Dog food brand Years has issued a voluntary recall of all its fresh meals following reports from 192 customers regarding potential sudden bilateral dry eye in dogs, a severe condition linked to a possible contamination within a portion of the company’s buckwheat supply, according to company statements and affected owners.
Dog Owners Report Sudden Onset of Severe Eye Conditions
Pet owners have contacted the Guardian reporting that their dogs developed keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly known as dry eye, after consuming meals from the fresh dog food brand Years. Elizabeth, a 29-year-old civil servant from north London, stated that her six-year-old cavachon, Chester, developed sudden red and gunky eyes in May. According to Elizabeth, Chester has been fed Years food for about 18 months and has visited vets more than 10 times, incurring hundreds of pounds in costs while receiving varying initial treatments for conjunctivitis, hay fever, and a suspected autoimmune disorder.
Marie Carter-Robb, editor of Pets Magazine and owner of three dogs fed on Years meals regularly since her subscription began in April 2025, reported that her seven-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, Phoebe, began showing symptoms in June and was formally diagnosed with dry eye during a veterinary visit. Adele Chaplin, 50, who lives in Suffolk, stated that her eight-year-old greyhound, Lettuce, was diagnosed with bilateral dry eye and eye ulcers in March after eating the brand’s food for a good couple of years. Chaplin reported that Lettuce was referred to a specialist vet ophthalmologist in April with a severe warning that he might lose his eyes, and now requires a daily regime of oils, creams, and drops administered hourly.
Company Investigation Focuses on Buckwheat Supply
Years announced the voluntary recall of its fresh meals after receiving reports late last month that a recipe change involving buckwheat—added to the company’s meals several months ago—may have caused the condition. According to a company spokesperson, independent laboratory testing is underway alongside a wider investigation focused on potential contamination within a portion of the buckwheat supply rather than buckwheat itself, though a definitive cause has not yet been established. By Tuesday evening, 192 customers had reported potential, as yet unverified, eye issues, with the company stating that recalls were initiated because it is not prepared to take chances with the dogs people trust it to feed.
Veterinary Guidance and Treatment Challenges
Affected pet owners describe substantial emotional and financial tolls as a result of the diagnoses. Elizabeth stated that her vet expressed confidence in a link between the food and Chester’s condition, leaving her questioning the long-term reversibility of the damage. Carter-Robb noted that her vet indicated the recall information is concerning and suggested the food as a possible inciting cause if the timing of the buckwheat introduction correlates with the onset of Phoebe’s symptoms, which now require ongoing eye ointment treatment. Chaplin reported that her specialist vet ophthalmologist advised immediately stopping the Years food, though Lettuce still exhibits zero tear production and vast amounts of discharge, resulting in doubled pet insurance costs and extensive travel expenses for specialist appointments.
Did you know? Bilateral dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when a dog is unable to produce tears, making their eyes very sore and potentially leading to sight loss if left untreated. Affected dogs often require intensive, ongoing regimens of specialized drops, oils, and ointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Years recall its dog food?
Years recalled its fresh meals after receiving reports of dogs experiencing sudden bilateral dry eye and 192 customer reports of potential, as yet unverified, eye issues following the addition of buckwheat to its meals several months ago.
What is sudden bilateral dry eye in dogs?
Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), it is a condition that occurs when a dog is unable to produce tears, making their eyes very sore and potentially leading to sight loss if left untreated.
What should customers do if they fed their dogs Years food?
The company encourages customers to visit www.years.com/pages/care for more detailed information.
Is the exact cause of the dry eye cases confirmed?
A definitive cause has not yet been established. The company’s investigation is currently focused on potential contamination within a portion of buckwheat supply, rather than buckwheat itself, with independent laboratory testing under way.
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