Vets warn: New treats from China poisoning pets, cause acute kidney failure
The not-so-sweet sweet potatoes
Despite repeated warnings issued by the FDA about risks associated with chicken and duck jerky pet treats, veterinarians are reporting new cases of illness in dogs following the ingestion of two new types of treats. These treats have never been associated with kidney disease in dogs – until now.
What are the treats?
This time, dogs are being affected by a new, and unexpected, class of pet treat: Sweet potato and yam dog treats.
Aside from the spooky coincidence that dogs consuming sweet potato and yam treats are showing similar signs of an exceedingly rare type of kidney disorder (Fanconi’s syndrome) as dogs that are fed poultry jerky treats – there is another, more sinister, association.
All the treats, regardless of type, are imported from China.
Several sweet potato and yam pet treat brands, cited by veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve, are suspected of causing new cases of unexplained acute kidney failure include:
- Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Yam Good Dog Treats by Nestle-Purina
- Beefeaters Sweet Potato Treats
- Drs. Foster and Smith
- Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality
The Veterinary Information Network published an update on the jerky treat problem in May; Chicken Jerky Treats from China may be Associated with Kidney Issues included a reference to the sweet potato treats causing similar problems:
Anecdotal reports from veterinarians indicate similar concerns about sweet potato pet treats made in China. Although no evidence is available that these sweet potato treats cause kidney issues similar to those related to chicken jerky treats, pet owners should be aware of the possibility.
If your pet has the signs listed above, and has eaten chicken jerky or sweet potato treats made in China, contact your veterinarian. Save the treats and packaging so that they can be tested by the FDA if they are suspected to cause the illness.
Beware the numerous ways in which jerky treats are named
It is important to remember that although the type of treat most often mentioned in the press is described as a jerky treat, the treats may also be called by a myriad of other names such as stix, chips, poppers, tenders, drumettes, kabob’s, strips, fries, lollipops, twists, wraps, bars, tops, discs and any other name they can come up with that sounds cute and yummy.
The report goes on to say that there is speculation the problems may also extend to pork treats and cat treats imported from China.
Phorate: One of the most poisonous pesticides known to man
In 2010 the FDA issued an Import Refusal Report, and later issued an Import Alert, for sweet potato dog treats imported from a company in China (whose main business is, oddly, is in rubber and plastic raw materials) were contaminated with a highly toxic pesticide known as phorate.
Phorate is an extremely toxic organophosphorus compound and is among the most poisonous chemicals commonly used for pest control. It is used in agriculture as a pesticide and phorate is identified by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) and Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) as one of the “most toxic” set of pesticides known (aka a Bad Actor) in the world.
Although phorate is known primarily as a neurotoxin and not classified as a nephrotoxin and therefore unlikely to cause acute renal failure in dogs, its presence in any food item is a disturbing indication that treats of any kind imported from China could pose a risk to the health and safety of pets and to the consumers handling them.
Dr. Hofve warns of new danger
Holistic veterinarian and pet food safety advocate Dr. Jean Hofve warn that sweet potato treats from China may be causing new cases of kidney failure in dogs. The article describing her concern on Little Big Cat is copied below:
Sweet Potato Treats from China Causing Kidney Failure?
April 5, 2012
By jhofve77 (Dr. Jean Hofve of Little Big Cat)
On the Veterinary Information Network, several veterinarians have reported cases where dogs have developed symptoms of kidney failure (Fanconi’s syndrome) similar to dogs that have been poisoned by Chinese-made chicken jerky treats.
So far, the brands implicated are all made in China:
- Beefeaters Sweet Potato Snacks for Dogs
- Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Yam Good Dog Treats (FDA has issued a warning on this product)
- Drs. Foster and Smith (exact item not specified in the report)
- Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality
There was also speculation that the problem may also extend to pork products (pig ears) and cat treats made in China. Australian veterinarians have reported similar symptoms from chicken jerky treats, as well as several cases associated with “Veggie Dents,” a dog treat made in Vietnam by Virbac, an American company. Virbac recalled one batch of Veggie Dents in Australia in 2009.
The FDA still claims that there is no pending recall of Chinese-made pet treats, even though it has repeatedly issued warnings about the problems associated with chicken jerky treats since 2007.
Symptoms of Fanconi’s syndrome include:
- Increased drinking and urinating
- “Accidents” in the house
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Blood and urine tests show azotemia (high BUN and Creatinine), dilute urine, and glucose in the urine (that isn’t diabetes)
Most affected dogs have recovered over time with good supportive care.
We strongly recommend that you check the source of all cat or dog treats you may have purchased, and do not give them to your pet if they were made in China. It would be best to avoid any pet food or treat products made in China, and probably a good idea to avoid all dried animal parts, because they are not heated to a temperature that will kill pathogenic bacteria.
Dr. Becker’s opinion on sweet potato treats
In a post on her popular blog, Healthy Pets, Dr. Becker tells pet parents, Don’t let your pets eat any sweet potato treats! In her post, she isn’t shy about telling consumers what she really thinks about sweet potato treats:
If You Feed Sweet Potato Treats to Your Pet, Please Read This!
It seems there is another dog snack from China to worry about; sweet potato treats.
According to the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) 1, vets are now reporting health problems linked to sweet potato treats similar to those related to chicken jerky treats also made in China.
Test results on sick dogs show kidney problems similar to the symptoms of Fanconi syndrome. Most dogs recover, but there have been some deaths related to the chicken jerky treat problem.
Symptoms may show up within hours or days after a treat is eaten symptoms include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and increased thirst and urination.
Per Poisoned Pets, in 2010 the FDA found that a sweet potato dog treat made by a certain company in China was contaminated with phorate, a highly toxic pesticide.
