chicken jerky treats made in China.

"Who in their right mind would feed something to an animal that has an FDA warning?" Adkins said in a Chicago Tribune story. "I would not buy the product."

The federal lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for people who believe their dogs were harmed by the treats. It also calls for an end to the sale of the treats.

Nestle Purina is not going to take this sitting down. "We believe the claims made in the suit to be without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. We can say that Waggin' Train products continue to be safe to feed as directed," a Nestle spokesman said.

The suit could expand to include other companies. Because the FDA has not yet found any reason for the illnesses, it may be a tough one to win. But who knows what will be found out during proceedings. It will be an interesting and important suit. I'll keep you posted.

Sources: Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg

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Make your own healthy, safe chicken jerky treats for your dog!

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Dogster Giveaway: Chicken Jerky That’s Safe and Very Droolworthy (Just Ask Jake)

You could win a package of this yummy, safe Dog Pack Snacks Chicken Jerky! (Image: Dog Pack Snacks)

We’ve been writing about the potentially lethal side effects of chicken jerky that comes from China for a while now. The FDA is slowly investigating. But a lot of people have written to us in response to our articles with horror stories to share about their dogs’ experiences with various brands of jerky. The common strand that the jerky is produced in China (although sometimes labeled “made in the USA”). Many readers have trashed their dogs’ jerky after reading the terrible experiences others have had with it.

The good news is that  we’ve been hearing about small local mom & pop businesses that put quality above all else, and make really good, safe jerky treats. And we’ve read reader “recipes” for making chicken jerky as well. That’s more work than some people want to put into their dogs’ treats, but others are wagging about it.

This is Coco, the lucky taste tester for Dog Pack Snacks.

We don’t normally do giveaways of treats or food, but we’re making an exception. Some chicken jerky treats arrived for Jake in the mail the other day and they were so delectable that I was almost tempted to chomp into one. (Jake was giving me “the look,” though, so all bets were off.)

The package was from a company called Dog Pack Snacks, based in Florida. The jerky was unlike any we’d bought before from the large manufacturers. It was very thinly sliced, with a beautiful color and really appealing aroma. Here’s how Debbie Isles, owner of the business, describes it:

Our Chicken Jerky is a neighborhood and a customer favorite.  Made from human grade, hormone free, American raised chicken breast, sliced thin and cooked very slowly into the ultimate snack. It is crunchy, yummy simplicity.  Wait until you smell it!  Better yet… wait until your dogs smell it.  The smell of roasted chicken will remind you of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s.

Jake loved this jerky more than any other I’d fed him from big-name companies. Every day until they were gone he would sit staring at the top of the fridge, where I have to keep his treats because he will get them anywhere else. It was rather touching, his love of this jerky, which is made in very small batches, as it turns out.

So how do you enter to win one of the 6-ounce chicken jerky packages (retail $10.99) that Dog Pack Snacks is offering to two lucky readers? Go to Dog Pack Snacks Facebook “Snacks” page, and peruse the various delectable treats the company makes. Then come back here and leave a comment about which treat/treats would be your dog’s favorite, and why. Enter by 12 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday, March 7. We’ll draw two winners from qualified entries via Random.org, and will announce them on Wednesday, March 8.

If your dog is looking over your shoulder when you check out the treats, I suggest you wear a towel to cover your clothes and your keyboard. They’re that droolworthy!

Good luck!

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Politicos Calls for FDA to Speed Up Investigation of Chicken Jerky Treats from China

Chicken jerky treats from China: A treat to die for, or a treat to die from?

We’ve been writing in recent years about what seem to be the terrible, sometimes deadly, effects of some chicken jerky treats made in China. Our most recent article brought a barrage of your horror stories.

Here’s what the FDA is saying about what to do if you decide to feed your dog these treats:

“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.”

That’s serious stuff, and in my view, not worth any dog’s life for a few minutes (or seconds, in Jake’s case) of chewing pleasure.

But most consumers are completely unaware of the potential risks of feeding their dogs these jerky treats. For many, the first time they heard about the possible problems was by reading Dogster. That’s just not good enough. And even our readers can be confused. A cursory look at a bag of these treats might indicate they’re made in the USA, since they’re generally from American companies, but that might just be where they’re packaged, not made. Should we have to examine the fine print on every package to make sure our dogs don’t endure some of the potential effects, or is it time for the FDA to step it up a bit?

(From the Flickr photostream of Oliver Ruhm)

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown thinks it’s high time the FDA moves quickly to protect consumers. The Ohio senator is calling for the FDA to speed up its investigation and withdraw the treats from the market, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

“”I urge you to promptly pursue efforts to find the contaminant in these pet foods, alert customers of the dangers of these products, and make sure the products found harmful are pulled from the retail market,” he wrote in a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret H. Hamburg.

Cleveland Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich also sent a letter to Hamburg last week:

“The FDA must not wait to issue a voluntary recall until it is able to definitively identify a causal agent,” he wrote. “The FDA has clearly established an association between consumption of the chicken jerky and illness and death. It is simply not feasible to expect every dog owner to be aware of a modestly publicized warning from the FDA.”

He put it very well. The investigation into the possible problems with the jerky treats shouldn’t need to be complete for the FDA to have the treats at least temporarily pulled from the market until the results are more conclusive either way.

The treat companies say there’s nothing wrong with their products, and the FDA still doesn’t know why dogs are becoming ill, and suspects some of the problems could be caused by something other than consuming jerky. That’s probably true. The other day Jake had pretty bad diarrhea. If he’d had a jerky treat before that, I’d probably have pointed a finger at the treats. Associations can be damning, but in this case there seems to be enough circumstantial evidence to justify providing an extra layer of consumer safety.

These Ohio politicians are not taking this lightly. Your state’s representatives may be bolster their pleas with their own arguments about putting safety first. Here’s a list of contact information for U.S. senators, which you can sort by state. And here’s a page that provides contact info for your congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can reach out to FDA Commissioner Hamburg at margaret.hamburg@fda.hhs.gov.

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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.

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Wellness Pure Rewards Venison Jerky Dog Treats, 6-Ounce Pouch

Wellness Pure Rewards All-Natural Delicious Venison Jerky Bits for Dogs are the simplest way to treat your pet. We start with 95% pure, high quality meat, poultry or salmon, then add just enough natural stabilizers to package them and keep them moist. These highly flavorful, protein-packed jerky bits are the ideal size for training and treating. Pure and simple, these Pure Rewards, are just as nature intended.

Price: $8.99

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Zuke's Jerky Naturals Dog Treats, 6-Ounce

Jerky Naturals offer the nutritious benefits of real meat, rice, apples, carrots, barley, molasses, canola oil, garlic, brewers yeast, and flax seed. The healthy choice in dog jerky.

Price:

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