Yesterday I received information (copied below) on quite possibly ANOTHER harmful product manufactured in China. When I tried to verify the information I found no solid news stories on the subject. That would normally keep me from posting something in this public venue, but as we’ve all seen over the past seven months of pet-related recalls, there have been several times when vital recall information has been withheld from the public (Wal-Mart pulls chicken jerky dog treats produced in China) which has ultimately resulted in the sickness and/or death of beloved pets. If there is ANY chance that Smokehouse Chicken Breast Tenders Treats ARE causing health issues for our pets, then the information needs to get out ASAP. We can’t wait for big business and governments to take their own sweet time testing products first if there is ANY evidence out there that problems might exist.
As I said, I have not found any conclusive information as to the validity of this bulletin, other than seeing the same information posted around the internet on various animal-related sites. Ultimately it’s up to each pet owner to decide what is valid and what is not, faced with as much information as possible. Truth be told, if I was faced with the same situation as Bella’s owner, where my pet suddenly became ill after ingesting a product from a country with as many health/safety issues as we have been seeing from China, I would be doing the same thing and trying as hard as I could to plaster the information in as many venues as possible.
There IS always a chance this story is not true, but honestly I can’t imagine why anyone (other than someone with an ax to grind with Smokehouse) would go to such lengths. If the story proves to be false, I would much rather have erred on the side of any pet’s safety than to withold information just because the mainstream media and/or our government or big business has not relayed the facts to us. Hopefully we will soon hear from some legitimate agency, or from the company that owns Smokehouse Chicken Breast Tenders Treats, as to the validity of the claims against the product. In the meantime, buyer beware–again! (***Added 9/13/07 at 1PM PST: Blog reader, Buck, posted a comment below which includes an AVMA press release [release was updated by AVMA on 9/14/07] which would lead one to believe the Smokehouse issue is valid–thanks, Buck!***)
Here is the body of the bulletin I received yesterday, minus the city in New York of the PetSmart location mentioned:
PLEASE READ AND SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE WHO HAS DOGS, ESPECIALLY SMALL DOGS
New York:
Bella, 3 years old, 4 pounds
Product – Smoke House Chicken Breast Tenders Treats
Bella became suddenly ill ,and now hospitalized with her life threatened due to Smoke House Chicken Tenders. I recently purchased at Pet Smart.
It doesn’t matter where you purchase them, just don’t purchase them.
This was the first time I bought the Smoke House treats. Having read the label, it was listed as all natural, no additives, dyes etc. The treats were purchased on or about August 17. She loved them and I was happy because she typically only likes one treat. By August 23 she vomited bile, and again on August 24. Her personality began to change becoming lethargic, wanting to stay in her bed, loss of appetite. excessive drinking, urinating frequently in excessive amounts. urine became orange like in color. By August 28 she was severely dehydrated and lost one of her three pounds.
Sugar was found in her urine which would typically indicate diabetes. Bella was put on IV and given an antibiotic to take while tests were being done over Labor Day weekend.
Test results showed “irregularity in the lower part of her kidney. Possibly a hole in the kidney because of the malfunction.
By today Sept 7, she was no better and very low on energy and interest in being around anyone. I brought the package of Smoke House Chicken Tenders with me to the vet because it was the only thing that was different in her diet.
My wonderful vet, a graduate of Cornell University searched the Cornell Veterinarian site where veterinarians report unusual cases which are tracked. The search was done by symptoms. A second search by chicken treats.
There were numerous cases on the Cornell University Veterinarian web site, all with the same symptoms, test results and yes, related to chicken tender treats made in China. Never did it cross my mind that this product was made in China. When Dr. didn’t find complete listing of ingredients on the package he called the number listed on the back of the package identifying himself and asked for ingredients to help understand what was happening to my pet. The only thing the person on the phone with a strong Chinese accent was “all natural, all natural”. Sure enough looking at the small print on the bottom back of the package is “product of China”, the same source of other products that have been killing our pets. I sat beside my vet and read along with him.
Following are primary repeated findings;
-severe damage to the kidney often resulting in complete renal failure and death -numerous reports in the past four to five weeks, a larger number on the East Coast
- chicken and beef treats promoted as all natural -it does not matter what the label is, if it is a product of China -if caught early enough, hospitalized on IV hydrating and flushing the kidney over days with nutrients may help the kidney heal itself and the pet could then live with the damaged kidney -if not caught early complete renal failure is expected -most cases reported are related to small dogs -initial symptoms indicate diabetes -mold is often found when flushing the kidney (found in Bella)
I have been in touch with Pet Smart requesting them to help get the ingredients. Time is lost analyzing the food. Today a vet at Cornell purchased a bag after reading the report my Vet posted on Bella. He then contacted my vet to say the bag he bought had mold in it despite an expiration date one year from now. I was asked to look closely at whatever was left in my bag, but saw none.
