Fresh dog food company Years has issued a voluntary recall of its fresh meals as it investigates reports of dogs developing sudden bilateral dry eye and a potential link to buckwheat used in its recipes.
Years is urging customers to stop feeding its fresh meals immediately, even if their dog appears well, while independent laboratory testing continues.
The precautionary recall applies to Years puppy, adult and senior fresh meals. The company’s Chef’s Collection is not included.
As of 9pm on 18 August, Years said it had received 192 reports of potential, as yet unverified, eye issues from approximately 40,000 customers.
The company has stressed that no causal link has yet been proven.
Buckwheat under investigation
Years says its investigation has identified buckwheat as a potential contributing factor and is also examining possible contamination within its buckwheat supply.
According to the company, confirmed cases emerged after buckwheat was introduced into its recipes, with no confirmed cases identified before the ingredient change.
Buckwheat makes up between 6.3% and 7.2% of the affected recipes.
Years says buckwheat is an approved ingredient used across pet foods and went through its usual ingredient and recipe approval process before being introduced.
Further independent laboratory testing of the buckwheat supply is now underway.
Explaining its decision to recall the meals before that work is complete, Years said:
“To be clear, this recall is a precaution. Our investigation has identified a potential link between buckwheat, an ingredient used in many dog foods, and reported cases of dry eye. Lab testing will confirm this, but we’ve taken the decision not to wait.”
The company added:
“Dogs’ health & wellbeing have always driven us, and that means acting now rather than waiting for absolute certainty.”
What should Years customers do?
Years is asking customers to stop feeding affected fresh meals immediately and not to give them to another animal, sell them or donate them.
Subscriptions are being automatically paused for an initial six-week period while the company reformulates its recipes, replacing buckwheat with quinoa.
The company says it will arrange free collection of unused meals and apply a full credit to customers’ accounts for the order.
Owners are being advised to look out for excessive blinking or squinting, continuous pawing at the eyes, thick discharge or discomfort around the eyes.
Anyone whose dog develops symptoms should stop feeding the meals and contact their vet as soon as possible.
Years describes the condition being investigated as sudden bilateral dry eye, meaning tear production in both eyes reduces rapidly. Dry eye is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS.
Years asks affected owners to come forward
Years is asking anyone whose dog has experienced dry eye while eating its food to contact the company, including owners who have previously reported their dog’s case.
The company is particularly interested in information about symptoms, veterinary notes and costs as it continues to build a clearer picture of the reported cases.
Years said:
“We’re thinking of every dog who’s been affected and every family caring for them through such a worrying and difficult time.
“We’re deeply sorry for the worry this has caused. We know how much your dog means to you, and we want to ensure you’ve clear information, guidance and help throughout.”
The company says it is currently experiencing a high volume of emails and messages.
Report a case to Years
Owners whose dogs have experienced dry eye while being fed Years can provide details directly to the company’s investigation team.
Report your dog’s experience to Years
For the latest information about the recall, affected meals, symptoms and customer support:
Read the latest Years recall information
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FAQs
Why has Years recalled its dog food?
Years has voluntarily recalled its fresh meals while it investigates reports of sudden bilateral dry eye. Buckwheat has been identified as a potential contributing factor, including the possibility of contamination within the buckwheat supply, but a causal link has not been established.
Which Years meals are affected?
The recall covers Years puppy, adult and senior fresh meals. Years says its Chef’s Collection is excluded from the recall.
Should I stop feeding Years if my dog has no symptoms?
Yes. Years is advising customers to stop feeding the affected fresh meals immediately, whether their dog is showing symptoms or not.
What symptoms should I look for?
Years advises owners to watch for excessive blinking or squinting, continuous pawing at the eyes, thick discharge and discomfort around the eyes. Contact your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s eyes or they develop symptoms.
Has buckwheat been confirmed as the cause?
No. Years has identified buckwheat as a potential contributing factor and is investigating possible contamination within the supply. Independent laboratory testing is ongoing and the company says causation has not been proven.
What is happening to Years subscriptions?
Years says subscriptions are being automatically paused for an initial six weeks while it reformulates its meals without buckwheat.
What should I do with the food I have left?
Do not feed it to your dog or another animal, and do not donate or sell it. Years says it will arrange free collection of unused meals and apply a full account credit for the order.
This story was updated on 19 August 2026. Yappily will update this article as further information about the investigation becomes available.
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