Federal regulators said Friday they are investigating potential contaminants in dog treats made in China, as the nation’s leading veterinarian association posted a warning to pet owners that the products might be making animals sick.

The American Veterinary Medical Association, which represents 75,000 vets, issued the statement prompted by members’ reports of numerous unusual cases of dogs suffering from a rare kidney ailment after consuming the China-made treats. Most of the products were chicken-flavored.

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Federal regulators are investigating whether chicken jerky-style pet treats made in China are causing kidney problems in dogs.

No recalls have been issued.

Affected dogs may develop acquired Fanconi Syndrome, a renal condition characterized by sugar in the urine when blood sugar level is normal.

Symptoms include: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, abdominal pain.

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AP Associated Press

At least 16 pet deaths tied to tainted food; vets flooded with worried calls

WASHINGTON - A recall of potentially deadly pet food has dog and cat owners studying their animals for even the slightest hint of illness and swamping veterinarians nationwide with calls about symptoms both real and imagined.

“It’s like we’re on pins and needles,” said Brian Paone, a 27-year-old loan auditor in Knoxville, Tenn., who scheduled a blood test with his vet after realizing both of his cats had eaten brands on the recall list.

“You kind of sit there and wonder — it’s terrible to say this — you wonder if this is going to be your last moments with your pet. It’s not pleasant.”

Some of the 60 million cans and pouches of food have been blamed for kidney failure in scores of animals and killed at least 16 pets. Neither the manufacturer nor authorities have been able to determine why the pets died.

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FDA Recall Page

Menu Announces New Recalls because of Cross Contamination

FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page

Eight In One Announces Nationwide Recall of All Lots of Dingo(R) CHICK’N JERKY Treats for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets

Del Monte Pet Products Voluntarily Withdraws Specific Product Codes of Pet Treats and Wet Dog Food Products

Chemical That Led to Pet Food Recall May Be Worse for Cats, Which Have Died in Greater Numbers

Hills voluntarily recalled Prescription Diet™ m/d™ Feline Dry Food today (March 30, 2007)

Wild Kitty pulls food due to salmonella issues.

Pig ears pulled (3rd time in as many years) due to salmonella issues.

Pentobarbital in dog food(not really a recall, but interesting nonetheless)

Dec 2005, Also Diamond Foods and also the same manufacturer, Diamond Foods

In this time of pet food recalls, it’s important to choose safe products for your canine or feline baby. The dog, puppy and cat food that was tainted contained a chemical called melamine. Melamine is used in plastic counter tops and fertilizers, but it was found in wheat gluten and rice protein made in China. It’s not that buying pet products from overseas is bad, but there has to be vigilance on the part of the owner and quality control from the animal food manufacturer.

We feed our pets Life’s Abundance pet food. Life’s Abundance is a veterinarian-formulated, holistic pet food made with human-quality ingredients. This wonderful pet food is made with the exclusive “fast-cook” process which locks in natural flavors and nutrition. No recalls and pet-safe!

Although you may think all pet food manufacturers have your pet’s best interests in mind, this is not always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never knowingly give to your pet. In fact, you may be shocked to learn what some brands of pet food really contain. For example: the use of by-products (feet, bones and intestines, etc.), chemical preservatives (BHA and BHT) and grains that are often difficult to digest (corn, wheat, gluten and soy), which are often used as a protein source instead of meat.

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