Investigation led by independent experts finds no contamination, toxins or safety issues in Years fresh dog food

• The extensive independent investigation found no evidence of any safety issue with Years' food.
• Comprehensive independent laboratory testing, involving 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, found no evidence of any contamination, toxin, food safety, or packaging migration issue with Years' food
• No evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue was found with Years' food, Years' ingredients, or Years' packaging
• Buckwheat, referenced in the recall notice, was tested exhaustively for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no toxin, safety or contamination issue identified, including every batch historically used in Years food
• Two separate independent reviews confirmed robust, well-established controls across Years' manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality control processes, with significant safety margins throughout, including a validated thermal cooking process operating within specification.
• As a further precaution, and reflecting customers' preference to return to our previous recipes, Years is removing buckwheat from all recipes before resuming serving in October.
• No link was identified between Years food and the reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye, which have also been identified in dogs with no history of eating Years food, both in the UK and internationally.

Because when it mattered most, we chose our customers' dogs over our own business.

• Even without conclusive scientific evidence linking our food to the reported cases, we took the precaution of voluntarily recalling all fresh meals and pausing the entire business, rather than risk any dog's safety.
• We then commissioned the most extensive independent investigation we could, generating 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, overseen by independent experts in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition and veterinary ophthalmology
• As a further precaution, and even though the investigation found no toxin, safety or contamination issue with buckwheat, we've removed it from our recipes anyway, reflecting what our customers have told us they'd prefer.
• We're continuing to support affected dogs and owners, funding further independent research into the cause, and sharing our findings transparently with BrAVO, the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards.

That's the standard we'll hold ourselves to going forward: when in doubt, we act for your dog first.

Follow your vet's advice first and foremost - they know your dog's individual case best.

• You can also access free support directly through your Years account, including veterinary ophthalmologist consultations, RCVS Veterinary Eye Health consultations, and 24/7 veterinary support via video message. If you purchased through a retailer rather than directly, please contact us for access.

• The investigation's findings do not affect any refund you've already received.
• If you wish to return any product purchased before the 17 August recall, you can still do so for a refund.
• Outside of this, no other refunds are available. The investigation found no evidence of contamination, toxin, safety or manufacturing issues with Years' food, so there is no basis for further refunds

Based on the investigation's findings, a refund isn't possible, as no toxin, safety or contamination issue was identified with the ingredient.

• Buckwheat was extensively tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no toxin, safety or contamination issue identified, including every batch of buckwheat historically used in Years food.
• A further 273 retained production meals and customer-returned meals containing buckwheat were also tested, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.
• Buckwheat is not a novel ingredient; it is listed on the GB Register of Feed Materials and has been used in commercial pet food for decades. Buckwheat is a well-established ingredient with a strong safety record.
• As with any ingredient introduced into our recipes, buckwheat was assessed and approved by an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition as part of the formulation process, and sourced from a supplier meeting our food safety and quality requirements, including supplier approval, product specifications, Certificates of Analysis and full batch traceability.

We'll resume sending orders in October.

• Existing subscribers have a delivery slot reserved for October. This delivery date is detailed in their account area and can be changed to suit the customer's needs.
• Full details of the buckwheat-free recipes and October delivery arrangements will be shared on the website, in your account area, and via email ahead of your first delivery.

• Years is not legally permitted to deny, negotiate, accept or comment on any individual insurance case; these are matters for the insurer to assess and to communicate with you directly on. Years is trying to proactively work with the insurer and speed up communications.

It is worth noting however:

• Comprehensive independent laboratory testing found no evidence of any contamination, toxin, food safety, or packaging migration issue with Years' food, and no link was identified to reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye.
• No evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue was found with Years' food or Years' ingredients, with all results showing no traces or within recognised safe limits.
• Sudden bilateral dry eye is also occurring independently of Years, with cases identified in dogs with no history of eating Years food, both in the UK and in international markets where Years food is neither sold nor consumed, confirming the issue extends beyond Years and is not specific to Years food.

All recipes will be buckwheat-free and based on our previous recipes that have fed hundreds of thousands of dogs well for years - containing 60% whole cuts of human-quality fresh meat, with the perfect mix of fresh, healthy vegetables, seeds, botanicals and superfoods.

• Existing subscribers have a delivery slot reserved for October. This delivery date is detailed in their account area and can be changed to suit the customer's needs.
• Full details will be updated on the website, in your account area, and via email prior to us delivering to customers.

Our initial focus will be on our existing subscribers, who have waited patiently throughout this process.

• Prioritising existing subscribers first allows us to manage the transition smoothly and ensure a consistent, reliable service from day one, rather than risk disruption by onboarding new customers at the same time.
• Existing subscribers have a delivery slot reserved for October. This delivery date is detailed in their account area and can be changed to suit the customer's needs.
• Subscriptions can be paused or cancelled in the customer account area.

Very confident.

• The investigation was extensive and independently overseen, generating 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, involving independent experts in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition and veterinary ophthalmology, alongside specialists from the Universities of Cambridge and Nottingham.
• It found no evidence of contamination, toxin, safety, packaging migration or manufacturing issue with Years' food, ingredients or packaging, and no link was identified between Years food and the reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye.
• Buckwheat was exhaustively tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no toxin, safety or contamination issue identified.
• Two separate independent reviews confirmed robust, well-established controls across Years' manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality control processes, with significant safety margins throughout, including a validated thermal cooking process operating within specification.
• As a further precaution, and reflecting customers' preference to return to our previous recipes, Years is removing buckwheat from all recipes before resuming serving in October.
• Sudden bilateral dry eye has also been identified in dogs with no history of eating Years food, both in the UK and in international markets where Years food is neither sold nor consumed, confirming the issue extends beyond Years and is not specific to Years food.
• Years has collaborated with the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards throughout the investigation, sharing all scientific laboratory results, microbiological testing data and validated manufacturing records for their review

Yes, absolutely. Just head to your Years account and select "Reactivate your subscription".

