Years recalls all fresh meals after dry eye reports in dogs

UK subscription brand Years has voluntarily recalled all of its fresh dog meals, sold as Years Signature Meals, following reports of sudden bilateral dry eye in dogs. The recall, announced on 20 August, covers every fresh recipe apart from the Chef's Collection line; according to the company, supplements, treats and its other products are not affected.

Years said it began receiving multiple reports of sudden dry eye in both eyes in late July and opened an investigation on 1 August. It put the number of suspected cases at 57 as of 16 August, or around 0.1% of the roughly 40,000 customers it says it has served this year. By the evening of 18 August, 192 customers had reported potential, as yet unverified, eye problems.

The investigation is focused on possible contamination within part of the company's buckwheat supply rather than on the ingredient itself, and Years said no causal link between its food and the condition has been established. Independent laboratory testing is continuing, alongside work with independent veterinary experts, veterinary ophthalmologists, suppliers and the relevant authorities. The company puts the buckwheat content of its recipes at between 6.3% and 7.2% depending on formulation, and says the ingredient passed supplier approval, specification review and formulation in line with Fediaf guidelines before being introduced.

Sudden bilateral dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, involves an abrupt loss of tear production in both eyes; left untreated it can lead to corneal damage and loss of vision. Years has told owners to stop feeding the meals immediately, whether or not their dog is showing symptoms, and not to pass the food on to other animals.

Subscriptions have been paused for an initial six weeks, during which the company intends to reformulate using quinoa in place of buckwheat. Customers who bought the meals in shops are directed to a separate returns and refunds process. Years said it will publish verified findings once the investigation concludes: www.years.com/pages/care