This prodcut was distributed by a U.S.-based company, but is actually produced in China.

In a recent article, ABC News stated that the FDA has received reports on more than 900 cases of dogs sickened or allegedly killed by eating chicken jerky treats sourced in China. This is barely six months after the FDA’s last warning on chicken jerky treats made in China, and yet these products are still being purchased by pet owners unaware of the potential danger lurking within them. While samples have been collected for testing, the FDA does not know what has actually sickened the dogs.

While many politicians and pet owners alike are calling for the FDA and for Congress to crack down on foreign food imports for pets, these products may still be present on the shelves of pet food and pet supply stores. How can pet owners protect themselves?  The best step is to critically read the label!

A comparison of two chicken jerky labels. The top one is distributed by an American company, but is made in China (which is in very fine print at the bottom left of the bag), and the bottom one is proudly made in Modesto, California.

Pet owners must learn to read the labels of pet food products–including treats–very carefully. Many dog treats are made by companies that reside here in the U.S., but the ingredients have been sourced from outside the country from areas with fewer regulations and controls on their food products. Look for fine print on the front, back, or side labels that says “Made in China” or other locations. Many companies now proudly display American flag icons on their packaging, with the words “Made in U.S.A.” underneath it. Not all companies put this information on the front of their packaging, so the wise consumer must also check the back of the packaging for a statement of origin.

U.S. companies that source their ingredients from outside the United States may not put “Made in the U.S.A.” on their labels, even if the finished product was manufactured in the U.S. These tell-tale labels will often just say “Manufactured by” or “Distributed by” an American company, without making a statement of origin of the product. This sort of vague labeling may actually mean that the raw ingredients were sourced in other countries like China and then shipped over the U.S. for manufacturing. You should look for a label that specifically says “Made in U.S.A.” or “Sourced and produced in the U.S.A.”.

This product was developed and distributed by a U.S.-based company, but the product within it came from China.

This label, on the other hand, clearly states that the product was made AND sourced in the USA.

Purchasing products sourced and produced in the U.S.A. is one major step that pet owners can take to keep their dogs safe. If you cannot find a country of origin listed on the label of your dog’s food and treats, then put it back on the shelf and find a better product.

Photos by Julie Baldwin.