17/01/2025
It's heartbreaking to hear the harm caused by products labelled as pet "treats" in Australia. I've expressed my concerns over these treats - this brand included - for many years.
The Bow Wow Naturals Prosciutto Bone has left two Perth-based dogs in hospital, amounting to vet bills of around $26,000 for the two dogs - not to mention how hard it has been for the owners.
In the photos you will see Lido and Tucker. Tucker was found to have "bone splinters all inside him", and Lido had a "foreign body" and was given an operation with a 20% chance of survival.
Can you imagine if this happened to your dog?
A quick look on the Bow Wow Treats website and you will find the words "Must not be fed to cats", a telltale sign a treat has been imported and irradiated from overseas. Unfortunately the standard of imported treats can be poor, and there have been many incidents in the past going way back to the Melamine recalls of 2007 which killed many pets.
Irradiation in itself of imported pet food products is another ongoing health concern. Irradiated treats are known to harm cats, yet because it is uncertain what they can do to dogs means they're still allowed.
Bow Wow treats are sold at Coles, Woolworths, Big W, IGA, and Costco, and I highly recommend should be avoided.
I hear so often the excuse incidents such as this are "isolated" or a "one off", which I blame on the complete lack of accountability offered from "pet food products" being largely unregulated in Australia.
Here is a warning I posted many years ago about imported pet treats and the harm they may cause, with this brand being one of those mentioned - https://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/warning-australian-treats-imported-from-china/
If you won't consider natural treats for your dog such as raw meaty bones, fresh meat or dried meat, then here are recommendations for much healthier, much safer treats - https://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/best-dog-treats-australia/
A guide to Australian dog treats - which are good, which are bad?