Owners of dogs fed on the subscription brand Years have come forward fearing its fresh meals caused their pets to develop sudden bilateral dry eye, a painful condition that can lead to sight loss if untreated. The concerns emerged in the same week that Years recalled all of its fresh meals, with the company saying its investigation is focused on possible contamination in a batch of buckwheat added to recipes several months ago. The case highlights the anguish faced by pet owners chasing an unexplained diagnosis, and raises questions about ingredient sourcing and quality control in the fast-growing fresh pet food industry.

Years said it began receiving reports of the condition, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), in late July, and that by Tuesday evening 192 customers had reported potential, as yet unverified, eye issues. Among those affected is Chester, a six-year-old cavachon who has been taken to the vet more than ten times after developing red, sore eyes, with vets telling his owner they were “fairly confident” of a link to the food he had eaten for around 18 months. Marie Carter-Robb, editor of Pets Magazine, said her seven-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel Phoebe was formally diagnosed with dry eye, with her vet noting that the timing of buckwheat’s introduction to the recipe could be a significant factor.