Nasty Chicken Jerky Treats from China Associated with Severe Illness in Dogs – Again
The Gruesome History of Icky Poopie Dog Treats from China
In September 2007, the American Veterinary Medical Association issued an alert that stated they had been receiving calls from veterinarians reporting Fanconi syndrome-like disease in dogs that appeared to be associated with the consumption of 
chicken jerky treats made in China. These products are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips or treats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was alerted and investigated the complaints, but testing of the products (surprise, surprise) did not identify any toxins or contaminants. The AVMA continued to receive occasional reports of suspected cases through February 2009.
September 2009, in Australia an outbreak in dogs of acquired proximal renal tubulopathy, were associated with the feeding of chicken jerky treats from China. The kidney conditions, also known as Fanconi-like syndrome caused the fatality of a number of dogs.
On June 15, 2011, the AVMA received notification from the 
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) that they have received reports that mirror the cases reported in 2007. The AVMA issued an alert to its members on June 16, informing them of the situation in Canada and recommending vigilance for any suspected cases in the U.S. The AVMA also issued an alert on June 17 to the state veterinary medical associations and allied organizations represented in the AVMA House of Delegates. These products may also labeled as chicken tenders, strips or treats.
What, Me Worry?
The type of kidney failure associated with chicken jerky strips is called acquired Fanconi syndrome. Urine test results consistently show glucose and granular casts. Blood tests may show hypokalemia (low potassium), mildly increased liver enzymes, and acidosis.
Fanconi’s syndrome is a progressive disease, which, if not treated, ultimately results in 
transport system failure to the point where solute losses are significant enough to overwhelm other compensatory mechanisms and the dog can no longer maintain homeostasis. The most significant of these is the loss of bicarbonate (HCO3–). Proximal renal tubular acidosis subsequently develops and, if left uncorrected, will ultimately lead to death.
What the Experts are Saying About the Nasty Treats
- Several cases in Canada have been reported to the CVMA and they have notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
- The FDA has been made aware of the cases in Canada and their resemblance to the earlier cases in the U.S.
- Based on very preliminary information, it appears that this problem is more likely to occur in small-breed dogs that are fed these treats regularly and/or in amounts exceeding the label-recommended frequency or amount.
- Dogs affected with this syndrome usually have a history of vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. A review by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine of the 2007 cases stated that blood chemistry in many cases revealed hypokalemia and a mild increase in liver enzymes. Blood gas analysis indicated acidosis, and glucosuria and granular casts may be seen. Fanconi screens on urine were positive. At the time, the ACVIM recommended treatment consisting of supportive care, electrolyte supplementation (including potassium supplementation) and blood gas monitoring.
- No recalls have been issued for any chicken jerky treat product (not surprising. And don’t expect one either).
I dunt know nuthing, I jus work here
- The brand(s) of chicken jerky treats that may be affected by this alert is unknown. The treats may involve flavors or meats other than chicken. The treats may also be sold as strips, tenders, chews, bites, pulls, sticks or whatever name they usually give that crap.
- The cause (contaminant, toxin or otherwise) of the problem and the exact mechanism by which it causes the illness (they have a pretty good idea, they’re just not talking, yet), is unknown.
- Whether or not the current situation is limited to Canada or is also occurring in the U.S. and if it is occurring in the U.S., if it is a recurrence or if the problem has been going on (but potentially unrecognized) since 2007.
- The toxic treats may not indicate on the package they were “Made in China”. If the imported product or ingredient undergoes any substantive changes after it is in the USA, the manufacturer is not required to label the actual country of origin on the package.
So, Just What the Hell Do I Do Now?
- Veterinarians who suspect a pet illness associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats should report the case to the FDA. Canadian veterinarians should report cases to CVMA Member Services unless directed otherwise by the CVMA.
- For more information about diagnosing and treating the condition, please refer to the ACVIM’s recommendations, which will be updated as needed.
- If a dog presents with a history of vomiting, lethargy and anorexia, coupled with a history of consumption of chicken jerky treats, the following tests may be indicated to indicate Fanconi syndrome-like disease: complete blood chemistry, blood gas analysis and urinalysis. A review by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine of the 2007 cases stated that blood chemistry in many cases revealed hypokalemia and a mild increase in liver enzymes. Blood gas analysis indicated acidosis, and urinalysis consistently showed glucosuria and granular casts. Fanconi screens on urine were positive.
- During the 2007 cases, the ACVIM recommended treatment consisting of supportive care, electrolyte supplementation (including liberal potassium supplementation) and blood gas monitoring.
Common Sense for Dummies
- It is up to you to decide whether or not you will feed your dog chicken jerky treats. If you choose to do so, we recommend that you feed them in small quantities and only on occasion. This is especially important for small-breed dogs. (Personally, I wouldn’t touch the crap with a ten-foot pole)
- If your pet is vomiting, lethargic, or does not want to eat, consult your veterinarian, especially if there is a history of chicken jerky treat consumption. If your pet is showing these signs, it does not necessarily mean that your pet has been made ill by chicken jerky treats (don’t take any chances, don’t walk – run to the vet ASAP) – your veterinarian will likely need to perform tests to determine the cause of the problem.