• You can select your preferred delivery slot for October directly within your account.
• Full details of the buckwheat-free recipes and October delivery arrangements will be shared on the website, in your account area, and via email ahead of your first delivery

While extensive laboratory testing and two separate reviews by independent experts have found no issue with Years' food, Years does not believe that should stand in the way of supporting its customers and their dogs, as much as possible, when they need it the most.

Sudden bilateral dry eye diagnosis
Sudden bilateral dry eye is a diagnosis that develops suddenly, with a very low Schirmer tear rating between 0-5, and is typically unresponsive to traditional treatments - which can be extremely painful for the dogs involved.

Dry eye
Dry eye is a diagnosis that develops over weeks to months, with a low Schirmer tear rating between 6-15, and is typically responsive to traditional treatments after 3-6 months. Symptoms include redness, thick mucoid discharge, and squinting - all of which can be uncomfortable for the dogs affected.

Unfortunately, ~15,600 dogs are diagnosed with dry eye each year in the UK, with the condition affecting 1 in every 250 dogs overall and rising to as many as 1 in 17 in predisposed, higher-risk breeds.

The following support is currently available, regardless of whether your dog has been diagnosed with sudden bilateral dry eye or another form of dry eye.

We're actively developing further options and will follow up with everyone who submitted the symptom form by September 29.

• Veterinary ophthalmologist consultations – book a one-to-one video consultation call with a team of independent ophthalmologists (new availability added)
• Free prescriptions – RCVS veterinary surgeon prescription service, saving you £10-20 every time and giving you the ability to purchase at any pharmacy
• Discounted medicines – Your free prescription can be used at any pharmacy – if you choose Pet Superstore you also receive a further saving on all prices.
• RCVS Veterinary Eye Health consultations - book a one-to-one video consultation call with an RCVS veterinary surgeon, covering eye health and prescriptions
• Veterinary 24/7 support - access a network of 70+ vets, day or night. Send a video message with your questions and get a personal video reply when you need fast advice.

This is available to access in your Years account. If you purchased through a retailer, please contact us for access.

Insurance

• Years is not legally permitted to deny, negotiate, accept or comment on any individual insurance case; these are matters for the insurer to assess

It is worth noting however:

• Comprehensive independent laboratory testing found no evidence of any contamination, toxin, food safety, or packaging migration issue with Years' food, and no link was identified to reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye
• No evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue was found with Years' food or Years' ingredients, with all results showing no traces or within recognised safe limits
• Sudden bilateral dry eye is also occurring independently of Years, with cases identified in dogs with no history of eating Years food, both in the UK and in international markets where Years food is neither sold nor consumed, confirming the issue extends beyond Years and is not specific to Years food

Years will also be continuing research:

• Years will share all relevant findings with BrAVO, the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards, who are best placed to take this analysis forward, and will support further international data collection and commission further scientific testing as new information emerges
• Years will fund an independent study, led by David Williams, Veterinary Ophthalmologist and PhD in Ocular Immunology at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs, to explore whether an underlying cause can be identified
• Years will collect treatment outcomes across reported cases and share this with BrAVO, since how dogs respond to different treatments may offer a clue to the underlying cause
• Years will continue working with companies and veterinary ophthalmologists internationally to understand their scientific testing results and reported case numbers, and to help facilitate further data collection, and would welcome other companies and the wider industry joining this effort

Insurance

• Years is not legally permitted to deny, negotiate, accept or comment on any individual insurance case; these are matters for the insurer to assess and to communicate with you directly on.

It is worth noting however:

• Comprehensive independent laboratory testing found no evidence of any contamination, toxin, food safety, or packaging migration issue with Years' food, and no link was identified to reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye
• No evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue was found with Years' food or Years' ingredients, with all results showing no traces or within recognised safe limits
• Sudden bilateral dry eye is also occurring independently of Years, with cases identified in dogs with no history of eating Years food, both in the UK and in international markets where Years food is neither sold nor consumed, confirming the issue extends beyond Years and is not specific to Years food
• While extensive laboratory testing and two separate reviews by independent experts have found no issue with Years' food, Years does not believe that should stand in the way of supporting its customers and their dogs, as much as possible, when they need it the most.

Sudden bilateral dry eye diagnosis
Sudden bilateral dry eye is a diagnosis that develops suddenly, with a very low Schirmer tear rating between 0-5, and is typically unresponsive to traditional treatments - which can be extremely painful for the dogs involved.

Dry eye
Dry eye is a diagnosis that develops over weeks to months, with a low Schirmer tear rating between 6-15, and is typically responsive to traditional treatments after 3-6 months. Symptoms include redness, thick mucoid discharge, and squinting - all of which can be uncomfortable for the dogs affected.

Unfortunately, ~15,600 dogs are diagnosed with dry eye each year in the UK, with the condition affecting 1 in every 250 dogs overall and rising to as many as 1 in 17 in predisposed, higher-risk breeds.

The following support is currently available, regardless of whether your dog has been diagnosed with sudden bilateral dry eye or another form of dry eye.

We're actively developing further options and will follow up with everyone who submitted the symptom form by September 29.

• Veterinary ophthalmologist consultations – book a one-to-one video consultation call with a team of independent ophthalmologists (new availability added)
• Free prescriptions – RCVS veterinary surgeon prescription service, saving you £10-20 every time and giving you the ability to purchase at any pharmacy
• Discounted medicines – Your free prescription can be used at any pharmacy – if you choose Pet Superstore you also receive a further saving on all prices.
• RCVS Veterinary Eye Health consultations - book a one-to-one video consultation call with an RCVS veterinary surgeon, covering eye health and prescriptions
• Veterinary 24/7 support - access a network of 70+ vets, day or night. Send a video message with your questions and get a personal video reply when you need fast advice.

