Are Dog Treats from China Safe?

The Short Answer

Avoid dog treats made or sourced in China.

The risk is simply not worth it. Despite years of assurances from manufacturers, safety issues continue to emerge. In early 2025, a new wave of adverse events—dubbed "Werewolf Syndrome"—was linked to Chinese-imported chews, causing dogs in Europe to suffer panic attacks, aggression, and seizures. This comes after the massive FDA investigation into chicken jerky treats that was associated with over 1,000 canine deaths and thousands of illnesses.

While not every treat from China is toxic, the regulatory oversight is historically porous, and "safe" brands today can become "recalled" brands tomorrow. There are too many affordable, high-quality options sourced from the USA, New Zealand, or Canada to justify the gamble.

Why This Matters

The "Werewolf Syndrome" Scare of 2025

Just when owners thought the "jerky crisis" was ancient history, 2025 brought a new terrifying localized outbreak. European authorities issued warnings about Chinese-manufactured chews (specifically brands like Barkoo and Chrisco) causing acute neurological symptoms in dogs. Affected pets displayed "werewolf-like" howling, unprovoked aggression, and seizures. This proved that contamination issues in the Chinese supply chain are far from solved.

The Unsolved Jerky Mystery

Between 2007 and 2015, the FDA received reports of 5,600 dogs sickened and 1,000+ deaths linked to chicken, duck, and sweet potato jerky from China. The dogs suffered from Fanconi-like syndrome (kidney failure). While the FDA found traces of illegal antibiotics and antivirals, they never identified the specific root cause. If we don't know exactly what caused it, we can't be sure it won't happen again.

The "Made in USA" Loophole

You might think you're safe buying a bag with an American flag on it. You aren't. "Made in the USA" only means the product was assembled or processed here. A manufacturer can import sketchy chicken breast from China, dehydrate it in a facility in Ohio, and legally slap "Made in the USA" on the bag. You must look for "Sourced in the USA." Dog Treat Ingredients To Avoid

What's Actually In Them

Beyond the meat itself, testing of Chinese treats over the last two decades has turned up a disturbing cocktail of contaminants.

• Illegal Antibiotics — The FDA found residues of sulfaclozine and tilmicosin in Chinese treats. These are not approved for use in pet treats and can cause allergic reactions or resistance.
• Antivirals (Amantadine) — Traces of this drug, used to treat flu in poultry (often illegally in China), have been found in jerky treats.
• Melamine — The chemical culprit behind the massive 2007 pet food recall that killed thousands of pets. It's used to artificially inflate protein content numbers.
• Irradiation — Because sanitation standards can be low, many Chinese treats are irradiated (blasted with ionizing radiation) to kill Salmonella before export. This process can deplete vitamins and create radiolytic byproducts that may be harmful to your dog's nervous system. Is Rawhide Dangerous

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• "Sourced in the USA" — This is the gold standard. It means the farm and the factory are both domestic.
• Specific Protein Sources — Look for "Beef Liver" or "Chicken Breast," not generic "Meat Treat."
• Batch Codes — Reputable companies stamp clear lot numbers and best-by dates for traceability.

Red Flags:

• "Made in China" — Put it back on the shelf.
• "Irradiated" or "Treated with Irradiation" — Often found in small print on the back.
• "Distributed by [US Company]" — If it says "Distributed by" but doesn't say "Made in," check the fine print for "Product of China."
• Unusually Low Price — If a bag of chicken jerky costs $5, it's likely not high-quality chicken.

The Best Options

You don't have to spend a fortune to get safe treats. Look for brands that are transparent about their sourcing, not just their manufacturing.

The Bottom Line

1. Check the back of the bag. Ignore the front. Look for "Sourced in the USA" or specific country of origin statements.

2. Avoid generic "Jerky." This category has the highest historical rate of contamination. Stick to freeze-dried or air-dried single-ingredient treats. Healthiest Dog Treat

3. Watch for "Werewolf" symptoms. If your dog acts strangely aggressive, fearful, or has seizures after a new treat, stop feeding it immediately and consult your vet.

FAQ

Is it safe if it says "Made in the USA"?

Not necessarily. "Made in the USA" allows manufacturers to source ingredients from China and just package or process them in the States. You must look for "Sourced in the USA" or "Made with USA-sourced ingredients" to be safe.

Are there any safe treats from China?

Technically, yes, there are likely safe batches. However, quality control is inconsistent. Given the history of recalls (melamine, jerky failures) and the recent neurological issues in 2025, the risk-to-reward ratio is terrible. There is no reason to take the chance.

What are the symptoms of treat poisoning?

Historically, Fanconi syndrome symptoms include increased drinking and urinating, lethargy, and vomiting. The newer "Werewolf Syndrome" symptoms include sudden aggression, howling, panic attacks, and seizures. If you see these, stop the treats and see a vet. Do Dogs Need Supplements

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