A fresh dog food company is recalling nearly all of its fresh meals after receiving 192 reports of potential eye problems in dogs, including a condition that can lead to vision loss if severe and untreated.
Years, a U.K.-based subscription service which says it has served roughly 40,000 customers this year, said it is investigating buckwheat as a possible contributing factor, including whether part of its buckwheat supply may have been contaminated.
The company said no causal link between its food, buckwheat and the reported eye problems has been established, and laboratory and toxicology testing is continuing.
As of Tuesday, 192 customers have reported potential eye issues, including sudden bilateral dry eye known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The condition causes dogs’ eyes to stop producing enough tears, leading to irritation, redness and discomfort.
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Tears lubricate and protect the surface of the eye. If left untreated, KCS can cause corneal ulcers, scarring and other damage that can potentially result in permanent vision loss.
The company said reports of eye issues in dogs began a few weeks ago.
"In late July, we began receiving multiple reports of dogs experiencing sudden, bilateral dry eye," Years said.
By Aug. 16, the company said it had identified 57 suspected cases, which it characterized as about 0.1% of roughly 40,000 customers served year-to-date.
Years said an independent veterinarian and specialist in small animal clinical nutrition initially advised on Aug. 1 that a link to the company's food appeared unlikely based on the information then available, while recommending further investigation.
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Years said it decided to issue the recall as a proactive measure affecting all of its fresh meals except those in its Chef’s Collection, the ultra-premium, limited-edition tier of dog meals offered by the brand.
The decision was made following "rising case numbers, input from customer advocates and ophthalmologists and growing evidence around buckwheat."
Laboratory testing of the buckwheat supply is still ongoing. The company did not provide further details on how the buckwheat supply may be affecting dogs’ eyesight beyond the possibility of contamination.
Years said the affected fresh meal formulations contained 6.3% to 7.2% buckwheat, depending on the recipe.
KCS can have a number of causes in dogs, including immune-mediated disease, certain medications, infections, hereditary factors and trauma, meaning the reported condition alone does not establish a link to the food.
Customers’ subscriptions have been paused for an initial six-week period as the brand works to reformulate its recipes with quinoa in place of buckwheat. The company said it will also provide a thank-you gift with their next delivery for the inconvenience.
To help with the investigation, the company is also arranging a free collection of any unused meals.
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"Your help with our investigation would mean a great deal. We'll arrange a free collection of any unused meals and apply a full credit to your account for the order," Years said.
The company also urged dog owners who suspect their pets are experiencing eye issues to take them to the vet, stating that "early treatment makes a real difference."