After Bella was admitted to the vet I went directly to Pet Smart in ****** NY, told the Manager what happened and asked her to assist getting the ingredients identified. I was met with a hostile attitude. She was only interested in getting my name because she felt I was going to file a complaint. The person at PS headquarters responsible for knowing food ingredients at Pet Smart headquarters is trying to help.
The information available to vets on the Cornell web site is not public information. No one seems to be aware of this. Dogs are misdiagnosed
PLEASE SEND THIS ON TO YOUR PET LOVING FRIENDS AND SAVE A PET AND LOTS OF HEARTACHE.
PLEASE POST THIS INFORMATION ON ANY WEB SITE YOU CAN CONCERNING PETS.
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September 13, 2007 at 10:59 am
Wal-Mart pulls chicken jerky dog treats produced in China « SoCal Muchacha
[...] ***Added 9/13/07:Possibly another “made in China” tainted dog treat: Smokehouse Chicken Breast Tenders Treats*** [...]
September 13, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Buck
AVMA WARNS OF POTENTIAL NEW THREAT TO PETS
http://www.avma.org/press/media_alerts/070913_jerkey_treats.asp
Schaumburg, Ill.— The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently been made aware of several complaints from pet owners and veterinarians that multiple brands of jerky treats manufactured in China have been making pets sick. Symptoms of illness have included vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. To our knowledge, no deaths have been reported.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently testing these treats to see if a contaminant can be found. So far, they have ruled out melamine, one of the chemicals that led to the massive pet food recall this spring, but have yet to identify anything that might be making pets sick.
While a list of brand/product names of affected treats is not yet available, the AVMA has learned that all complaints have involved jerky treats from China. We recommend that pet owners use their best judgment in this matter.
On August 22, Wal-Mart released a statement that they pulled from their shelves two brands of jerky treats manufactured in China, but no official recalls have yet been issued. For the latest information on pet food recalls, including Wal-Mart’s statement, visit http://www.avma.org/aa/petfoodrecall/default.asp.
The AVMA is monitoring the situation and will provide updated information on our Web site (www.avma.org) as soon as it becomes available. Like all information on our Web site, we will only post information that is credible and has been confirmed.
For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant, at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell), or msanfilippo@avma.org.
###
September 13, 2007 at 1:03 pm
SoCalMuchacha
Thanks for that info, Buck. It’s looking like the Smokehouse warning just might prove to be true. Again, though, it’s unfortunate that agencies choose to NOT release names of companies being tested so OWNERS can make the choice whether to give the items to their pets or not DURING the testing phases.
September 14, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Alyssa
Our 1 1/2 year old Standard Poodle got VERY sick over a month ago. She has a history of stomach problems so at first we thought nothing of it, but she continually got worse. Before her illness Smokehouse Chicken Tenders were her FAVORITE. I mean she would go through a bag a day. The vet subjected her to dozens of tests and could find nothing, however she refused to eat for days. Eventually she would eat some things but would not go anywhere near the treats – as if she knew they had made her sick. Since she stopped eating the Smokehouse treats she has recovered, although it was a long scary process during which she losts over 10 pounds. Luckily she is young and generally healthy. Since this incident we have been making all of her food and treats ourselves.
September 14, 2007 at 7:02 pm
SoCalMuchacha
Glad she recovered, Alyssa!
September 16, 2007 at 7:57 am
Lisa
After feeding my dog a bag of Smokehouse Chick’N Stix, I threw another bag in my cart at my local grocery yesterday. At the checkout the cashier alerted me that the product had been recalled. I am lucky that we had only given our dog about 2 sticks a week, but I am still concerned about what it might have done to him. He is an outdoor dog so I wouldn’t necessarily notice if he vomited.
September 16, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Marie Giroud
My Corgi has been eating Smokehouse Chicken Chips for about 6 months everything was ok until I bought a new batch in August. They were a different color, I immediately called the number and spoke to Miss Lisa, she assured me they were alright just cooked different, My Corgi ate about 1/2 of 1 lb,bag in about 3 weeks, when all of a sudden he started having the runs and heavy blood mixed in with the runs. I immediately took him off the Chicken Chips and about 3 days later took him to the Vet. The major bleeding was very light, and she put him on a antibiotic and hopefully he pooped it all out. So far today stool still loose but no blood.
September 18, 2007 at 3:01 pm
barbara hecht
my dog just died- 4 yr. old 8 lb Chihuahua – Smokehouse- no other possibility
September 20, 2007 at 10:03 am
SoCalMuchacha
I’m sorry to read about your loss, Barbara. I know what a heartbreaking time this must be for you.
September 22, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Kim
My friend has 2 chihuahua’s, both very sick. Other than taking them off the treats, what else can we do until Monday when she takes the to an internal medicine doctor? She’s already taken them to the vet twice, and doesn’t have much more money to spend on this. I’m scared to death they’re going to die, they’re her babies and this will KILL her. Any suggestions of what I can make for her dogs to help them through the weekend?
