Between August 2007, through December 2015, more than 6,200 dogs, 26 cats and three people became severely ill in what is now known as the melamine scandal. My 7 year old Rottweiler just consumed his second treat of golden rewards duck Jerky recipe last night and on the bag it says Product of China. While plain, unsalted jerky may be a treat for your pup, its understandable that you may not be quite so willing to give up your favorite flavored jerky (even if it is for your best friend on four legs). Rather, they suspect that jerky itself, like grapes, may be safe for people yet toxic to some dogs (but not others). Am I missing any nutrients in this for her? So whilst beef jerky treats may be appropriate for some dogs with allergies, they arent suitable for all and you should always speak to your veterinarian first or a specialist in veterinary dermatology., * Nutritional analysis will vary between products, batches and preserving methods used. Sadly the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has reported over 5,000 cases of illness in dogs (plus some in cats and people) and over 1,000 deaths associated with pet jerky treats since 2007. Later, he became ill again, and went into stage 4 kidney failure very quickly and had to be put to sleep. 2 weeks ago his littermate Punkin developed pancreatitis and also became a diabetics. I enjoy and share much of your knowledge. There are, however, other causes of Fanconi Syndrome it is usually genetic and is predominantly found in Basenjis. I didnt know how important it is for dogs to have a no or low sodium diet, thank you. This started shortly after I gave him the second treat on the second day. Luckily our vet figured out the problem and over time our little boy got better. They contain only the meat of the species stated. Beef jerky treats are essentially dried meat so are extremely high in protein. There have also been reports of illness in dogs including vomiting, diarrhoea, and Fanconi-like syndrome associated with jerky-style treats in the U.S, Europe, the UK, and Australia., Most dogs enjoy the flavour of beef jerky treats which is why many owners use them as a high-value training treat or reward., Beef jerky treats for dogs are usually made from slowly air-dried meat by-products such as beef gullet (oesophagus), heart, and lung., Beef jerky treats arent the longest-lasting chewable treat. No! Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks? Mental StimulationHighly palatable reward for training and encourages chewing, an important stress-relieving behaviour in dogs. Hello Jason. My neighborhood store has a large area devoted to bulk treats for dogs. Dont feed jerky, imported or domestic, marketed for dogs or for humans, commercial or homemade, to your dog. Thank you for letting me know about beef jerky I have a chihuahua mixed with Shih Tzu and she is hard to find treats for she is hard to find food for I hope I find something that she will eat and love other than people food. There are some people who are beginning to suspect that there is no contaminant. It may not be related, but you need to know whats going on before it gets any worse. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Whats better for dogs? If made from quality meats, jerky can be a very healthy and highly recommendable snack for dogs. As a result, the UKs Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) have this week issued formal advice (see below). Likewise, if youre considering sharing your jerky with your pup, you have to take into consideration the quality, flavor and salt content of your jerky. If you are concerned that your dog may be suffering from osteoarthritis (arthritis), its important to visit your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Never any spice or herbs. High in protein and low in fat, Beef Jerky Treats can be great for training but are medium-high calorie density and still need to be fed in moderation. Dogs dont care about flavorings but they know the difference between meat, chicken and fish by scent. Nonetheless, jerky remained to be a popular meaty snack in many countries around the world. I dont understand why this subject isnt all over the media and on the forefront of every dog lovers mind, but for some reason the jerky menace in dogs is little-known and receives scant attention. Your email address will not be published. Is that bad that she only eats this? The removal of water makes jerky extremely lightweight. However, the FDA appears to be redoubling its efforts to get to the bottom of the matter. In the UK Pets at Home (who apparently supplied the jerky to 4 of the 22 cases) has launched a random testing programme, but has found no evidence of any known cause of kidney injury (including antibiotics, antifreeze-like chemicals, or bacterial toxins from Staphylococcus and Salmonella); they have also confirmed that all of their suppliers use meat that is cleared for human consumption. If made of premium ingredients, this kind of jerky is nutritious, high in protein and low in fat. A nose twitch and an escaped drop of drool. I make homemade dehydrated jerky for my picky yorkie with 80% lean beef, mix of frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), pro-biotic powder, Nupro Nutri-pet dog vitamins and a little bit of BBQ sauce for flavoring. China bashing is de rigueur because they have little to no ethical standard to go with their phony/deadly ingredients. Depending on the type of meat used, jerky may consist of over 85 percent, Single-ingredient jerky for example, made from chicken or turkey breast is, Due to the low water content, jerky is relatively tough and