Recalls that Affect Dogs
Recent Recalls
Note that I don't post information about most salmonella recalls, since dogs are usually not affected by this bacteria.
Nature's Variety recalls all frozen chicken diets with a a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11 due to possible salmonella contamination. No reports of illness have been received. In an abundance of caution, Nature's Variety has elected to clear the market of raw frozen chicken diets as it implements a state-of-the-art new food safety process called High Pressure Pasteurization for use on all Nature's Variety Raw Frozen Diets. Kudos to Nature's Variety for taking immediate action when the problem was discovered, and for being very proactive about letting everyone know. (2/11/10, updated 3/9/10)
Ketamine and butorphanol recall -- make sure your vet has all the details if your dog is going under anesthesia (12/22/09)
Jerky Treats Imported from China Reportedly Causing Kidney Failure in Dogs
FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers
In December 2008, the FDA announced that it is continuing to receive warnings about chicken jerky products for dogs imported from China. These products are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips or treats.
Signs to watch for include decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination.
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.
If your dog develops these signs and test results while being fed chicken jerky treats, the AVMA says, "you should contact your state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Complaint Coordinator. For a state-by-state list of Coordinators, go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. Please include as much information as possible, including the specific product name, lot numbers, veterinarian's report and diagnosis, etc."
I would also appreciate hearing from anyone whose dogs are affected (my contact information is at the bottom of the page).
Update 9/24/09: Incidence of Fanconi-like kidney disease in dogs in Australia appears to have ended after two products were removed from the market. The products were Supa Naturals Chicken Breast Strips, made by KraMar in China, and VeggieDents dental treats, made by Virbac. See Following product recalls, Fanconi-like syndrome outbreak abates in Australia for more information.
Update 5/28/09: Researchers in Australia have discovered several cases of unexplained kidney disease that was not associated with chicken jerky strips, but which may be associated with dental chews instead. The chews are called Veggie Dents and are made by Virbac. If your dog develops kidney disease and has eaten these chews recently, you or your vet should contact the FDA to report it. See New mystery arises in cases of Fanconi-like syndrome for more information. These chews were recalled in Australia the week of 6/1/09. See VeggieDent Chews Recalled in Australia.
On September 13th, 2007, the AVMA issued a statement warning people of complaints that multiple brands of jerky treats imported from China have been causing kidney failure in dogs. The FDA is investigating these claims, and issued their own warning on September 26th, 2007. They have ruled out melamine as a possible cause.
Please avoid feeding chicken jerky strips from China to dogs until we know conclusively that they are safe. Note that these products often appear to be made in the US, but if you search carefully, you'll find "Made in China" in tiny print somewhere on the bag.
Here's the rest of the story: On August 20th, 2007 it was learned that Wal-Mart had quietly removed Chicken Jerky treats made by two Chinese companies from their shelves on July 26th, due to complaints about the treats making dogs ill. No recall has been issued. Wal-Mart is no longer selling the treats, but other stores, such as K-Mart, are still doing so. The brands that were removed are Bestro and Pingyang Pet Product Co.
On September 14th, PetSmart removed various Smokehouse brand treats from their shelves due to reports of pets becoming ill. No recall has been issued. This product is reportedly being investigated by Cornell, but information is available only to vets, not to the public.
It is possible that other brands of chicken jerky may also be affected, such as the Kingdom Pets brand sold at Costco, and the Waggin' Train brand, which are also imported from China, as there are unconfirmed, anecdotal reports of dogs becoming ill after eating them, though no testing has been done. See this article for another report on Bestro Chicken Jerky making dogs ill and leading to at least one death (read the comments at the bottom of these stories for even more information). The Pet Food Tracker site also has information on the many online reports of non-recalled dog treats suspected of causing illness/deaths (including Waggin Train which has not been pulled).
I have heard one report of dogs becoming ill (vomiting, diarrhea, Inappetence) from two different brands of chicken jerky made in the US.
See these pages for more information:
12/24/08: FDA Continues to Receive Complaints About Chicken Jerky Products (AVMA)
12/24/08: Caution to Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products (FDA)
12/24/08: Caution in Feeding Chicken Jerky to Dogs (FDA)
12/18/08: Preliminary Animal Health Notification - Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs
11/1/07: FDA cautions consumers about chicken jerky products for dogs (JAVMA)
10/15/07: Jerky treats from China could be causing illness in pets (JAVMA)
9/28/07: Caution in Feeding Dogs Chicken Jerky (FDA)
9/14/07: Update: AVMA warns of potential new threat to pets
11/14/07: Reports Of Dog Illnesses From Chicken Jerky Treats Continue
10/3/07: Managing Director Of Bestros Assures Chicken Jerky Treats For Dogs Safe
9/26/07: FDA Cautions Pet Owners About Chicken Jerky Products For Dogs
9/21/07: FDA Continues To Investigate Chicken Jerky Pet Treats
9/19/07: AVMA Issues FAQ's About Alert For Pet Jerky Treats
9/17/07: Symptoms Of Affected Dogs From Jerky Treats Compared To Fanconi Syndrome
9/14/07: Smokehouse Brand Dog Treats Pulled From PetSmart Shelves
9/14/07: Indiana State Chemist Office Releases More Test Results For Chicken Jerky
8/30/07: Wal-Mart: Refund Only, No Dog Vet Expenses For Bestros
8/25/07: More Claims Of Chicken Jerky Strips Causing Death And Illness In Dogs
8/23/07: No Melamine Found In Chicken Jerky Strips Dog Treats By Indiana State Chemist
8/22/07: Chicken Jerky Strips For Dogs Still Being Tested By FDA
8/22/07: Melamine Found In Wal-Mart Bestros Chicken Jerky Strips For Dogs
8/20/07: FDA Investigating Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips In Dogs' Deaths
8/17/07: Wal-Mart Removes Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips After Dog Death
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. My name is Mary Straus and you can email me at either or