The FDA is warning pet owners to make sure all jerky treats are made in the USA. Over 1800 complaints have been filed with the FDA over the past five years that chicken jerky treats made in China have made pets seriously ill. FDA investigators have been testing samples, but are still unable to identify a specific cause.

Please read labels carefully. Importers have been getting tricky at implying the product is not imported, so look specifically for “Made in the USA”. If you see “imported for”, “imported by”, “made for”, “manufactured for”, etc., put it back on the shelf. One of our own staff even got suckered after spending over an hour trying to find US-made treats. She thought she had one until we looked at the label again.

Symptoms reported include vomiting, diarrhea (with or without blood), increased drinking, decreased appetite and energy, increased urination. Most dogs recover quickly, but unfortunately some have died. These are all symptoms of many illnesses, and a visit to the veterinarian is indicated for any of these. However, if you have been giving chicken jerky treats recently, please also bring your package when you see us.

The FDA is asking pet owners and veterinarians to report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in their state or Click here.

Tags: China, diarrhea, dog, dogs, increased drinking, increased water consumption, vomiting