There is speculation there could be problems with pork treats and cat treats imported from China as well…
…PLEASE know that if you choose to buy any treat made in China, your pet may be at risk. Chicken jerky treats, chicken tenders, chicken strips, chicken treats, or sweet potato treats, they can all pose a potential threat. Play it safe. Buy only food and treats made in the U.S. Buying pet food made in this country won’t remove all risk of winding up with a tainted product, but it will certainly improve your chances of keeping your pet safe.
Dr. Becker’s initial warning included the reference to the brands suspected of causing problems (Canyon Creek Ranch, Beefeaters, Dogswell and Drs. Foster and Smith), but after receiving a carefully worded letter from Doctors Foster and Smith, Dr. Becker chose to remove the reference to their product.
References:
Phorate EXTOXNET (Cornell)
Pesticide Action Network (PAN)
Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR)
Published on: Apr 6, 2012
Updated on: Oct 28, 2014
Pet Food Safety News publishes reader-supported investigative reporting on commercial pet food, industry practices, and regulatory issues affecting consumers. It has no financial ties to pet food companies. Donations help fund the research, writing, and publishing costs behind this work and support continued reporting on transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in the pet food industry. If you value this reporting, please consider making a donation.
Discover more from Pet Food Safety News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
279 Comments
Pingback:
vikki
I just threw out all of the Chicken Jerky Treats, that were waggin tail, but the duck treats I have are a CADET brand, BUT, made in China. Is there any word on these treats? I intend to return them to costco tomorrow, even if I can not find the receipt! Oh this makes me so angry.
Roseann Ranno
WOW! And I thought it was just my dog. I’d bought Hartz Brand Oinkies, Pig Skin Twists with Sweet Potato Center. Everytime I gave my dogs them they’d gulp water, vomit, diarrhea, you name it afterwards. Even a few days afterwards. Just went and checked the label. MADE IN CHINA! Emailing the company and letting them have it. Mind you I also had a dog on TOTW Sierra Mtn. Canine Formula(LAMB!) get sick. They reimbursed me but my dog ended up at the Vets too! Can we trust anyone? Mind you, TOTW is manufactured by Diamond!
Mollie Morrissette
Yah, I know about TOTW. Thanks for the heads up on your experience with other brands – good to know!
I hate Hartz. They are criminal.
Did you file a report with the FDA about TOTW? It’s so easy to do. It can be done online or over the phone…See the sticky post…
Thanks again Roseann!
connie
I had a sick dog for over a week because of the chicken jerky treats. That’s the only thing different she had eaten. She’s feeling better now. I noticed the product still on the shelf at Sams and Walmart.
Sophia Keenesburg
It is China OR are it OUR Companies who want to maximize their profits by letting the products they sell made in China === at the lowest costs possible AND not checking them for Quality & food safety???
So who do we point our arrows at???
I would say the companies who sell this stuff to us … they know what is in it and otherwise they should have! They sell it … they let chinese and other cheap labour countries make their products CHEAP.
Even possible with Childlabour!!! )-
Our Companies are to blame in my opinion .. Cheap cheaper cheapiest!
To maximize their profits!!!
cellochik
right on,, it isn ‘t the Chinese, Vietnamese, Pakistani or any one else to blame but companies in our own back yard who contract out work to third world countries for pennies and don ‘t follow through to ensure product safety is ensured. They don ‘t have to because USDA or FDA rules don ‘t apply off shore. Next time you go to Walmart to buy your groceries, check the labels. Its not just pet food that is imported from other countries.
Wendy Kelly
Thank you. I agree completely. Further to this, my local tea company is owned by a Chinese-Canadian woman. The tea is carefully sourced, organic tea from, yes, China. It is excellent tea. Buy from people you know and trust (whatever their nationality) and you won’t have any problems.
J Ross
Its a shame we have people here that needs jobs. Instead we let company’s from here poison us from there
susiep
They sure aren’t doing any fast moving on this stuff, I went to Walmart and found all these products still on the shelves. Something has to be done to save countless pets from dying needlessly. It’s even harder to know since some things that are originally made in China get packaged or whatever in the US and the labels say they are from wherever they were packaged, which is misleading and can cause even more deaths or illnesses.
Sandy
China sucks ass, yet we continue to buy thier products; cars, clothes, shoes. Too bad American has sold out…now we can hardly find anything thats genuinely made here in the USA. Sad.
denise
and they dont’ like that we have animals living in our homes!
Renae
Actually, many Chinese people love Americans and many have pets and love them very much. We need to be careful not to blame an entire class of people just because there are some who are truly evil and motivated only by greed. As others have said, if you look at the way Americans treat factory farm animals and at the fact that it is American companies that are purchasing and selling what they know is tainted food, it should be hard to take out all of our anger on China.
Mollie Morrissette
Amen to that Renae! You hit the nail on the head! Not only that, but every single American company that imports goods from China (or any other country for that matter) is ultimately responsible for testing and verifying the quality of the ingredients/products they import! Otherwise, they are just as negligent and guilty as the person who adulterated product. Remember the melamine scandal? If that hasn’t taught manufacturers to watch their ass and their ingredient supply – they are hopeless and should get out of the food business. Period.
Carol
Yes, unfortunately those Chinese people who love us are as us the poor working slobs just trying to have a decent life. I’m sorry, but world wide if we want things to be better, it’s time to bring down the rule of corporate society and go back to the small privately owned shops where people gave a crap about their customers, not just their money. Big government and Big Business is our downfall, not the average joe scraping out a living!
Regina Roman
You are so right. We need to boycott Chinese goods!
Ann Furczyk
We need to stop buying the products from China than the American companies would come back to America, employ Americans again and put money back into our country. You get what you pay for. Buy American ONLY!
