Jerky Treats – What You Need to Know to Keep Your Dog Safe

The Jerky Treats story begins back in 2007, when the AVMA, (American Veterinary Medicine Association) began receiving reports of an increased number of an unusual form of kidney failure in dogs (Fanconi Syndrome). These dogs had in common the consumption of certain chicken jerky treats being made in China. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was notified and began to search for toxins or contaminants in the suspected products, but with no success. The FDA continues to search for the cause of illness associated with these treats. Since 2007, there have been sporadic reports of suspected kidney problems linked with jerky treats in the U.S., and reports from Canada and Australia of similar problems. Under the AVMA’s issuance of an “alert”, U.S. veterinarians have remained vigilant of suspected cases and report them to the FDA. Although no official “recall” of these jerky treats has been issued, what is known about these treats can help you make wise choices on what to feed your dog.

What we currently know about the jerky treats is that:

1. The Canadian reports suggest that small and toy breeds are most adversely affected though any size or breed is susceptible to illness.
2. The products are either made in China or contain products of Chinese origin.
3. The most commonly affected products are 2 Nestle Purina Pet Care treats labeled “Waggin’ Train” and “Canyon Creek Ranch”, and a Del Monte Corp. product labeled “Milo’s Kitchen”.
4. Other brands and types of jerky treats may also be affected.
5. The “alert” now also includes duck jerky treats and sweet potato jerky treats as well as the original chicken treats
6. The jerky treats may be labeled as “tenders”, “strips”, or “treats”.
7. Although consumption of large numbers of treats increases the risk, some dogs became ill after eating only one treat.
8. A definitive cause-and-effect link has not been established. The toxin or contaminant has not been identified. This is not the same as the melamine problem, identified in 2007, nor the antibiotic residue or Salmonella contaminations in 2013 recalls.

What is a dog owner to do?

Of course, the obvious choice would be to not feed any jerky treats to your dog and thus side step concerns with a problem that has not been completely identified or resolved. However, if you chose to give them to your dog, do so in small quantities only. Be very cautious with small breed dogs.

What happens if my dog gets sick and I have been feeding jerky treats?

The most common signs of illness associated with these jerky treats in vomiting, not eating, lethargy. Some owners may notice an increased thirst and need to urinate. These problems develop within hours to several days of consuming the treats. If your dog shows any of these signs and you have been feeding it jerky treats, stop feeding the treats and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Testing such as a complete blood count and blood chemistry, a urinalysis, and in some cases special testing will help with the diagnosis and treatment can be begun. Most dogs have been successfully treated, but some have died despite treatment.

It is important that you save any remaining treats and the packaging in case they are needed for testing. Consumers can report suspected illness due to the treats directly to the FDA at their Safety Reporting Portal.