More on Chicken Jerky Pet Treat Alert
FDA is warning pet owners that chicken jerky products imported from China may be associated with the development of Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs who have been fed the treats on a regular basis.
In the last 12 months, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has logged an increase in the number of complaints filed by dog owners and veterinarians.
FDA first reported 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 - in September 2007. The first illnesses were noted in 2006 (6 reports). The number of illness reports peaked in 2007 (156 reports), according to FDA Spokeswoman Laura Alvey, dipped to 41 incidents in 2008, and have fluctuated ever since.
In June 2011, the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA) notified CVMA members by email that several veterinarians in Canada had reported dogs with Fanconi-like symptoms that could be associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats manufactured in China. The email included the following warning:
Recently, several veterinarians in Ontario have reported cases of dogs that have been showing signs similar to Fanconi syndrome. All dogs in the reported cases had been fed chicken jerky treats that were manufactured in China.
Signs of Fanconi syndrome can include decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Blood tests may show increased urea nitrogen and creatinine. Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). The problem is that this can be confused with diabetes.
The CVMA also notified the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), which transmitted the advisory to US veterinarians. At the time of the notification (June 17, 2011), AVMA had not received any reports from its members of similar incidents of Fanconi-like syndrome associated with chicken jerky treats.
That situation has changed.
FDA has received a total of 70 reports of Fanconi-like syndrome associated with chicken jerky treats from pet owners and veterinarians so far this year - up from 54 reports in all of 2010. "FDA," Ms. Alvey reported to me by email, "is actively investigating the matter and conducting analysis for multiple different chemical and microbiological contaminants. We have tested numerous samples of chicken jerky products for possible contaminants including melamine. The complaints received have been on various chicken jerky products but to date we have not detected any contaminants and therefore have not issued a recall or implicated any products. We are continuing to test and will notify the public if we find evidence of any contaminants."
There does not appear to be any rhyme or reason to the source or timing of the reports - there is no indication that the problem is clustered in a particular state or region - or to the monthly number of complaints, Alvey reported in response to my questions. She suggests that part of the upsurge may be due to increased awareness on the part of US veterinarians and pet owners as a result of the Canadian advisory.
Alvey emphasizes that "no causal link" has been established between the illnesses and the consumption of chicken jerky products. No one has yet been able to find any component in the chicken jerky treats that could account for the illnesses. Nevertheless, at least one recent report offers epidemiological evidence that regular consumption of chicken jerky treats may be behind the illnesses. Veterinarians Hooper and Roberts, writing in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, described four illnesses in small-breed dogs. This is the Abstract of their published report (emphasis added):
Four small-breed dogs were diagnosed with acquired Fanconi syndrome. All dogs ate varying amounts of chicken jerky treats. All dogs were examined for similar clinical signs that included, but were not limited to, lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and altered thirst and urination. The quantity of chicken jerky consumed could not be determined; however, based on the histories obtained, the chicken jerky treats were a significant part of the diet and were consumed daily by all dogs. Extensive diagnostic testing eliminated other causes of the observed clinical signs, such as urinary tract infection and rickettsial disease. Glucosuria in the face of euglycemia or hypoglycemia, aminoaciduria, and metabolic acidosis confirmed the diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome. All dogs received supportive care, including IV fluids, antibiotics, gastroprotectants, and oral nutritional supplements. Three dogs exhibited complete resolution of glucosuria, proteinuria, and the associated azotemia; however, one dog remained azotemic, resulting in a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
There have been two prior clusters of Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs. The 2007 cases were linked to melamine contamination of treats that were manufactured in China. And in 2009, a number of cases in Australia were linked to the consumption of chicken treats or dental chews made with corn, soy and rice.
FDA has published following information and advice for pet owners:
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). 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.
FDA, in addition to several animal health diagnostic laboratories in the U.S., is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. 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.
The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem and its origin. 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 in their state or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.
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"Chicken Jerky Pet Treat Alert" was first posted by Phyllis Entis Nov. 19, 2011 on her website, eFoodAlert. Reposted with permission.
© Food Safety News
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Discuss
11/21/2011
9:05AM
We started making our own chicken jerky for our 3 Pomeranians after my fiancee came across a prior FDA warning that chicken treats from China were making dogs sick or killing them. Two years later and we are still the only Maine Made, American made, chicken jerky produced from whole restaurant quality chicken breasts containing NO Additives and NO Preservatives. It's as healthy as if you bought your own quality chicken, cooked it yourself, and fed it to your furry kids. We sell online (www.TriPomChews.com) and are carried by about 20 (so far) of the finer pet stores and pet boutiques in the New England Area.