Mary
Carrot Dog Treats
2 cup carrots, grated
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 cups oat flour
1/2 cup ground flaxseed meal
1 tsp. baking powder
Puree carrots in blender or food processor, add appleauce and yogurt, and puree until mixutre is smooth
Pour pureed mixture in large bowl. Add flour, flaxseed, baking powder. Knead the dough until it is mixed well and forms a ball. If the dough is too sticky add a little more flour.
Turn Out the dough ball onto a floured surface and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. This dough is fairly soft, so don’t roll too thing. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes or just cut into squares. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or nonstick foil. ( I use parchment paper for everything).
Bake at 400 degrees for 8 o 10 minutes, or until the tops are browned. Flip treats over, and bake another 10 minutes. Cool Thoroughly.
Make 2 1/2 dozen treats. store in airtight container.
Mollie Morrissette
Wow! Mary what a fantastic recipe! No bad stuff (flour, etc.)! Your dogs must LOVE you. I’ll bet they hang out in the kitchen just waiting for a treat, huh? Thanks for sharing Mary.
Rori
Why do we as Americans buy from china? We need to employ Americans and spend money for American stuff I don’t like the idea that everything we eat, drink, wear or use comes from china and I don’t support it at all!!! They are becoming too powerful and are 100% going to take us over stop supporting china!
Debbie Garner
My 11 year old cocker spaniel was just diagnosed with early stages of kidney disease. Guess what I have been feeding her as a treat for at least 4 years – Sweet Potato Treats from Drs Foster and Smith. Just checked the container and guess where they are made —yep China. Will discuss with the vet ASAP. Bought them in bulk since that was the only treat she received – will be throwing all of the remaining containers out. Thank you China – that is my last China purchase. Will be checking everything from now on. Just hope my baby recovers without too many bad side effects!!!
FRANCES REEVES
WOW! CHINA IS CRAZY PLACE. DON;T FEED ANYTHING FROM THERE. I MAKE MY OWN FOOD FOR MY SUZY. SHE DOESN;T LIKE TREATS. SHE IS 15 1/2 YRS. OLD. A LITTLE PROM. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE.
Michelle
HOLY CRAP…….I have these!!! (The Yam treats) And on the back, very bottom left hand corner it says, “Product of China”!!! I never even saw that when I bought them. They are in the trash now!!
Now I have to wonder if it was these “treats” that had my puppy Watson in the hospital!!!
millie s
How To Read Country Of
Origin In Bar Codes
11-18-8
Interesting…
The whole world is scared of China made ‘black hearted goods’. Can you differentiate which one is made in the USA , Philippines , Taiwan or China ? For your Information … the first 3 digits of the barcode is the country code wherein the product was made.
Sample: all barcodes that start with 690.691.692 until 695 are all MADE IN CHINA.
471 is Made in Taiwan
This is our human right to know, but the government and related department never educate the public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves.
Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products ‘made in china’, so they don’t show from which country it is made.
However, you may now refer to the barcode, remember if the first 3 digits is 690-695 then it is Made in China .
00 – 13 ~ USA & CANADA
30 – 37 ~ FRANCE
40 – 44 ~ GERMANY
49 ~ JAPAN
50 ~ UK
57 ~ Denmark
64 ~ Finland
76 ~ Switzerland and Lienchtenstein
471 ~ Taiwan
628 ~ Saudi-Arabia
629 ~ United Arab Emirates
690-695~ China
740-745 ~ Central America
All 480 Codes ~ The Philippines
This information is verified on http://www.food-info.net/uk/qa/qa-fp121.htm – which has a more detailed and accurate list
Mollie Morrissette
Brilliant Millie! I had been meaning to research barcodes and you have done it for us. Now, I wonder, having not done the research, are there loopholes, exemptions or workarounds in barcoding? Don’t know that yet. I will look into it further and share. Thanks again!
Cherie`
I have a bar code that starts 791 – where did that come from?
Mollie Morrissette
Bar codes are meaningless in terms of COOL. Your best bet is to call the mfg. If it is a chicken, duck or pork product you can assume it was imported from China and packaged in the US.
Mollie Morrissette
My Mom was convinced (bless her) that COOs were in bar-codes, and despite my assurance there wasn’t (she’s stubborn like her daughter), she went ahead and did all this research and finally ended with the same conclusion: bar-codes are a freak show.
There are so many buts, and maybes, and sometimes, and not always, that they are utterly useless from a consumer standpoint.
They are simply a method for tracking inventory of a product, not the country it came from.
Cymoril LeTourneau
I am putting this of FB
Sophia Keenesburg
It should be LAW that on the package it should state where things are being MADE and where the indigrients come from.
If not enough room on the package the manufacturers website should provide the information === clear and in a easy way so everybody can read / understand!!!
This is up to our Governments to make this LAWS!!!
And make sure companies follow these laws!!!
Thanks for the country codes!
My cat-treats are from Germany … it said so on the package but the stripecode also tells me now 426 = Germany.
800 = Thailand “almo nature” wetfood they sometimes get.
http://www.almonature.eu
And I also will look up their daily food Royal Canin Siamese
Trew away the package … have to look it up thought their website.
I always order this online cause my local petshop doesn’t sell it … not too many Siamese cats (oldertype by the way) in my neighbourhood.
Could NOT find anything on their website ….. some parts only for vets or dealers, not for consumers … )- So I send them an email asking them where they are manufacturing their foods and where the indigrients come from!!!
lettucehavewhirledpeas7
Millie, Re Barcodes. By now you may have read my post on Mollie’s facebook page. If not, the first three numbers on the barcodes do NOT give the Country of Origin. It only indicates the country that ISSUED the code, not the country of origin of the product and not necessarily where the product is actually made.
I went to the website that you provided at the bottom of your post. It clearly states this in the last sentence. Of course a product may be issued a number and also have produced the product in the same country, but there is absolutely no guarantee.
Many nutritional supplements made in the U.S., for example, actually begin with 85, and there is no correlation between the country in which a UPC symbol is registered and where a particular product is actually manufactured.
