Dozens of dogs suffer from dry eye conditions linked to buckwheat ingredient
Category: Health
A troubling situation has arisen for dog owners who feed their pets Years, a subscription-based pet food service. The company has issued an urgent recall of its fresh meals after receiving numerous reports of dogs developing severe eye problems, including a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly referred to as dry eye.
On August 17, Years sent an email to its 40,000 customers, advising them to stop feeding their pets any of its meals. This recall follows reports of at least 57 suspected cases of dry eye linked to the ingredient buckwheat, which was added to the recipes earlier this year. The company confirmed that these cases represent approximately 0.1% of its customer base.
Years initiated the recall after receiving multiple reports of dogs experiencing sudden bilateral dry eye, a condition characterized by inflammation and discomfort in both eyes. Symptoms can include redness, cloudiness, excessive blinking, pawing at the eyes, thick discharge, and general discomfort. Many of the reports surfaced after August 12, prompting the company to conduct an internal investigation.
According to Years, the investigation revealed a potential link between buckwheat and the eye issues reported by pet owners. The company stated, "We appreciate there will be other cases that have not been reported to Years. But even one case is one too many, and that's the standard we will always hold ourselves to." They have paused all subscriptions for an initial period of six weeks, during which they plan to reformulate their recipes to eliminate buckwheat.
Pet owners have expressed their distress over the situation. Jenny Baker, who owns an eight-year-old pug named Peanut, reported that her dog was left “unable to open his eyes” after consuming the affected food. Baker shared her shock, saying, "He suffered from eye conditions previously, but in March, it just went downhill overnight – really quickly, he was in hospital overnight with corneal ulcers." She estimated spending around £2,800 on veterinary bills and eye drops since April.
Similarly, David Felton from Edgware noted that his spaniel cross, Cookie, developed eye issues after eating Years food for two-and-a-half years. He has spent approximately £1,500 on treatments and vet bills. Felton described Cookie's pain, stating, "You love them to bits just like you would your own child, so anything that causes them pain and discomfort is quite upsetting for everyone involved." He was initially shocked by the diagnosis of bilateral dry eye disease after a vet referral.
Years has urged all customers to stop feeding their dogs the recalled meals immediately, regardless of whether their pets show symptoms. Pet owners are advised to monitor their dogs for any signs of dry eye and contact their veterinarian if they notice symptoms. The company has also recommended that affected owners mention the recall when consulting with their vets.
To facilitate the recall process, Years has stated that unused meals should not be donated, sold, or fed to any animals. Instead, they are arranging for free collection of remaining products and will apply a full credit to customers’ accounts. The firm has emphasized that customer safety and pet health are their top priorities.
As part of their response to the situation, Years plans to reformulate their meals using quinoa in place of buckwheat. They are currently awaiting laboratory testing results to confirm the link between buckwheat and the reported cases of dry eye. In a statement, the company expressed their commitment to transparency: "In time, we'd also welcome an open discussion with the wider veterinary and ophthalmologist community to fund an independent study into how a common ingredient, like buckwheat, could have led to such suffering in the dogs we love."
Years has been known for its fresh dog food that does not require refrigeration and has marketed itself as a provider of high-quality meals for pets. The company has been operating for four years and is recognized for creating gourmet meals such as wagyu steak lasagne and pork shoulder stew.
As the situation develops, the company has assured customers that they are taking the reports seriously and are committed to resolving the issue swiftly. They have acknowledged that many customers are understandably anxious and concerned about their pets’ health.
Pet owners are encouraged to stay updated by checking Years' official communications for any new information about the recall and the investigation. The company has promised to publish the results of their investigation once available, which may provide more clarity on the situation.
For now, the priority for all dog owners is to monitor their pets closely for any symptoms of dry eye and to seek veterinary care if needed. The community of dog owners is rallying together during this challenging time, sharing experiences and supporting one another as they navigate this unexpected health scare involving their beloved pets.
In light of these events, it’s clear that vigilance is key. If you notice any signs of discomfort or unusual behavior in your dog, especially if they have consumed Years food recently, reach out to your veterinarian without delay.
Years has reiterated its commitment to the health and well-being of pets, stating, "We're sorry for the worry and disruption this will cause – both for the dogs affected and to all of our customers." As they work to address the issue, dog owners are left hoping for a swift resolution and the continued health of their furry companions.