September 28, 2007 at 7:05 am
Ravyn
Thank you so much for posting this…My daughter called me this morning as she had heard on the news at work that there was a recall of chicken breast jerky treats for dogs and knowing that her 2 “four legged brothers” are in constant supply of them, she was very concerned.. She said she had heard that the brand was related to “Dingo” brand jerky treats… I checked my bag and as others have stated herein, I was shocked to find that my “all natural, no additives, no preservatives, appearing to be made in the western USA (via their web address)” was made in China… Very tiny print almost on the bottom of the bag…My husband and I are careful and try not to purchase ANY products from China but I feel a bit “tricked” on this one. The brand we have been using is WaginTrain Jerky Tenders from ADIPET, INC. I am trashing them today now realizing they too are from China.
My mini Doxie’s have been experiencing weird digestion problems but I have been blaming my husband, thinking he was feeding them “people” food and causing the problems..Now I am rethinking that.
Thank you again for sharing this information with us.
Prayers and blessings to those who are suffering from the results of this horrid trickery which seems to be getting worse.
October 1, 2007 at 2:23 pm
beth
my 10-yr-old daschund/beagle mix, Noodle, also ate a LARGE quantity of Smokehouse Chicken Chips over the past year. During that time, he has had frequent urinary infections–or at least that’s what it had appeared. 2 weeks ago, he began refusing dry food, but would eat if it was mixed with canned. the vet put him on anitbiotics, thinking it was an infection. last week, i went to Petsmart to buy more chicken chips, and saw they were gone. a store employee informed me they had been recalled due to their making dogs ill. Noodle is now recovering well, having lost a couple of pounds (not that he misses them), and is eating again. No more Chinese food for him.
November 5, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Barbara Fafard
Please read below the email I have been trying to send to everyone I know.
Does anyone know how we can get every puppy owner involved so that we can make this company face what they have done. Our sweet Lacie is now in complete Kidney failure.
Please be aware that many Chicken Jerky treat brands that are manufactured in China have been making dogs very ill. To see this alert from the American Veterinarian Medical Association go to http://www.avma.org/ click on Pet Food Alert line and then click on Chicken Jerky Treat alert.) Our two adorable Cavalier King Charles puppies have been eating Smoke House Chicken Jerky treats from Petsmart on a daily basis. Which made them very ill and they have suffered with acute kidney failure. Our vet told us that our little ten month old will probably not even live a year. We have spent close to $8,000 to save our puppies. We of course are willing to go into debt if it will save our sweet puppy. We have written this email to make puppy lovers aware of this threat. You can still buy these treats from China in many stores including Petsmart and Costco. Those are the stores where we bought our puppies treats.
For more info, please read the following more detailed email.
Sincerely,
Barbara Fafard
My husband and I own two female King Charles Cavalier puppies. One is six months old and one is ten months old. They are the most precious little dogs.
We believe our puppies have become chronically ill from the chicken jerky treats that they have been eating on a regular basis. Our ten-month-old puppy is especially ill. Our vet, Dr Wu from Banfield Hospital believes because of this mysterious illness that has caused acute kidney failure, she will die within a year.
Please let me explain how all of this came about.
Before we brought our first puppy home on Feb. 13th 2007, we went to Petsmart in Newport Beach, Ca. to buy supplies and ask advise. One of their trainers helped point out what we should buy. One of the things that she suggested was the Chicken Jerky treats. She said that they were a healthy treat because they were 100% chicken breast.
So every night we would treat our new puppy Lacie, to two chicken jerkys as suggested on the package. We continued to buy them from Pets Mart and Costco (Costco was a different brand).
A couple weeks after we started giving our puppy Lacie, the jerky treats, she started having problems with diarrhea and was very finicky about eating, she also got dehydrated and had to be given fluids, and seemed lethargic. She remained very finicky, but other symptoms seemed to get better with treatment. So we thought the illness was due to the vaccines she was getting
On June 10th we picked up our second puppy Misty, from the airport. At that time she was 10 weeks old, three weeks later on July 7th our little Misty got very ill. Dr Wu thought at first that it was diabetes because of glucose in the urine. Test showed negative for diabetes.
The following week our other puppy Lacie became very ill with the same symptoms. She was then seven months old.
Dr Wu was perplexed, because she had never seen a puppy with kidney disease, let alone two puppies from different parents having it. So she consulted with other vets in the area, to no avail, they too had no idea what was causing our puppies illness. They shared with Dr. Wu that they knew of two other young dogs in our area, that were suffering with the same symptoms,
When our dogs got sick they refused to eat anything except the chicken jerky treats, which they got very excited about. In July, I asked Dr. Wu if it was okay to continue to give them these treats, and if she thought there was any chance that they were causing this illness. She had not heard anything about the chicken treats being bad for dogs, so she told us it was okay to continue to give them the chicken jerky. Three weeks ago, I asked the same question and our vet still thought they were okay to eat.
Throughout July and August Lacie and Misty continually got worse.