Please, do yourself and your pet kids a favor: go through all their treats and get rid of anything Made in China. The Chinese
were putting Melamine, the ingredient that spurred the huge pet food recall, into children's milk to boost the apparent levels of protein. Kids got sick just like all of the dogs who ingested tainted pet food. They were caught and stopped--for a time, then started putting it back into the milk again...
The Chinese have little regard for human life and less for the lives of our pets. Buy anything you want of Chinese manufacture (though we have issues with that, too) just not their food or treats, please!
11/21/2011
7:44PM
Our large lab mix is fighting for his life at our veterinarians office right now. We gave him Waggin Train Treats that apparently contain chicken jerky. Our vet said his symptoms showed that this could be the case of the chicken jerky poisoning his system. He has a temperature of 105 and he is having kidney and pancreas issues. He is on IV fluids and antibiotics. We pray that he will survive this terrible ordeal. After researching this information, the company, Waggin Train, has denied that there is a problem after countless reports of animals consuming the treats and then becoming ill. We know for a fact that this is the only thing that could have caused our beloved pet to become ill. This is the only change in his diet this week. We rewarded him with a deadly treat. We are sick that we could have avoided this. This is a crime. They must be stopped.
11/22/2011
10:10AM
My dog Maggie is a 4 year old healthy peekapoo. She eats 2 waggin treats a day. She is at the vet now for kidney failure. We are being told it is linked to Waggin Train chicken treats. It’s a sad day and I’m upset that nothing was said earlier and that the Major stores continue to sell this product and could care less about the dogs and families affected. It proves that Corp America is genuinely more concerned about their bottom line than the families deeply saddened by the loss of family members(pets).
11/22/2011
2:28PM
My pug got seriuosly ill back in May of this year (2011) she was eating up the Chicken Waggon Train treats, I was so stupid I didnt realize it untill my vet asked me is she was eating any dog food from China, of course I checked then and on the back of the package,sure enough it was. We really thought we were going to lose her, but my vet was dilligent and of course we dont use the Waggon Train products anymore, it is very very hard to find dog treats not made in China.
11/24/2011
8:33AM
I am glad I found this announcement. I am going to post it on my facebook page and website.
11/24/2011
2:41PM
I Foster for a Rescue and always have Fosters and I thought I was giving them a Healthy Treat I was giving them Milo's Chicken Jerky and Wagon Train Chicken and then I recieved an e-mail on facebook about Chicken Jerky I checked to see where they were made ( CHINA) there will be no more of these in my House until they start making them here in the USA I hope all of the Dog Lovers and other pet lovers decide to take a stand with these company and tell them to bring their companys back here to the USA or you will lose our business if they make their product in CHINA leave it there because we are no longer going to buy it !!!They are making Money off of our dogs & pets and we are losing our beloved babies If you Love your Best Friend take a stand and fight for them ( Their health & LIFE) thank you Ed & Hazel
11/25/2011
12:20AM
I have an Idea... Its been being discussed that a certain type of pesticide used in hay production is eaten, then passed, then the poop utilized as fertilizer and the garden vegetables showing signs of mutation that such fertilizer causes. If they Cant Find anything, and its a case of Slow Poisoning, then it would account for why it takes time to build to the point of poisoning. What IF this fertilizer was used on the soy, corn, or rice that might also be in the jerky treats? this could put Alot more then dog food on the table here.... And China would no longer be the scape goat... Ones gotta wonder if just Maybe its not Always china or other countries who need a kick in the pants... There is Plenty of Denial to be had Here at Home Too...
11/25/2011
6:51PM
Unfortunately this is going to continue to happen if consumers aren't aware what to look for in pet foods and treats. Call the company and ask where the ingredients are from and where the products are made. In 2007 we heard from so many pet owners and the terrible stories about their loved ones being lost. Now, new pet owners are coming to the market and have never even heard about the recalls in the past. It is up to us to spread the word and make sure all pets are safe.
11/26/2011
10:13AM
The bottom line here is that food products from China are potentially unsafe, regardless of whether they're intended for human or pet consumption. In spite of the weaknesses in our own FDA's powers and abilities, the risk is far greater when it comes to consuming items which hail from the PRC.