Choosing a label that says: “Made in USA” (or whatever country you’re in), may be honest and safe. If it says, “Made in China.” that makes it easy to decide; or even an “American Company”, which may or may not have imported ingredients from China or Taiwan or wherever.
Tish Gutjahr
I have 4 pugs and 2 pomeranians. They get organic baby carrots grown in the gold old US of A and they LOVE them. Occassionally they get raw red pepper strips too, or skinned apple slices. Those are the ONLY treats I give, besides beef soup marrow bones i get from a butcher…and those are not often. No more bagged treats EVER. I love them too much. Give your dogs these veggies/fruits. They’ll get used to it…especially if they see you eating it and then they think they’re really getting something taboo!
Sally McDonnel
China “hates” us and see us as a revenue opportunity. It is so very sad that we are continuing to send them our manufacturing machines and our fuel oils/gasoline and metal (iron, steel, aluminum, copper and lead as well as precious metals gold, silver, etc.) We are seen as consumers to use. Our pets pain is unimportant.
Cymoril LeTourneau
Well that isn’t all true, some people from China like the US, it is just some big producers that don’t give a care about anything but money… Just like in the USA there are some stupid people who don’t care at all… But I do agree that it is sad that we give them all the machines and things, but think about it, people from China may be the ones doing this (Again remember that it not ALL people from China hate us!) but the US is still the ones that are letting it happen instead of stopping the importing of such goods or testing them before they are imported at all! And why do they do that? THEY also get money!
Kay
I so agree with you on that. Don’t we make anything in the US anymore!! So sad
Diana
Sally. It is not that China hates us, it is the fault of the greedy importer who buys so cheaply from slave labor in China and then makes 1000% profit thinking they are so clever. Chinese workers are too burnt out to hate us, and also the factories are generally owned by American concerns whose bottom line is profit. I know, because I was a nanny with such a family who had 2 chinese factories and they laughed all the way to the bank.
Mollie Morrissette
Well said Diana. The poverty in China is unimaginable to most Americans and their working conditions are unbelievable. That is not an excuse, it is a reality. When people are so poor that survival is their only consideration, ethics and morality are things only the rich can afford.
Ann Furczyk
Yes there is terrible poverty in China, but there are one one of the richest countries in the world and we have helped make them that way. THEY OWN MORE OF OUR COUNTRY THAN WE DO. We have terrible poverty in our own country. We need to take care of our own people first. American business needs to come back to America. American people need to buy American. American business, goverment, and the wealthy need to take care of our people in need first.
Dina
Thanks for this post, Diana. It helps keep things in the proper perspective.
Virginia
I have been to China, both in the cities and in the country! I don’t by anything edible, for humans or animals, from there. Luckily, I have a local pet boutique that sells only products from and by USA suppliers.
Tammy
Yes, China does suck! I did not buy dog treats made in China but did buy jeans made there and my legs turned red and burned and were itchy. There is a funny chemical odor on them…had to throw them away. Now I always read the label because a few clothing items I had purchased that were made in China affected me. Now there are toxins in the puppy treats. We should just stop buying all things from China until they up their standards!!
jakeowe
Reblogged this on A Bark in Time and commented:
ALERT! Toxic treats…again!
Carol Owens
China, again? Came close to losing our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel when he was but a pup. Luckily he simply refused to eat any of the tainted foods we served opting for starvation rather than the toxic imported foods and treats. We woke up, learned how to home cook balanced diet for him. He loved home cooking, thrived, and is now 6 1/2…but back on commercial food. Thanks for the heads up!
Sophia Keenesburg
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniel”
Is this only a food thing … or might it be that this kind of dog is overbreeded and not too healthy in the first place .. just wondering?
connie
To stop the problem of all this I would suggest people do what I have done the last 15 years make ur own from farm bouht products I have two boxers and one great Dane and it takes next to nothing to make a months worth of treats with my five kids….:-)
Mollie Morrissette
Got any yummy recipes to share with us? We’d love to know…
Christine Strickland Barker
My pups love carrots and also Pink Lady Apples. (Maybe other kinds too, but that’s the kind I have at home)
To Tammy: I think we need to hold companies responsible for outsourcing their manufacturing to China and not doing due diligence on the factories or randomly testing the finished product when it gets shipped to the US. I myself am guilty of wanting to boycott China, but the truth is that it isn’t a “China” problem. It’s really an “American Company” problem created by most American consumers demanding cheaper and cheaper products.
Cymoril LeTourneau
It is terrible that the US will buy things from China just to save some $$$!!! And even if China makes the stuff it is the USA the imports it, advertised it and sells it to the US ppl!!!
Sophia Keenesburg
I do not think we the consumer DEMANDED cheaper products .. but the companies themselves went for Cost reduction and maximizing profits = shareholders want more profit every year. And that is just not possible … so cutting costs is needed to give ‘m more profit.
You can’t have 5% profit extra every year .. that’s just not possible but they did! Went for it …
Margie Carlson
How horrible. This needs to stop.
Pingback:
Docia Winn
My dog Lucy came within inches of death from wagon train jerky treats, I dont know she may have permanant damage she displayed all of the symptoms excessive drinking, accidents in the house, vomit, diareah that turned to BLOOD and the look of grape jelly, hospitalized for one week full of bacteria, I would also like to note that my husband and i made an appetizer with PINE NUTS fron China, all who ate this got pine nut mouth which was a dreadful 3 weeks of a horrible metallic taste in your mouth, google pine nut mouth and you DONT want to have it,, I think China is trying to POISON us all!!! They import almost zilch from the US but we import TONS from them, I am made as hell and if you had seen Lucy yoy would have cried, We have never suffered as a family with only four legged kids as we did that week, We MUST turn this around, animals have no voice, Screw CHINA!