This is available to access in your Years account. If you purchased through a retailer, please contact us for access.

Years will also be continuing research:

• Years will share all relevant findings with BrAVO, the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards, who are best placed to take this analysis forward, and will support further international data collection and commission further scientific testing as new information emerges
• Years will fund an independent study, led by David Williams, Veterinary Ophthalmologist and PhD in Ocular Immunology at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs, to explore whether an underlying cause can be identified
• Years will collect treatment outcomes across reported cases and share this with BrAVO, since how dogs respond to different treatments may offer a clue to the underlying cause
• Years will continue working with companies and veterinary ophthalmologists internationally to understand their scientific testing results and reported case numbers, and to help facilitate further data collection, and would welcome other companies and the wider industry joining this effort

Years requires all suppliers to go through a structured approval and assurance process before being used, with additional scrutiny applied where an ingredient carries higher inherent risk.

• Supplier assurance is reviewed in detail as a HACCP prerequisite, covering approval documentation, specifications, certification and supporting records.
• Suppliers are expected to complete a Supplier Assurance Questionnaire (SAQ), with product specifications and a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) held on file.
• Full batch-level traceability is required for every consignment supplied, in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002
  
  Taking buckwheat as an example of this process in practice:
• The buckwheat supplier holds IFS Food Version 8 certification (GFSI-recognised), and had completed a Supplier Assurance Questionnaire, with product specifications, a Certificate of Analysis, and supporting supplier information held on file.
• On request, the supplier provided full batch-level traceability for every consignment of buckwheat supplied to Years, alongside comprehensive independent laboratory testing on every batch, conducted by the PCA-accredited (ISO/IEC 17025) laboratory J.S. Hamilton, covering heavy metals, tropane alkaloids, pesticides and mycotoxins.
  
  Supplier compliance was independently reviewed by Teri Gardiner, Food Scientist and Technical Lead with 25+ years' food industry experience including Root Cause Analysis. Her review found the supplier information provided a good level of supplier assurance:
  
  "Supplier assurance was reviewed in detail as a HACCP prerequisite, including approval documentation, specifications, certification and supporting records. The supplier information reviewed provided a good level of supplier assurance."

Yes - all our fresh meals are made in Nottinghamshire, and they always have been. Every meal is prepared using fresh ingredients that are mixed, weighed, hand-garnished, sealed, quality controlled, gently steamed, and quality checked again, before being personalised and picked to match your dog's individual requirements and sent to you.

We source the majority of our ingredients from suppliers in the UK, alongside suppliers worldwide, based on quality, and every supplier goes through a robust approval process before we use them, including pre-supplier validation, detailed product specifications, and, where relevant, Certificates of Analysis on request.

We're proud of the ingredients we use and the way our meals are made, and we look forward to welcoming customers to see this for themselves in the future.

Dry eye
Dry eye is a diagnosis that develops over weeks to months, with a low Schirmer tear rating between 6-15, and is typically responsive to traditional treatments after 3-6 months. Symptoms include redness, thick mucoid discharge, and squinting - all of which can be uncomfortable for the dogs affected.

Unfortunately, ~15,600 dogs are diagnosed with dry eye each year in the UK, with the condition affecting 1 in every 250 dogs overall and rising to as many as 1 in 17 in predisposed, higher-risk breeds.

Sudden bilateral dry eye diagnosis
Sudden bilateral dry eye is a diagnosis that develops suddenly, with a very low Schirmer tear rating between 0-5, and is typically unresponsive to traditional treatments - which can be extremely painful for the dogs involved.

Sudden bilateral dry eye diagnosis
Sudden bilateral dry eye is a diagnosis that develops suddenly, with a very low Schirmer tear rating between 0-5, and is typically unresponsive to traditional treatments - which can be extremely painful for the dogs involved.

Dry eye
Dry eye is a diagnosis that develops over weeks to months, with a low Schirmer tear rating between 6-15, and is typically responsive to traditional treatments after 3-6 months. Symptoms include redness, thick mucoid discharge, and squinting - all of which can be uncomfortable for the dogs affected.

Unfortunately, ~15,600 dogs are diagnosed with dry eye each year in the UK, with the condition affecting 1 in every 250 dogs overall and rising to as many as 1 in 17 in predisposed, higher-risk breeds.

No, your price is staying exactly the same. Thank you for your patience and continued trust in us throughout this process, it means a great deal.

• Full recipe and pricing details will be available on the website, in your account area, and via email ahead of your first October delivery.

Buckwheat became an early focus of the investigation for two main reasons: its timing as a recent recipe change, and recognised (if theoretical) contamination pathways associated with the ingredient.

• The investigation methodology included a systematic review of all recent changes to ingredients, suppliers, recipes and manufacturing processes, with particular focus on the period immediately prior to when reported cases began to emerge. Buckwheat was identified through this review as a relevant recent recipe change.
• As a precaution, and because buckwheat has theoretical, recognised contamination pathways (for example tropane alkaloids or fagopyrin), it was prioritised for testing early on, alongside the wider ingredient and food safety testing programme, so that any potential contamination of the buckwheat supply could be identified or excluded as quickly as possible.
• The extensive testing that followed found no evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue in buckwheat supplied to Years, but the initial focus reflected caution given the recipe-change timing, not any early evidence of an actual problem with buckwheat itself.
• Buckwheat is not a novel or unusual ingredient. It is listed on the GB Register of Feed Materials and has been used safely in commercial pet food for decades, so the early focus on it was about thoroughness given the recipe timing, rather than any inherent concern about the ingredient itself.