11/27/2011
9:23AM
My Cocker, Tristan, had only 3 peices of the jerky treats last year, he was running 104 temp, he would not get out of bed. he would not pee, he was very sick, our vet had not idea what was wrong with him, vet cost was over 400 US dollars! Now, I make my dog their own jerky. I came very close to Tristan dying and for what, a treat? I hope all the dogs above made it, my heart goes out to the owners of the dogs. We should sue Waggin Tails for this!!!
11/28/2011
4:25PM
This is not only a China or U.S. pet food industry problem. Australia solved a similar mystery when they saw the link to irradiation of pet treats after grain-based treats caused Fanconi-like syndrome along with chicken treats. Is the FDA even considering food irradiation, (especially at high levels), as the missing link in these outbreaks?
http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=13936
Following product recalls, Fanconi-like syndrome outbreak abates in Australia
September 23, 2009
By: Edie Lau
For The VIN News Service
"The [grain-based] chews are made in Vietnam. Virbac has said that the product in Australia, unlike those sold elsewhere, is irradiated as required by the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service."
12/01/2011
9:20AM
Mansbestfriend: You wondered "Is the FDA even considering food irradiation, (especially at high levels), as the missing link in these outbreaks?"
I believe they are aware of the possibility, but very reluctant to admit this is an issue at ALL.
The fDA has been a strong proponent of irradiation as a method to ensure animal feed/pet food quality (a method of eliminating contamination with bacteria and extending shelf-life) and within the agency there is some crossover pressure/industry ties to avoid implicating irradiation unless they are double-dog sure.
This problem, essentially, would ruin everything that irradiation promised and in particular hopes for its employment in processing of food for human consumption. There is strong resistance to implicating it before the precise mechanism is detected and implication of the process unavoidable.
Commerce is at stake.
It also explains the language that "no specific contaminant" has been found, though a strong (for the FDA) warning has been released. They are aware. But at bottom there is a wish to conceal or withold any accusation of irradiation producing toxicity in a food product. My money is on alteration of bound lysine in the poultry treats. Cases where high lysine grain produced by Monsanto (with levels of free lysine boosted substantially by irradiation) has been implicated in fanconi syndrome suggest a natural component of the poultry treats is what is harming pets.
12/01/2011
8:18PM
I have three Pappilon's. The dame, the sire and one off spring. Each sees the Vet yearly, all are spayed or neutered. The dame and sire are approx 8 years old and have enjoyed excellent health. The off spring is approx 6 years old, ditto health. Recently the dame became deaf. A few weeks later the sire became blind and incontinent. We have purchased those Chinese chicken treats from Sam's. I would estimate that we purchases and my dogs consumed these threats 6 to 8 times during the last year. My dogs have gone from alert healthy animals and friends to physical wrecks. As a matter of fact I may have to put the sire down. I am 100% military service connected disabled and my dogs keep both my spirits up and my illness in check. I don't know what I'm going to do without them. Is there a class action suit against the producers of this poison?
12/06/2011
6:34AM
I've been feeding my dog home-made chicken jerky treats made with my food dehydrator. They are so easy and come out so well, I've also started making them for friends too. I've written an easy how-to guide on my blog for making these cost effective dog treats. If you're switching over from China-made store-bought treats, the initial cost of investing in a food dehydrator is paid back in weeks when you start making your own treats and jerky!
Check out the article here: http://www.manualofman.com/2011/dehydrated-chicken-breast-dog-treats/
12/22/2011
7:56AM
Hi Frank Andrews,
I hope you come back to this site and read this.
I would like to help you, if I can, find another dog if it comes to that. I know no one can replace your beloved Papillons, but it sounds as if you need a dog to heal, they are so wonderful at that.
One place to look is this: http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/about-military-working-dog-adoptions
Another is http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/.
There is also a foundation that helps disabled military veterans with PTSD get companions, http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/mans-best-friend-best-treatment-for-ptsd.
Please respond back to me if you can; I'd like to figure out a way to really help you.
12/28/2011
9:58AM
There is a NEW article on MSNBC which reports that the FDA is now saying that 353 dogs have gotten sick or died from eating Chinese chicken treats this year. The link is: http://on.msnbc.com/vKKHKK
Personally, I think the number of dogs sick this year is well over one thousand from the number of websites I've visited where I have seen dogs that are ill or that have died being discussed. I am almost certain it is something the Chinese are feeding the poultry used for their treats.