- If your pet becomes ill and you and/or your veterinarian suspect the illness may be associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats, discontinue feeding the treats and save the treats and packaging (storing them out of your pet’s reach and in a place where a family member will not mistakenly feed them to your pet) in case they are needed for testing.
Mollie’s Crazy Cat Lady Activist Advice
- Call the FDA and tell them to get their shit together. Not that it will do any good, but they still need to know, never-the-less. Report a problem here.
- Call the store you bought the crap from and give ’em Hell.
- Call the store’s HQ and tell them you are going to boycott their store, tell everybody and his brother they suck, start an I hate _____ big box pet store Facebook campaign, write about it in your blog, picket the store, e-mail the store, go to their FB and Twitter pages and tell them they suck (just be sure to unlike yourself afterwards)
- Call & e-mail the manufacturer and give them a piece-o-yer-mind, that you’ve hired a lawyer and are going to bankrupt them for making your dog sick. Do not let the customer service person bullshit you – ask to speak to senior management or you’re gonna keep calling till Doomsday or until Hell freezes over, which ever comes first. Hopefully they speak enough English to understand you.
I Wanna Know More, Dangit!
Dog Treat Warning Snopes report: Yup, it’s TRUE (Snopes)
Remain vigilant for illness linked to chicken jerky treat consumption (ACVIM)
Fanconi Syndrome in Dogs (vet.uga.edu)
Jerky Treats Imported from China Reportedly Causing Kidney Failure in Dogs (DogAware)
How Dog Jerky is Made in China (WARNING: GRAPHIC)
Canadian VMA Cautions About Chicken Jerkey Treats (June 2011)
FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers (FDA December 2008)
POTENTIAL NEW THREAT TO PETS: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR VETERINARIANS (ACVIM 2007)
Related articles
- Merrick’s Doggie Wisbone Pet Treat for Dogs Recalled for Salmonella Contamination (molliemorrissette.wordpress.com)
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 donating.
Discover more from Pet Food Safety News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
15 Comments
Anthony Hepton.
Mollie, I have already asked CVM why it made numerous test for mycotoxins, which grow on grains, but not one for endotoxins that remain after killing bacteria which grow on meat.Not surprisingly, I have not had a response.
B Sea
We suspect our dog, a 55lb. neutered lab cross, may have been made ill by imported chicken strip treats. He has exhibited the signs & symptoms reported to some extent & has been improving for the last 5 days or so since getting no more ‘treats’. One question I have is regarding dogs with acquired Fanconi’s syndrome. I wonder if the urine would suddenly start causing the grass to die back in the dog run? At about the same time Tucker became ill, we suddenly started to have all these burned spots in the grass. Anyone else observe this?
Anyway happy to report he seems to be consistently improving after being extremely lethargic for 2 days.
Mollie Morrissette
Good question. That would be the first I’ve heard of it. Any change in the pH of the urine can cause a reaction like that. It’s worth looking into.
Just to be on the safe side take your dog to the vet and report it to the manufacturer. Don’t feed ANY treats from China including duck and sweet potato treats. Most CJTs are from China – regardless of what the package indicates.
Meg
Thanks for this website! It’s May 2012 and I am JUST learning of this.
Here is my story: my two little American Shelter Dogs (little mutts) started throwing up here and there last year. I began changing their food and grew concerned. I had a puppy blood panel run on them (they are now both approximately 1.5 years old) and both had elevated liver enzymes. We couldn’t figure it out and my vet wasn’t concerned terribly. The vomiting continued on and off and I finally started making my own dog food.
All the while I continued to give them chicken jerky treats like a flipping idiot. I even thought the culprit was another treat that was processed. In my mind the chicken jerky was safe because it was “just dried chicken”.
I ran out of both the Milo brand and the Waggin Trails brand and the vomiting stopped. Of course I didn’t put two and two together until I saw a news story on Channel 4 news in Denver, Colorado.
It was like a light bulb and I was ANGRY! I felt horrible for feeding them poison when I was so very careful about everything.
I am planning on running another blood panel in about 4 months. If the liver enzymes are back to normal, I will know, for sure, that it was the treats.
I am so very sorry for everyone who has had a loss. I think my pups were not damaged too badly because they were young and were consuming only wet food, so their little kidneys had a chance.
This is another reason to buy only American. Right now, my dogs only get food I make and their treats are either rib and marrow bones or something made by a dog bakery.
Continue to spread the warning. I’m still upset and in shock.
It is my mission now to spread the word.
Thanks,
Meg
Mollie Morrissette
Bless you Meg.
I am so grateful you caught it in time. Don’t blame yourself, no one knew. It wasn’t on vets radar either until the complaints started picking back up again.
