YEARS DOG FOOD BRAND RECALLS FRESH MEALS AFTER EYE CONDITION REPORTS

Years, a subscription-based dog food company, has recalled all of its fresh meals following reports that a recipe change may have caused some dogs to develop sudden bilateral dry eye, a condition that can lead to sight loss if untreated. The company told customers to stop feeding the meals to their dogs immediately and not to donate or sell remaining stock. As of Wednesday, Years reported 192 customers had reported potential eye issues out of approximately 40,000 customers, an increase from 57 suspected cases reported on Sunday. Years stated that ophthalmologists' responses to treatment have been mixed, with some dogs responding well whilst others showed limited or slower responses.

Sudden bilateral dry eye, medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when dogs cannot produce sufficient tears, causing soreness and potentially leading to blindness if not managed effectively. Symptoms include eye rubbing, squinting, sensitivity to light, inflammation, redness and thick discharge. One report identified buckwheat as a potential link to the condition. Years said the recall followed the recipe change and the company is replacing buckwheat with quinoa whilst pausing subscriptions for six weeks. A Facebook group dedicated to discussing the issue had surpassed 2,100 members by Wednesday morning, with affected owners sharing photographs of their pets and reporting sudden-onset dry eye whilst their dogs were eating Years meals.

Years pledged to publish full findings of its investigation. One affected dog owner reported spending approximately £1,500 on treatment for their spaniel cross after it developed the condition following two-and-a-half years on the food. The company's products are available through subscription and at some retailers including Pets at Home.