According to a report by MSNBC.com, dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes have been affected after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. But exactly what is causing the illnesses remains a mystery. “To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses,” Martine Hartogensis, a deputy director for the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in a new report. “Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs.”
The FDA has been actively investigating consumer complaints about jerky pet treats causing illness in dogs and in some cats. As of September 24, 2013, over 3,600 dogs and 10 cats have reportedly become ill from eating jerky pet treats. At least two class action lawsuits have been filed, one against Del Monte subsidiary Milo's Kitchen which sells Chicken Jerky Dog Treats made in China. The suit alleges that the dog treats kill dogs and make them sick.
A $5 million class action lawsuit was also filed against Nestlé Purina Petcare Co, alleging the company's Waggin’ Train Yam Good chicken-wrapped treats causes kidney failure in dogs.
According to an FDA Fact Sheet, the treats are sold as jerky tenders or strips and are made with chicken, duck, sweet potato, dried fruit, and in combinations of these ingredients. Product samples have been tested for contaminants known to cause the symptoms and illnesses reported in pets including Salmonella, metals, pesticides, and antibiotics, and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds. Nutritional composition analyses have been conducted including fatty acids, crude fiber, glycerol, protein, ash and moisture, and other excess nutrients. The purpose of nutritional composition testing is to verify the presence of ingredients listed on the label. To date, none of the tests have revealed the cause of the illnesses.
READER COMMENTS
Teresa Limbaugh
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Dave Kaiser
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My dog then got very lethargic & started vomiting a yellow bile mixed with grass. I thought that he was eating the grass because he felt ill - litle did I know. Tests showed reduced kidney function & he started to go into renal failure. I brought him to the vet several times a week to be hydrated & even took him to a second vet who was equipped to x-ray him & the diagnosis was confirmed. He lingered until he was too weak to even raise his head, just feebly wag his tail & lick my hand when a I went to pet him. We finally had to relieve his suffering at 8 yrs. of age.
Alan Smith
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Is anyone involved in the class action suit? If so, can you pass information onto me? Thanks.
Sorry for anyone [human and pet] who have suffered because of this situation.
Alan Smith
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Is anyone involved in the class action suit? If so, can you pass information onto me? Thanks.
Sorry for anyone [human and pet] who have suffered because of this situation.
Stefan Mierz
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Susan Butler
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Yesterday afternoon, I noticed that my kitten's abdomen is now looking distended, but his appetite is starting to pick up a bit. We'll be going to the vet tomorrow.
Stephanie Stott
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Carol Ashby
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He was given a stool sample.....a diet while sick and medicine to take. This was all after being given Milo's chicken jerky strips for a period of time. Purchased at Walmart always. I did not know NOT to continue using this product but did stop while he was mending. After he recovered he did not get them for awhile due to my budget cut. Two weeks ago I saw a new flavor and just this last Friday October 18 I bought a bag of duck jerky treats while in New Mexico and he is now sick again. These came from Del Monte. Symptoms include
Val Palmer
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