If your vet is at all confused about a diagnosis, suggest they consult with Cornell. It is a service they offer to anyone in the veterinary profession.
The only people I blame are the US importers. I don’t give a sh*t what BS they try to snow consumers with, the fact remains — the FDA is STILL looking for a contaminant, the investigation is STILL open and active. Nothing has been finalized.
Because one has not yet been found does not mean one does not exist. It simply means that the toxin or toxins are uncommon ones. They have tested for the typical contaminants, now they are exploring atypical toxins.
Remember in 2007, no one considered melamine and cyanuric acid? It took them months and months to figure it out. This time it’s taking a bit longer.
So when treat manufacturers say there is nothing wrong with their treats because they have tested “for everything” is utter nonsense. There is no such thing in the world of toxicology. And with the Chinese – it could be anything under the sun…
Janet
Our beautiful 7year old Yorkie had to be euthanized on 9/20/11 after suddenly falling ill with kidney failure. She had been eating chicken jerky treats from Waggin Train over several months. Was not aware that they were from China or that they could have made her terminally ill until I recently saw the FDA advisory dated late November, 2011. We tried so hard to save her over a two week period with vet bills exceeding $1200. I’ve not recovered from this loss, but now feel worse than ever finding out that we probably unknowingly killed our beloved pet. How can these horrible products remain on store shelves with the names of well known products such as Purina or Nestlé, etc. ??
Mollie Morrissette
Just know that there are many people working on this behind the scenes and in the press. Keep your eyes peeled for a news story you are going to LOVE that will come out of Ohio tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Janet
Thanks, Mollie, I appreciate your reply. I didn’t notice anything coming out of Ohio yesterday, but I haven’t really looked yet. Like you, I’m really angry about this too! Our Abby lived with my 88 year old dad and was his constant companion after my mom died 2 years ago. He’s actually the one who bought these lousy treats for her. I was much more concerned about her food and diet, and probably never would have bought them. I don’t have the heart to tell him what I’ve found out as he thinks his best friend probably had a chronic or congenital kidney problem. However, I’m telling everyone I know who has a beloved pet about it, and posting too.
Mollie Morrissette
Poor Papa! Poor doggie! Best he doesn’t know.
Without Abby, I worry for you fathers health. It is a great loss.
I would consider (I hesitate saying this) getting another dog for him similar in size and temperament for your Dad. There are so many precious dogs killed every day in shelters across America. It would do alot for your father, I believe, if he knew he was making a difference in someone’s life, the life of a poor dog that would have otherwise been killed.
There were many, many times when I knew the only thing between me and death, was the love I had for my cats and the warmth, cuddles and unconditional love they gave me in return. I am forever grateful for them.
Janet
I live in a condo directly across the sidewalk from my dad’s, so my contact with Abby was daily, and I think she was my best friend too. She was an exceptionally bright and loving “little girl.” Just today, my dad said he would be happy to look after a neighbor’s Yorkie puppy while he is away.
I agree with you, a “rescue dog” would help all of us……..maybe soon the time will be right. The unconditional love of our pets is life affirming and priceless, as you well know. Thanks again for your compassion and understanding.
Mollie Morrissette
That’s good to hear! I’m so glad you live close by. There were some very dark times in my life and it because of my dear fur friends I am here today.
Cyndi
Vitalife pet products ,chicken & duck tenders, are one brand ,if you look at the label on the BOTTOM of the bag it says they are treated with irradation.I phoned the company & they said the country of orgin is China.The product leads you to believe they are made in CANADA.,& no where on this product is China mentioned….but the consumer don’t know that once a product is irradated it changes the composition of the product and therfore since the product ‘s structure has changed & thus not in it’s orginal state ,the country of orgin DO NOT have to be listed.These treats made my papillon sick,& now he is on medication for his bladder.Thank God I was aware of his symptoms.I am presently looking into this case
Mollie Morrissette
Cyndi,
I am so sorry about your dog.
This is not the first time I have heard and written about Vitalife ingredients from China. I know all about the Country of Origins law, and as you so correctly state – if the ingredient is changed substantially from its original state once it is in this country, it is no longer “Made in China”, because they made/changed it in the USA.
I’m so sorry about your sweety.
Judy
My dog became ill 6.20.11 after eating one cannon ranch dried chicken treat from China. The company is really wagon train (2007 dogs were dying) and now was bought by Purina Nestle. It took a month, but my dog is better after $499 in vet bills. I did notify Pet Smart, FDA, and the manufacturer. There are more people with sick dogs commenting on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Waggin-Train-Chicken-Jerky-Tenders/product-reviews/B000FMMTHK/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#RYI4KH1KTYOG2
Do not feed dried chicken from china. Give a USA milk bone.
Judy
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Judy for the heads up about the Jerky thread on Amazon! I’ll check it out and tell Susan about it too! These people have GOT to be stopped. Has the FDA done anything? Nope! What is wrong with them? Oooh, I’m mad. Thanks again for telling me and I’m so glad your dog survived, poor baby. Mollie