Warning About Chicken Jerky Products

[Chicocat]

I received this today from a friend who is a veterinarian:

 

 

 

 

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 Coordinator http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html in their state.

Edited December 21, 2008 by Chicocat

[RobinM]

this really scares me.

 

I have been buying these for over 2 years. We have a shippment of 12 on their way. After her chemo this week, Polli was eating them like peanuts. One after the other and is the main "cookie" we give.

 

http://www.carealotpets.com/item-detail/?I...000000000003853

 

We always like them because they are high in protein but low in fat and calories.

 

How can we find out if these are some of the tainted ones?

Edited December 22, 2008 by RobinM

[Guest boondog]

Thank you for posting this information. I've posted the link on my group's message board.

[Guest Greytluv]

Well, dang. My dogs love the ones from Costco. I've been giving them for years and never had any problems.

[Chicocat]

I have tried to find information online that point to any brand names and the only reference I found was to an Austrailian manufacturer who pulled their products about 3 weeks ago. This warning has been ongoing since sometime in 2007. It was issued again on Dec 19th, and appears on the FDA website.

 

The source of the problem is based in products originating in China (again).

 

Robin, I would check the manufacturer of the chicken tenders you use. I believe you said those were Zuke's? I did read that one of the things listed for Zuke's products is:

 

Made in the USA with USA sourced meats, grains, fruits and vegetables

 

But, I didn't know exactly which product you were using.

 

 

I did read that when the original warning was issued in 2007 there were a couple products pulled from WalMart.

Edited December 22, 2008 by Chicocat

[RobinM]

No Zukes are no problem.

 

This is what they eat the most of.

 

Dried chicken tenders.

 

http://www.carealotpets.com/item-detail/?I...000000000003853

 

[Guest VelvetEars]

You can make your own with a cheap food dehydrator. (remember when they were all the rage?) I would imagine if you put the word out in your circle of friends, you could find someone who has one for borrowing or keeping.

[RobinM]

It's a greyt idea to make your own, but I don;t have the time. Any time. None. I am pulled in 60 different directions as it is.

 

Freddygirl bought the machine over the summer and said it was a HUGE ordeal to make them. After the initial batch she packed up the machine and put it away. She is a kitchen person and said that. I am NOT a kitchen person, so I don;t think that's realistic for us.

 

If someone wants to make them, I'd be happy to buy them for the same price or less of what I buy them for!!!!

 

Now, that's a greyt idea for someone who is at home and needs to make some $$