PetSmart Pulls Smokehouse Brand Dog Treats

jacky — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:22:36 +0000

On Friday September 14, 2007, The AVMA, American Veterinary Medical Association, issued a statement that they have received complaints from pet owners and veterinarians, that multiple brands of jerky treats made in China have been causing their dogs to become ill. Symptoms reported include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy according to the AVMA, but so far there is no knowledge of deaths from eating the treats.

PetSmart as precautionary action have decided to remove the Smokehouse Brand Dog Treats from their store shelves. PetSmart has taken this action because of reports that some dogs have become ill after eating the treats. There have not been a formal recall of the Smokehouse brand, yet.

PetSmart issued the following from corporate to it’s stores;

“Today the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a media alert warning some treat products from China may be a potential threat to pets due to ’several complaints from pet owners and veterinarians of illness in dogs.’ No deaths have been reported at this time. The symptoms of pets reported sick were vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. To date, testing by the FDA and PetSmart Techinical Services has ruled out melamine contamination that might be making pets sick.

For now, we’re going to take the precautionary measure to pull this product from the shelves and contain it in the back room. Our experts will continue to monitor the situation, analyze samples for a variety of possible problems and ask the vendor to test additional product. Because of the relatively small number of complaints at this point, we’re not issuing a recall. We’ll provide timely updates as more information becomes available.”

Here is a list of SKU numbers of the Smokehouse Brand dog treats pulled off of PetSmart shelves:

7856525052 5108696 Chicken Chips 1lb.
7856525053 5108692 Chicken Chips 8oz.
7856525092 5108693 Chicken Poppers 8oz.
7856525093 5108698 Chicken Poppers 1lb.
7856525134 5108691 Chicken Tenders 8oz.
7856525137 5126536 Chicken Breast Tender Snacks 1lb.
7856525138 5126535 Chicken Tenders 2lb.
7856584255 5126702 Duck Breast Tenders 8oz.
7856584256 5126534 Duck Breast Tenders 1lb.
7856584257 5126532 Duck Chips 1lb.
7856584258 5126531 Duck and Sweet Potato 1lb.
7856585808 5108695 Chicken Tenders 1lb.

The FDA is currently testing several products, but so far they have ruled out melamine, the contaminant that fueled the massive, April pet food recall. The FDA continues to test the jerky treats to try and determine “what is” making dogs sick.

The AVMA has learned that all complaints have involved jerky treats from China, but a list of brands or product names of affected treats is not yet available. The AVMA recommends that pet owners use their best judgment in this matter.

If you suspect that your dog ate contaminated jerky treats, it should be reported to the FDA. To find the number for the FDA district office consumer complaint coordinator in your region, visit www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html.

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