Cindy
Docia,
You said the treats were Wagon Train. Would that be Waggin’ Train as sold in Walmart? Those are my 14 year old Golden Retriever’s favorite treat. Just checked and, yes, “Made in China”! At his age we can’t take any chances with his health!
Mollie Morrissette
Yes, she meant to spell it Waggin’ not Wagon. They are one in the same. Many people make that same spelling mistake. Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch (also implicated) are both owned by Nestle-Purina and yes, they are both imported from China. There is nothing American or folksy old West about these brands except for the packaging. You are wise not to take any chances.
Cindy
Thanks, Mollie! I will be taking that $15 unopened bag back to Walmart!
Betty
Not only is the chicken jerky made in China, but it is from “free range chickens”. Sounds good right? If you have ever been to China, you wouldn’t want a free range anything.
Betty
Rhonda Withers
these were recalled and walmart willo not take them off the shelves! there is a class action lawsuit against them because peoples dogs are dying from these treats!
Allie Anderson
I saw some of these “questionable” dog treats on the discount aisle at Walmart yesterday.
Mollie Morrissette
As far as I know Rhonda no treats have been recalled. In fact I know none of them have…
lettucehavewhirledpeas7
It’s good that Lucy didn’t sample your pine nuts. By now you may have found out that the Chinese have been at it again. They mixed the Pinus koraiensis variety (the good kind) with the cheaper but inedible Pinus armandii, (the nasty ones)
. I guess our pesto days are over for the time being.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/8455575/Cheap-Chinese-pine-nut-exports-blamed-for-rare-condition.html
jbcriss5
Thanks for everyone’s input…
.Does anyone know about Trader Joe’s treats? It just says, “Certified organic by quality assurance international (QAI)
Dogswell’s Happy Hips says “Made in China”
**** BUT check out http://www.salmonpaws.com
Think this company is OK.
Think I will start to take Mary’s advice and make my own
Mollie Morrissette
I know about QAI – stellar reputation as far as certifiers go. But, if you want to get nit-picky, some say, “Organic just isn’t what it used to be….bla bla bla”.
Sorry, I just can’t go there. Only because, if I did – I would have to starve myself or go nuts trying to figure it all out. And certainly no one can argue that Certified Organic is the lesser of two imperfect choices or ‘evils’.
Dogswell – sucks (that is, their products are from China – nothing personal, Dogswell).
Now I’m freaked about salmon. I’ll look at it though. Always call to make sure it’s not imported or preserved with ethoxyquin. Are they farmed or wild caught? I’m serious…
Best bet – buy organic, buy local and/or make your own! Fun, affordable & healthy! What a combo. Can’t beat that.
Thanks for the info about SalmonPaws, I’ll check them out…
lettucehavewhirledpeas7
Just went to Salmonpaws and they look pretty good. They say their fish is 100% Alaskan Wild Salmon. This IS important, as it is said that farmed salmon is full of PCBs, they are fed junk and also antibiotics and pesticides. Farmed are grown in crowded nets close to shore, much the same way as factory farms for chicken. Farmed is also a white fish that has been artificially colored. There may be some commercial operations that do it “right”, but I’m voting for wild.
Salmonpaws says “human grade” which doesn’t mean much, as farmed fish is human grade. It says kitties love’m, so I am going to order some for mine, as they are few cat treats on the market. And cats love FISH. Thanks for the turn on!! Mollie’s mom
Jennifer
Mollie… my german shephard likes everything from Salmonpaws excpet the crumbles…who knows why, but likes everything else. Hope Mollie enjoys.
lettucehavewhirledpeas7
Off subject, but tea-drinkers Alert:
You’re right about Phorate being in any food that you touch or consume. Altho banned from many countries, including China in 2011, IT IS STILL LEGAL IN INDIA, where TEA and cardamom seeds come from. Known to kill workers (mostly children and women) in the fields by inhalation, as well as people walking along side the road near the farms. Regardless, this pesticide is still used there willy nilly!!!
It also is an environmental nightmare, with runoff into streams – fish, ducks. Honey bees, birds, small mammals, and aquatic invertebrates.
Altho they MAY not be the culprit in these particular treats, the Chinese sweet potatoes may have used before the ban, resulting in other types of illnesses in dogs and cats. Phorate was banned in China in 2011 along with 9 other deadly pesticides, with 12 others banned in future years. http://www.foodsafetychina.com/tag/phorate/
This still leaves thousands of other semi-toxic sh** still legal in China.
Mollie Morrissette
Toxic what? Mother, really. You should wash yo mouth out with soap!
Cymoril LeTourneau
Ur the one that said you almost sh*t when u read about the cat treats from China :/
Sophia Keenesburg
Same goes for the USA … also lot’s of toxic stuff still allowed.
Think Monsanto and it’s round up …. !!!
This world is scr*wed …. all due to GREED .. more profit and so on )-
* for Molly I do not want her to be shocked about my using of words ;)
hihihi … and how healthy is Soap .. what chemical stuff is in there … :) –))
Lori Covey
I’m going to make my own treats! I’m getting a dehydrator ASAP !
Mollie Morrissette
Darn tootin’!
Cymoril LeTourneau
Where can u get one?
Mary
you guys should make your own dog treats. I started doing that about a year ago because my dog has allergies. Check out Simple Cooking for Dogs 101. Also bananas and apples are good treats. I cut up the bananas and freeze them..way better than the over processed, over preserved stuff you get from China
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks for the tip Mary! I’ll check it out! Frozen bananas….mmmmm….yum!
Sophia Keenesburg
Do Dogs and Cats need Treats at all???
I do not think so … same goes for Children and candy.
Too much and every day is in my opinion not good.
But for pets … there (and children for that matter) are other ways to give a reward for good behauviour.