Did you know, according to Wikipedia and a New York Times article, that the Chinese fed Melamine to livestock? Melamine, as you may know, was the non-listed ingredient responsible for the pet food recall a few years ago. If you haven't, you should search for "Melamine" on Wikipedia and read the article.
Melamine is a principal ingredient in making Formica countertops and causes kidney failure if eaten. The Chinese were also caught putting Melamine into kids' milk and infant formula.
The only truly safe treat is one that you make yourself or that you buy from a company you trust. We make and sell our own chicken jerky, TriPom Chews, and only buy from other "Mom & Pop" sized treat makers that we have met or spoke with.
12/28/2011
8:40PM
They should take waggin train dog treats off the shelfs I just bought these treats and I'm glad I did not feed them to my dog yet what is wrong the FDA why are they not doing there jobs and stop the sell of all chicken jerky treats made in China STOP THE SELL OF DOG TREATS MADE IN CHINA !!!!!!!!!
12/29/2011
6:24PM
Geesh, I've fed literally POUNDS of the Waggin Train brand chicken strip dog treats to my three big outdoor dogs over the past year, and have never had a problem. The dogs absolutely love them. I only give them four or five strips at a time. But there's never been a problem. The dogs are super healthy and full of energy. So I don't know what all of this bashing against Waggin Train brand is. Even my local Walgreen's has now stopped selling the stuff, and my dogs sure are missing it. I was getting it for $10 for a 20 oz. bag from Walgreen's, which lasted quite a while. The people on this site claiming to be making and selling it are charging more than twice the price for less than 16 oz. Geesh. It's got me wondering if they're just not drumming up hysteria in order to sell more of the American-made stuff.
12/31/2011
2:12PM
we lost our laughing, great-hearted bruna on thursday, almost certainly due to consumption of chicken jerky treats, which we had no idea are imported from china, nor that there are 100s of reports of deaths & illness associated with them. in a horrible irony, we saw a story done by our local news station, wsmv.com,the night after we'd had to help her over the rainbow bridge, about another family whose dog died with exactly the same symptoms after eating this product. pls spread the word to everyone who know who has a dogly family member, & consider signing the petition below to ban these dangerous "treats".
http://www.change.org/petitions/ban-dog-treats-imported-from-china
01/01/2012
5:30PM
Wether it is true or not, I have quit feeding dog treats from China. It is very hard to find dog treats made in the USA. I am now making my own chicken jerky and it takes about 3-4 hours. There are plenty of healthy dog treat recipes on the web and it is great to see your dogs enjoy something that you made for them. My dogs will not be a statistic in this one.
01/02/2012
9:09AM
On Christmas Eve at 1 am, my 5 year old beagle woke me up to go outside to use the bathroom. What started out as a little bit of an upset stomach in the wee hours of the morning had turned into vomiting and bloody diarrhea by around 9 am. I rushed him into the vet and after the usual testing (x-ray, fecal, etc) and several hours of worrying and waiting he was diagnosed with HGE. He spent about a day and a half in the vet's care receiving fluids and meds via IV and once he had improved enough to be discharged was sent home with 3 medications to take over the course of 10 days. Once he came home and I started to research his condition I began to thank my lucky stars that I got him to the vet when I did. This illness goes downhill very quickly and can be fatal if attention is not sought immediately. The only cause that my vet was able to give me for this episode was that he "probably got into something." I am so careful about him getting into things & even have a dog gate so that he can't get into the kitchen to rummage throught the trash. He is a beagle after all so everything is doggie proof. I have a high suspicion that the true cause of this problem is the Waggin Train dog treats that he's been eating for several months. I am appalled by the complaints and very similar stories from other owners who feed their dogs these and other treats made in China. I will never feed him these treats again and as a matter of fact I cooked up a batch of homemade peanut butter dog cookies this morning. He loved them of course! Please do not take a chance with your pet's life. Discontinue these poisonous treats and if your dog is showing any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue please get the precious baby to the vet right away!
01/18/2012
11:46AM
I keep hearing all of these complaints on Wagon Train chicken jerky treats. What about the Wagon Train wholesome duck treats?
