What Types of Dog Treats are Safe? Everything You Should Know

What types of dog treats are safe for your pooch? What dog treats are dangerous? Your furry family member's health is your first priority as a pet owner, so taking the time to learn about which treats on the market should be avoided is an absolute must!

We do whatever is within our power to keep our pets safe, healthy, and happy. It’s no surprise that we love to spoil our pooches — they’re friendly, fun, and amazing! We shower them with love and affection and provide them with all the things that make them happy, like long walks and delicious dog treats.

Even though you might think you’re doing something special for your pup, you need to learn what dog treats are dangerous before feeding them any unfamiliar treats. Here’s why.

Why You Need to Know Where Treats Were Made

Many people are unaware of the hidden dangers associated with unfamiliar dog treats, but it has been a known issue for a while now, with the FDA issuing repeated warnings associated with chicken jerky treats since 2007.

Fanconi’s syndrome is a serious condition linked to the consumption of jerky dog treats, mainly those made from chicken or duck, and particularly when wrapped around fruit or vegetables, such as sweet potato and yam. Do you have any dog treats that were made overseas? If you have any treats that match that description, check the label immediately, as these dog treats could be dangerous.

While not every treat produced overseas is guaranteed to cause Fanconi’s syndrome, the risk simply isn’t worth it. Symptoms in the early stages include extreme tiredness, lethargy, excessive thirst, excessive urination, reduced appetite, and weight loss. If the symptoms are recognized early, affected dogs can recover over time with supported care, but in its worst cases, this severe condition can result in irreversible kidney damage leading to death or necessary euthanasia.

It’s worth noting that a number of jerky treat brands have been linked to Fanconi’s syndrome, but the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) documented in their latest annual report that a staggering 59% of these treats were manufactured in China.

Why exactly these treats are poisoning our dogs has not been definitively established, although theories exist around the presence of melamine, salmonella, pesticides, glycerin, and antivirals. The one thing that is clear is that even if we’re unsure why there’s a link, we still know that a link exists.

What Types of Dog Treats are Safe?

The easiest way to know dog treats are dangerous is to simply check the label. If there’s any indication that countries overseas were involved in the manufacturing process, or if you’re unsure about the ingredients, then avoid buying it. Only purchase dog treats from reputable sellers, and be cautious of those sold in supermarkets, as the cheaper, mass-produced brands often contain unsafe ingredients.

Not every dog treat manufactured overseas is guaranteed to be dangerous, but it’s just not worth the gamble. At Emmy’s Best Pet Products, we know where all of our products are manufactured, so you never have to wonder what types of dog treats are safe and are not safe to feed your dog from our store.

Our Premium Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are 100% sourced and produced in the USA, using USDA Grade A chicken breast. They contain absolutely no fillers, additives, or preservatives.

If you’ve been giving your dog jerky treats, treats that may have been manufactured overseas, or treats made with overseas ingredients, we caution you to think about the risks and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Fanconi’s syndrome. Should your pet dog be exhibiting any signs of illness, please seek veterinary advice as quickly as possible.

Shop High-Quality Pet Products

Now that you know which dog treats are dangerous and what types of dog treats are safe, treat your beloved pup to delectable, USA-made treats! We carry a wide variety of top-quality pet supplies for both dogs and cats, so you can find what you need in one place and at a great price. All products are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. Check our pet blog for more expert tips and advice, and place your order today!