Two weeks ago, I went to Pets Mart to buy the Chicken Jerky treats and was told that the store pulled them off the shelves because of complaints from customers that they were making their dogs sick. Even one of the trainers at the store said her 70lb. dog got sick after eating them. Needless to say, I stopped giving them to Lacie and Misty immediately.
Our youngest puppy Misty still will not eat unless we hand feed her, but she is doing much better and has gained 2lbs. She now weights 10.3lbs.
Our little ten-month-old puppy Lacie has taken a turn for the worse. Last Wednesday we had new blood test done. Her test results were poor and it also showed that she is now anemic. This is when Dr. Wu said that Lacie had Chronic Kidney disease and she would be surprised if she lives a year.
Lacie will not eat anything unless it is forced down her throat. But she appears hungry. She will sniff at the food as if she is hungry, but refuses to eat it. When she got sick she weighed 9.4 lbs. She now weighs 8.1lbs. At this time Lacie appears gaunt and skinny.
My husband and I are devastated. We are empty nesters and these puppies are like our babies. They are wonderful loving dogs. And have brought so much love into our lives.
On Saturday, Dr. Wu alerted us about the AVMA article on Chicken Jerky treats of various brands from China. (To see this alert from the American Veterinarian Medical Association go to http://www.avma.org/ click on Pet Food Alert line and then click on Chicken Jerky Treat alert.)
We are sending you this email; because we believe the chicken jerky treats have caused our precious puppies illness.
We are afraid that our little Lacie will die from this. My husband and I have spent $8,000 in vet bills since our puppies got sick. But are willing to go into debt to save our precious puppies
We recently found out a beagle puppy in South Orange County that was gravely ill at the time our puppies became ill, had the same symptoms as our puppies and its owner said that she had been feeding their puppy the jerky treats and that she had gotten to a point that it was the only thing that she would eat. She too suffered from severe kidney damage.
Please forward this email to any puppy lover that you know of. Maybe it will prevent another dog and owner from going through the pain and torment that our puppies and we have gone through in the last three months.
What makes us so sad is that we went to Costco today, and they are still selling the chicken jerky treats.
If you know anyone who has a dog that has become very ill and has been eating these treats, could you please email me. I am in contact with a FDA inspector and she is trying to find out how many more dogs have become ill from ingesting these jerky treats.
If you need more information, please feel free to email us or call us at (949) 766-0140 or (949) 887-2574.
Thank you,
Barbara Fafard
Email: fafardre@sbcglobal.net
November 28, 2007 at 6:56 pm
SoCalMuchacha
Good luck with your efforts, Barbara.
January 4, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Micah Carr
for all thoes interested because of the possible bacterial contamination of the chicken jerkey treats. Pet Smart has introduced a new chicken jerkey treat at there store called ( VitaLife Chicken tenders ). yes it is still made in china but it has been Irradiated to kill any micro organisims that may have been present or could contaminate the product during production.
January 16, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Sonja Fishel
RE: Bella, & Smoke House 4lb Yorkie whose story started this.
I am the owner of Bella, and just found this site while searching further for information on the SmokeHouse product. It was I who was responsible for the recall of SmokeHouse. I simply could not believe Pet Smart could continue to sell and worse promote sales of that garbage with bins at checkout. Ultimately I could not sit back and know that innocent consumers were purchasing what they believed to be a pure and natural treat for their loving pets. In actuality they were poisining their precious dogs.
I decided to offer PS that if they did not remove Smoke House from the shelves, I would at the very least go to the local store and purchase all of it, but would do my best to have a member of the press with me. Two days later I received a call advising me that Pet Smart would remove the product nation wide as a “precautionary measure”. Ironically enough at the same time I was contacted by NBC television consumer reporting division. The reporter had received my bulletin, and wanted to do an interview with the vet and myself. I later learned she had in fact lost her own precious pet to what she believed might be due to treats.
I must say Pet Smart management at headquarters kept in constant contact with me. They asked that I send Bella’s vet bills to them which we did, but have yet to be reimbursed. Generally speaking, the kind of care it takes to save a pet from this is upward of $5,000. And what this poor little thing went through is heart breaking.
The post that you all read was very true. I updated it with pictures and more information. If anyone wishes to receive a copy, please send your request to Suni1sotru@aol.com.
Because I noticed Bella’s symptoms so very early (three weeks into eating these treats) and the dedication of her Vet, who even took her home with him on weekends, we have Bella today, but will forever have to monitor the health of her kidney.
I am thankful that all my pet loving friends and family did in fact forward my initial bulletin. Hopefully this has served to save other pet owners and their pets from suffering.
I have since received some images from China showing just how some of this chicken gathering is done. It is sickening to say the least. Should anyone wish to receive copies, again, please e-mail me.
Thank you all for communicating on this important topic. Hopefully it has served to bring awareness to that which is hidden from us, and saved much pain and suffering.
