Andrea Rosebrock 
The word has been going around for quite a while about the potential danger of chicken jerky treats made in China for dogs and although there is not a recall, the FDA has issued a caution. There are no specific brand names listed just an overall warning regarding chicken jerky treats made in China. Investigation has not even been able to pin down any specific ingredients causing problems.
Best bet is just to stay away from these low-end dog treats… period. Check your packages and anything made in China, be smart and just discard, it’s not worth taking a chance.
Here’s a bit from the FDA’s warning;
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S. from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.
Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be
used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S, is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.
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 which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and 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.
Overall, I’ve been reading the manufacturing details on all product labels for pets and humans. If its *Made in China*, I don’t buy it.
China doesn’t get it. Then again, being a ruthless totalitarian country, they never will.
Not dog related but timely anyhow, is, the Tainted Milk Scandal in China has just started trial. China law is: if anyone brings this sort of *shame* to the government, they are put to death. No hanging out on death row for 10 years with appeals either.
Hi Deanna,
I recently purchased a package of NEWMAN’S OWN ORGANIC TRAINING TREATS…..CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE RECIPE. It doesn’t show the ingredients, nor where they are made. The distributer is Newmans Own Organics, Inc. in Aptos, Ca. Do you know if any of his foods have anything to do with China? I don’t think they do, but I thought you might know far better than I. To continue giving these to my precious Sage with the chance she could get hurt or die from them, scares me….so until I hear from you, I will discontinue giving them to her. I like giving Sage a variety of treats (the very few I give her….Labs have a tendency to get quite overweight), and I usually give her Newman’s because they are all natural. Let me know…..Thank you Deanna
You got it Andrea, if it says “Made in China” it stays right on the shelf. No way would I ever take a chance, not or in the future.
Jessie, check the UPC code on the package, anything that is made in China will have a UPC code with the first 3 digit ranging from 690-695. That’s the one thing I always check on whenever I purchase anything to find out if it’s made in China or not.
Hugs to Sage!
D.