Continuing the search for answers

Over the past 6 weeks, we've seen something extraordinary. Families who had never met have come together, sharing what they've learned, supporting each other through the worst days, and refusing to let anyone go through this alone. That's what the dog community does, and it's humbling to see. 

We want to stand alongside you in the same way. Years was built on the back of a community, and we've seen first-hand how powerful it can be. We share the same simple hope, more years with the dogs we love, and we believe working together is the best way to find the answers, even if they're uncomfortable.

But the science may take years to find those answers, and your dog needs help now. That matters more than anything, which is why we're focused on supporting you as fully and as quickly as we can, while we're able to do so. 

The Support Programme

  • Financial support now. Support for your dog within weeks, not years

  • Clarity. Finding answers may take years, and waiting for them can be hard when your dog needs care now. With the programme, you can get support sooner and you'll know exactly what you're being offered

  • The full amount goes to you. Nothing is deducted for administration, or legal costs and you're never liable for anyone else’s costs

  • Your voice stays yours. You're free to share your experience however you wish, and as loudly as you wish

  • The search for answers continues. Our research and testing go on, and with your help and the wider community's, we're determined to find answers. Our love of dogs is why we started Years, and this programme is about helping yours.

The Investigation

From the very beginning, our investigation has been about finding the truth. It has shown that our ingredients and the way our food is made meet every safety standard, but there are still questions we can't yet answer, including the number of affected dogs who had been eating Years.

That's why the search for answers goes on, and you're an important part of it. Every story you share, every detail you remember and every question you ask brings us a step closer. Together, we have the best
chance of finding the cause.

What we know

We'll keep asking the hard questions of ourselves alongside everyone else. We're sharing these points because they're everything we've learned so far, but there's still so much more to learn.

  • 21,757 individual tests found no contamination, toxin or safety issue in years food
  • Sudden bilateral dry eye is occurring in dogs not fed Years
  • Buckwheat has emerged as a potential common factor across affected dogs
  • Years is the only company to issue a recall in response to these cases

What we don’t know

These are the questions that matter most, and no single company, vet or researcher can answer them alone. It will take owners, vets, scientists and the wider industry, all sharing what they know and following the evidence wherever it leads. Every family who has been through this holds a piece of the picture. Together, we can keep working towards the answers every dog and every owner deserves.

  • What explains the number of Years fed dogs amongst the cases?
  • What is causing the wider increase in sudden bilateral dry eye cases?
  • Why are there cases appearing in different countries?
  • What food(s) are the non-Years cases eating?
  • What research is taking place across the wider industry?

What happens next

We’ve listened to what you’ve told us and learned from what you’ve shared and waiting for a cause isn't an option. There are still important questions to answer, but they shouldn't stand in the way of what
matters most right now: keeping your dog comfortable, protecting their eyes, and making sure you have the care, advice and support you need to get through this together.

  • Alongside helping your dog now, we're funding independent research to understand why sudden bilateral dry eye happens and how best to treat it. Every dog's journey holds valuable information, from the treatments that have helped to the ones that haven't

  • No one should have to face this alone. We're creating a dedicated space where families can connect with others who understand, share what's helped their dogs, and keep up to date as the research progresses. It's a place to ask questions, compare treatment options and learn from each other, building on the incredible support families have already shown one another.

See below to take a look at all of the support available to you now.

Ophthalmologist video consultation

Speak directly with a specialist veterinary ophthalmologist from home, at no cost to you. They can review your dog's condition, talk you through treatment options and answer any questions you have. Every specialist is fully independent of Years. We don't direct their advice or influence what they tell you.

David Williams

MA VetMB PhD CertVOphthal CertWEL FRCVS

Veterinary Ophthalmologist and PhD in Ocular Immunology at the University of Cambridge, Queen's Veterinary School Hospital

Dr Amy Andrews

BSc(Hons) BVetMed PgDipVCP MVetMed DipECVO MRCVS

European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmologist

Free prescription service

Book a free video consultation with an RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon to review your dog's current treatment. If medication is needed, they'll issue a prescription at no cost. You can then buy the medicine from an online or local pharmacy, which is often cheaper than buying through a vet practice.

Access to lower cost medicines

Once you have a free prescription from our veterinary team, you can buy your dog's medicines for less. We've found three trusted pharmacy options, which you'll find in your account. Compare prices and choose the one that works best for you.

RVCS Veterinary Surgeon Video Consultation

Whatever's on your mind about your dog's health, big or small, our RCVS-registered vets are here to help. Book a free video consultation to talk through anything from skin and ear problems to tummy upsets, weight, mobility or changes in behaviour.

24/7 access to 70+ Vets

Worried about your dog at 2am? You don't have to wait until morning. Send a video message to our network of more than 70 practising vets, and you'll get a personal video reply with the advice you need.

Page last updated: 28.09.26