Has anything been linked to them? I use to feed my Chihuahua the chicken treats but then I tried the duck and now she won't eat anything else. I have feed her these for 2 years now and have not had any problems but now I am scared that they may be affected to. She loves these treats. I have tried her on other treats but she won't have anything to do with them. Maybe it is what their putting in them that makes them so addicting that is the problem. I can't help but think there is something there that they can't resist. Makes you wonder!
01/22/2012
11:17AM
We have been feeding our 90 pound chocolate lab beefeater chicken jerky treats for several years now..she only gets 2 in the morning after her walk. There has been many times over the last couple of years where she gets sick, would stop eating, have diarrhea and vomiting and then go away. I was told about the problem with chicken jerky treats that came from China from a co-worker. I believe that is the source of the mysterious illness in my dog over the years. Thank God is hasn't affected her health like some of the others i have read about. We have stopped feeding her these jerky treats. At $6 a pound you would think the chicken could come from this country. I am now going to make my own treats for her. All of the nasty viruses,& tainted products that hit this country come from China....What a filthy country.....and sadly enough....they almost own this one.....
01/31/2012
10:25AM
I carried my dog to the vet yesterday because he has been so very sick. He won't eat or drink anything. We have been force feeding him with a baby syringe. He would even throw up the meds that I got for him. Nothing would stay down. I just happened to mention that he wouldn't even take one of his favorite treats, which is Waggin Train Treats. They told me about the recall that they had received on this. I am so thankful that I mentioned this, else I would not have known. I don't know if he is going to make it or not, but the vet said to continue to do what I have been doing and maybe he will be okay. I have noticed that it is still on shelves in several stores in our area. I wish the FDA would make it mandatory to pull all pet food from China from all shelves in the America.
02/05/2012
3:38PM
I only recently came across the FDA letter dated 11/18/11 cautioning consumers that chicken jerky products imported from China might be causing illnesses in dogs. I was still grieving the loss of our beautiful, smart and playful, Abby, a 7 year old Yorkie, who had to be euthanized on 9/20/11. She had been eating Waggin Train chicken jerky treats over the summer, and absolutely seemed to love them. They were purchased for her from Wallmart and Costco by another family member, and I really thought that they were produced in the USA until I recently examined a package to see that they are made in China. We did notice that our pet was consuming more water and urinating more during the summer months, but excused it because we live in Arizona which extremely hot during the summer months. However, in early September, Abby suddenly stopped eating her regular food and within a day began to vomit. Got her to the vet with 1-2 days, and her blood work revealed "end stage renal failure." Tried to pull her through over a 2 week period with SQ IV's, medications, diet, etc. and actually had her BUN and Creatine levels looking much better. However, she never regained her appetite or energy, and once the SQ IV's were decreased as recommended by the vet, she quickly and irreversibly went downhill. This has been the most devastating experience I have ever endured with a family pet. I am consumed with guilt over the fact that we unknowingly probably caused the death of our loving Abby. I will be filing a compliant with the FDA. I agree with all the grieving pet owners on the internet that these dog food products need to be taken off the market. Never again!
02/07/2012
8:26PM
Update: U.S. Senator Calls FDA on the Carpet with Chinese Jerky Treats. On Feb. 6, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown sent a letter to Commissioner of the FDA, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, urging the FDA to promptly pursue efforts to find the contaminant in these pet treats and ensure that they are pulled from store shelves. Click here for the article. If the link doesn’t work or is not present, Google “Senator Brown FDA China” to find it. As individuals and as a business (TriPom Chews) that makes SAFE, real ‘American Made’ chicken jerky, we educate people on the dangers of Chinese treats and commend, and fully support, Sen. Brown’s efforts. Contact your Representatives in Congress at Congress.org. Together we CAN make a difference and keep our pets SAFE.
02/09/2012
5:12AM
Please join our facebook group- Animal parents against chicken jerky treats made in China- We are trying very hard to have this product removed from US shelves and need all the support we can get. My family lost our little pug Gracie Mae to this deadly poison, she got very ill from chicken jerky and never recovered, had to put her down the day before Thanksgiving. The FDA needs to issue the recall and get this stuff off the shelves!
02/21/2012
11:05AM
I just took my yellow lab to the vets and he was convinced that the Melamine in the chicken treats (Kingdom Pets, co Costco) caused her to develop Pancreatitis. I read the label and it is from China. My dog is now on an IV 24 hours, and will be watched overnight. Please STOP giving these treats to your animals!