No.

• Every batch of buckwheat historically used in Years food was tested, covering 940 distinct substances including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.
• No evidence of contamination from tropane alkaloids (Datura stramonium).
• No evidence of fagopyrin from buckwheat in Years' food, noting fagopyrin concentrates in the leaves, flowers and hulls of the buckwheat plant rather than in the groats (hulled seed) actually used in Years' recipes.
• No evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issues from mycotoxins, pesticides, sulphonamides or heavy metals.
• A further 273 retained production meals and customer-returned meals containing buckwheat were also tested, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.

• Buckwheat is a well-established ingredient with a strong safety record. It is listed on the GB Register of Feed Materials and has been used safely in commercial pet food for decades.
• Extensive independent testing found no evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issues in Years' buckwheat. Every batch historically used was tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no issues identified.
• A further 273 retained production meals and customer-returned meals containing buckwheat were also tested, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.
• Years' buckwheat supplier holds IFS Food Version 8 certification (a GFSI-recognised food safety scheme), and every batch supplied to Years had full traceability and was independently tested - covering heavy metals, tropane alkaloids, pesticides and mycotoxins.
• The precise mechanism by which buckwheat might trigger individual sensitivity, an adverse reaction, or some other biological pathway not yet known to science, in certain dogs, are not questions Years can answer; they require the appropriate scientific experts and regulatory bodies to determine.

We made this decision for two reasons: it reflects what our customers have told us they'd prefer, and it's a further precaution, even though the investigation found nothing wrong with buckwheat itself or Years meals.

• Since customers have expressed a preference to return to our previous recipes, and as a precaution, all Years recipes will now be buckwheat-free.
• The decision to resume the supply of fresh meals is supported by the investigation finding no evidence of contamination, toxin, safety, packaging migration, or manufacturing issues with Years food.
• Extensive independent testing found no evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issues in buckwheat supplied to Years. Every batch historically used was tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no issues identified.
• A further 273 retained production meals and customer-returned meals containing buckwheat were also tested, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.

Yes.

The approach of relying on a QR code, with a leaflet detailing the full legal declaration of recipes, was reviewed and agreed with Trading Standards in November 2025.

Every customer purchasing from Years has historically been informed to check the product packaging, the sleeve then makes it clear to "find your recipe here" via a QR code. This was further complemented with a leaflet with a full ingredient declaration.

The buckwheat recipe update was communicated in the following way:

• Website ingredient page updated.
• Account area ingredient pages updated.
• New FAQ published: "Have Years recipes been updated".
• Full ingredient declaration included in Yap Magazine.
• Full ingredient declaration included on a dedicated double-sided leaflet.
• Welcome book updated with the new ingredients

The approach to use in-box communication was reviewed and agreed with Trading Standards, and was chosen by Years as the most effective way to achieve 100% communication of the change.

There is also no toxin, safety or contamination issue identified with the ingredient.

• Buckwheat was extensively tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no toxin, safety or contamination issue identified, including every batch of buckwheat historically used in Years food.
• A further 273 retained production meals and customer-returned meals containing buckwheat were also tested, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.
• Buckwheat is not a novel ingredient; it is listed on the GB Register of Feed Materials and has been used in commercial pet food for decades. Buckwheat is a well-established ingredient with a strong safety record.
• As with any ingredient introduced into our recipes, buckwheat was assessed and approved by an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition as part of the formulation process, and sourced from a supplier meeting our food safety and quality requirements, including supplier approval, product specifications, Certificates of Analysis and full batch traceability.

Buckwheat was introduced as part of the ongoing development of our recipes, chosen for its nutritional benefits and backed by a strong, established safety record.

• Buckwheat is a well-established ingredient with a strong safety record. It is listed on the GB Register of Feed Materials as an approved feed material and has been used safely in commercial pet food for decades.
• As with any ingredient introduced into our recipes, buckwheat was assessed and approved by an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition as part of the formulation process, and sourced from a supplier meeting our food safety and quality requirements, including supplier approval, product specifications, Certificates of Analysis and full batch traceability.
• Buckwheat was introduced as part of the ongoing development of our recipes, to provide a better balance of digestibility, fibre and microbiome support.
• There are cheaper alternatives we could have chosen instead, such as maize or rice - buckwheat was selected specifically for its nutritional profile, in the same way we choose higher-quality ingredients like chicken thigh and spinach leaf across our recipes.
• In short, the change was made with nutrition first in mind: evolving the recipes to provide a better balance of digestibility, fibre and microbiome support for dogs.

Yes - all Years recipes will now be buckwheat-free.

• This reflects both customers' expressed preference to return to our previous recipes, and a further precaution, even though the investigation found no evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue with buckwheat itself.
• All recipes will be based on our previous recipes that have fed hundreds of thousands of dogs well for years - containing 60% whole cuts of human-quality fresh meat, with the perfect mix of fresh, healthy vegetables, seeds, botanicals and superfoods.

No link was identified to reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye.

• Sudden bilateral dry eye has been identified in dogs with no history of eating Years food, both in the UK and in international markets where Years food is neither sold nor consumed, confirming the issue extends beyond Years and is not specific to Years food.
• Comprehensive independent laboratory testing, involving 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, found no evidence of any contamination, toxin, food safety, or packaging migration issue with Years' food, and no link was identified to reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye.
• Buckwheat, referenced in the recall notice, was tested exhaustively for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no toxin, safety or contamination issue identified, including every batch historically used in Years food.
• Two separate independent reviews confirmed robust, well-established controls across Years' manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality control processes, with significant safety margins throughout.
• The precise cause of the wider rise in cases has not yet been established; this is not a question Years can answer alone, and requires the appropriate scientific experts and regulatory bodies to determine. Years is continuing to support that work, including funding an independent study led by David Williams involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs.