S. Fishel
January 17, 2008 at 9:00 am
Jasmine
DO NOT buy the VitaLife Chicken Tenders either!!!!! My dog (4 1/2 year old Doberman – 80 pounds) has just recovered from becoming deathly ill and hospitalized from eating these treats. Look closely……they are made in China too. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the FDA about this brand of treats.
January 20, 2008 at 12:03 pm
SoCalMuchacha
Sonja: Thanks for all the hard work and persistence you did on behalf of not only your own pet, but ultimately for ALL of our pets!
Jasmine: Thanks for the heads up on another product, but what a bummer to read that this ridiculousness still goes on…sigh.
February 4, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Barbara Fafard
Our two adorable Cavalier King Charles puppies, Lacie, 11 months, and Misty 7 months old, had been eating Smoke House Chicken Jerky treats from Petsmart on a daily basis (not as a supplement for their food, but as a treat after their evening meal). They both became very ill in July with the same symptoms, such as; lethargy, vomiting, diarrea, and anorexia (total lack of appetite except for the treats, which they loved and looked forward to). The test started showing signs of kidney failure which made no sense to the vets because Misty and Lacie are not related, and Kidney failure is rare with puppies. Both puppies received extensive care in the hospital along with test after test trying to figure out what was wrong with them. Vet bills started mounting up to over $9,000. Every meal had to be force fed except their nightly jerky treat which they got very excited about.
Mid September we found out about the AVMA warning, and immediatelty stopped giving them these treats, Our little seven month old Misty rallied and got better, but our sweet little Lacie never got better and this weekend our precious little 11 month old Lacie got much worse, and had to be put down at 5:30 last night. We were able to pray with her and love on her as she peacefully went to be with the Lord. She surely took a piece of my heart with her. I have been through a lot in my life, but I have never been through the extreme roller coaster pain that we have been going through in the last four months.
I wish someone had warned us about this product. I thought this product was American made. Only after I saw the warning, did I see in small print on the bottom of the package, made in China. I didn’t know it, but this jerky treat has been making dogs sick well before April 2007. If someone had warned us, Lacie could have been spared this past painful four months of treatment, let alone having her princess life robbed from her at such a young age. Lacie was the most adorable sweet little feminine angel. She loved people so much that I was planning on having her be a therapy dog so that her and I could help people that are ill.
Please spread the word. After I send this to all the Cavalier breeders. I am going to send this warning to the other small breeds. It is so sad that I have to do this, but as long as Pets Mart and Costco and other stores only care about their profit margin we will have to protect our sweet little puppies on our own.
I know Lacie would never have wanted any other dog and owner to go through the pain and agony that she and her mommy and daddy have gone through. Lacie was our little angel and I don’t want her to have died in vain, So I will not give up on spreading the word about these poisonous treats.
Sincerely,
Barbara Fafard
Email: fafardre@sbcglobal.net
(949) 766-0140
February 6, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Sonja Fishel
Hello Concerned and misled pet owners. Bella is my precious Yorkie who became severely ill from the Smoke House “All Natural” Chicken Treats. I had no idea until most recently that Bella’s story was so wide spread.
UPDATE: YESTERDAY AFTER BEING CONTACTED BY YET ANOTHER PET OWNER WHO LOST A PRECIOUS PET TO KIDNEY FAILURE DUE TO SMOKE HOUSE CHICKEN TENDERS, I DID A SEARCH. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE, AND OUTRAGE, I FOUND AN ARTICLE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE OF PET FOOD EXPRESS CLAIMING MY STORY WAS “ERRONEOUS”. THIS STATEMENT IS FALSE AND PROMOTED BY FALSE STATEMENTS CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF SMOKE HOUSE JUNK, MADE MY ONE LISA KAHN SPOKESPERSON FOR SMOKE HOUSE WHO CLAIMED MY STORY WAS BASICALLY FABRICATED, CAL;LING ME A LIAR…..STATING SHE HAD NEVER HEARD FROM ME….ETC. SO I ASK YOU……….IF SHE NEVER HEARD FROM ME ABOUT THIS OUTRAGEOUS DISREGARD FOR CONSUMERS AND THEIR BELOVED PETS, HOW THEN DO I HAVE IN MY FILE COPIES OF COMMUNICATION FROM ME TO HER, AND HER TO ME. LISA KAHN ALSO MADE CONTRAQDICTORY STATEMENTS TO ME AND PET SMART REGARDING THE SOURCE OF CHICKEN TENDERS.
PET OWNERS ! UNITE WE MUST. REGARDLESS OF NUMEROUS POSTINGS ABOUT PET SUFFERING, PETS DYING, ETC. LISA KAHN ON THE BEHALF OF SMOKEHOUSE CONTINUES TO PROMOTE PRODUCT SHE KNOWS IS KILLING OUR PETS, AND PROMOTING THE SAME TO UNSUSPECTING CONSUMERS.
