UK Pet Food Company Recalls Fresh Dog Meals Due to Vision Loss Concerns
Years, a UK-based pet food company, has issued a voluntary recall of all its fresh dog meals after reports of dogs developing a sudden eye condition that in some cases progressed to sight loss.
Dogs fed with fresh meals from UK-based pet food company Years have reportedly developed a sudden eye condition that in some cases has led to sight loss.
The company has issued a voluntary recall of all its fresh dog meals as a precautionary measure while it investigates the potential cause of the condition, sudden bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
KCS is a condition where a dog's tear production drops off abruptly in both eyes, leaving the surface irritated, red, and painful. If left untreated or poorly managed, it can progress to corneal damage, visual impairment, and blindness.
The recall affects all Years Fresh Meals, also known as Years Signature Meals, except for the Chef's Collection. The company delivers meals through a subscription service and also sells them through some retailers.
According to Years, the potential contributing factor of the reported effects in dogs fed its fresh meals is buckwheat, an ingredient added to its recipes. The company is investigating a possible contamination within its buckwheat supply.
The recall followed a recipe change, which may have caused the reported condition in dogs, according to a report by The Guardian.
Years has described buckwheat as a common, approved pet food ingredient that had cleared its standard ingredient and recipe approval process before introduction, including supplier approval, ingredient specification review, and formulation in line with European Pet Food Industry Federation guidelines.
The company has advised owners to stop feeding the meals immediately, whether or not a dog shows symptoms, and not to feed them to any other animal, donate them, or sell them.
**Symptoms to Watch For**
Bilateral KCS may cause the following signs in dogs:
| Symptom | Description | | --- | --- | | Excessive blinking or squinting | | | Continuous pawing or rubbing at the eyes | | | Thick discharge | | | General discomfort around the eyes | | | Light sensitivity | | | Inflamed and reddened eyes | | | Dry and dull cornea | |
Years has also advised owners to be aware of the potential symptoms of KCS and to seek veterinary attention if they notice any of these signs in their dogs.
The company has paused subscriptions for an initial 6 weeks and is reformulating its recipes to remove buckwheat and return to quinoa.
**Online Concern and Response**
The recall has drawn a visible response from owners online, with a Facebook group focused on the dry eye cases surpassing 2100 members. Owners have described their dogs developing sudden-onset dry eye while being fed Years meals, with many sharing photos of their dogs.
KCS is typically a chronic condition, and treatment is lifelong in most cases, although most dogs respond well to therapy.
Buckwheat was added to Years recipes several months ago, and the company had previously stated that it was safe for dogs when cooked properly and fed in sensible portions. However, the company has since deleted this post and is now investigating the potential risks associated with buckwheat.
**Investigation and Response**
Years has launched an evidence-based investigation into the potential cause of the condition, including United Kingdom Accreditation Service independent laboratory testing of its meals and Breed Health+ supplements for heavy metals, mycotoxins, alkaloids, pesticides, and veterinary drug residues. The company has also engaged with ophthalmologists, conducted a customer questionnaire, and appointed two independent experts to lead root cause and toxicology investigations.
The company has advised the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards before issuing the recall and is committed to putting the health and wellbeing of dogs first.
**References**
- Voluntary recall of all Years fresh meals. Years. Updated August 19, 2026. Accessed August 19, 2026. https://www.years.com/pages/care?srsltid=AfmBOorh_iq_iWu5uF-UerG-bq-v2PTy0iDhFBdVTBuxYRHIgeNHpoCm - Jones R, Marsh S. Dog food recalled after reports of pets losing their sight. The Guardian. Published August 19, 2026. Accessed August 19, 2026. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/19/dog-food-recalled-after-reports-of-pets-losing-their-sight-years#img-2 - Ofri R. Diagnosis and treatment of dry eye in dogs. dvm360. March 17, 2021. Accessed August 19, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-dry-eye-in-dogs
