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Health & Fitness

Chicken Jerky Treats: A Suspected Danger

The FDA continues to caution pet owners about potential issues with chicken jerky treats.  Their October 2013 announcement  follows previous warnings in 2007, 2008 and 2012. They have urged all pet owners and veterinarians to report any illnesses associated with the feeding of any sort of jerky treats.

Currently, more than 3600 reports have been filed and it is estimated that more than 580 pets have died.  Although it is uncommon, there are reports of cats getting sick as well. In my practice, I have had just one animal present for an illness that proved to be acute kidney disease, suspected of being related to chicken jerky treat ingestion.

Symptoms of illness are non-specific and may include: vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.  Increased water consumption and increased urination may also be noted.

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No specific brand has been named, but all complaints have centered on treats obtained from China.  Most affected animals have consumed chicken jerky treats  but sweet potato jerky treats and duck jerky treats have also been implicated.

While no direct causal link between the illnesses and the consumption of chicken jerky products is yet proved, with so much still unknown pet owners should use caution in feeding such treats. Melamine, the toxic chemical involved in the massive 2007 pet food recall, has been ruled out as a cause of these illnesses.  The FDA is actively investigating the potential cause of this problem. Angry pet owners have filed at least two class actions lawsuits as of July 2012.

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Until such a time that the causative agent is determined, the American Veterinary Medical Association is recommending that consumers use caution in offering jerky treats to their dogs. In any case, chicken jerky treats should be used ONLY as a treat fed occasionally and not as a significant portion of your pet’s diet. I also suggest avoiding jerky treats manufactured outside the US.

As with any illness, if your pet is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, please contact your family veterinarian for advice and treatment.   They are your best source for factual information and are best equipped to make sure that your pet will receive the correct veterinary medical care. In addition, veterinarians and pet owners should report any suspected cases of pet treat or pet food toxicity to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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