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE THE ENTIRE ACCOUNT OF BELLA’S PLIGHT, AND STEPS WE TOOK INCLUDING, REMOVAL OF THE PRODUCT FROM SHELVES, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS WHAT WAS POSTED ORIGINALLY WAS EARLY ON..sUNI1SOTRU@AOL.COM
I HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY NUMEROUS PET OWNERS WHO UNFORTUNAGTELY ARE SUFFERING THE SAME EXPERIENCE, FROM THE SAME SOURCE, SOME HAVING TO SAY GOOD BYE TO SWEET AND LOVING DOGS, MOSTLY ALL SMALL.
PLEASE KNOW, THIS IS COMPLETELY TRUE.
HERE IS THE LATEST……..
Gentlemen:
The content below copied from your Web site came to my attention today, and I am not happy about it. I am the author of the letter regarding Bella the Yorkie who became severely ill suffering kidney damage due to Smoke House Chicken Tenders.
Excerpt from your article – “From what we were able to determine, it is an erroneous report.” Just who is the we who took it upon him or herself to claim my experience was an erroneous report????? You did not do your homework. Just because you were incapable of getting to the root of the matter, that does not give you the right to pose with assumed authority to determine whether or not my piece is true.
I am in fact, going to do all I can to post a counter comment for several reasons;
- My letter, posting whatever you wish to call it, is not fictitious !!!!!!
- It is 100% true and accurate.
The outright lies in this article come from you and Lisa Kahn.
a) you as a responsible retailer taking the liberty to attack my credibility, calling me a liar for all to see.
b) the biggest mistruth, lie, false statement, comes to you from Lisa Kahn at Smoke House who stated she never heard from me. I have several communications from me to Lisa Kahn and from Lisa Kahn to me in my file. How does she explain that? She was also contacted on my behalf by management.
- Another misquote from Kahn ;I never said Cornell contacted Smoke House, however our vet who is affiliated with Cornell as well as alumni, did contact Smoke House, as did the public relations person at Pet Smart headquarters on our behalf. She was hoping to get more accurate ingredient information. Again, I have proof of this.
- I would like to know what radio station and who there contacted Cornell and who they spoke with. Cornell has a dedicated web site for it’s vet alumni for the purpose of posting and sharing research etc related to rare or unusual cases etc. It was through that site that our vet, Dr. Richard Goldstein, was in contact with others experiencing the same problem. I saw this myself at the office of my vet. There were a significant number of reports exactly like Bella’s all of which came about in a four to five week period of time. All traced to the chicken treats. A second Dr. Richard Goldstein at Cornell specializes in the subject as it relates to the kidneys of small pets.
- My vet was in fact contacted by others veterinarians working on the same horrible attacks on dogs kidneys, primarily small dogs. You want verification?
- Lisa Kahn was not truthful again when she claimed I said mold was found on the treats themselves. I can also provide test results which show findings of what is known as “casts”, small platelets of mold passed from the kidney from the disease. This required ongoing treatment in hopes of flushing the kidneys free etc.
-Lisa Kahn also misled you when she said there was no Doctor named. The team of Doctors included Dr. Richard Goldstein and Dr. Peter Segal from the Hudson Valley Animal Hospital. This information was provided to Lisa from Pet Smart’s representative who requested all test reports and bills from Bella’s Doctor. If you would like to check for yourself, I invite you to contact Dr. Peter Segal’s office, Hudson Valley Animal Hospital, 4 Old Lake Road, Valley Cottage, New York 845 268-0089.
- It should be noted as well that Lisa Kahn made contradictory statements as to the origin of Smoke House chicken tenders, to myself and the Pet Smart representative.
You might wonder what prompts me to pick up on this again some months later. First of all seeing this outrageous post on your site. Secondly, I received a letter this morning from another pet owner in California who after a long struggle, lost her eleven month old pet to SmokeHouse Chicken Poison.
I fully expect Pet Food Express to responsibly correct that horribly misleading and untruthful article on your Website, along with an apology for calling me a liar, claiming the post was erroneous. Each of you is supposed to be in the business of helping pets stay healthy. Where is your conscious when you see consumers such as I devastated by the suffering and loss of beloved pets? Kahn on the other hand seems to have lost her conscious quite some time ago.
Sincerely,
Sonja Fishel
suni1sotru@aol.com
Latest update as of 11/20/07 10:30 am
Although it is not scientifically conclusive, research by University of California at Davis scientists provides fairly convincing evidence that the Menu Foods recall was likely the result of contamination by a combination of melamine and cyanuric acid. Both chemicals were detected early on in the recall but because neither is particularly toxic on its own, it was not originally thought that they could be responsible for the problems experienced. Canadian researchers later found crystals in the kidneys of affected animals that they were able to replicate by combining melamine and cyanuric acid. Now, U.C. Davis researchers have demonstrated that cats fed a combination of the two chemicals quickly suffer kidney failure with the identical crystals found blocking the kidneys in many of the recall-affected animals. Investigations in China following the initial reports of pet deaths reported that it was a common practice for Chinese feed ingredient suppliers to adulterate their products with melamine and/or cyanuric acid in order to make them appear as if they were of higher quality than they actually were. Since apparently only one of chemicals was generally used at a time, no problems had previously arisen to a level that raised alarms. However, when the guilty companies used a combination of the two and the tainted wheat gluten was sold to Menu, who used it an a wide variety of formulations, it lead to the tragedy we experienced earlier this year.