chewy. Possible symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, and some dogs have displayed symptoms of liver or pancreatic disease. We were suspecting leptospirosis but we had also started giving our dog chicken jerky treats not too long ago. I would think the human jerky is better quality? With invention of refrigeration and numerous other ways of food preservation, dried meat lost its importance as a food source. They also get cooked chicken, salmon occasionally beef, raw veggies, apples, pineapple and pears. Fanconi Syndrome is a form of kidney damage where the kidney tubules are unable to reabsorb sugars, proteins and salts from the urine. Science on NBCNEWS.com; 2009. This results in a wide range of symptoms, potentially including any or all of lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, dehydration and weight loss. They can Cause Illness, Even Death, The Best Raw Dog Treats Sourced & Made in the USA, How to Select the Best Low-Fat Dog Treats: A 3-Step Guide, Can Dogs Eat Organ Meats? However, if the damage is severe, the dog may be left with permanent low-grade kidney damage; this results in chronic kidney failure which is a lifelong health issue that must be managed (usually with specially formulated foods and sometimes medication). Jerky made for human consumption is therefore not recommended as a dog treat. *, * treats should make up no more than 10% of your pets daily calorie requirement. This leads to aberrations in glucose, potassium, and pH. While parenting styles differ, dog moms and dads worldwide know that there are just some foods that their fur babies should never eat. According to a recently released FDA fact sheet, jerky treats that have sickened dogs have been tested for Salmonella, metals, pesticides, and antibiotics, and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds. Despite these efforts, the cause of the problems remains unidentified. Ask a Vet: The Problem with Dogs and Jerky Treats. After being hospitalized for two days and being treated with iv fluids the vet recommended she be euthanized. This may include joint supplements that have been clinically proven to benefit dogs with arthritis.. The scientific principal at play when preserving food by drying is that by removing moisture, enzymes cannot efficiently contact or react with the food. I just shared a bag of beef jerky with my healthy young 2years old boxer 2 days ago and now he is very sick. Benefits, Sources and Dosage. About the size of a finger nail each. The data from the USA suggests that about 5 / 6 dogs whose owners report symptoms following eating jerky treats survived. It makes a healthy snack for dogs of all sizes and live-stages. Furthermore, it indicates that the chicken used to make this treat has originated from U.S. farms, and that the product itself is also made in the USA. Ellen is an Australian vet who is currently combining her love of writing with traveling and working across the UK as a relief vet. Besides baby carrots, are there any safe, store bought treats for dogs? The biggest issue with feeding jerky to your dog, however, revolves around the sodium levels. David Harris BVSc PGCert VetEd FHEA MRCVS, American FDA Jerky Pet Treats 2016 Update, AVMA Safety Alert on Jerky Treats for Pets, Brexit and Pet Travel - URGENT Update for Pet Owners. You just need to be sure its the right kind of jerky. What about homemade jerky? This can make it easier to control your pups intake, however, for a 10lb dog, one beef jerky treat is equal to or slightly over their recommended daily calorie limit from treats! Alternatives to Beef Jerky Treats are Fish Skin Treats, Beef Tendons and VOHC accepted dental chews. Way more, they both had bouts of pancreatitis and where diabetics, So sorry to hear that its always hard when a dog gets so ill and theres a possibility it could have been avoided (even if that isnt really the main cause). There have also been cases in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The most effective treatment for acute kidney injuries of any cause is rapid diagnosis and supportive therapy usually hospitalisation, high rate intravenous fluids (a drip), and very careful monitoring. Viegas J: Neanderthals made mammoth jerky. Especially when youre giving your dog larger amounts of jerky, always ensure that your canine has access to plenty of fresh water. Dogs systems dont do well with abrupt changes, which is why even changing your dogs regular food requires a slow transition from one brand to another. However, most dogs sickened by jerky treats recover if they receive treatment. Larger jerky chews should be halved and given no 1-2 times per week, otherwise smaller pieces can be broken off and used as training treats., Though beef jerky treats are high in protein, your pup needs to get the majority of their nutrition from a high quality complete and balanced puppy food, with treats making up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake., Beef jerky treats are high in protein and low in fat, but like any treat, it is important to feed them in moderation to prevent obesity., There is still ongoing controversy over jerky-style treats for dogs as the FDA has reported over 5,000 cases of illness including gastrointestinal problems and Fanconi-like Syndrome since 2007. Ellen is currently based in Somerset and in her free time enjoys yoga, reading, travel, and modern calligraphy! Jerky is meat, poultry or fish cut into strips and then dried to prevent spoilage. This includes regular handwashing after handling raw meat products, close contact with pets, and disinfection of surfaces. I have heard stories of dogs dying after eating jerky intended for humans many decades ago. Chewing is even believed to help relieve stress in dogs and is an important natural behaviour.. I no longer feed my dogs any commercial treats. We dont have before and after bloodwork to conclude anything, or autopsy. The moral of the story is simple: yes, you can feed jerky to your dog. Jerky treats are not intended to substitute the diet of your canine companion in part or whole. Salt is very hard on a dogs system. Other members of the group include grapes, raisins, and lilies (in cats). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even released a report identifying approximately 5,200 complaints and more than 1,140 related canine deaths from 2007 to the end 2015. I dont understand why jerky treats havent been recalled en masse. Learn how your comment data is processed. My Maltese got very sick from jerky treats that we purchased at our local department store. Unfortunately, not every dog treat labeled as jerky, contains real jerky. Mountain America Jerky When she found out it was people jerky she pretty much freaked out. Do I need to go to emergency veterinarian? by Marko H. Wittich August 07, 2018 small percentage of dogs are allergic to specific food ingredients, 5,000 cases of illness in dogs (plus some in cats and people) and over 1,000 deaths associated with pet jerky treats, Nutritional Information for Beef Jerky Dog Treats, Downsides & Risks of Beef Jerky Treats for Dogs. Jerky snacks have become extremely popular, with an estimated 160 million people consuming these products every year in the US. https://mountainamericajerky.com/shop/jerky-for-dogs/, This was very help full I have a chihuahua pug mix and he loves beef jerky but he wont be getting one more piece till I find a no salt one. Home All Posts News and Comment Are jerky treats really bad for my dog? They are usually slowly air-dried and should contain no additional salt, spices, or flavourings. Or maybe someone is paying them off. About an hour or two after his second (second treat second day) treat he started acting strange he would whine when he would get up and whine when he would lay down and whine when you would touch him and stands in parts of the room and just stares for a little while and then struggles to lay down. (Note that if you have an emergency situation, please see your own vet immediately!). But this doesnt mean we can share our jerky snacks with our dogs. I grind and cook then add veggies and rice. Most significantly, there has been an FDA investigation into cases of illness associated with feeding jerky-style treats in the US, EU, UK and Australia since 2007.. Many pet owners reward their pup with small pieces of beef jerky as a high-value treat when training using positive reinforcement. Unfortunately that is not likely to happen soon. Just like with any treat or toy, its recommended to supervise your dog closely at all times.. Most dogs love baby carrots every bit as much as jerky. His symptoms happened abruptly. In the US, the FDA (their Food and Drug Administration) has performed a wide range of tests, with no results so far. I can say that the pet jerky treats we sell have nothing added. Premium jerky is therefore, Dehydrated meat is a very dense source of protein. If choosing to feed jerky-style treats it may be best to consider avoiding chicken-based products and making sure the country of origin is traceable.. It goes without saying that no longer feeding jerky treats is essential to both recovery and a good prognosis! The risk of bacterial contamination is also important from a food safety perspective as the owners handling these products need to follow careful food hygiene practices to help keep themselves and their families safe. I was feeding my dogs healthy sweet potato jerky treats made in USA and also Canada. I now make all their treats homemade from 100% organic human -grade ingredients. A Guide to Benefits, Safe Feeding & More, Dehydration is a gentle, low-temperature process, which preserves vitamins and other temperature sensitive nutrients better than baking, cooking or frying. Protein is an important building block with many functions within the body including, the production of hormones and enzymes, muscle growth and maintaining healthy skin and coat. My 8 year old black lab is mostly recovered, and my 13 year old Mini Eskie is only beginning to recover. However, efforts to identify the contaminant have not been successful. Campfire Treats Goes Biodegradable and Recyclable With Shipping Materials, Campfire Treats Joins the Better Chicken Commitment, Campfire Treats, LLC4800 Granite Dr, Ste B10Rocklin, CA 95677, 2022 Campfire Treats. immune-mediated disease or currently receiving chemotherapy) unless otherwise advised by your vet. A pound of meat weighs only three to four ounces after being made into jerky. I often intervene, but I cringe when I think about how common the practice is. Many cases have also been reported in Canada and Australia, and there have now been 25 confirmed poisonings in the UK as well. Just How Dangerous Is It to Falsely Call a Pet a Service Dog? document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 1997 - 2022 Mountain America Jerky | Privacy. Some companies also advise feeding them on a stain-resistant surface. There are a range of resources available on the internet although we cannot vouch for the reliability of external sites, some of the more reputable include: Your email address will not be published. Every once in a while I stop by my local big chain pet store to seewhats new in the dog and cat product world. There have also been rare cases of thyrotoxicosis (increased