In February 2013 (more than six months ago), our consumer association provided the FDA and each State Department of Agriculture with import documentation proving that Dogswell Jerky Treats were imported from the very same manufacturer as recalled Milo’s Kitchen Jerky Treats. But no one decided to do anything about it. Six months later – surprise, surprise – illegal drug residues were found in the Dogswell treats. Oh but there is more to the story…
Sent February 18, 2013 to FDA and to each state’s Department of Agriculture (as listed in the AAFCO Official Publication) were letters asking each agency to take action to remove risky treats from store shelves. We provided a detailed spread sheet listing import documentation from several Chinese jerky treat manufacturers – Shandong Honva and Yantai Aska. We provided evidence that these Chinese jerky treat manufacturers produced the recalled Milo’s Kitchen and Hartz jerky treats. And we provided evidence these same Chinese manufacturers sold treats to numerous other private label brands – including Dogswell.
Our letter stated…“You will find import documents of recalled Milo’s Kitchen pet treats (tested by New York Department of Agriculture, found to contain illegal drug residues). You will also find import documents proving treats sold by Dogswell and United Pet Group are purchased from the same Chinese manufacturer as recalled Milo’s Kitchen treats. If New York Department of Agriculture found illegal drug residues in Milo’s Kitchen – sourced from Shandong Honva, one would have to assume that treats from this Chinese manufacturer sold to private label brands Dogswell and United Pet Group would contain the same illegal drug residues. We ask you to take swift action to remove these treats from store shelves.”
Plus we provided them with even more concerns of risky treats on store shelves: “You will find import documents of withdrawn Hartz Mountain pet treats (Hartz private testing found illegal drug residues). You will also find import documents proving treats sold by Shanghai Adam & Co (importer of record), Sales Marketing Professionals (importer of record), Petrapport, Pets Pacifica, and Pet Ventures are purchased from the same Chinese manufacturer as withdrawn Hartz treats. If the Hartz treats were found to contain illegal drug residues – sourced from Yantai Aska, one would have to assume that treats from this Chinese manufacturer sold to various private label brands (many unknown) would contain the same illegal drug residues. We ask you to take swift action to remove these treats from store shelves.”
Click Here and Here to view an abbreviated copy of import documents provided to FDA and to each State Department of Agriculture. Click Here to view the full spreadsheet online.
But here we are six months later and now the treats were found to contain illegal drug residues. The drug found in the Dogswell treats – sulfaclozine. The very same drug found in other recalled/withdrawn jerky treats back in January 2013.
In my search to discover the drug found in the Dogswell treats, it seemed I couldn’t get anyone to talk at the New York Department of Agriculture. Which is unlike other experiences myself or fellow pet food safety advocate Mollie Morrissette has had with the NY Department of Agriculture. In the past, they had always been open. But this time the only individual that would speak to me was Joe Morrisey of Public Relations. He stated he would email me information about the testing. This didn’t seem too significant at the time, but then…
I made a call to Dogswell – I ended up speaking with Brad Armistead. I had some questions regarding the press release Dogswell sent out stating “As of January, we have been using state-of-the-art testing on each batch of chicken and duck jerky to ensure that they do not contain these unapproved antibiotics. All of the products that you see on the shelf have passed testing and were approved to be sold.” And Brad of Dogswell shared some interesting information….
I asked…‘If you’ve been testing your treats since January – as was stated in your press release – why didn’t you find the illegal antibiotics as NY Department of Agriculture did?’
Brad: ‘The NY Department of Agriculture tested our jerky back in January, but didn’t notify us until 7/22’.
What? The NY Department of Agriculture tested Dogswell jerky treats back in January – 6 months ago – but didn’t alert Dogswell (or the public) until late July?
Several follow-up calls and emails to NY Department of Agriculture have not been replied to. I asked them…(NY Dept of Ag did respond to initial request of what drug was found – this email was in reply to that)…
Thanks Joe. But there is another concern I’ve just been made aware of. Dogswell told me NY Dept of Ag tested their treats in January – yet only notified the company on 7/22/13 – six months later. Is this correct? When did NY Dept of Ag test Dogswell jerky treats?
What is NY Dept of Ag protocol in reporting an illegal substance – adulterated product? Was FDA notified of your test results? If so, when was FDA notified?