Since the recall, the pet food industry has seen an big increase in the sale of natural and holistic foods. It appears that consumers are now actively seeking out healthier, higher quality natural foods. At Pet Food Express, we hand-pick the best natural and holistic foods because we believe they offer the best nutrition for dogs and cats. We already present the best lineup of holistic pet foods available in one place but to further support our customers and their desire to offer their pets the healthiest and safest foods available, we will be introducing a quality assurance program in the first quarter of 2008 designed to further assure our clients of the fact that we represent only the best quality foods for their pets.
Here are some links to news stories that contain details referred to above.
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/489956.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/business/worldbusiness/09food.html?emc=eta1
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/01/recall.riddle/index.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/06/AR2007050601034.html?referrer=emailarticle
Posted 9/12/07 11:00 am
ERRONEOUS INTERNET POSTING REGARDING SMOKEHOUSE CHICKEN TENDERS
We received a copy of the Internet posting shown at the bottom of this e-mail on 9/12/07. It indicated a possible contamination of a product that we sell so we immediately contacted the vendor and did some independent research to try to verify the accuracy of the posting. From what we were able to determine, it is an erroneous report. To the best of our knowledge, there is no problem with the Smokehouse Chicken Tenders.
The posting may be a hoax or simply a mistaken interpretation. We don’t know which but it illustrates the potential danger of blindly heeding things you see on the Internet. There has been a proliferation of such postings since the various recall scares. We try to stay abreast of them and to evaluate them fairly so that we can protect our customers and their pets but, unfortunately, anyone can post anything they want on the Internet without having to go through a verification process. Many people accept these posts at face value to the detriment of all and we must be vigilant so that we can determine when something is legitimate and when it is not.
In regard to Smokehouse Chicken Tenders, we spoke to Lisa Kahn, Smokehouse’s National Sales Manager. She has been with Smokehouse for over 10 years and is the contact for any customer issues like the one detailed below. According to her, the person who posted this report has not contacted Smokehouse. Neither have they heard anything from Cornell University (mentioned in the e-mail). There is also a reference to “the person on the phone with a strong Chinese accent”–Smokehouse does not currently have any Asian employees. The email also refers to mold on the product but according to Smokehouse, that’s nearly impossible because their products are irradiated and mold doesn’t grow on irradiated food.
Ms. Kahn also told us that a Houston area radio host called her this morning because she had received the email in question and was concerned about its veracity, especially since there is no veterinarian named, no contact at Cornell specified, and no documentation included. The radio station contacted the Cornell University Veterinary School and reported that Cornell has no record of anyone having this situation with the Smokehouse product. PFE independently searched the Internet for confirming or supporting evidence of a widespread problem and was unable to come up with any.
It is true that the FDA is currently reviewing chicken products for dogs, including Smokehouse’s, since Wal-Mart announced their recall of chicken jerky (which was NOT a Smokehouse product). Smokehouse has had no problems with their product reported and has provided copies of test results indicating the safety of their products (copies are posted on our website). They regularly visit their factory in China to verify that the manufacturer is adhering to high quality standards. When goods are received in the U.S., they further test each batch for melamine and cyanuric acid, the substances exposed in the Menu Foods recall, and for E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria.
Smokehouse Pet Products Letter
Test results for Smokehouse Pet Products
THE EMAIL:
Permission to cross post granted……….
Bella became suddenly ill ,and now hospitalized with her life threatened due to Smoke House Chicken Tenders. I recently purchased at Pet Smart. It doesn’t matter where you purchase them, just don’t purchase them.
This was the first time I bought the Smoke House treats. Having read the label, it was listed as all natural, no additives, dyes etc. The treats were purchased on or about August 17. She loved them and I was happy because she typically only likes one treat. By August 23 she vomited bile, and again on August 24. Her personality began to change becoming lethargic, wanting to stay in her bed, loss of appetite. excessive drinking, urinating frequently in excessive amounts. urine became orange like in color. By August 28 she was severely dehydrated and lost one of her three pounds.
Sugar was found in her urine which would typically indicate diabetes. Bella was put on IV and given an antibiotic to take while tests were being done over Labor Day weekend. Test results showed “irregularity in the lower part of her kidney. Possibly a hole in the kidney because of the malfunction. By today Sept 7, she was no better and very low on energy and interest in being around anyone. I brought the package of Smoke House Chicken Tenders with me to the vet because it was the only thing that was different in her diet.
My wonderful vet, a graduate of Cornell University searched the Cornell Veterinarian site where veterinarians report unusual cases which are tracked. The search was done by symptoms. A second search by chicken treats.
