Chicken Jerky Frequently Asked Questions

At Canyon Creek Ranch, we are pet owners too. The quality and safety of our products are our top priorities, because everything we do is focused on keeping pets happy and healthy.

Following are answers to key questions you may have about our products. If you have any other questions or want to talk with someone from our company, please call one of our pet advisors at 877-376-0101, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST.

General

  • How long have Canyon Creek Ranch treats been around?

    Canyon Creek Ranch treats were first introduced in 2009 as a wholesome, high protein, low fat treat for dogs.

Feeding

  • What are Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Tenders?

    Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Tenders are a wholesome, healthy treat for your dog. They are made with premium chicken breast filets and have only two main ingredients: natural chicken filets, and glycerin (a natural preservative to retain moisture and texture). These high-protein, low-fat treats are slow-baked to seal in the natural flavors for a healthy and wholesome snack. Chicken jerky treats are popular because they are a high-quality, great-tasting treat that dogs love.

  • How many of these treats should I feed my dog?

    As stated on our packaging, owners should limit their dogs' consumption of high-protein treats (such as chicken jerky) to ensure your dog is getting the other essential nutrients and minerals needed from their food. Below is the recommended number of Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Tenders for your dog per day.

    • Small Dogs (5-10 lbs.): 1 treat
    • Small-Medium Dogs (11-25 lbs.): 2 treats
    • Medium Dogs (26-50 lbs.): 3 treats
    • Large Dogs (Over 50 lbs.): 4 treats

    Feeding dogs chicken jerky treats is safe when consumed at recommended levels. Canyon Creek Ranch includes detailed feeding suggestions on each package of chicken jerky treats (as well as all other treat products). Keep in mind that treats should not be fed as a replacement for a balanced diet that includes dog food, and dogs should get plenty of fresh, clean water every day.

  • When should I treat my dog?

    You can treat your dog with Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Tenders anytime you want your dog to enjoy a wholesome and delicious snack. Most importantly, make sure you feed these tasty treats in keeping with the recommended levels for your dog (as listed on the packaging) and in addition to a complete, balanced diet.

  • Can these treats be used in place of dog food from time to time?

    No treat should be fed in place of a complete and balanced diet. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the package to ensure that your dog eats only the proper amount of treats each day.

Quality

  • What is in these chicken jerky treats?

    Canyon Creek Ranch prides itself on products made of high quality ingredients. Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Tenders are made with premium chicken breast filets and have only two main ingredients: natural chicken filets, and glycerin (a natural preservative to retain moisture and texture).

  • Do you use glycerin from the Jatropha plant, which was mentioned in an FDA notification in July?

    No. The Jatropha plant is not used in manufacturing the glycerin used for Canyon Creek Ranch products. Canyon Creek Ranch is only made with food grade glycerin, a commonly used ingredient in food.

  • Where are these treats made?

    These treats are made in China at facilities that are modeled after U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for quality and safety. In China, dark meat chicken is more popular with consumers than white meat chicken, and so the supply of quality, white meat chicken used in our products is more readily available for dog treats. The factories are under stringent safety and sanitary guidelines and monitored by a dedicated team of quality control inspectors, who are in the plants where the products are being produced. The benefit to our consumers is a premium dog treat at an affordable price.

  • What is Canyon Creek Ranch’s food safety program?

    Our quality control group monitors the good manufacturing practices of our suppliers. Our safety inspection program has specific protocols and practices to help ensure proper food handling sanitation practices, heating procedures and traceability of product lots back to the raw ingredients.

  • Have Canyon Creek Ranch products been tested for melamine?

    Yes. Every lot of Canyon Creek Ranch is tested by an accredited food safety lab for the presence of melamine.

  • How do I know Canyon Creek Ranch treats are safe for my dog?

    Over a million happy, healthy dogs enjoy Canyon Creek Ranch brand dog treats every year. Every day we work to ensure product quality and safety. It is our top priority and the foundation of the Canyon Creek Ranch brand. We use high quality ingredients. We have a comprehensive food safety program in place, and all of our facilities are modeled after U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for quality and safety. We have dedicated Quality Assurance teams on site, who monitor various steps of the manufacturing process for the safety and quality of our products.

  • Has any Canyon Creek Ranch product ever been recalled?

    No. Our products have not been recalled.

  • What do the FDA statements say about chicken jerky treats?

    On Nov. 18, 2011, and again on March 9, 2012, the FDA issued a chicken jerky treat update regarding a possible association with illness in dogs. Both updates clearly state that after extensive testing, scientists have been unable to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. The FDA has been quite clear about this. According to the FDA, "Samples collected from all over the United States have been tested for a wide variety of substances and to date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses." In addition, FDA continues to emphasize that some of the reported illnesses may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.

    Both FDA notices include a reminder that dog treats should be fed as treats, not as a pet's sole source of nutrition. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends feeding jerky treats in small quantities, and notes this is especially important for small-breed dogs. Any time a consumer believes a pet may be ill, they should consult their veterinarian.

  • Did the FDA mention Canyon Creek Ranch products in its statement?

