Does the news about jerky treats have you feeling jerked around? You are not alone.
Jerky is a meat product that is cut into strips, treated with additives (like salt) and then dried. Treats made of jerky have been connected with kidney disease in dogs. We have all heard of the toxic issues associated with feeding jerky treats that were sourced from outside the US, but in the last few years such stories seemed to fade into history.
Very recently concerning news was released that the kidney issues previously linked only to foreign treats have been found in domestically sourced treats also. I have seen one case of the kidney issue known as Fanconi Syndrome (an unusual abnormality in which the kidney tubules are unable to handle the transport of solutes and water normally.) The dog I saw had been fed jerky treats, but also was on another medication so the link to jerky treats was never proven. Even though we could not verify the association, the concern was a little too close to home and has affected my recommendations for my patients and my own pets.
According to the FDA alert on the matter, they have received around 5000 reports of pet illness thought to be related to consumption of jerky treats since 2007. The reports involve more than 5,800 dogs, 25 cats, three humans, and include more than 1,000 canine deaths. (FDA website)
The exact link to jerky treats or any particular ingredient in the treats has not been proven, despite extremely comprehensive testing on the part of the FDA. They continue to feel that there is an association. The FDA routinely tests for a litany of contaminants, bacteria, and additives and directs its field investigators to detain shipments of products from companies with any positive results.
FDA veterinarians have performed post-mortem exams on many dogs that have died and found several unrelated causes of death, but there were a number of deaths that seemed to be unexplained and possibly linked to the treats. It is important to note that the majority of affected dogs survived with appropriate treatment (including hospitalization, IV fluids and supportive care). Their signs resolved once they were treated and the treats were discontinued.
The scary part of all of this controversy is the unknown cause. The danger is undefined. We just do not know what to tell you to avoid or what to eliminate from the treat manufacturing process. The FDA has gone (and continues to go) to great lengths to identify the hazard to no avail. The mystery remains.
This most recent news that American sourced treats may also be implicated is concerning indeed. Up until recently, we all felt safe reading the labels and checking where the treats were made. But now, the unknown factors and undefined danger causes me to suggest that no jerky treats of any kind be fed to my patients at this time. Treats are not a necessary staple and there are too many options that are not affiliated with safety risks.
If your dog is acting ill (decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or increased thirst/urination), seek veterinary help immediately whether or not you have been feeding jerky treats. These are serious symptoms and should not be ignored or postponed. Tell your veterinary team about the possibility of ingestion of jerky-type treats as part of your history.
We have a diligent team trying to get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, I won’t be risking making my dogs sick with any type of jerky at all. If you are feeding a dry kibble as the main diet, then it might be wise to offer small samples of the regular diet as rewards instead.
If you plan to use human foods as alternative treats, please see my article, 5 People Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog to be sure you know which you should avoid.