Independent case data, provided by the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO), which launched a widespread investigation across the United Kingdom into sudden bilateral dry eye, has identified 155 cases in Years-fed dogs.

There have also been 96 cases that have never historically been fed Years. 41 in the United Kingdom, and, separately, a further 55 cases in international markets where Years’ food is neither sold nor consumed.

The BrAVO case data is fully independent, and they have been clear they want reports of all sudden bilateral dry eye cases, regardless of diet fed.

Both the BrAVO case data and international case data are subject to further verification and collection.

As with any case reporting exercise, following a voluntary recall, significant national media attention, and social media coverage, there is potential for some degree of over-reporting towards Years-fed cases.

Years began investigating a cluster of sudden bilateral dry eye cases on 22 July 2026, after receiving 11 reports of potential sudden bilateral dry eye, with a precautionary, voluntary recall issued on 17 August 2026 following an increase to 57 potential cases. Customer-reported symptom data that became available after the voluntary recall established the investigation period as 1 March to 17 August 2026.

• The investigation examined potential explanations for the reported cases, including ingredients and suppliers, recipes and manufacturing processes, nutritional and microbiological factors, potential contamination and naturally occurring toxins, packaging, and Years' food safety and quality control systems.
• Customer, batch and exposure data were also analysed to identify potential correlations and inform further testing.
• This included 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, covering individual ingredients, retained production meals, and meals returned by customers, spanning the investigation period of 1 March to 17 August 2026 - with key tests repeated across multiple batches and time periods to verify the findings.
• The testing programme was supported by two separate independent reviews: one examining Years' manufacturing and food safety systems, and a second examining potential toxicological pathways.
• The investigation also drew on consultation with the wider veterinary ophthalmology community, in the UK and internationally, including the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO).
• The investigation found no evidence of contamination, toxin, safety, packaging migration or manufacturing issue with Years' food, and no link was identified to reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye.

Currently the exact cause has not yet been established. Diet has not historically been identified as a causal factor for sudden bilateral dry eye, and the investigation found no evidence linking Years' food, ingredients or manufacturing processes to the reported cases.

• Sudden bilateral dry eye is occurring independently of Years, with cases identified in dogs with no history of eating Years' food, both in the UK and internationally - including in Finland and Hungary, where Years food is neither sold nor consumed - confirming the issue extends beyond Years and is not specific to Years food.
• This raises questions that extend beyond the scope of Years' investigation - whether environmental or other external factors are contributing to the wider rise in cases, and whether certain dogs might have an individual sensitivity, adverse reaction, or some other biological pathway not yet known to science.
• These are not questions Years can answer alone; they require the appropriate scientific experts and regulatory bodies to determine.

We're committed to helping identify the cause. We're sharing our findings with the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards, and funding an independent study led by veterinary ophthalmologist David Williams at Cambridge, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs. We'll also continue to support further international data collection and commission further scientific testing as new information emerges.

We are absolutely confident in the results of the investigation. It was as comprehensive as possible, with a multidisciplinary team of independent experts systematically examining all potential explanations for the reported cases - testing not only ingredients, retained production meals and customer-returned meals, but also commissioning two separate independent reviews of our manufacturing and food safety systems.

The findings were based on 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, with key tests repeated across multiple batches and time periods to verify the results. All testing was carried out by UKAS, PCA or DAkkS-accredited laboratories in the UK and Europe.

We wanted to be as thorough as possible, and that meant taking the time the investigation genuinely required.

• Given the breadth and complexity of the testing programme, involving 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, this was an intensive programme of work conducted at pace.
• Food safety investigations of this scale can take many months to complete, particularly where multiple potential explanations need to be examined and extensive laboratory testing is required.
• It was important that the independent laboratories and experts were given the time they needed to complete and verify their work, rather than reaching conclusions before all the evidence was available.
• Years kept the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards informed throughout, giving both bodies the opportunity to review the findings and scientific laboratory results, microbiological testing data and validated manufacturing records, and to comment as the investigation progressed.

Yes. The investigation used independent experts across all the key areas involved, and the report reflects the independent findings and contributions of the experts referenced throughout - each of whom conducted their own review and independently provided their own findings.

• The multidisciplinary investigation team was made up of independent experts in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition and veterinary ophthalmology, alongside specialists from the Universities of Cambridge, Nottingham and Ljubljana.
• Two separate independent reviews examined Years' manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality control processes.
• All laboratory testing was carried out by independently accredited laboratories in the UK and Europe (UKAS, DAkkS and PCA accredited).
• Independent case data on wider dry eye cases was provided by the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO).

Years kept the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards fully informed throughout, sharing all scientific laboratory results, microbiological testing data and validated manufacturing records with both bodies.

Years engaged in regular conversations with the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO), which independently provided the UK case data used in the investigation, and will continue sharing findings with BrAVO, the FSA and Trading Standards, who are best placed to take the analysis forward.

Years is also working with veterinary ophthalmologists and other companies internationally to understand their testing results and case numbers, and to help facilitate further coordinated data collection, alongside funding an independent study into affected dogs led by David Williams (Cambridge).

Yes. Dogs with no history of eating Years food have developed sudden bilateral dry eye, as identified by the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and Years - both in the UK and in international markets where Years food is neither sold nor consumed.

In total, 96 such cases have been reported so far in dogs that have never eaten Years.

We aren't in a position to name them, because this is not our information to disclose. It is part of a wider third-party investigation.

Yes. The investigation was designed and overseen independently at every stage, not just tested in independent labs.

