Beware the numerous ways in which jerky treats are named
It is important to remember that although the type of treat most often mentioned in the press is described as a jerky treat, the treats may also be called by a myriad of other names such as stix, chips, poppers, tenders, drumettes, kabob’s, strips, fries, lollipops, twists, wraps, bars, tops, discs and any other name they can come up with that sounds cute and yummy.
The report goes on to say that there is speculation the problems may also extend to pork treats and cat treats imported from China.
Phorate: One of the most poisonous pesticides known to man
In 2010 the FDA issued an Import Refusal Report, and later issued an Import Alert, for sweet potato dog treats imported from a company in China (whose main business is, oddly, is in rubber and plastic raw materials) were contaminated with a highly toxic pesticide known as phorate.
Phorate is an extremely toxic organophosphorus compound and is among the most poisonous chemicals commonly used for pest control. It is used in agriculture as a pesticide and phorate is identified by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) and Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) as one of the “most toxic” set of pesticides known (aka a Bad Actor) in the world.
Although phorate is known primarily as a neurotoxin and not classified as a nephrotoxin and therefore unlikely to cause acute renal failure in dogs, its presence in any food item is a disturbing indication that treats of any kind imported from China could pose a risk to the health and safety of pets and to the consumers handling them.
What are the worst treats for dogs?
Toxic Pet Treats From China
Per Poisoned Pets, in 2010 the FDA found that a sweet potato dog treat made by a certain company in China was contaminated with phorate, a highly toxic pesticide. … Chicken jerky treats, chicken tenders, chicken strips, chicken treats, or sweet potato treats, they can all pose a potential threat.