Pet food brand Years has concluded an internal investigation, finding no evidence of contamination in its products. The company initiated a voluntary recall in August 2026 after reports of sudden bilateral dry eye in pets consuming its food.
The investigation began on July 22, 2026, following 11 initial reports of potential cases. By August 17, 2026, the number of cases had risen to 57, prompting the recall. The focus initially centered on a recent recipe change that introduced buckwheat into the formulation.
Extensive Testing Finds No Contamination
Years conducted 21,757 individual tests across 1,129 distinct substances, including ingredients, retained meals, and customer-returned products. The tests covered potential contaminants like tropane alkaloids, fagopyrin, mycotoxins, pesticides, sulphonamides, and heavy metals.
Despite the extensive testing, no evidence of contamination, toxins, or safety issues was found in Years’ food, ingredients, or packaging. The investigation also included two separate manufacturing reviews by independent experts, which confirmed these findings.
Buckwheat and Sudden Bilateral Dry Eye
Buckwheat, the ingredient initially under scrutiny, was thoroughly tested. No evidence linked it to contamination or any dangerous substances. Years decided to remove buckwheat from its recipe as a precautionary measure.
Independent data from the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO) identified 155 cases of sudden bilateral dry eye in dogs fed Years’ food. Additionally, 96 cases were reported in dogs that had never consumed Years’ products, including 55 cases in Finland and Hungary, where Years’ food is not sold. In these regions, buckwheat-containing dog foods were prevalent in affected dogs’ diets, exceeding buckwheat’s overall market share.
Resuming Production and Ongoing Research
Following the investigation’s conclusion, Years announced it would resume production and distribution of its meals, starting subscriptions again in October with a buckwheat-free recipe.
Co-founders Darren Beale and Ivan Barashki acknowledged the challenges faced by affected pet owners. They emphasized their commitment to transparency and ongoing research, pledging to share findings with BrAVO and other independent bodies.
Years has also pledged to fund an independent study, led by David Williams, a veterinary ophthalmologist and PhD in ocular immunology at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge, to explore whether an underlying cause to sudden bilateral dry eye can be identified.
Customer Concerns Persist
Despite Years’ findings, many former customers remain skeptical. A Facebook group entitled ‘Years Dry Eye Cases’ has over 5,200 members, with numerous posts detailing severe eye discomfort in pets and repeated veterinary visits.
Affected owners have been requested by Years to submit veterinary and care costs and related information to Crawford & Co, a loss adjuster, for further evaluation of potential legal and insurance liabilities. The company remains committed to addressing customer concerns while moving forward with its revised recipe.