• A multidisciplinary team of independent experts led the investigation, spanning food safety, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition and veterinary ophthalmology, alongside specialists from the Universities of Cambridge, Nottingham and Ljubljana.
• All laboratory testing was carried out by independently accredited laboratories, including Eurofins Food Tested UK, Fera Science (DEFRA owned), IFP Labs UK, IFP Labs Berlin and J.S. Hamilton Poland, each holding UKAS, DAkkS or PCA accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025.
• Two separate independent reviews were carried out of Years' manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality control processes, one with a manufacturing/QMS focus and one with a toxicological and manufacturing focus.
• The independent experts, including Mike Davies, David Williams, Teri Gardiner, Dr Clive Woolley and Professor David Gardner, each conducted their own review and independently provided their own findings.
• The Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards have been kept fully informed throughout, with Years sharing all scientific laboratory results, microbiological testing data and validated manufacturing records with both bodies.

We encourage you to read the findings, here.

Years takes its responsibility to dogs, their owners and the wider veterinary community very seriously. While no issue has been found with Years' food, we believe in supporting and doing whatever we can to help get to the bottom of this rise in sudden bilateral dry eye cases.

• Years will share all relevant findings with BrAVO, the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards, who are best placed to take this analysis forward, and will support further international data collection and commission further scientific testing as new information emerges.
• Years will fund an independent study, led by David Williams, Veterinary Ophthalmologist and PhD in Ocular Immunology at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs, to explore whether an underlying cause can be identified.
• Years will collect treatment outcomes across reported cases and share this with BrAVO, since how dogs respond to different treatments may offer a clue to the underlying cause.
• Years will continue working with companies and veterinary ophthalmologists internationally to understand their scientific testing results and reported case numbers, and to help facilitate further data collection, and would welcome other companies and the wider industry joining this effort.
• Alongside this research, Years continues to offer practical support to affected dogs and owners, including veterinary ophthalmologist consultations, RCVS Veterinary Eye Health consultations, and 24/7 veterinary support.

This independent article, featuring insight from ophthalmologists Lorraine Fleming BVetMed, CertVOphthal, MRCVS (senior ophthalmologist at DWR Veterinary Specialists) and Victoria Jordan MA VetMB MRCVS PGCertSAO, is a good resource for vets: https://improveinternational.com/uk/clinical-library/years-dog-food-and-dry-eye-what-should-vets-do-with-suspected-cases.

• Owners concerned about their dog's eye health should continue to seek advice from their vet.
• Years will share findings from its investigation, and any further data collected, with the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO) to help inform the wider veterinary community

Extensive independent laboratory testing:

• Buckwheat is a well-established ingredient with a strong safety record. It is listed on the GB Register of Feed Materials and has been used safely in commercial pet food for decades
• Extensive independent testing found no evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issues in Years' buckwheat. Every batch historically used was tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with no issues identified.
• A further 273 retained production meals and customer-returned meals containing buckwheat were also tested, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.
• Years' buckwheat supplier holds IFS Food Version 8 certification (a GFSI-recognised food safety scheme), and every batch supplied to Years had full traceability and was independently tested - covering heavy metals, tropane alkaloids, pesticides and mycotoxins.

Yes, and we appreciate every customer who has got in touch with any potential health concerns - each report has helped inform the breadth of this investigation.

This demonstrated not only no identified link to sudden bilateral dry eye, but the overall safety of Years' food, ingredients and packaging.

Our testing was exhaustive:

• Concerned any health conditions outside of eye-related issues, and these were considered as part of the investigation alongside the sudden bilateral dry eye cases
• Years collaborated with the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards throughout the investigation, giving both bodies the opportunity to review the scientific laboratory results, microbiological testing data and validated manufacturing records, and to comment as the investigation progressed. No further testing was suggested for any health condition
• The investigation involved 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, covering individual ingredients, retained production meals, and meals returned by customers
• Key tests were repeated across multiple batches and time periods to verify the findings, rather than relying on a single result
• Buckwheat, referenced in the recall notice, was tested exhaustively for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with every batch of buckwheat historically used in Years food analysed
• Testing covered every recognised pathway that could plausibly explain the cluster - nutritional, microbiological, toxicological, packaging migration and manufacturing - not just the most likely candidates
• The programme was independently overseen throughout, by experts in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition and veterinary ophthalmology, alongside specialists from the Universities of Cambridge and Nottingham, and conducted by UKAS/DAkkS/PCA-accredited laboratories
• Two separate independent reviews also examined Years' manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality control processes, so the investigation didn't stop at laboratory results alone

Yes: and it's worth being direct about this: finding something would have been the better outcome.

• This investigation has never been about proving there isn't an issue with Years or Years' ingredients. It was the opposite: finding an issue would have given us something to fix, an answer for you, and the ability to potentially use our product liability insurance to support affected dogs and owners
• We kept testing well beyond the obvious checks. A total of 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, with key tests repeated across multiple batches and time periods specifically to stress-test any early negative result rather than accept it at face value
• When the established, most likely causes came back clear, the investigation didn't stop there. It extended into mechanisms rarely considered in veterinary literature at all, including fagopyrin and packaging migration, precisely to avoid stopping short and drawing the wrong conclusion
• We also went looking for data that made the picture more complicated, not less: international case reports from Finland and Hungary, markets where Years isn't even sold. If the goal had been a quick, convenient conclusion, there would have been no reason to pursue this

So to answer plainly: yes, we tried to find something. Finding it was the outcome we wanted.

