My Foxy Was Poisoned
The below letter (dated April 15, 2009) is the correspondence with the company that has a product that made my dog sick:
Customer Service
Waggin' Train Brand
PO Box 5687
Anderson, SC 29623
(866)283-2923
Dear XXX or To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to complain about your Chicken Jerky Tenders product. I purchased this product from Sam's Club within the last 60 days. My dog, Foxy, ate one chicken jerky this past Friday night and was immediately ill the next day. She was vomiting and had diarrhea. She would not eat or drink anything and just wanted to curl up in a ball and lie around. She was a 35 pound dog.
I called your company today and spoke with you and you advised that the product shouldn't be eaten after 30 days. This is not written on your product. You assured me that it is not possible she had salmonella poisoning since your company tests for this before packaging. You suggested it was due to possible mold since I have had the chicken jerky for more than 30 days. If this is the case, please note on future packages, especially since you are selling 2.5lbs of chicken jerky at Sam's Club.
I expected a much higher level of quality from your company, and I am quite disappointed. I have enclosed requested original Lot No and UPC portion of the package in order to receive a refund. I also have enclosed a copy of my vet bill for Foxy showing the need for antibiotics for her food poisoning. I am only asking for the $19.17 portion of the bill. The other portion is because Foxy suffers from allergies and needed drops for her ears. Foxy's weight as of yesterday is 32 pounds but she is finally eating again.
I will be informing my friends and family about this experience.
Sincerely,
Eileen C.
I forgot to also mention that the package was sealed tight with silica gel packets already provided by company with an expiration date in 2010.
The below photo is a picture of my precious baby Foxy. Please note that we have not been the only victims of this company and others like it. Some dogs have actually died from consuming chicken jerky made in China.
*Click here to read Foxy's Poisoned Response
Written by Eileen C.
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Comments: 45
Glad to hear foxy is eating again, and hope she keeps improving.
I would have to add that with the past scares with products from China that noone
should be buying food for themselves or their families, inc. pets, that is processed
in China since they do not have the same type of manufacturing controls as we have
in this country. That being said, I also don't think pets should be eating "jerky" even
if "made in the USA". It's basically just JUNK FOOD and has no real nutritional value
and adds empty calories to the animals diet for no reason. If you want to give Foxy
a real treat, then buy some chicken livers for her and either bake, poach or saute
them in a little olive oil. Trust me... they are much better for her than the "jerky" junk,
and she will LOVE them!!! I hope your little one makes a full recovery! Please let us
know what the pet food company says in reply to your letter. Inquiring minds want
to know!! GOOD LUCK TO FOXY!
I will definitely let you know of the company's response in a few days. It just arrived yesterday and you may or may not be surprised!
Any kind of jerky by any company is a processed food, and as such has altered
the quality of the protein it contains. Even the "best brands" cannot tout jerky
as a high quality food. If you want MEAT PROTEIN then give the dog FRESH MEAT
and that is just what they will get, and only what they will get - QUALITY PROTEIN.
The more ingredients you find on any label (be it pet food or people food) the more
"adulterated" the food is! Keep it simple, and remember raw and fresh foods are as
good for our animals as they are for us! We've come to rely too much on convenience
foods for ourselves and our pets unfortunately.
Eileen C. Apr 30, 2009, 7:49pm EDT
Exactly, Foxy was the same way, loved it more than anything and boy did she perk up and run faster than ever when we said "Chicken Jerkkkiiee!" I often wonder if there was something else in there that makes dogs crave them. So many people buy these and products like it but these companies are somehow getting away with this. It is saddening. I also hope there are no long term problems as well.
Thank you. I tried a fruit product for Foxy and it had molasses in it. Foxy would kick it and throw it around for days not sure what to think about it! So I found her some peanut butter biscuits with oatmeal, carrots, apple and eggs and she loves them!
If you notice this is the same with(people) beef jerky, it does not tell you that you only have so long to eat it after its open, and if you let it sit out mold will grow. (I tested it on accident) some beef jerky now comes with a refrigerate after opening on it but that is it. I think all products that is ment to be consumed should have a care label on it, what to do with left overs and how long those left overs can be kept and how to store them safely. I always though beef jerky could stay out a long and I would have never though about those dog treats causing problems.
If you ever notice jelly does not tell you how long to keep it after you open it. Neither does Ketchup or pickles and that always leaves me scratching me head as to went to toss it.
we as consumers deserve better labeling and so does our pets. I would contact who ever is over pet product safety and complain. I know with human food its the FDA. maybe the same with pets or they may be able to tell you who to contact.
Yes we do deserve better labeling. As with jelly, even in refrigerator it will grow stuff on it. I am not sure how long we had it opened in there but it did. It would be nice to know how long to keep it but I think company's figure they don't need to give that type of info. assuming consumers will consume the product in a decent amount of time. As for my house, we go through jelly and ketchup very slowly, even if it is a small bottle! Thanks for your response.
Agreed. I don't think sales will be affecting that much. But one Gatherite advised to write a letter to the company I purchased it from and let them know what happened. I can also send same letter to other stores that carry their products.
I would definately write a letter to the company you purchased the dog treats from, as well as other stores in the area who carry the product. You get the word out to enough people, sales may be affected more than you think.
Agreed. Especially when it has the potential to grow this so-called "mold". I did not see anything or smell it and the rep. told me that I would if there was mold.
I am glad to hear that he/she is doing better now though. I will now go and read the response from the manufacturer.
Thanks for the heads up!
Thank you for your thoughts! She has made a full recovery!
I was thru comments I have made previously and came across yours in the "Greenie" post. I am so glad I did and followed up with looking up your informative post. The comments here from other pet owners & their experiences are helpful also. Whew, what an eye opener. I am sorry you & your Foxy went thru this ordeal. She is okay and I am so happy for you & your pet that she recovered & is back to her happy dog self.
I am glad this post gave you helpful information. Thank you for your sentiment regarding Foxy's ordeal. Some pets are not so lucky to have pulled through something like this.
I'm sorry this happened Eileen.