    The FDA's updates from November 18, 2011 and March 9, 2012 referenced chicken jerky treats from China, but did not specify Canyon Creek Ranch, or any other brand. Subsequent media stories have identified specific brand names that FDA has conducted testing on, including Canyon Creek Ranch and Waggin' Train brand. The FDA posted the following Q&A statement about the results of those tests: "Samples collected from all over the United States have been tested for a wide variety of substances and to date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses."

  • On July 18, 2012, the FDA released results of its jerky treat surveillance testing from 2007 through 2012. What does this report state about Canyon Creek Ranch products?

    According to the FDA, "Samples collected from all over the United States have been tested for a wide variety of substances and to date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses." The FDA data indicates that 283 products were sampled of which three Canyon Creek Ranch brand products were tested. FDA testing results did not identify any adverse findings from our products.

  • In April 2012, the FDA conducted inspections of several facilities in China that manufacture chicken jerky treats. What were the results of those inspections?

    On August 15, the FDA updated its "Questions and Answers Regarding Jerky Pet Treats" web page with the results of its April 2012 inspections, and stated "the inspections provided valuable information on the firms' jerky treat manufacturing operations. The FDA found no evidence indicating that these firms' jerky pet treats are the cause of pet illnesses in the United States."

  • I notice that Canyon Creek Ranch products are irradiated. What does that mean?

    Canyon Creek Ranch Brand products that reflect the Radura symbol go through an irradiation process approved for pet food by the FDA. This is similar to what is used in sterilizing spices, apples, tomatoes and meat for human food. This extra precaution is taken to assure pet owners the treats they buy are safe and healthy.

  • The FDA has issued several alerts about chicken jerky products from China. How do I know your products are safe for my pet?

    For years, millions of pets have been enjoying Canyon Creek Ranch treats, and they continue to be a wholesome treat for dogs. Extensive testing by the FDA to examine potential reasons for reported illnesses among some dogs has not found a definitive cause that might be associated with any treat. Our Chicken Tenders are safe to feed as directed. Canyon Creek Ranch includes detailed feeding suggestions on each package of chicken jerky treats (as well as all other treat products).

  • What do you think may be causing the health problems some dogs are having?

    We know that the FDA has been working for some time to find a potential cause of the reported illnesses. The FDA has not determined a cause for the illnesses and states that some of the reported illnesses may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky dog treats. While we cannot speculate on what might be the cause, we do want to take this opportunity to remind all pet owners to feed our treats as directed. Canyon Creek Ranch includes detailed feeding suggestions on each package of chicken jerky treats (as well as all other treat products).

  • What should I do if my dog becomes sick?

    Any time a dog shows signs of illness – for any reason - pet owners should consult their veterinarian.

  • Does your packaging make it clear that these treats are made in China?

    Yes. Each package that contains treats made in China is marked "Made in China."

  • What routine tests do you run on your treats to detect possible contamination?

    Canyon Creek Ranch has a comprehensive food safety program for production of its treats. As part of that program, each lot of Canyon Creek Ranch brand dog treats is tested for salmonella, melamine and di-ethylene glycol. Other routine testing includes analysis for heavy metals and mycotoxins.

  • Why don’t you make your treats in the U.S.?

    In China, dark meat chicken is more popular with consumers than white meat chicken, and so the supply of quality, white meat chicken used in our products is more readily available for dog treats. The China facilities that produce Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats are modeled after U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for quality and safety. The factories are under stringent safety and sanitary guidelines and monitored by a dedicated team of our quality control inspectors. The benefit to our consumers is a premium dog treat at an affordable price.

  • Why haven’t you issued a voluntary recall?

    Canyon Creek Ranch products are safe to feed as directed, and millions of dogs continue to enjoy them as a wholesome treat. The FDA has clearly stated that, “Samples collected from all over the United States have been tested for a wide variety of substances and to date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses.” In addition, FDA continues to emphasize that some of the reported illnesses may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. We continue to monitor developments closely at FDA.

    In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) previously has reported that any association between dog illnesses and chicken jerky may be the result of dogs (primarily small dogs) consuming treats in excess of normal or recommended levels.

    Canyon Creek Ranch includes detailed feeding suggestions on each package of chicken jerky treats (as well as all other treat products). Keep in mind that treats should not be fed as a replacement for a balanced diet that includes dog food, and dogs should get plenty of fresh, clean water every day.

  • Why does your package say South Carolina, if you’re owned by Nestle?

    The South Carolina address is the former address of the Canyon Creek Ranch business. We have been and continue to update and transition packaging as we complete the integration of the Canyon Creek Ranch business into Nestle Purina.

Contacting Canyon Creek Ranch

  • Where can I go for up-to-date information about Canyon Creek Ranch treats?

    You can always talk to one of our pet advisors at 877-376-0101, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST.

  • What if I am not satisfied with the product after trying it?

    We are committed to the quality and safety of our products, because everything we do is focused on keeping pets happy and healthy. We certainly encourage consumers to call one of our pet advisors at 877-376-0101, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST. If a customer is unsatisfied with their purchase of any of our products, we will offer them a full refund with proof of their most recent purchase. Please mail the UPC from the product bag and a copy of the sales receipt to the below address. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your refund.

    Canyon Creek Ranch Customer Service - Returns
    901 Chouteau Ave
    St Louis, MO 63102-1009