Premium dog food is what pet owners purchase because they think it provides the most nutritious and safest diet for their pets. Recently, however, Years, a new dog food subscription service, has had a major recall because several dogs were experiencing eye pain due to an ingredient in one of their products.
Years recalled the product voluntarily due to a potential link between buckwheat and dog dry eye disease. The company reported that there were 57 cases up to August 16, which comprised 0.1% of their customer base.
Years told customers to stop using all Years’ products on dogs and other animals until further notice. Additionally, customer subscriptions have been suspended for six weeks, during which time the company will replace buckwheat with quinoa.
A case report described the experience of Cookie, a six-year-old spaniel cross, from North London. According to David Felton, who was her owner, Cookie had been feeding on Years’ meals for more than two years until suddenly she started to have serious problems with her eyesight.
At first, Cookie received treatment for her scratched cornea according to the assumptions made by the vets. However, as the treatment did not give results, she was sent to see an eye expert, where she was diagnosed with bilateral dry eye syndrome.
Years has instructed that customers should visit the veterinarian if their dog shows any signs of eye discomfort. Symptoms may include:
Early veterinary treatment can help reduce pain and prevent complications.
The company states that the investigation began in early August following several complaints about the sudden occurrence of dry eye in both eyes. Even though buckwheat is an acceptable pet food ingredient, the company, Years, is carrying out a full-scale investigation into the matter.
The results of the investigation shall be released after completion, while the customers are to be provided with new meals, which do not include buckwheat, in the meantime.
However, if you have noticed any eye symptoms in your dog who has had Years of healthy feeding, you should keep an eye out for further symptoms in the following days. Any symptoms such as redness or discharge should be reported to a vet as soon as possible.
References Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/years-recall-dog-buckwheat-pet-food-dry-eye-b3035289.html