Ongoing research:

• We're not stopping here. We're funding an independent study led by David Williams, Veterinary Ophthalmologist at Cambridge's Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs, to try to identify an underlying cause
• We're collecting outcome data across reported cases and sharing it with BrAVO, as how dogs respond to different treatments may itself offer a clue to what's causing this
• We're continuing to work with companies and veterinary ophthalmologists internationally to compare testing results and case numbers, and to help build a proper, coordinated picture of what's happening

Darren Beale and Ivan Barashki, Co-Founders of Years, have made the following comments on the investigation:

"When these reports emerged, we did not know what was causing them. There was no scientific evidence that our food was responsible, but we were not prepared to take any chances with the dogs people trust us to feed. That is why we voluntarily recalled our fresh meals and commissioned a comprehensive investigation, drawing on independent experts in food safety, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition, and veterinary ophthalmology."

"We wanted the investigation to look at every credible possibility, and to be as comprehensive as possible. That meant testing retained production meals, food returned by customers and individual ingredients, looking for a wide range of possible contaminants and other causes, and having our manufacturing, supplier and food safety processes independently examined."

"Our investigation is now complete. After extensive independent laboratory tests and two separate reviews by independent experts of our manufacturing process, no contamination, toxin, safety or packaging migration issue has been found in Years food, and no link has been identified between Years food and sudden bilateral dry eye."

"We know this conclusion may not feel like a resolution if you're caring for a dog with sudden bilateral dry eye. We see how hard this has been. These findings don't change that, nor do they answer the wider question of what is causing this unusual pattern of cases, which is also impacting dogs that were never fed our food both in the UK and internationally. While we have completed our investigation, we still want to help find those answers, which is why we'll keep sharing our findings with BrAVO and other independent bodies for as long as it takes."

"For us, and for our customers, the investigation provides important reassurance about the safety of our fresh food, and we look forward to serving customers again in October with our buckwheat-free recipe."

They have also commented on the wider issue beyond the investigation itself:

"On behalf of every dog that has suffered or is suffering from sudden bilateral dry eye, whether a Years customer or not, no matter what food has been fed, or what country they're in, we are determined to try to understand what is causing the rise in cases."

"To understand the treatments that are working, Years will collect outcomes across reported cases and share this with the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. How dogs respond to different treatments may also offer a clue to the underlying cause."

"Years will also fund an independent study, led by David Williams, Veterinary Ophthalmologist and PhD in Ocular Immunology at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs, to explore whether an underlying cause can be identified."

"In parallel, Years will continue to work with companies and veterinary ophthalmologists internationally, to understand their scientific testing results and reported case numbers, and to help facilitate further data collection."

"We would welcome other companies and the wider industry joining us in this effort, to help give dog owners the answers they deserve."

No - the international data does not establish a link between buckwheat and sudden bilateral dry eye. This is an observation, not evidence of a link, causation or correlation.

• In both Finland and Hungary, dry and wet dog foods containing buckwheat were present in a significant number of affected dogs' diets, at a prevalence higher than buckwheat's overall market share.
• This observation is not proof of correlation or causation, particularly given that: none of the three countries has yet reported figures for non-buckwheat cases; diet has not historically been identified as a cause for sudden bilateral dry eye; and other potential contributing factors need to be considered, including environmental exposures, seasonal variation, and medications.
• Notwithstanding this, Years took the possibility seriously and tested extensively to help rule out potential toxin, safety or contamination issues: buckwheat used by Years was extensively tested for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals, and fagopyrin, with no toxin, safety, or contamination issues identified.
• A further 273 retained production meals and customer-returned meals containing buckwheat were also tested, with no toxin, safety or contamination issues identified.
• Years' buckwheat traceability records show no single farm supplying all the affected batches across the investigation period, and cross-checking against other companies' buckwheat supply chains found no link either.
• Over the investigation period (1 March–17 August), Years used 5 distinct buckwheat batches across 1,380 cooking cycles and 145 meal production batches. Cases among affected dogs were not concentrated in any single buckwheat batch, cooking cycle, or production batch.
• Buckwheat is not an unusual ingredient; it is listed on the GB Register of Feed Materials and has been used in commercial pet food for decades. Nonetheless, a reaction in dogs could have gone unnoticed across the wider pet food market until now, since ophthalmologists don't routinely ask about diet fed, and buckwheat typically makes up only a small share of the market.
• The precise mechanism by which buckwheat might trigger individual sensitivity, an adverse reaction, or some other biological pathway not yet known to science, in certain dogs, are not questions Years can answer. They require appropriate scientific experts and regulatory bodies to investigate and, if possible, determine.
• Years will share all relevant findings with BrAVO, the Food Standards Agency, and Trading Standards, who are best placed to take this analysis forward. Years will also support further international data collection and commission further scientific testing as new information emerges.

Yes. As part of the wider investigation, testing covered all of Years' recipes and Breed Health+.

• Key ingredients within Breed Health+ were tested
• Breed Health+ itself was tested
• No toxin, safety or contamination issues were identified

Yes: and it's worth being direct about this: finding something would have been the better outcome.

• This investigation has never been about proving there isn't an issue with Years or Years' ingredients. It was the opposite: finding an issue would have given us something to fix, an answer for you, and the ability to potentially use our product liability insurance to support affected dogs and owners
• We kept testing well beyond the obvious checks. A total of 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, with key tests repeated across multiple batches and time periods specifically to stress-test any early negative result rather than accept it at face value
• When the established, most likely causes came back clear, the investigation didn't stop there. It extended into mechanisms rarely considered in veterinary literature at all, including fagopyrin and packaging migration, precisely to avoid stopping short
• We also went looking for data that made the picture more complicated, not less: international case reports from Finland and Hungary, markets where Years isn't even sold.

So to answer plainly: yes, we tried to find something. Finding it was the outcome we wanted.