thyroid hormone levels) reported in dogs after eating beef jerky products. Chuck Watson Just a little piece and it is low sodium, people beef jerky. One of the benefits often associated with beef jerky treats is improved joint health due to the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin, the building blocks of healthy cartilage. Despite the previously-mentioned dog treat jerky scare, there is quality jerky for dogs out there. Like any treat, beef jerky treats can give some dogs an upset tummy (mild vomiting or diarrhoea), especially if eating too many or when first introducing them. I gave this ladies dogs a few tiny pieces of people jerky not spicy, not flavored. Here is a link to the Dog Jerky Treats we sell a Mountain America Jerky. Beef jerky treats naturally contain iron which is essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen successfully around the body. What are your experiences? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Stay informed! Stories of sick and dying dogs were all over the media. For best health practices the best jerky treats for dogs is just plain meat. Learn how your comment data is processed. Registration confirmation will be emailed to you, By joining the Forum, I agree that I am aged over 18 and that I will abide by the Community Guidelines and the Terms. Have a great day! Growing puppies also have an additional requirement for protein compared to adult dogs, but a high-quality puppy food will make sure these needs are met. Those people could be unknowingly killing their dogs. Your dog has an underlying illness, such as liver or kidney disease, or has a compromised immune system (e.g. Starting in 2007, there have been many thousands of reported cases in the USA so many, in fact, that the American FDA has been investigating. Using muscle meat in a dehydrator and then oven blasted for 10 minutes on 300 in the oven once finished dehydrating to kill any pathogens unsafe for human handling? Fortunately, as long as strangers, friends, and neighbors dont give treats to your dog, the problem is easy to avoid. Your email address will not be published. More than 1,140 of those dogs died. Thank you for your great columns. Your vet will be able to assist you in calculating your dogs daily requirements but the Pet Nutrition Alliance Calorie Calculator is an excellent guide for healthy adult dogs. If theyd of waited a few minutes he have died on his own. The problem was initially considered to be an issue with Chinese chicken jerky. However, it is now known that duck, sweet potato, and dried fruit jerkies also can cause illness. The majority of these treats were chicken-based products and many were sourced from China, however, the underlying cause is yet to be identified making it difficult to say which of these products are safe.. He wont eat or drink. They also contain magnesium which plays a role in enzyme function as well as signalling between nerves and muscles. If you bump him he whines. Protein-rich foods should be avoided in dogs with liver or kidney disease and if your dog has any underlying health issue, always speak to your vet first before changing their diet., Low fat treats can be beneficial for overweight dogs as well as those that have pancreatitis or other gastrointestinal issues. Wed love to hear from you! Beef jerky is calorie-dense, but the individual pieces tend to be smaller than many other natural treats putting them at 29-40 calories per treat. 12 also plays a role in the normal functioning of enzymes, as well as metabolic processes. While the fear of inferior and possibly dangerous jerky treats is understandable, that doesnt mean you should blindly substitute suspect dog treats with your favorite teriyaki or peppered jerky. After stopping the treats, thyroid hormone levels returned to normal. Although it isnt yet available online, the following article is the basis of most of the information about the UK cases: UK pet owners warned over cheap jerky treats from China. Jerky that has a lot of preservatives, spices, added flavors or pepper will almost certainly upset your dogs stomach. Therefore, many people recommend not feeding Chinese-made treats. Common to all jerky made for human consumption is that it typically contains salt and is heavily spiced. This places jerky in a uniquely nefarious group of food and plant items that can sicken or kill pets for reasons unexplained by current science. My dog's had the L2 but not the L4 - should I upgrade? So long as its a pure, naturally dehydrated, single source protein, your dog can chow down on as much beef, bison, venison or elk jerky his or her heart desires. Quality dog jerky is made of just one single ingredient (poultry, meat or fish), and is entirely free of additives, fillers and preservatives. Back in 2016, there was mass alarm amongst dog owners over possibly-fatal jerky treats. I have an extremely picky yorkie who wont eat regular wet nor dry dog food. Since graduating she has worked in clinical practice, including at a university teaching hospital in New Zealand. The first symptom is generally increased urination accompanied by increased thirst. His other blood levels were perfect, kidneys off the charts, One year ago Ceasar my folks jack russell terrier beagle dog would have been 11 years old now. For these reasons, if youre looking to share your jerky with your pooch, you should stick to natural jerky that is free of any added preservatives, spices or salt. Many beef jerky products carry the claim of being grain-free or hypoallergenic. Both of these pups were fed chicken jerky treats alot more frequently then it was recommended they get them