New World Dystopia
Never use dollar store treats for pets. I’m in suspect that these are the products that carry the most killer chemicals!
Rita Evans
Thank-you so much for the info. It makes me sick that these companies are so consumed by greed and obviously have NO guilt feelings…but then we’re talking about a country which also skins animals alive for their fur! Their value placed on life..be it human or animal is disgusting..and I don’t even want to hear “well, it’s a culture thing”. It’s a “MURDER thing” as far as I’m concerned. I’ve started giving me dogs a slice of MY american cheeze slices..they act like I gave them a steak! Alot of dogs also like fresh veggies.. like carrots. My philosphy is: If I wouldn’t eat it..they don’t eat it! Keep up the good work!
Sophia Keenesburg
“a country which also skins animals alive for their fur! ”
You mean Canada? (seals every year!!!! and that anno 2012!!!)
I do not think they would skin animals alife … cause it is harder to do the ‘job’ … so how much is propaganda?
So what is the truth? Why is this world so messed up???
It’s all about maximizing profits by BIG and mostly Global Companies.
Manufacturing their products in the cheap labour countries … and for that matter for very low prices!!! So cheap is not cheap enough for these Global BIG Companies like Yes Swiss Nestle … but also for a number of other big Corporations also a lot of American Companies, European Companies they all do it === go for Cheap labour countries and even there they do not want to pay a fair price for labour!!!
It’s their Greed that is messing up this Planet and all what is alive on it!
Do you remember the babyfood think in China? Those people involved in China were put to dead by the Judge (death penalty)
China is going hard on people and companies who f*ck up!
Why aren’t the companies they make their products for .. ?
They give the order .. and should test products they buy before putting them on the marketplace for consumers to buy.
But no ….. I guess their profit is more important!
ALSO in HUMAN FOODS ….
Think of Coca Cola still selling their CocaCola on the American market with 4-methylimidazole in it ==== NOT in California since beginning of this year (or late last year) also for years not allowed in Europe because it can cause Cancer. So CocaCola and Pepsi did change the receipt for Europe and California BUT not the rest of the USA???
So what is this??? Also in my opinion to do with MONEY!!! COSTS as they would call it ….
Big Companies … profit and more profit … maximizing profit … GREED!!!
This is what it is all about!
Daria M
I lost 2 beloved Shelties to PLN (kidney failure) – both were addicted to “Pet n Shape” treats – the chicken, sweet potato and lamb – + more! Once I discovered that the treats are all made in China I called the company & spoke with the owner, Ahdee Abramson – who tried to reassure me that his factory has the highest standards, blah, blah, blah.
Stay away from ALL their products! My Sheltie babies’ deaths nearly killed me! :(
http://www.petnshape.com/products.html
Mollie Morrissette
Daria, how heartbreaking. I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow of losing both of your babies. I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Thank you for sharing your story and warning others about Pet n Shape treats.
Dee D'Angelo Bukosky
No more Chinese-made treats for our pup. Better to be safe than sorry!
Mookies Munchers (@MookiesMunchers)
I am glad to see more and more people talking about these harmfull products. My wife and I stopped buying treats years ago and started making our own with human grade organic and gluten free ingredients. We actually launched our website yesturday to share our treats with other concerned pet owners. I hope people like yourself keep spreading the word so no more innocent pets are harmed. Thank you and great job.
janet goree
I am just wondering if this spike we are seeing in HGE is related to this>
Mary Varney
I just checked with a vet, and he and his associates have not heard anything on this and from what I have read it happens when people use the treats as food instead of using them as treats as they were ment to be.
He has been a vet for over 20 years and some of his associates over 30 years,
He also gives his dogs thoses treats and nothing has happened.
Mollie Morrissette
Mary, does your vet read Veterinary Information Network (VIN)? Most vets do.
The VIN has been reporting on these treats since 2007 and it was a discussion between vets on VIN that led to the most recent alert that widened to include sweet potato treats, pork treats (pig ears) and possibly even cat treats from China as well.
This problem is well documented and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the so-called pet food industry “feeding guidelines”. I have done the research on the origin of the “Feeding Guidelines” as pertaining to CJTs.
The “Feeding Guidelines” were the creation (invention) of the former president of Waggin’ Train Pet Treats. The “guidelines” were published only two months from the first FDA warning about the treats in 2007. He devised this strategy to (hopefully) minimize the danger they posed and divert responsibility and liability of the illness and death of pets from Waggin’ Train onto the consumer.
It is public information. Look it up.
I wrote about it at length in a recent article. If you care to read what I wrote, put “feeding guidelines” into the search box and you’ll find it.
Mary Varney
Yes he has read all the info that has been printed and he as well as his associates feel that the people that are having trouble are ones that are feeding their animals too many of these treats, They need to remember that if they gave their dog 4 of one of the treats and gave then another 4 of another they have exceded the limit of treats that they should of given the animal.
Ha has also contacted the FDA about this matter and they also feel that what is happening is that people may be over feeding their pets the treats,
Mollie Morrissette
Mary, have you read the article where I wrote about the origin of the “feeding guidelines” for the treats? I encourage you to do so.
Basically, they were the INVENTION of the former president of Waggin Train, who, two months after the FDA made their initial warning in 2007 he came up with the “feeding guideline”. They were intended to divert attention away from the problems inherent with the product and place the responsibility and the blame for a dog’s illness or death on the pet parent rather than on the company that made the toxic treats, who, I believe bear the full responsibility and blame.
Soon after his “feeding guidelines” were published, the entire pet food industry adopted them, as did the national pet retailers PetSmart and Petco.
And the FDA does not believe it has anything to do with feeding guidelines. Feeding a dog an extra treat is NOT going to cause acute renal failure. It is a nephrotoxin, pure and simple.
