The manufacturer Years has recalled dog food following reports of eye problems
Years has announced a voluntary recall of all its fresh dog food products following reports of possible eye problems in animals. The manufacturer has urged customers to immediately stop feeding these products to their dogs, not to give them to other animals, and not to sell or give the food to other people, according to The Guardian.
Years provides personalized meal plans on a subscription basis and also sells its products through select retail stores, including Pets at Home. The company stated that as of Wednesday morning, 192 customers out of approximately 40,000 had reported potential, though as yet unconfirmed, eye problems in their dogs. Previously, as of Sunday, the manufacturer had reported 57 suspected cases.
The condition in question is sudden bilateral dry eye, or dry keratoconjunctivitis. According to the Royal Canine Club, in this condition, a dog does not produce enough tears, which can cause severe eye pain. The animal may rub its eyes, squint, or be sensitive to light; redness, inflammation, corneal dryness, and thick mucous discharge are also possible. If the condition is not treated early on or properly managed, it can lead to impaired vision or blindness.
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According to Years, the recall was announced following reports of a possible adverse reaction in dogs to buckwheat, which was added to the dog food recipes several months ago. All customers who purchased products either at retail or through a subscription have been switched to the new formula containing this ingredient. In late July, the company began receiving numerous reports of sudden bilateral dry eye in dogs.
Years noted that on August 1, an independent veterinary specialist, who holds specialist status from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, assessed the link between the company’s food and the dogs’ condition as unlikely based on the available data, but recommended continuing the investigation. The company launched an investigation, which includes laboratory tests, consultations with ophthalmologists, customer surveys, and the involvement of two independent experts to determine the causes and conduct toxicological analysis.
A representative from Years stated that the investigation identified buckwheat as a potential factor. They are also checking for possible contamination in the buckwheat supply chain. At the same time, the company emphasized that there is currently no conclusive evidence of a causal link between its food and the eye problems, and that the full recall was carried out as a precautionary measure.