Susan Thixton
I don’t know when we will get a response on this. When any response is received, it will be posted. If NY Department of Agriculture does not respond, Association for Truth in Pet Food will do a Freedom of Information Act request for a copy of the jerky treat testing.
If – and it must be stated as an if – if New York Department of Agriculture tested the Dogswell jerky treats in January (as Dogswell stated), but did not notify the company (and in turn the public) until July 22 – the agency has a serious problem. Pet food consumers deserve to know what happened, what failed, and what the NY Department of Agriculture is going to do to fix this serious problem.
And one last point. Our letter to FDA and each State Department of Agriculture also provided ample evidence that the illegal drugs found in the jerky treats was the reason for the thousands of pet deaths and illnesses. (Read Mollie Morrissette’s post that explains it all Here) And to date, FDA or any State Department of Agriculture has responded to the science provided them.
Something has to change. Our pets are not expendable property.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com
2013 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here
Have you read Buyer Beware? Click Here
Cooking for pets made easy, Dinner PAWsible
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
Debbie Latchum
July 31, 2013 at 1:17 pm
This has been my entire conversation with Dogswell since July 2011 when I notified them that my entire pack was sick and this had to be the only cause.
Their responses are also in the order from each inquiry made.
Hi Debra,
Thank you for reaching back out to us.
During routine testing of our products, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets (NYSDAM) discovered that a sample of our Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken Breast Jerky contained trace amounts of an antibiotic residue that has not been approved for use in the United States. It is important to note that this antibiotic is accepted for use in other countries (including the European Union), and there is no evidence that products containing trace amounts of this antibiotic pose a health risk for pets or humans. Since we were notified by the NYSDAM the week of July 22nd, we have made the decision to voluntarily withdraw Chicken Breast and Duck Breast jerky under the Breathies, Happy Heart, Happy Hips, Mellow Mut, Shape Up, Veggie Life, Vitality, and Vitakitty brands that are labeled with a “Best Before” date of January 28th, 2015 or any earlier date. The vast majority of these products were distributed before March 1st of this year. No other products are affected.
Since January, we have been using state-of-the-art testing procedures to ensure that our chicken and duck products do not contain these or other unapproved antibiotics. All chicken and duck breast jerky products with a “Best Before” date of January 29, 2015 and later have been fully tested for and do not contain these antibiotics.
I can definitely understand your concern; however, based on the FDA’s review of the NYSDAM results, there is no evidence that raises health concerns, and these results are highly unlikely to be related to the reports of illnesses FDA has received related to jerky pet treats.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please let me know. I would be happy to send you replacement bags or if you have any product involved in the withdrawal I can get a refund sent to you.
Thank you, Debra.
Kristin White
Consumer Relations Coordinator | DOGSWELL®
Direct | 310.651.5209
Fax | 866.586.5689
kristin@dogswell.com
1964 Westwood Blvd. Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90025
facebook sizetwitter size
From: Debra L[mailto:l…….7@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2013 7:10 PM
To: Katie DiDomenico
Subject: Re: real chicken breast jerky
I see it has taken 2 years for these items to be recalled. I contacted you 2 yrs ago about this issue and my entire pack was sick and I had purchase a lot of 30 which the store would not take back because it had been over 30 days since the purchase date(all where trash). I know my pack and tried to give you a heads up on this issue. I just wonder how many more have gotten sick from these and the owners didn’t relate it back. I have one (rescue)that is only 4 yrs old and is going through kidney failure, I got her when she was 4 months and healthy, she had these treats up until I wrote you in July 2011(she was the sickest of all my pack). The Attending said it must have came from something toxic she ate. She is an inside dog and only gets what I give her. She is on K/D food now for kidney failure.
I just wish someone would have looked into this when I inquired about the treats.
I sent the entire conversation so you can review what I sent and your response.
From: Katherine DiDomenico
To: Debra L
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 6:32 PM
Subject: RE: real chicken breast jerky
Hi Debra,
Thank you for contacting DOGSWELL®. I am so sorry to hear that your dogs became ill, how are they doing now? Our wet food for dogs, our dry food for dogs and our biscuits are manufactured in the U.S. and our treats are manufactured in China . I understand your concern however DOGSWELL® customers can rest assured that they are providing their dogs with a safe and healthy treat. We certify that our products are safe and clean with regular testing and ensure that our products meet high quality standards. Along with an in-depth knowledge of our supply chain, our regular tests assure our customers that we are providing their pets with only the very best ingredients. Tests are conducted at independent, third-party, U.S. laboratories that follow FDA and APPA-approved methodology. We test product from each batch that is produced and have never had our results come back positive for ANY harmful ingredients such as cyanuric acid, melamine, e.coli and salmonella. DOGSWELL® has also never had a recall. We care deeply about all pets and would never include an ingredient that would harm a pet as we feed this product to our own dogs here in the office.