Leslie Porter
That’s what I heard too that the pets were getting too many and not enough other nutrients to go with them. My girls getting older and i’m afraid to give her anything that might shorten her life today is Sunday bettcha I call my “VET” Monday.
teresa rogers
my 14 yr old dog died after eating canyon creek ranch..i reported to them and to fda..but they have done nothing!!! petsmart and petco should warn their customers!!!!!!!
Rosa
I just checked a bag of Canyon Creek Ranch Duck Tenders. The bag says Made in China on an obscure part of the back label, but in a prominent part of the back label, it says “Canyon Creek Ranch is an American Company.” That’s what I saw when I bought these things. My dog loves them, but they have gone into the trash. On another note, does anyone have a good method for making my own dehydrated yams or sweet potatoes I tried it in the oven and they came out crispy, not chewy like they sell in the pet store. She wouldn’t eat them.
Mookies Munchers (@MookiesMunchers)
Here are a few tips to get them chewy …1 ..you need a consistent thickness for all the treats so they cook evenly ..1/4 inch to 3/8 works well.. 2 .. cook at a slightly lower temp.. most treats recipes bake at around 350 .. so try 325 and check them a bit sooner ..to be honest its a bit of trial and error to get it the way you want.. then just make sure you store them properly …air tight container in refrigerator..since I assume you will not be adding preservatives …hope these tips help…I actually sell organic and gluten free treats but I don’t have a yam or sweet potatoes one .. you may have just inspired me to do some experimenting of my own
Mollie Morrissette
Thank you for the tip! I didn’t know what to suggest. Although I figured baking might be better than using the dehydrator. Or maybe she left them in too long. I don’t know.
There certainly NO shortage of pet parents burning up the intertubes sharing recipes for homemade treats! If I had dogs, I’d be all over it! Since I don’t, I can’t give any cooking tips. So, thank you!
Mollie Morrissette
Yup! Pretty sneaky.
The company is owned by Nestle-Purina, the same people that own Waggin’ Train.
Every single one of CCR’s products are imported from China. As with Waggin Train, the folksy “Old West” image is a complete farce. It is anything but an “American” product. In fact, Nestle is a Swiss conglomerate.
It’s all smoke and mirrors.
Leslie Porter
I called waggin train and ask what’s up they sent me a notice from the fda stateing they couldn’t find anything wrong with the jerky strips claiming to do extensive testing. man I just bought a bag and my dog loves them. she only get a few of them a day like 5 on a long day but i’ve dropped down to three only and been giving her small bones instead. If I’m killing this dog with these treats I will sue some how this really sucks.
Diane Sapp
I will not buy anything not made in the USA for my pets if you are not sure or it’s not on the package look for a phone number and call them and ask.I did that right from the pet store before I bought something I wasn’t sure of
Mollie Morrissette
Good for you Dianne! It’s pretty simple, but a lot of people aren’t hip to the whole China mess, sadly.
Pingback:
Joy
I have been giving my dog Vitalife chicken tenders. The packaging says ‘imported’ but does not say from where! Can someone tell me??? I am very concerned because my dog did have symptoms of diahrrea…and I did quit feeding the chicken tenders.
Mollie Morrissette
Call the them? Ask them. If it’s chicken jerky (tenders, whatevers) – it’s from China if it says it’s imported – no doubt. Personally, I would avoid it like the plague. I don’t know anything about VitaLife, specifically though. However, I do not recommend anyone buy any products from China. It is simply too risky. Why don’t you go to their website? If your dogs display any of the symptoms associated with Fanconi-like syndrome take you dog IMMEDIATELY to the vet. If you are unfamiliar with the symptoms – I have written a ton about it here or just Google “jerky treats symptoms” or “acquired Fanconi syndrome”.
Susan
Hello Vitalife Chicken Tenders are product of Thailand. http://vitalifemadewithlove.com/
Nancy
A year ago last September I lost my 3 year old Angel to kidney failure. I now have another baby! I thought this issue had been taken care of. Now, checking all treats for origin! Does this apply to food as well?
Mollie Morrissette
Never assume that the ingredients in any product you buy did not originate in China even though the package says “Made in the USA”.
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) laws do not require COO of individual ingredients (think supplements, for example). Besides pet treats and processed meats are exempt from COOL laws.
Call the manufacturer and ask.
The “problem” with the jerky treats has never been solved, the FDA is still conducting tests.
No one knows why they are poisoning dogs.
I would caution anyone from feeding ANYTHING from China, that includes you, your family and your pets.
In fact, I wouldn’t even eat or drink out of a container made in China. The most recent story found formaldehyde and “other carcinogens” in ladels, bowls and plates made in China. And that…is just the tip of the iceberg.
Nancy, If you knew what I knew (and believe you me – none of it is good, trust me) you wouldn’t touch ANYTHING from China with a ten-foot-long barge pole!
Cymoril LeTourneau
So is there any other countries besides China that we should avoid?
Cooney Morgan
My family has boycotted everything from China, including personal products and makeup!
Mollie Morrissette
Good for you. The next step is boycotting the companies that import from them – Nestle-Purina for example. Read the article on PP “the Illusion of Choice..”
Leslie Eversole
If their are so many problems with thease products then what as consumers can we do to stop this? Hopefully people will just make sure to read the labels and NOT buy from china or any other company that brings in from china. Leslie
briancotton22
Seems like if one could mass produce a safe dog treat they could corner the market.
Patti
I just checked my bunny sweet potato treats – they are made in China! I’m just sick. I stopped giving them to him because he developed diarrhea. They are made by All Living Things. I feel terrible – there are many other fresh treats my bunny can have.
Christine Strickland Barker
Patti, my Flemish Giant bunny, Hazel goes crazy for blueberries! He loves his strawberries and a tiny bit of banana now and then but the blueberries are his absolute fave!
nataie medeiros
that’s why we should buy american .product.even if it’s more expensive
maria
We should boycott Nestle. I am throwing out anything I have of theirs and never buying anything from them until they stop selling toxic products.
