Years recalls fresh meals
Years, a UK-based fresh dog food company, has issued a voluntary dog food recall after customers reported possible eye problems in their pets.
The company said 192 customers had reported potential eye issues in dogs by August 20. The reports include sudden bilateral dry eye, a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS. “Bilateral” means the problem affects both eyes.
Years serves about 40,000 customers. The company said the reported cases have not been verified and that no clear cause has been confirmed.
The recall affects Years Signature Meals that contain buckwheat. The company is also temporarily withdrawing other products as a precaution, including some products that do not contain buckwheat. Pets at Home said recalled meals include Chicken Casserole, Pork Stew, Steak & Kidney Hotpot, and Surf & Turf in certain pack sizes.
Customers should check the company’s recall instructions before using or returning products.
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Buckwheat is under investigation
Years said its investigation is focused on possible contamination in part of its buckwheat supply. The company has not said that buckwheat itself is unsafe for dogs.
The affected recipes contained between 6.3% and 7.2% buckwheat, depending on the meal. Years said it is carrying out independent laboratory testing and toxicology work.
The company began receiving reports in late July. It recorded 57 suspected cases by August 16. It then announced the wider recall on August 17 as the number of reports increased.
Years said the investigation includes laboratory testing, customer questionnaires, discussions with veterinary eye specialists, and independent reviews of the food’s production and possible biological effects. The company has also notified the UK Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards, according to reports.
Signs of dry eye in dogs
KCS happens when a dog does not produce enough tears. Tears protect and lubricate the surface of the eye.
Possible signs include:
- Squinting or frequent blinking.
- Rubbing or pawing at the eyes.
- Redness and swelling.
- Thick or sticky discharge.
- Sensitivity to light.
- A dry or dull-looking cornea.
- Pain or general eye discomfort.
Untreated KCS can damage the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. In serious cases, this damage can lead to poor vision or blindness. Owners should contact a veterinarian quickly if their dog shows these signs.
What owners should do
Years has told customers to stop feeding the recalled meals immediately. Owners should not give the food to another animal, donate it, or sell it.
Customers should keep the packaging and contact Years or the retailer for refund and collection instructions. Pets at Home says customers can return recalled products for a full refund.
Years has paused subscriptions for an initial six-week period. It plans to reformulate its meals by replacing buckwheat with quinoa.
Conclusion
Years has recalled its fresh dog meals while it investigates 192 reports of possible canine eye problems. The link to the food or buckwheat has not been proven. Owners should stop feeding affected meals and seek veterinary care immediately if their dog develops eye symptoms.
Which Years dog food has been recalled?
Years Signature Meals containing buckwheat have been recalled. Other Years products have also been temporarily withdrawn as a precaution.petsathome
Can the recalled food cause blindness in dogs?
A cause has not been confirmed. However, untreated KCS can cause serious eye damage and may lead to vision loss or blindness.
What should I do if my dog ate the food?
Stop feeding the meal and contact your veterinarian if your dog has eye redness, squinting, discharge, rubbing, or light sensitivity. Contact Years or the retailer about returning the
Sources
Dog food linked to nearly 200 reports of potential canine vision loss, prompting massive recall
