Preliminary Animal Health Notification
December 19, 2008
FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs
and Cautions Consumers
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a
potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the
consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders,
strips or treats. FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing
illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of
chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S.
from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.
Australian news organizations report the University of Sydney is also
investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of
chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled
their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the chicken
jerky product was manufactured in China.
FDA believes the continued trend of consumer complaints coupled with the
information obtained from Australia warrants an additional reminder and
animal health notification.
Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are
intended to be
used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be
especially careful to limit the amount of these products.
FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S,
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. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and
microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.
FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky
products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs
which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased
appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion
of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with
blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the
dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product.
Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for
more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea
nitrogen and creatinine). 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.
The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the
illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken
jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal
illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html in their state.