Since 2007, FDA has received multiple reports of pet illnesses associated with jerky treats, with symptoms including diarrhea, increased water consumption or urination, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Many of these cases were severe enough that necropsies were necessary. From this information we were able to identify some of the more prevalent causes of illness; predominantly kidney and gastrointestinal conditions.
Contents
1. Protein-Rich Nutrition
As a dried meat product, jerky is rich in protein – an essential nutrient for most dogs’ muscles and energy levels. However, excess amounts may contain excessive sodium levels which should be monitored closely as this could have negative impacts.
Jerky treats containing preservatives, spices or added pepper can cause digestive distress in your dog, so it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian prior to adding new food or treats into their diet.
Since 2010, there have been multiple reports of pets becoming ill after eating jerky pet treats, with multiple instances of Fanconi-like syndrome (FLS). FLS is a type of kidney disease in which part of one kidney doesn’t function correctly and leads to nutrients being leaked out into urine, typically found among certain breeds as hereditary conditions. Both FDA and Vet-LIRN are asking veterinarians who see symptoms to collect urine samples from affected pets to conduct testing for FLS.
2. Great for Training
Jerky treats can be an invaluable training aid for dogs, as they can be broken up into bite-size pieces to reward positive behaviors. When selecting treats suitable for your pup’s age and jaw strength, be mindful as large pieces may present choking hazards.
Search for jerky that is made with high-quality meats and has limited ingredients, while being low in both fat and calories as treats should only make up a portion of their daily diet.
Some jerky products have been linked to kidney disease in dogs, prompting both the FDA and CVMA to advise pet owners to be wary about feeding these treats to their animals. Signs of illness in your pet could include weight loss, vomiting or diarrhoea – should this occur it’s important to save all packaging (with lot codes) so your vet can identify which product your pet may have been eating as quickly as possible and any potential issues they might cause.
3. High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Jerky treats contain Omega-3 fatty acids that help your pet remain in top form by protecting his/her skin, joints, heart, and brain health. Antioxidant properties make these nutrients essential for maintaining overall well-being in canines.
Ahi fish jerky provides dogs with essential vitamins and nutrients in a highly digestible protein source that makes an ideal alternative to chicken, pork and beef meals for those with food intolerances or allergies.
Many jerky treats made in China should be avoided in favour of those made in Europe or the UK. There have been reports of illness or even death among dogs who consumed jerky treats from China; symptoms including digestive upsets and kidney disease (Fanconi Syndrome). Although no causal link has been proven between eating Chinese-produced treats and these illness reports has yet to be established, FDA have tested all products involved as well as used Vet-LIRN tests on urine from affected pets to search for signs of Fanconi Syndrome and other illnesses.
4. Good for Dental Health
Jerky treats can promote dental health by helping remove plaque and tartar build-up on teeth through scraping action, but should never replace regular visits to a veterinarian and other proven methods such as tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste.
Jerky treats contain important minerals for dogs’ overall wellbeing, such as iron and magnesium that promote red blood cell health, as well as zinc which plays a key role in enzyme activity and nerve-muscle signalling. They’re also low in fat – essential when trying to lose weight or living with digestive conditions like pancreatitis.
FDA is asking veterinarians who experience their pet becoming sick after eating jerky treats from China to save and store it for testing at Vet-LIRN to conduct an urine Fanconi-like Syndrome test (FLS). This will enable FDA to better understand if any cases associated with these treats could have come from there.