Are the bags that you have still sealed? We do have a money back guarantee on our product so if you wish to get a refund you can return the product to the store.
I have attached a Quality Assurance Brochure for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you for your time and have a good day.
Thank you,
Katie Di Domenico
Customer Service Coordinator
DOGSWELL®
1964 Westwood Blvd. Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.651.5209 | direct
866.586.5689 | fax
katherine@dogswell.com
http://www.dogswell.com
From: Debra L [mailto:l…….7@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 03, 2011 10:25 AM
To: Info
Subject: real chicken breast jerky
I have a major concern about your real chicken jerky treats. I have recently purchased a new batch, approximately 30 bags, for my pack and I now I am seeing awful side effects of not eating, diarrhea and sluggish or just sleeping an excessive amount. I have now stopped feeding these treats and the abnormal signs have not gone away. I thought that all of your food was safe and free of harmful ingredients to animals. I now see that these treats are made in China and this is a report that I just received from a Doctor. Please let me know if these items will be RECALLED. Please scroll down to read the report from the Doctor. It has now been over 30 days since these 30 some bags were purchased and can not be returned unless a recall takes place from the manufacture.
Please reply about my concerns and let me know how these issues can be resolved.
Notice received by DVM:
Fanconi syndrome cause by jerky treats
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has sent out this:
Recently, several veterinarians in Ontario have reported cases of
dogs that have been showing signs similar to Fanconi syndrome.
All dogs in the reported cases had been fed chicken jerky treats
that were manufactured in China .
Signs of Fanconi syndrome can include decreased appetite,
decreased activity, vomiting, and increased water consumption
and/or increased urination. Blood tests may show increased urea
nitrogen and creatinine. Urine tests may indicate Fanconi
syndrome (increased glucose). The problem is that this can be
confused with diabetes.
If you suspect this condition, please have your pet examined.
This warning against Chinese-manufactured dog food is one of many
in recent memory. As a safety precaution, consider avoiding dog
treats and food manufactured in China .
————————————
What is Fanconi Syndrome?
————————————
This is a significant disorder in the Basenji breed, affecting
10% or more of dogs. It is also seen in the Norwegian elkhound,
Shetland sheepdog, and schnauzer.
In these dogs it is genetic.
Specifically, the kidney LOSES the ability to do one of it’s key
functions:
Absorption of water, sugars, minerals, and amino acids so that
these are not excessively lost in the urine. In this disorder,
there is a defect in a part of the kidney called the tubules;
this leads to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and other
problems.
—————————————
Jerky treat induced Fanconi syndrome
—————————————
The big point in diagnoses is NOT incorrectly assuming the pet is
diabetic.
The KEY difference is low urine specific gravity,
(the urine is very dilute) and glucosuria (sugar in the urine)
with normal blood glucose concentrations.
————————————–
Will your dog recover?
————————————–
This is unclear. In the genetic disorder, the disease can only be
managed, not cured.
In ‘aquired’ fanconi syndrome, your dog may, or may not recover
from the disease caused by the toxic treats.
If your dog has eaten these treats, and has any of the above
clinical sigs, please have them tested.
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM
Tel: 1-800-396-1534
Also, none of my animals are of the breeds listed in this notice. I have pit bull terriers and Australian cattle dogs.
Please reply as soon as possible on the action taken.
Thank you , Debra L
Peter
July 31, 2013 at 2:40 pm
This dialog is appalling. The company rep tells Debbie, in response to her inquiry, that the firm holds an “in depth knowledge of our supply chain.” So why no reaction upon earlier recalls of products from the very same China manufacturers?
