Dog Disease Complaints to FDA Single Out 3 Brands

FDA officials still aren't sure what has caused a wave of disease in 600 US dogs, but pet owners' complaints over Chinese-made chicken jerky dog treats may provide a clue. Some 13 of 22 key complaints point to Waggin' Train or Canyon Creek treats, both from Nestle Purina, while three more complaints refer to Milo's Kitchen Home-Style Dog Treats from Del Monte, MSNBC finds. But so far, "no specific products have been recalled because a definitive cause has not been determined," says an FDA rep.

In November, the FDA released a warning about jerky treats; the agency continues to investigate treat samples and vets' records of dogs with liver disease, kidney failure, and Fanconi syndrome. While the FDA isn't certain about the cause, some pet owners have little doubt. Several petitions, including one with 3,400 signatures, are urging a recall of Chinese-made jerky treats. Meanwhile, Ohio Democrats Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Dennis Kucinich have written to the FDA seeking an intensified probe. For its part, Nestle Purina says its treats are "safe to feed as directed." (More dogs stories.)