FDA Warning on Chicken Jerky Treats from China

by Virginia from just-basset-hounds.com

March 2012. In 2011, there were an increasing number of complaints to the FDA about dogs becoming sick after eating chicken jerky products imported from China. The FDA continues to receive complaints and has released a FAQ about this issue.

The products involved are dried chicken jerky products for dogs that are imported from China and may also be sold as tenders, strips, or treats.

The FDA is advising those who choose to feed chicken jerky products to their dogs to watch for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days after consumption:

- decreased appetite
- decreased activity
- vomiting
- diarrhea, sometimes with blood
- increased water consumption
- increased urination.

If you any notice any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky. Contact your vet if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure or increased glucose.

You or your vet should notify the FDA. Keep any left over product for possible testing.

The FDA is still investigating this issue and a definitive cause has not yet been determined. Therefore, no products have yet been recalled.

I periodically feed chicken tender products to my Basset Hound, Hunter, because he really likes them. But since I have become aware of this issue, I went through all of my treats and made sure that none of them are made in China. Don't want to take any chances!

Here's some more info from the AVMA.