These Dog Treats Can Be Harmful

I thought everyone had heard about an FDA warning that chicken jerky treats from China are making dogs sick and can be fatal. The FDA says they can also be sold as "chicken tenders" or "chicken strips."

Yet when I was in the store the other day, I found them on the shelf. As I read the back of the package, I could see how people may not even realize the chicken treats are from China.

The larger words on the back of the package say “An American Company,” and in smaller letters in another corner were the words “Made in China.” 

This disturbs me.

On Dec. 1, 2011, Patch posted an article on a Gulfport pet owner who discovered the chicken jerky treats were causing his pets' illness. He began warning others of the risks, which are outlined by the FDA.

Some symptoms that pet owners may notice in their dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, decreased activity, bloody diarrhea, increased water consumption, increased urination and lethargy. The treats can also be linked to serious issues such as kidney failure and blood-sugar issues.

These symptoms can be associated with many things, so make sure you think about what your dog ate recently. Look at your dog's diet up to five days before the problem started.

You might be asking why there have not been any recalls. The FDA cannot actually identify a specific product as the problem. Since the FDA cannot pinpoint it, there is no recall. All the FDA can do is warn owners about
the risks and suggest that they take their babies to the vet – and read the labels.

Be careful not to lightheartedly skim the labels when you are buying dog treats. Even when the package says the chicken treats come from an “American company,” there is no guarantee the product was made in America.

Your dogs cannot choose the right foods for themselves; it is up to you to be a careful consumer.

Here are some more tips from the FDA.