Jerky Treats Made in the U.S. – That's the Key from Merrick

Jerky treats form China are a potential problem – even the Food & Drug Administration has expressed concern, cautioning consumers. There is an undeniable association of illness in dogs and the consumption of jerky products from China.

Listen HERE to Steve Dale’s PetWorld, WGN Radio, I speak with Mark Sapir, vice President of marketing at Merrick Pet Care about buying jerky treats that are made in the USA, manufactured in the USA and sourced in the USA, from Merrick Pet Care. And why never buying jerky from China is important.

Merrick Pet Care offers what are called jerky chip treats.

The FDA issued a first cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007. And seven years later animals are still getting sick, and dying of jerky from China  As of May 1, 2014, FDA has received approximately 4,800 reports of pet illnesses which may be related to consumption of the jerky treats (These include 1,800 complaints received since FDA’s last update in October 2013). The reports overall totals exceed 5,600 dogs, 24 cats, and also now three people; and include more than 1,000 canine deaths.

The FDA suggests strongly – either don’t buy jerky, or KNOW where you are buying from, such as Merrick, which sources everything in these treats in the U.S.

Sapir talks about never sourcing from China is a commitment Merrick made years ago.

Another commitment Merrick has made is to Chicago shelters, Tree House Humane Society and PAWS Chicago, developing feeding programs for both.

Starting this coming Tuesday (August 19) at 9:35AM CDT, I begin an adopt-a-pet segment with Steve Cochran, who understands adoptions as few do. Anti-Cruelty will be the first shelter in-studio. Merrick announces their Forever Home Holiday recipe – for every can purchased, a meal goes to Chicago’s homeless animals.