Jerky treats are in the news again related to more pet deaths and illness. What can I say? I've been against giving animals jerky treats from any source since the reports of salmonella many years back. No one knows what the cause is this time but questionable ingredients, salmonella and also possible choking issues if your furry family member tries to swallow too big a piece of jerky are reason enough for me to avoid jerky treats altogether.
The FDA issued a fact sheet concerning this issue:
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/NewsEvents/Newsroom/FactSheets/UCM371715.pdf
And this article/video from the Las Vegas Guardian Express covers everything you need to know:
http://guardianlv.com/2013/10/pets-deaths-linked-to-jerky-treats-still-mystery-video/
What's the bottom line? Treats are just that - treats not an essential part of your pets' diet. Give them something healthy instead. Over the years I've given my dogs dollops of peanut butter, pieces of banana, apple, raw carrot and celery. And I hate to admit this but on occasion, Annie gets a few small pieces of pizza crust because she loves it so much. Orphée gets the occasional tiny piece of white bread which he goes crazy over. Since he spent years on the streets eating who knows what a bit of bread now and then is fine. And even though the bread isn't the greatest at least I have a good idea what's in it.
The FDA issued a fact sheet concerning this issue:
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/NewsEvents/Newsroom/FactSheets/UCM371715.pdf
And this article/video from the Las Vegas Guardian Express covers everything you need to know:
http://guardianlv.com/2013/10/pets-deaths-linked-to-jerky-treats-still-mystery-video/
What's the bottom line? Treats are just that - treats not an essential part of your pets' diet. Give them something healthy instead. Over the years I've given my dogs dollops of peanut butter, pieces of banana, apple, raw carrot and celery. And I hate to admit this but on occasion, Annie gets a few small pieces of pizza crust because she loves it so much. Orphée gets the occasional tiny piece of white bread which he goes crazy over. Since he spent years on the streets eating who knows what a bit of bread now and then is fine. And even though the bread isn't the greatest at least I have a good idea what's in it.
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