Mollie Morrissette
July 31, 2013 at 5:42 pm
Thanks Susan for posting about this pitiful situation. As with many other pet parents, I am frustrated and fed up with our government’s feeble excuse that drug residues do not pose a health risk. I’m sorry, but there is a good reason why laws were enacted to protect consumers from violative levels of veterinary drug residues: They pose a danger to the health of the person or pet eating the drug residues. Two things are of significant concerns: The development of “superbugs” from the overuse of antibiotics and the frightening prospect that certain individuals and animals have an immune mediated response to drugs they are sensitive (allergic) to. Estimates are that 3-7% of the general population is allergic to certain drugs, specifically sulfonamides. I have written enough about this topic on Poisoned Pets to sink a ship, so if anyone wants to know the nitty-gritty about sulfonamide hypersensitivity in dogs that consume contaminated treats — come on over to PP and have a look see. It’s a bit technical, and at times the subject can be dreadfully dull as dishwater, but for consumers whose dogs have become ill or even died as a result of drug allergies in connection with contaminated CJTs, it may answer many of their questions. I tried very hard to make the issue understandable to the general public, in hopes that more people may understand what might very well explain the reason for the tragedy of the drug-laced treats.
Laurie Matson
July 31, 2013 at 8:24 pm
Our Government and it’s Agencies are very corrupted.Including the FDA, USDA, AAFCO, Pet Food Institute, Politicans, Congress I could go on and on. why Uncle Sam gets investigated but not these others is beyond me!! Everybody protects each other!!! One day though, Susan, you and Mollie are going to hit on something big that will break the news wide open!! That’s how much confidance I have in you guys!!! Thanks for doing what you guys do!!!
Ann
August 1, 2013 at 11:57 am
Susan, Thank you for all of the work that you and others are doing on this issue.
My Australian Cattle dog was poisoned by the Nestle Purina Canyon Creek chicken jerky treats made in China.
Question: Susan, do you know if any of the Canyon Creek chicken jerky treats came from the same Chinese jerky treat manufacturers – Shandong Honva and Yantai Aska?
Thanks, ann
Susan Thixton
August 1, 2013 at 2:56 pm
There were five Chinese jerky treat plants the FDA inspected – the one that manufactured for Waggin Train/Canyon Creek (and there might have been two) was not the same as the manufacturer for Milo’s Kitchen or Hartz. However the same sulfa drugs were found in all of the treats – because they are commonly fed to chickens in China. If I’m not mistaken, one of the plants that manufactured for Waggin Train/Canyon Creek was one that was in violation of the Bioterrorism Act (was not registered with FDA).
Dennis Adkins
August 2, 2013 at 11:09 am
2 federal judges agree that there is a link between china dog treats and dogs getting sick or worse.milo’s lost on seven of eight counts in motion to dismiss in Pittsburgh and on 7/30/13 kingdom pets llc lost seven of eight counts to dismiss motion in California. Both class action lawsuits will move forward.the companies selling this crap kept saying the whole time the products were safe as we watched more dogs suffer a slow painful death.botton line don’t feed your family or pets anything from china.thanks for all your hard work susan
Pingback: FDA Updates on Ingredients |
Anna
September 25, 2014 at 10:50 am
I want every pet owner to be aware that this company does not care about the quality of their treats. I purchased Dogswell Vitality Jerky Bars “Salmon & Veggies”. My dog started to have diarrhea every evening in the house and occasional vomiting. Our dog never has accidents in the home, therefore, we knew something was very wrong. At first, we didn’t know what was causing this. By the 4th day, our dog had declined. Our vet suggested to do process of elimination with anything new in his diet before this gets worse. Since these treats were the only new product we introduced into his diet, we immediately stopped. By the next day, he was much better and the diarrhea and vomiting had ceased.
I contacted customer service right away and informed them of what had happened. They took my information and did absolutely nothing about this incident. They said it could have been anything else . . .there’s no proof. They did NOT ask to have the treats sent for testing. I was very suprised for their lack of concern and due diligence. I asked, Leslie, the person of contact, to please have management contact me. Also, I had further researched the company online and discovered that they have had a recall on another one of their treats where many dogs became very ill and/or died. Furthermore, it’s been months, after several calls, no management has contacted me.
Peter
September 27, 2014 at 6:26 am
Anna, I hope that your dog recovers. I’ve had a cat poisoned by a high-end food… a couple of times checking him, I thought he had already died. Although I isolated the food as the cause specifically, the company absolved themselves of responsibility. I recently contacted them about repeated incidents of short-weighting their products, and again, it gets dropped. I am not surprised at all, about your experience attempting to involve the manufacturer in a dialog.