UK Dog Food Recall: Seven Eye Symptoms Owners Should Watch For

Dog owners across the UK are being urged to check their pets carefully after a popular fresh dog food brand recalled its meals following reports of serious eye problems.

Years, a premium fresh dog food company, has temporarily withdrawn its meals after reports suggested a possible connection between its products and a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly called dry eye. The company has advised customers to stop feeding the recalled food to pets, whether or not they are currently showing symptoms.

The situation has raised concerns among pet owners because severe cases of dry eye can damage the surface of the eye and potentially affect a dog's vision if the condition is not treated.

What happened with the Years dog food recall?

Years has launched an investigation after receiving reports of dogs developing sudden bilateral dry eye. The company has identified a potential association with buckwheat, an ingredient used in some of its fresh meals, although laboratory testing and further investigation are still required to establish the cause.

Reports initially identified 57 suspected cases through the company's customer support channels. A later report said Years had received 192 unverified reports involving possible eye-related symptoms, highlighting why the investigation remains ongoing.

The company has taken a precautionary approach by recalling its fresh meals and temporarily pausing subscriptions. It is also reformulating recipes to remove buckwheat while investigations continue.

Pet retailers have also published recall information. Pets at Home says Years Signature Meals containing buckwheat have been recalled and lists products including Chicken Casserole, Pork Stew, Steak & Kidney Hotpot and Surf & Turf among the affected meals. Other Years products have been temporarily withdrawn as an additional precaution.

Seven symptoms of dry eye in dogs

Owners whose dogs have eaten the affected food should be alert to changes in their pet's eyes. The symptoms reported by Years include:

1. Red or irritated eyes

One of the most noticeable signs can be redness around the eye. The white part of the eye or surrounding tissue may appear inflamed, and your dog may seem uncomfortable.

Red eyes can have many causes, so they do not automatically mean a dog has developed a food-related problem. However, if the symptom appears alongside other eye changes, veterinary advice should be sought.

2. Frequent blinking or squinting

Dogs experiencing eye discomfort may blink more frequently than normal or keep their eyes partly closed.

Squinting can be particularly important because it may indicate pain or irritation. If your dog suddenly starts squinting after eating a recalled product, contact your vet rather than waiting for the problem to resolve by itself.

3. Cloudy or dull-looking eyes

A healthy dog's eyes generally appear clear and bright. A cloudy, hazy or unusually dull appearance can indicate that the surface of the eye is being affected.

Changes to the cornea should be taken seriously because untreated inflammation can result in further complications.

4. Thick or sticky discharge

Another warning sign is unusual mucus or sticky discharge around the eyes.

Owners may notice material collecting in the corners of the eyes, particularly after the dog has been sleeping. Persistent or excessive discharge should be assessed by a veterinary professional.

5. Corneal ulcers

Dry eye can leave the surface of the eye vulnerable to damage, including corneal ulcers. These are painful and can become serious without appropriate treatment.

A suspected ulcer is not something owners should attempt to treat at home. Veterinary assessment is important because eye conditions can worsen rapidly.

6. Pawing or rubbing at the eyes

A dog that repeatedly paws at its face or rubs its eyes against furniture, carpets or other surfaces may be experiencing discomfort.

Although occasional face rubbing can be normal, a sudden increase in this behaviour should prompt closer inspection, particularly if the dog has recently consumed a recalled product.

7. A bluish appearance to the eyes

Years has also advised owners to look for a blue-ish tinge across the eye.

A change in eye colour or clarity can be associated with problems affecting the cornea. Any sudden change should be treated as a reason to seek professional veterinary advice.

What should owners do if their dog ate the recalled food?

The most important step is to stop feeding the affected Years meals.

The company has advised customers not to feed the products to animals and not to donate or sell unused food. Years has also offered collection of unused meals and credit for affected customers.

Owners should check the packaging and recall information carefully rather than assuming that every Years product is affected in exactly the same way. Pets at Home's recall notice provides details of products recalled because they contain buckwheat, while other items were withdrawn temporarily as a precaution.

If a dog is showing eye symptoms, owners should contact their veterinary practice as soon as possible. Eye problems can have numerous causes, and only a veterinary professional can properly examine the animal and determine the appropriate treatment.

Why is dry eye a concern?

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS, occurs when there is insufficient tear production to keep the eye properly protected and lubricated.

Research into canine KCS shows that it is a recognised condition in dogs and can have different causes. A UK epidemiological study found that age and breed can be associated with the likelihood of developing the condition, demonstrating that dry eye is not a problem with a single underlying cause.

The current Years investigation is therefore particularly important. While the company has identified a potential link involving buckwheat, a direct causal relationship has not yet been conclusively established.

This distinction matters. The recall is a precautionary action taken while evidence is being gathered, rather than proof that buckwheat itself is inherently dangerous to dogs.

What happens next?

Years says it is continuing its investigation and has begun reformulating its meals to remove buckwheat. Subscriptions have also been paused for an initial period while the company works through the issue.

For owners, the priority should be monitoring their dogs and following official recall instructions.

Anyone whose dog has consumed the affected meals should keep a record of when the food was eaten and any symptoms that subsequently appeared. This information may be useful when speaking with a vet or the food company.

Most importantly, owners should not wait for severe symptoms before asking for professional advice. Changes such as redness, persistent squinting, discharge, cloudiness, repeated pawing or an unusual blue appearance can all justify a veterinary assessment.

Final advice for UK dog owners

The Years dog food recall is an evolving situation, and investigations into the suspected connection between the meals, buckwheat and eye problems are continuing.

For now, owners should avoid feeding recalled Years products, check the latest recall information, and seek veterinary advice if their dog develops unusual eye symptoms.

The reports of affected dogs are understandably worrying, but it is important not to assume that every eye problem is caused by the recalled food. Veterinary assessment remains the best way to establish what is happening and how it should be treated.

Sources

• The Sun, “Seven symptoms to watch out for as dog food is urgently recalled in the UK after pets reportedly lose their sight,” published 20 August 2026.
• The Sun, “Dog food brand used by 40,000 Brits is recalled as pets develop serious eye issues,” August 2026.
• Pets at Home, “Years Dog Food Product Recall,” August 2026.
• Journal of Small Animal Practice, research on keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs.
• Press Association, reports on the suspected dog food-related eye problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not veterinary or medical advice. The suspected link between the recalled Years meals and canine dry eye remains under investigation. If your dog has eaten a recalled product or is showing eye problems, contact a qualified veterinary professional promptly. Always check the latest official recall information before taking action.