Chicken Jerky Dog Treats: Toxic or Not?

So, we continue to hear reports about dogs becoming sick after eating chicken jerky treats from China. As of mid-May, in excess of 600 reports have been filed with the FDA in 2012. The problems were first noted in 2007 and the FDA issued a warning then. It all quieted down again until 2011 when there was a significant surge in the number of complaints, from 50 in 2010 to 350 in 2011. Australia also noted problems in 2011 and one brand of chicken jerky treats sold there has been recalled & the firm states they were manufactured in China also. Problems have also been reported in Canada.

The FDA and several veterinary diagnostic labs in the US have done extensive testing on the products and testing is also being performed at the University of Sydney. At this time, scientists have not been unable to determine a potential cause for the reported illnesses.  The FDA has done extensive chemical and microbial testing and has not isolated any contaminant. The FDA is continuing to research this problem, but suspects many of the reported illnesses may be the result of other causes. If you recall, identifying the melamine contamination in hundreds of lines of dog food in 2007 was no quick or easy investigation. Due to the lack of firm data, the FDA has not, and cannot, recall the chicken jerky products but the FDA has advised consumers to be very cautious about feeding these items.  They recommend limiting the intake especially in small dogs, and discontinuing them immediately if you pet has vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stools, appetite loss, increased water consumption or increased urination (the last two are signs of kidney problems). The FDA also has a FAQ page about the chicken jerky treats.

So, is it real? Are animals being sickened by some unknown toxin in the chicken jerky from China? At this time, it’s difficult to know. It’s entirely possible that many animals that have gotten sick were not actually made ill by the chicken jerky, but rather happen to have become ill coincidentally. After all, if a dog eats a chicken jerky treat every day, but happens to come down with pancreatitis or liver disease it does not necessarily follow that the chicken jerky caused the illness. There is one specific and unusual kidney problem called Fanconi syndrome that has been associated with chicken jerky and many veterinarians suspect that it has indeed been caused by the jerky. It is a fairly rare disease and the numbers recently seen suggest a strong association between the ingestion of chicken jerky and Fanconi Syndrome, which is a serious form of kidney disease.

Nestle Purina, sent a letter to veterinarians encouraging us to reassure our clients that their products are safe if fed as directed. Indeed, one of their brands, Waggin’ Train, has been cited in many of the FDA reports. Personally, I found the letter a bit offensive as it suggested that the dogs getting sick may have become ill because they were given too much jerky. This is the owner’s fault now? Hey, if the stuff is safe why would four treats instead of one cause serious illness?? The fact is, they don’t want to do a recall if it hasn’t been proven necessary by the FDA. I understand that as a business decision, but I do not appreciate being told I should tout their product as safe to my clients without a good bit more scientific evidence. Their treats are indeed manufactured in China and the number of reports certainly seem to suggest there is some correlation between Chinese made chicken jerk treats and illness in dogs even if we don’t yet know exactly why or how it is happening. Purina suggests it is just fine to keep feeding their treats as directed, just don’t overdo it.  They mention the lack of a recall as though it is proof the treats are safe. I see it as indication that the FDA does not yet have proof the treats are unsafe, which is not the same as proof that they are safe. I’d feel better if they recalled them voluntarily with an abundance of caution just to be safe until we know more. But I feel sure Purina is not interested in one humble veterinarian’s opinion.

So, what’s a dog owner to do? Well, my answer is conservative. Play it safe and don’t feed any chicken, turkey or duck jerky that is manufactured in China. Avoid the sweet potato treats from China too. Why take a chance with your family pet? There are so many safe and healthy treats they can enjoy that I just don’t think it’s worth the risk. Maybe I’ll be laughing at myself next year for being so cautious, but I’m not risking my dog’s health when there are this many reports of illness (and some deaths) already. Even if half of these are not really related to the treats, that still leaves hundreds that are real.  You know, my dogs may like jerky treats, but somehow I doubt that they’ll hate me for giving them a different treat that may be safer. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to them that I could have so easily prevented. I think they would forgive me if they understood and I’ll sleep better knowing I haven’t taken that extra chance with their health.