FDA Issues Warning About Dog Treats

On Nov. 18, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) again cautioned consumers that chicken jerky products for dogs -- also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats -- may be associated with illness in canines.

In the last 12 months, the FDA reports it has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with eating chicken jerky products imported from China. The complaints have been reported to FDA by dog owners and veterinarians, according to the Administration.

The FDA issued a cautionary warning regarding chicken jerky products to consumers in September 2007 and a Preliminary Animal Health Notification in December of 2008. After seeing the number of complaints received drop off during the latter part of 2009 and most of 2010, the FDA is once again seeing the number of complaints rise to the levels of concern that prompted release of earlier warnings.

The FDA is advising consumers who have fed their dogs chicken jerky treats to watch their animals closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky treat and consult a veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure, the FDA advises. 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.

In addition to several animal health diagnostic laboratories in the U.S., the FDA states that it 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 but investigations are continuing.

Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in their state or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.