There were numerous cases on the Cornell University Veterinarian web site, all with the same symptoms, test results and yes, related to chicken tender treats made in China. Never did it cross my mind that this product was made in China. When Dr. didn’t find complete listing of ingredients on the package he called the number listed on the back of the package identifying himself and asked for ingredients to help understand what was happening to my pet. The only thing the person on the phone with a strong Chinese accent was “all natural, all natural”. Sure enough looking at the small print on the bottom back of the package is “product of China”, the same source of other products that have been killing our pets. I sat beside my vet and read along with him. Following are primary repeated findings;
severe damage to the kidney often resulting in complete renal failure and death -numerous reports in the past four to five weeks, a larger number on the East Coast
chicken and beef treats promoted as all natural -it does not matter what the label is, if it is a product of China
if caught early enough, hospitalized on IV hydrating and flushing the kidney over days with nutrients may help the kidney heal itself and the pet could then live with the damaged kidney
if not caught early complete renal failure is expected
most cases reported are related to small dogs
initial symptoms indicate diabetes
mold is often found when flushing the kidney (found in Bella)
I have been in touch with Pet Smart requesting them to help get the ingredients. Time is lost analyzing the food. Today a vet at Cornell purchased a bag after reading the report my Vet posted on Bella. He then contacted my vet to say the bag he bought had mold in it despite an expiration date one year from now. I was asked to look closely at whatever was left in my bag, but saw none.
After Bella was admitted to the vet I went directly to Pet Smart in Nanuet NY, told the Manager what happened and asked her to assist getting the ingredients identified. I was met with a hostile attitude. She was only interested in getting my name because she felt I was going to file a complaint. The person at PS headquarters responsible for knowing food ingredients at Pet Smart headquarters is trying to help.
The information available to vets on the Cornell web site is not public information. No one seems to be aware of this. Dogs are misdiagnosed
PLEASE SEND THIS ON TO YOUR PET LOVING FRIENDS AND SAVE A PET AND LOTS OF HEARTACHE. PLEASE POST THIS INFORMATION ON ANY WEB SITE YOU CAN CONCERNING PETS.
Allan and I are hoping and praying.
View full size Smoke House Chicken Breast Tenders. Chicken on the right and left side are from a bag I bought today. All but one bag on the shelf which was light in color were the deeper color. The center pieces are from the bag Bella ate from. Because of the difference in color I asked Pet Smart what the difference was. Were there dyes added? The response was “it’s all natural chicken so that’s why the difference in shades”. I pointed out that every single package was the deep color, except the one left from the same batch I bought.
I hope we have better news to tell you soon
THANK YOU
February 12, 2008 at 2:59 pm
S O'Brien
Warning! Unless you don’t care about your pet, avoid any Banfield facility! Especially Murrieta, CA – Dr. Short, complete incompetent.
July 5, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Sonja Fishel
I am Bella’s owner still fighting the cause, and I will continue to inform innocent consumers without fail.
Smokehouse continues to flood the stores, and Pet Smart pthem do so. Neither Pet Smart or SmokeHouse,manufacturer of contaminated chicken jerky, continue to deny all pet owners who were victimized havin.g precious pets poisioned and or killed by their products. Many pet owners around the country continue to contact me about their experience, all with the common thread. Dogs with same symptoms, Pet Smart and SmokeHouse representatives continue to lie, claiming they have not had complaints (even though we’ve formed a network of those who complained). Money drives these people, not compassion or consciousness toward pets and owners.
Sonja Fishel & Bella
August 13, 2008 at 6:43 am
Lisa
Thank You so much for providing this information about the Smokehouse dog treats. My 5 month old pomeranian loves them as a training treat. He
not gotten sick at all, since we have only had him for about a month he has only been eating them for that same amount of time. I ususally chop them up into tiny pieces. After reading everyones stories regarding this I am throwing them out today and going to a local pet boutique who I know sells all natural organic dog treats, hopefully which are made in the USA.
Thanks Again Everyone!!!
August 13, 2008 at 10:01 am
Lisa
I just wanted ot let you know that I did find several Natural Organic Made in USA doggie treats today. It is amazing just how many products that are out there which are made in china. From no on I will only buy items which are made in the US. If you would like to know the brands I found please let me know.
August 13, 2008 at 10:23 am
Lisa
I copied the link to this page and posted a bulletin on MYSPACE which will be sent to everyone I know. I also asked in the message that everyone forward it to anyone the know who owns a pet.
Hopefully more people will stop buying foreign made dog food and support the cause.
August 13, 2008 at 10:39 am
Lisa
I just sent an email ot Lisa @ Smokehouse asking her what their company has done in response to these issues.
September 1, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Mike V.
Vitalife Chicken and Pork Treats have caused my dog to become stomach sick at least twice (and probably more times that my girlfriend hasn’t told me about). When the dog does poop, it’s runny, mucusy and about every other nasty thing you can imagine. It’s no pleasure coming home to find that mess to clean up and disinfect.
NO MORE MADE IN CHINA TREATS.
Mike Vasovski
Burbank, CA