Years voluntarily recalled all of its fresh meals on 17 August 2026 after reports of dogs developing sudden bilateral dry eye, a condition that had been tentatively linked to buckwheat, an ingredient used in every Years recipe at the time (between 6.3% and 7.2% depending on the recipe). At the recall date, 57 potential cases had been reported.
When the recall was announced, owners were advised to stop feeding the meals, not to pass them on to any other animal, and to contact a vet if their dog showed eye symptoms such as squinting, pawing at the eyes or thick discharge.
Investigation complete
On 24 September 2026 Years published the findings of an investigation led by independent experts in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition and veterinary ophthalmology, working alongside specialists from the Universities of Cambridge and Nottingham:
- 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances found no evidence of contamination, toxins, food safety issues or packaging migration in Years food.
- No link was identified between Years food and the reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye.
- Buckwheat, the ingredient referenced in the recall notice, was tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin. No toxin, safety or contamination issue was identified, across every batch historically used in Years food.
- Two separate independent reviews confirmed robust controls in Years manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality processes.
Years collaborated with the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards throughout, sharing all laboratory results and manufacturing records.
The wider picture
Independent case data from the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO) recorded 155 cases of sudden bilateral dry eye in dogs fed Years food. A further 96 cases were reported in dogs that have never been fed Years: 41 in the UK and 55 in international markets (Finland and Hungary) where Years food is neither sold nor consumed. This means the pattern of cases extends beyond Years food, and BrAVO's independent UK-wide investigation is continuing.
In Finland and Hungary, foods containing buckwheat were present in a significant number of affected dogs' diets, at a prevalence higher than buckwheat's overall market share. This is an observation, not proof of correlation or causation: none of the three countries has yet reported how many affected dogs were not eating buckwheat, diet has not historically been identified as a cause of sudden bilateral dry eye, and other factors such as environmental exposures, seasonal variation and medications still need to be considered. The underlying cause of the reported cases therefore remains unknown.
Restarting with buckwheat-free recipes
Years has resumed serving customers with reformulated, buckwheat-free recipes. As a precaution, and reflecting customers' stated preference to return to the previous recipes, buckwheat has been removed from all current main-meal recipes. The current product pages publish the updated formulations.
Refunds and support for affected dogs
- Refunds already issued are unaffected, and any product bought before the 17 August recall can still be returned for a refund.
- No further refunds are being offered: the investigation found no contamination, toxin, safety or manufacturing issue, so there is no basis for additional refunds.
- Years is continuing to fund support for affected dogs and their owners, including veterinary ophthalmologist consultations, an RCVS prescription service, discounted medicines and 24/7 veterinary support, accessed through a Years account (or by contacting Years if bought through a retailer).
- Years is funding an independent study, led by David Williams, veterinary ophthalmologist at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal (tear gland) tissue from affected dogs to explore whether an underlying cause can be identified. Years will also collect treatment outcomes across reported cases and share them with BrAVO.