23 October 2013 (20:16 UTC-07 Tango 22 October 2013)/18 Dhu’l-Hijja 1434/01 Aban 1391/19 Ren-Xu (9th month) 4711

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now blaming jerky dog and cat treats made in China for years of mystery deaths.

Since 2007 more than 3600 dogs and 10 cats have gotten sick, 580 pets have died.  The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has narrowed down the cause to duck or chicken jerky treats made in China.  They want pet owners to report to them if their pet has gotten sick or died after eating the treats.

I have an answer: I’ve been buying soup bones and meat scraps from local butchers.  I’ve been able to get them for less than not only what dog and cat treats cost, but sometimes less than canned and dry pet food (sometimes I can get fresh cut soup bones, with lots-o-meat on ’em, from WinCo, for about one dollar per pound)!   The majority of dog and cat food is not meat, but grains and other fillers, even the expensive brands.  Dogs and cats are carnivores (in fact we humans share a similar digestive system, which should tell you we are carnivores), meat scraps from your local butcher are better for them than processes and expensive pet food or treats!