Ongoing research:

• We're not stopping here. We're funding an independent study led by David Williams, Veterinary Ophthalmologist at Cambridge's Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, involving histopathological analysis of lacrimal tissue from affected dogs, to try to identify an underlying cause
• We're collecting outcome data across reported cases and sharing it with BrAVO, as how dogs respond to different treatments may itself offer a clue to what's causing this
• We're continuing to work with companies and veterinary ophthalmologists internationally to compare testing results and case numbers, and to help build a proper, coordinated picture of what's happening

We understand the lack of visible updates would have been frustrating.

• This was genuinely difficult for us. Years has always tried to be transparent, personal and accessible, both as a company and as founders, and stepping back from that openness didn't come naturally to us
• We didn't want to speculate on a cause, or share partial findings, before the independent experts and laboratories had completed and verified their work - doing so risked spreading inaccurate or misleading information to worried dog owners
• Food safety investigations of this scale can take many months, and releasing findings piecemeal, before all the evidence was in, could have led to conclusions being drawn - or ruled out - prematurely
• The investigation itself was all-consuming. We knew how important it was to get answers for our customers, and that urgency shaped where our time and energy went throughout - even knowing an investigation of this scale could take many months, we wanted it done as quickly as possible
• Behind the scenes, we were actively engaged throughout: commissioning testing, working with independent experts, and keeping the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards informed and able to review and comment as the investigation progressed

Years wants to be clear that one affected dog is one too many, and the points below explain the reporting figures and do not diminish the seriousness of any individual case. It should also be noted that the independent investigation found no evidence of any contamination, toxin, safety, or manufacturing issue with Years' food, and no link was identified between Years' food and sudden bilateral dry eye.

• BrAVO's data is drawn from veterinary practices and ophthalmologists collecting reports across the UK, with the investigation widely publicised both within the veterinary and ophthalmology community and across social media
• Following a voluntary recall, significant national media attention and high-profile social media coverage, there is potential for some degree of over-reporting bias towards Years-fed cases, and both the UK and international BrAVO data remain subject to further verification and collection

You can read the full report here: download.

Testing scale

• 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, covering 273 meals across all 6 recipes and 101 ingredient samples across 35 ingredients

Findings

• No evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue with Years' food
• No evidence of contamination, toxin or safety issue with Years' ingredients
• No evidence of toxin, migration or safety issue with Years' packaging
• Dogs never fed Years are also developing sudden bilateral dry eye

Observation

• Buckwheat-containing dry and wet dog foods were present in affected dogs' diets at a rate higher than buckwheat's overall market share
• This isn't proof of correlation or causation, since diet has never previously been linked to this condition, we don't yet know how many cases involved dogs not fed buckwheat, and other factors such as environmental exposures, seasonal variation and medications haven't been ruled out

More research

• Could point to an individual sensitivity, adverse reaction, or some other biological pathway not yet known to science
• This requires appropriate scientific experts and regulatory bodies to determine

Resuming deliveries

• Years will resume serving customers from October, with all recipes now buckwheat-free
• Driven by customer preference to return to the previous recipes, and taken as a precaution

Yes. Years has collaborated with the FSA and Trading Standards throughout the investigation.

• Years has engaged with both bodies to review the investigation findings and has shared all scientific laboratory results, microbiological testing data, and validated manufacturing records.
• Years will continue sharing all relevant findings with the FSA and Trading Standards, alongside BrAVO.

• There were 145 meal production batches during the investigation period, and 273 meals were tested across all 6 recipes - covering retained production samples and meals returned by customers - giving broad coverage across that production run
• Years collaborated with the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards throughout the investigation, giving both bodies the opportunity to review the scientific laboratory results, microbiological testing data and validated manufacturing records, and to comment as the investigation progressed. No further testing was suggested
• The investigation involved 21,757 individual test results across 1,129 distinct substances, covering individual ingredients, retained production meals, and meals returned by customers, spanning the full investigation period of 1 March to 17 August 2026
• Key tests were repeated across multiple batches and time periods to verify the findings, rather than relying on a single result
• Buckwheat, referenced in the recall notice, was tested exhaustively for 940 distinct substances, including tropane alkaloids, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals and fagopyrin, with every batch of buckwheat historically used in Years food analysed
• Testing covered every recognised pathway that could plausibly explain the cluster - nutritional, microbiological, toxicological, packaging migration and manufacturing - not just the most likely candidates
• The programme was independently overseen throughout, by experts in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary clinical nutrition and veterinary ophthalmology, alongside specialists from the Universities of Cambridge and Nottingham, and conducted by UKAS/DAkkS/PCA-accredited laboratories
• Two separate independent reviews also examined Years' manufacturing, food safety, supplier and quality control processes, so the investigation didn't stop at laboratory results alone

A customer-returned meal is a meal sent back by a customer, specifically because their dog may have been affected by sudden bilateral dry eye, so it could be tested.

Years asked customers who suspected their dog was affected to send their meal back, rather than testing only meals held internally from production.

This meant the investigation wasn't limited to samples Years had already retained; it could also test the actual food a potentially affected dog had eaten.

These returned meals were tested alongside retained production meals, and since both "contain the full ingredient set," testing at meal level automatically covers every ingredient within it, not just the ingredient being targeted.

In total, 273 meals were tested across all 6 recipes, combining both retained production meals and customer-returned meals.

A retained meal is a physical sample kept back from production specifically so it can be tested later if needed.

Across the investigation period (1 March to 17 August 2026) there were 145 production batches, and from each one, samples were retained.

This meant that when the investigation started, Years already had physical meals on hand from throughout the whole period, not just from when the investigation began, so testing could cover the entire investigation window retrospectively.

These retained meals were tested alongside meals returned by customers, since both "contain the full ingredient set," meaning testing at meal level automatically covers every ingredient within it, not just the ingredient being targeted.

In total, 273 meals were tested across all 6 recipes, combining both retained production meals and customer-returned meals.