Chicken Jerky

I know that I am a little anti-MSNBC, but someone should get fired for the article title "3 big brands may be tied to chicken jerky illness in dogs, FDA records show"

when they have to state in the article :

"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.
So far, they’ve found nothing convincing, a point emphasized by Keith Schopp, director of communications for Nestle Purina. He noted that FDA officials also suggest that illnesses may be a result of causes other than eating jerky treats."

This is what makes this whole discussion very difficult. It is not like the gluten issues that plagued many dog foods in 2006-2007, where the cause was isolated quickly. Unfortunately, without a smoking gun, there will always be a controversy since there is no way to prove the absence of a substance.

 

I think your blame is misdirected. The reporter only reported the information that was released by the FDA which, unfortunately, should not have taken so long to get released to the public.

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.

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.

 

First Lawsuit filed over Chicken Jerky Treats

This one has been filed against Waggin' Train and Wal-Mart.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/first-lawsuit-filed-over-chicken-jerky-treats.html

 

Nearly 1000 Dogs Sick, FDA Report States

Nearly 1,000 dogs reportedly have been sickened by chicken jerky pet treats from China, according to a new tally of complaints from worried owners and veterinarians submitted to federal health officials.

http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11798368-nearly-1000-dogs-now-sick-from-jerky-treats-fda-reports-say?lite

 

Safeway Stops Sale of Milo's Kitchen

Safeway Grocery Chain Stops Sale of Milo's Kitchen

NBC News (of the San Francisco Bay Area) reports "Safeway told NBC Bay Area today it has discontinued orders of Milo's Kitchen Chicken jerky treats to its stores nationwide. Thank heavens for the first brave retail chain!

As well, FDA has announced they have added duck jerky treats and sweet potato jerky treats - imported from China - to their products being tested.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/safeway-grocery-chain-stops-sale-of-milos-kitchen.html

 

Thanks KTdid - Wegmans and Target both sell these products too, let's hope they follow suit. I still endorse Doggone Natural for stocking products that are not manufactured in China, use wholesome, natural ingredients - and are labelled honestly. I also use Pet Value, but their jerky/dried food products aren't always clearly labelled in terms of country of origin. My dog goes nuts for dried sweet potato!

 

Lawsuit: Chicken Jerky

Owners whose dogs died after eating chicken jerky dog treats from China aren’t taking the heartbreaking loss of their pets lying down. They believe the lack of recalled products and the FDA’s website-only warning to pet owners is an unacceptable response to a situation that is several years old and has, as of July 31, caused illness in 1,500 dogs and killed another 300.

The lawsuit alleges that despite receiving over 500 complaints that chicken jerky dog treats imported from China cause sickness and/or death in dogs, Nestlé Purina and Waggin’ Train continued to market their product as “wholesome” and added no warnings to packaging.

Avoid all these types of pet treats unless you can confirm they were not only “assembled” in the U.S., but the ingredients originated here as well. And I urge you to apply this guideline to ALL pet treats.

If you need to report a pet food complaint, you can do it at fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/10/19/pet-owners-filed-lawsuit.aspx

 

Re: Chicken Jerky Update

A recent statement from FDA's Dr. Dan McChesney tells us the FDA receives 40 complaints per week - on a slow week - of sick or dying pets related to the jerky treats imported from China. Further, the article that quotes Dr. McChesney seems to say pet owners are simply over reacting about jerky treats imported from China; and as well states journalists and pet bloggers are misinformed.

“Forty complaints a week without press coverage.” That’s 2,080 complaints in one year – when the media and those pesky bloggers aren’t warning the public. That could easily escalate to more than 3,000 complaints in one year with media reports.

http://www.petfoodindustry.com/Blog_Posts/Jessica_Taylor/Cluck,_cluck,_cluck__Chicken_jerky_and_the_FDA_have_social_media_tongues_wagging.html

That’s not what the FDA told us in September 2012 . Back in September the FDA stated they have received “only 2,200 reports of pet illnesses which may be related to consumption of the jerky treats” in five years of FDA investigating these treats. (Note they used the words “only 2,200 reports”.) Did the FDA mislead pet parents with their September 2012 statement? Did the FDA release low numbers of reports of sick or dead pets related to the jerky treats to intentionally calm the furry of concerned petsumers?

“Forty complaints a week without press coverage” and there has been no recall? How many pets need to die or suffer significant kidney damage for FDA to take this seriously?

“Forty complaints a week without press coverage” and these treats remain on store shelves in every major retail chain and every big box pet food store!

2,200 reports of sick pets in five years remains nothing to dismiss. These numbers alone should have demanded the treats be recalled or pulled from shelves out of precaution. Using Dr. McChesney’s “on average” slow week of 40 complaints, it is absurd nothing has been done thus far. Nothing from FDA, nothing from the importers/manufacturers, nothing from retailers.

Dr. McChesney continues -
“Some cases are not substantiated, while other pets may have been affected but their owners never complained or associated a pet’s problem with the treats, Dr. McChesney noted. In any case, he concedes there’s clearly an apparent issue with chicken jerky treats.”

Isn’t that nice of Dr. McChesney; he “concedes” there’s an apparent issue with chicken jerky treats from China.

The author of this article, Susan Thixton, responded to Dr, McChesney. Read more here...http://truthaboutpetfood2.com/can-you-hear-me-screaming

 

Chicken Jerky - don't feed warning from FDA

But it is not what you think.

The FDA just specifically stated “Don’t feed certain Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog treats – Product may be contaminated with Salmonella”. Flat out stated “don’t feed” this certain type of U.S. made jerky treat only because of risk of Salmonella – the “potential” for Salmonella. But the FDA has never once stated ‘Don’t feed Jerky Treats from China’ – even though for five years the agency has received complaints of pet illness and reports of dead pets directly related to the Chinese made jerky treats. Something is wrong with this picture.

Here’s my beef. FDA makes the public statement “Don’t feed certain Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog treats” because of the potential for Salmonella contamination. Ok, yes – this is a good warning from FDA. But why now? Why with just this one treat? Why specifically advise pet food consumers to “don’t feed” this jerky treat but not specifically advise pet food consumers to “don’t feed” Chinese imported jerky treats?

http://truthaboutpetfood2.com/jerky-treat-dont-feed-warning-from-fda

 

Waggin Train Jerky Recall

The product is being recalled but not for the reasons one would suspect given all the dog illnesses and deaths these past couple of years. The jerky has been under the microscope and call it lucky that this adulteration was found.

"The Company is taking this action after learning this week that the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets (NYSDAM) found trace amounts of antibiotic residue in samples of Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch chicken jerky products. These antibiotics are approved for use in poultry in China and other major countries, including European Union member states, but are not among those approved in the U.S. Antibiotics are commonly used globally, including in the United States, when raising animals fit for human consumption. Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch products are safe to feed as directed. However, due to regulatory inconsistencies among countries, the presence of antibiotic residue is technically considered an adulteration in the United States. This finding does not pose a safety risk to pets.

http://truthaboutpetfood2.com/waggin-traincanyon-creek-jerky-treat-recall