In the wake of recent dog deaths and illnesses, Dr. Liz Hanson offers tips on choosing safe treats
Yesterday, we told you about how nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have taken ill after eating jerky treats that were made in China. Federal Food and Drug Administration officials aren’t sure what the exact cause of the outbreak and have turned to veterinarians for help. And so did we – PetGuide.com turned to Dr. Liz Hanson for advice pet parents can use when shopping for dog treats.
Dr. Hanson, who practices in Orange County, California, is an outspoken advocate for the need to provide the average consumer with the best quality products for their pets at affordable prices. She has put together a list of tips for how to keep your pets safe and what to look for when choosing treats. (In general, treats should not make up more than 10-15% of a pet’s total diet.)
1. Whenever possible, treats should be made in USA and made from animals raised in the USA.
NOTE: this claim can be misleading on some brands. Many products say they are “Made” in the USA – when in fact the poultry or animal is raised abroad and then manufactured/packaged in the USA – this is where the quality can be compromised due to conflicting safety certifications/regulations. Look for “American or USA-raised chicken.” Example: Betsy Farms jerky brand (available at Walmart/Sam’s Club).
