Premium dog food brand Years has issued an urgent recall after approximately 192 dogs developed suspected dry eye, a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The company, which supplies tailored subscription meals to around 40,000 customers in Britain, told owners to stop feeding its chef-prepared fresh meals immediately and not to feed them to other animals, sell, or donate them.
Recall Triggered by Eye Condition Reports
Years received reports of dogs suffering from eye issues in late July, prompting an investigation launched on August 1. The findings are due to be published. In a message on its website, the company explained: 'This follows a small number of reports of dogs having a potential adverse eye reaction to buckwheat, a common and approved ingredient, which we include in our meals. As of 16 August, this has affected 0.1% of our customers.'
The brand noted that the eye issues are 'unverified' but could have a 'potential link' to the buckwheat ingredient. Years has implored customers to contact their vets 'promptly' if they notice any symptoms and to mention the recall to them.
Customer Shares Experience of Dog's Illness
David Felton, a PR consultant from Edgware, north London, said his spaniel cross, Cookie, had been eating Years for two-and-a-half years when she developed eye problems in April. He estimated he had spent £1,500 on treatment and vet bills after Cookie suffered 'a lot of pain', leaving him 'extremely worried'.
Cookie's eyes became 'really gunky', which was initially attributed to a corneal abrasion, or a scratch on the eye caused by an irritant. After two weeks with no improvement, she was referred to a specialist and diagnosed with bilateral dry eye disease. Cookie must now receive a steroid paste twice daily and over-the-counter drops and gel.
Upon receiving an email from Years on Monday, David stopped feeding Cookie Years' food right away. 'Never did it occur to us that it could be a link to the food because the crazy thing is, people buy Years because they want to feed their dog like high-quality foods,' he said. 'If I just wanted to buy a cheap, readily available dog food, I would have just like gone to the supermarket and just got a kind of a cheap kibble. It's just incredibly disheartening because obviously people that buy fresh food like Years because they've kind of bought into the idea that feeding their dog a fresh, healthy food made out of fresh, healthy ingredients is going to do them well.' He added that all of Years' customers are likely to be 'reeling' from the discovery.
Company Response and Next Steps
Years has around 40,000 subscribers. Subscriptions will be paused for six weeks to allow the company to make fresh batches of meals, this time replacing buckwheat with quinoa. The brand apologised for any 'worry and disruption' caused. Many healthy dogs can eat a small portion of plain, thoroughly cooked buckwheat, but it can be toxic if not cooked properly. Buckwheat should be introduced to a dog's diet gradually and should not be paired with salt, butter, onion, garlic, sauces, or seasoning. Owners should consult a vet for nutritional advice beforehand if their dog has conditions such as diabetes, pancreatitis, allergies, or digestive problems.
