The FDA recently issued another warning about chicken jerky manufactured in China as a possible cause of serious health problems or even death in dogs. Chicken jerky manufactured in the U.S. from raw material sourced offshore can be a problem as well. In the rush to get the word out many bloggers and writers have failed to mention Chinese chicken as the suspected source of this problem until later in their articles, if at all. This error of omission makes all chicken jerky suspect.

The FDA warned again in November that dog owners should be wary of chicken jerky either made in China or sourced from Chinese ingredients but made here in the U.S. Chinese-made pet treats have been a continuing problem and were identified in 2007 and 2008 as a possible cause of a yet undiagnosed ailment in dogs. Vets suspect the problem could be related to Fanconi syndrome which causes a reabsorbsion malfunction in the kidneys. Although not confirmed, this problem can sometimes be caused by drugs, heavy metals or other harmful chemical substances in the meat affecting the reabsorption of nutrients by the kidneys and as well as other gastrointestinal problems. The FDA's Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (VLRN) is still trying to discover the source of contamination in the Chinese product.

Earlier in 2011 the FDA received 280 complaints about adverse effects from chicken jerky causing them to issue the November alert. That number now stands at over 350 according an online MSNBC article. There have been no recalls of chicken jerky to date even though several brand names of chicken jerky are suspect.

Current FDA information about the Chinese chicken jerky alert, originally posted on the FDA website 11/18/11 and reviewed 12/13/11 can be read here >

Chicken jerky made here in the United States from USDA-inspected, human-edible poultry is not on the list of suspect pet products. Chicken jerky made in the United States from offshore poultry may also be contaminated.

Labels can be deceiving. Under FDA regulations a package must identify that product's responsible party. Unfortunately a way around this is to to use the U. S. distributors name and address rather than the manufacturer. Check all pet treat labels carefully to be sure there are no statements such as "Made in China" or "Product of China."

At Kasel Associated Industries we use only USDA-inspected, human-edible chicken in our brands and no additives of any kind. Our Colorado Naturals and Nature's Deli brands are available at Costco, Petsmart and other well-known pet products stores. Our bags are clearly marked with "Made in the USA." This is the same chicken product you would buy for your family dinner table. We have never had a product recall and are not aware of any reported problems. The FDA and Colorado state inspectors visit our plant periodically to assure that we are maintaining our high standards.

All meat processed in the United States for interstate commerce is inspected by the USDA for wholesomeness. It bears an official Establishment number that can be traced back to the production facility. Be sure any products you choose to treat your precious pet are made in the U.S. and not manufactured or "sourced" from Chinese chicken or chicken products from another country.

Many pet products use Nature and Natural in their brand names so there may be confusion over which products are still acceptable. Our Nature's Deli and Colorado Naturals brand chicken jerky treats for dogs are manufactured here in the United States from USDA-inspected poultry.

Chicken is a great source of inexpensive protein, and dogs love it -- it's good for them. It can be turned into a healthy, inexpensive dog treat or used as a primary ingredient in dog food. Drying is a very effective form of food preservation known for centuries.

Many recalls are caused by contamination of ingredients, even among the largest, well-known pet food and pet treat manufacturers. Many pet food companies source their product offshore in order to stay competitive.

There is no reason to stop using chicken jerky for your dogs manufactured in the United States from USDA-inspected chicken. Please continue to use our brands with confidence.

We will continue to monitor this situation and report here as developments occur.

Pets are like our children and we at Kasel Associated Industries were extremely sad to hear that Chinese chicken jerky was suspected by the FDA as a potential cause of this pet illness. Our hearts go out to those who may have lost a pet.

Try A Sample Size of Our Chicken Jerky!
If your dog would like to try a sample size of our Chicken Jerky, just add item no. 80021, our 5 count chicken jerky, to your order.