UK-based pet food company Years has voluntarily recalled all its fresh dog meals due to reports of sudden eye conditions in dogs, some resulting in vision loss. The recall follows indications that buckwheat, an ingredient in these meals, may be linked to cases of sudden bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), a condition characterized by a sharp decrease in tear production, leading to red, painful, and potentially damaged eyes.
Read More
The company stated that while it investigates the buckwheat supply for possible contamination, its decision to recall all fresh meals, except for the Chef's Collection, is a precautionary measure. In a statement, Years noted that all reported cases of the eye condition emerged after the introduction of buckwheat into their recipes, with no confirmed cases before this change.
As of mid-August, the company reported 192 potential cases among its approximately 40,000 customers in 2026, up from 57 cases reported just days earlier. An independent veterinarian had initially suggested that a link to Years meals was unlikely, but the situation prompted the company to initiate a robust investigation including laboratory testing and collaboration with ophthalmologists.
Years is now advising customers to discontinue feeding the affected meals to their dogs and to avoid donating or selling them. The symptoms of KCS include excessive blinking, eye discomfort, light sensitivity, and thick discharge.
The company plans to reformulate its recipes to remove buckwheat and revert to using quinoa. It has also paused subscriptions for an initial six weeks to ensure safety during the ongoing investigation. Online discussions among dog owners have increased, as many share their experiences related to the product.
Years has confirmed that it informed the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards prior to the recall. The company has prioritized the health and safety of pets, stating that it will continue to investigate thoroughly.