Sophia Keenesburg
And let them KNOW!!!
Send them a letter telling them AND other companies who do the same sh*t … why you won’t buy their products anymore.
By the way which products are safe?
The same goes also for Human Foods by the way …
In this world of ours the only thing that matters to those big Companies is Maximizing their profits .. they don’t give shit about the quality or foodsafety!!!
The only thing that counts is $$$ or €€€ or the Yen or what ever currency! More profits = by going cheaper and even more cheaper and that does not benefit the quality of their products!!!
Dawn Latronica-Jeralds
i recently almost lost a baby of mine whom is 15 yrs of age. If it was not for the best vet in the world and because of acting so quickly to get her to him we would have lost her to the waggin tails brand chicken jerky treats. She had liver and kidney failure.
vikki
OMG, I have been giving my dogs that particular treat for some time. But, Lately I have been giving them duck breast treats. I have noticed that my 10 year JRT seems more sluggish than her normal clown in a dog suit personality. These are all hitting the trash can NOW.
I will go buy a dehydrator and find recipes and make my own. Probably a lot cheaper anyway, because these products are ridiculously high in price! BUT, they suck us dog lovers in knowing we will probably pay any price to keep our loyal little friends happy. This all just makes me sick to my stomach.
Mollie Morrissette
It kills me too Vikki!
But thank God you found out before it was too late! Many were not so fortunate.
I plan to do another piece about making your own CJ treats or sourcing some homemakers who sell healthy dog treats on Etsy….soon!
I did a few pieces of a fab group called Etsy for Animals. I think I’ll hit them up again!
Thanks for your comments! And be sure and keep us up to date on how it goes with making your own treats. People want to know how to do it!
Susan Mueller
You really don’t have to go to all that trouble. I give my babies carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, and English cucumbers for treats. Whenever we have left-over chicken or steak, I freeze it. When I have a substantial amount, I mix it up in the blender, add something to act as a binder, such as rice or a tiny pasta, a bit of beef stock, and make meatballs out of them. I freeze them in a single layer on wax paper covered cookie sheet. When they are frozen, I put them in a zip-loc bag. The “meatballs” are perfect (defrosted, of course) for hiding their medications in. You can buy carrots really cheap! Just boil them until fork tender, slice them up, keep them in the fridge, and you have a healthy, tasty treat! I have read the labels on some of these questionable treats, and NOWHERE is China to be found, even in small print. I don’t trust any packaged treats (and “treats” does not describe something that can kill your babies)!!! Look up the ASPCA’s website and you’ll find several ideas to subsitute store-bought products! It’s well worth the time and effort to keep you beloved pets healthy and alive!!
Pingback:
Cymoril LeTourneau
Too bad they weren’t tested BEFORE they had to be recalled and were able to hurt animals…..
Mollie Morrissette
RIGHT ON!!
Laura
Drs Foster & Smith carry Beefeater Yam/rawhide twists. That could possibly be one of the items mentioned.
Mollie Morrissette
Could be. But I didn’t want to speculate and assume the problem is confined to just yams or sweet potatoes. When in fact it may be a toxin associated pork, chicken or Hell, all types of treats imported from China as Dr. Jean suggested.
I suspect the toxin is not the primary ingredient (yam, chicken, whatever) but an as yet unknown toxin that contaminates the product.
For example, who knows what the ingredients are of their proprietary blend of flavor enhancers?
Good luck getting an answer, because even if all the ingredients of the super secret spices were Kosher, by law they do not have to reveal it. It is protected proprietary information, critical to their business.
As Dr. Jean suggests this is an indication to broaden the focus of the treat type and not assume it is a problem associated with only one type of meat, poultry or vegetable. Or that it is a problem inherent with dehydration itself.
Assume that ALL products from China for dog or man are highly suspect.
Dr.s Fosters & Smith also do private label – so I assume the vets refer to their brand not their retail outlet, because hundreds of retailers carry Beefeaters – it’s America’s number one selling rawhide (garbage) dog treat.
debra213
Mollie,
Not cat treats too! My 8 kitties love their treats and I’ve been checking the manufacturig locations, but I’ve been wondering, in the ingredient lists, are there any “code words” for “dried animal parts”? If anything happens to my babies there will be blood!!!
Mollie Morrissette
I know Debra, I just about sh*t when I read it.
We all had a feeling it might go there, and…well…it did. Just out of caution – I don’t feed ANYTHING to my babies (I’ve got 9!) from China. Absolutely nothing.
And don’t assume because it says “Made in the USA” that doesn’t mean that some or even all of the ingredients didn’t come from China.
Do your homework, call the manufacturers if you have any questions.
I would focus on the country of origin and quality vs. trying to avoid dried animal parts. Because we are not sure that the fact that they are dehydrated is the problem (personally, I don’t think so) and some dehydrated products are fabulous!
Suey
Food laced with poison made in China killed my dog Fritzi 4 years ago. He was a nice little doggie, didn’t deserve to die the way he did and I still miss him.
Darlene
I gave my aging poodle soft treats rather than the hard treats I use to give her and within one week she had died of kidney failure. I blame myself and she died in my arms, seizing and gasping for air. I will never forgive myself even though I know I wasn’t the manufacturer, I gave it to her. I thought the poison treats all had been taken off the shelves, even kept the treats to be tested and called everyone I could… to no avail. I still miss her too…
Sandy
Hi Suey, I lost my beloved Annie (black lab) to Chinese canned food during the first round of poisoned food from China, and like you, she didn’t deserve to die the way she did at the hands of a careless government! (ours and China’s)….Sally Ann
Pat
Make your own.. That is the ONLY way you can be sure.. And that’s even deabateble with the GMO’s in most our foods these days..