Dog Treats Killing Dogs 2022: Pet Food Safety Concerns

In 2022, there were numerous reports of dog treats killing dogs due to pet food safety concerns.

Some of the most common dog treats linked to these incidents were peanut butter-based treats, which contained xylitol, a sugar substitute toxic to dogs.

Many pet owners are unaware of the risks associated with certain ingredients in dog treats, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education on pet food safety.

Xylitol, found in many sugar-free products, including peanut butter, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and even liver failure in dogs.

Intriguing read: Cocoa Butter Kill Dogs

If your pet has become sick or has died, it's essential to report the issue to the FDA and your State Department of Agriculture. Save all pet food, as it may be crucial for investigation. If your pet required veterinary care, ask your veterinarian to report to the FDA.

The FDA has recalled several pet food products due to contamination and safety concerns. Check if your pet's food is on the list of recalled products, which includes Sportmix Energy Plus, Sportmix Premium High Energy, and Sportmix Original Cat, among others. Look for the expiration date and lot code on the back of the bag to determine if it's affected.

Some pet food products have been linked to cancer-causing agents, including Red#40, an artificial food dye, and Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a preservative. These chemicals have been banned in several European countries, but are still used in some US pet food products.

Here are some recalled pet food products made by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc.:

Additionally, some pet food products have been linked to the Fanconi Syndrome (FLS), a severe condition that can cause fatal kidney failure. Be cautious of pet treats made in China, as they have been associated with this issue.

Dog treats can be a tasty and convenient snack for your furry friend, but it's essential to be aware of the potential risks. Some jerky pet treats have been linked to a severe condition called Fanconi Syndrome (FLS), which could result in fatal kidney failure.

The US Food and Drug Administration has investigated these treats and found that some contain antibiotics or anti-tremor drugs. As of 2015, there had already been more than 5,000 complaints and over 1,100 canine deaths related to this issue.

If you're considering buying jerky pet treats, be sure to check the label for a "Made in China" label, as most of the problematic treats are sourced from China. Most reputable pet stores no longer carry these products, but they're still available online and in some pet supply stores.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Rawhide chews are processed from the discarded second layer of animal skin, which isn't very valuable for its nutritional content.

The leather industry uses rawhide as a by-product, making rawhide chews one of the cheapest options for dog owners.

Rawhide chews are incredibly long-lasting, but that's also a problem because most dogs will inevitably break off parts of the chew.

Some rawhide chews are processed using toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, bleach, sodium sulfide, and glue.

These chemicals can be hazardous to your dog's health, so it's essential to choose safer alternatives.

Rawhide chews are a choking hazard because dogs can break off large pieces and swallow them.

In recent years, there have been several recalls and alerts related to pet food and treats. One notable example is the recall of Sportmix pet food products in 2020, which included various dry food products due to potential contamination.

The recalled products included Sportmix Energy Plus, Sportmix Premium High Energy, and Sportmix Original Cat, among others. If your pet food has an expiration date on or before "07/09/22" and includes "05" in the date/lot code, it may be affected by this recall.

The FDA has also issued an Import Alert for jerky pet treats due to the presence of antibiotic and antiviral residues. This alert affects imported duck jerky-type pet treats, and the FDA has revised the Import Alert to include all poultry jerky-type pet treats.

Here is a list of some of the recalled pet food products:

If your dog's food has been recalled, stop feeding it immediately and return the food to the store where it was purchased. You may also be able to obtain a refund.

The recalled food should be properly disposed of in a manner that prevents other animals from gaining access to it. This is especially important if the recall was due to a potential health risk.

If your dog has already been eating the recalled food, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible to determine what actions you should take. Even if your dog is not showing any signs of illness, it's still a good idea to get their advice.

If you believe your dog has become ill or has died because of eating a recalled food product, you should file a complaint with the FDA. You can do this online or by contacting the FDA consumer complaint coordinator in your state.

Here are some steps to take if your dog's food is recalled:

If you can no longer feed your dog their usual diet due to a recall, try to find a similar food to replace it or ask your veterinarian for suggestions. Keep in mind that sudden changes in diet can lead to dietary distress for dogs.

The FDA has been investigating jerky pet treats for antibiotic residues, and it's a good thing they did. In 2013, a study by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Marketing revealed low levels of antibiotic residues in some jerky pet treats.

Several well-known brands were removed from the market in January 2013, but some returned in February 2014 after formulation changes. The FDA has received very few reports associated with the new products, primarily with gastrointestinal symptoms.

The FDA scientists closely reviewed the NYSDAM findings and noted that when measurable levels of antibiotic drugs were found in the treats, they were consistently at very low levels – almost all were less than 0.0001 percent.

The FDA has implemented an Import Alert directing its field investigators to detain shipments of jerky pet treats that test positive for antibiotic or antiviral residues. These products cannot enter the country unless the manufacturer or shipper can provide third-party documentation that they do not contain these residues.

In 2014, the FDA's Vet-LIRN tested 71 investigative jerky pet treat samples and identified 27 that tested positive for amantadine. The FDA did not request a recall of these treats because they had been sold a year or more ago.

The FDA has added testing for antiviral residues to its sampling assignment and implemented an Import Alert to detain shipments of jerky pet treats that test positive for these residues.

Some dog treats contain toxic ingredients that can harm your furry friend.

Red#40, an artificial food dye used to make treats look more appealing, has been banned in several European countries due to its link to canine cancer.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA or E320), a chemical antioxidant commonly used in cosmetics, is also used in dog biscuits and has been listed as a carcinogenic substance by the NIH.

Many dog treats contain sugar, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain, dental problems, and serious illnesses like diabetes.

Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause stomach problems in dogs, while xylitol is poisonous and can cause seizures, clotting problems, and even death.

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus. At high levels, they can cause death and serious illness in pets.

Aflatoxins can be produced by mold in grains, especially drought-stressed corn. This means that even if there's no visible mold, these toxins can still be present in dog food.

Aflatoxins are a serious concern because they can be present in dog food even if there's no visible mold.

Several chemicals used in dog food and treats have been linked with canine cancer.

Red#40, also known as E129 – Allura Red, is a food additive used to make treats look more appealing. It's been banned in several European countries, including the UK, France, Austria, Norway, and Finland.

Butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, is a chemical antioxidant commonly used as a preservative in dog biscuits and treats. The NIH has listed it as a carcinogenic substance.

This means that dog owners need to be aware of the ingredients in their pets' treats and choose options that are free from these toxic substances.

Artificially sweetened treats are a major concern for dog owners. Many manufacturers use artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol to make their products more appealing, but these substances can be toxic to dogs.

Sorbitol is known to cause stomach problems in dogs, making it a less-than-ideal ingredient for their treats.

Xylitol, on the other hand, is poisonous to dogs and can cause seizures, clotting problems, and even death.

Chocolates are a no-go for your furry friends. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems in dogs.

Grapes and raisins are another hazard, and it's best to keep them out of reach. Consuming them can lead to kidney failure in dogs.

Nuts are also off-limits, especially macadamia nuts which can cause weakness, depression, and tremors.

Garlic, onions, and chives are also toxic to dogs, so be sure to check ingredient lists carefully. These foods can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia.

During the holidays, be extra cautious about food spreads that might contain these toxic ingredients. Your dog's safety is worth it.