Buckwheat Poisoning in Dogs and the Years Dog Food Recall

Years says it has received 192 reports of potential eye problems among approximately 40,000 customer dogs. The condition most frequently reported is sudden bilateral dry eye, meaning that both eyes have stopped producing sufficient tears.

The company is also investigating whether there may have been contamination within its buckwheat supply. It is therefore important to distinguish between what is currently suspected and what has been scientifically established.

What is buckwheat?

Despite its name, buckwheat is not wheat or even a true cereal grain. It is a flowering plant whose seeds can be ground into flour and used as a carbohydrate source.

Buckwheat seed and flour are generally regarded as safe when properly processed and eaten in normal quantities. However, parts of the plant contain naturally occurring light-sensitive compounds called fagopyrins.

The amount of fagopyrin can vary according to the variety and the part of the plant used. Scientific literature indicates that higher concentrations are generally associated with the flowers, green parts, sprouts and outer husks rather than the properly processed seed itself.

What is buckwheat poisoning?

Poisoning caused by fagopyrins is known as fagopyrism. Fagopyrin is phototoxic, which means it can make the body abnormally sensitive to sunlight.

After the substance is eaten and absorbed into the bloodstream, exposure to ultraviolet light can activate it and cause tissue damage. Veterinary texts describe this as primary photosensitisation.

Signs traditionally associated with fagopyrism can include:

• red, inflamed or swollen skin;
• itching and obvious discomfort;
• sensitivity to sunlight or reluctance to go outdoors;
• crusting, sores or skin lesions;
• damage or death of skin tissue in severe cases; and
• eye discomfort or abnormal sensitivity to light.

Buckwheat is listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses by the ASPCA because of its potential to cause photosensitisation. Most established accounts of fagopyrism have involved livestock eating the green plant, rather than dogs eating processed buckwheat seed in a commercially prepared food.

Does buckwheat cause dry eye in dogs?

At present, it would be inaccurate to state as a proven fact that buckwheat causes canine dry eye.

The condition being reported in dogs fed Years is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS occurs when the tear glands fail to produce enough of the watery part of the tear film. Without adequate tears, the surface of the eye becomes painfully dry and inflamed.

Signs of dry eye can include:

• red or sore-looking eyes;
• squinting or excessive blinking;
• rubbing or pawing at the eyes;
• thick, sticky or greenish discharge;
• dull, cloudy or dry-looking eyes;
• sensitivity to light; and
• apparent deterioration in vision.

Fagopyrin is known to be phototoxic, but the reported cluster of sudden bilateral dry eye does not exactly match the traditional presentation of fagopyrism. Investigators must establish whether the cases were caused by fagopyrin, an unusual concentration or form of plant material, contamination of an ingredient, an interaction with another substance or a different factor entirely.

The association is sufficiently concerning to justify the precautionary recall, but an association is not yet proof of causation.

Which Years meals have been recalled?

According to Years, all its puppy, adult and senior fresh-meal recipes contained between 6.3% and 7.2% buckwheat.

Customers have been advised to stop feeding all Years Fresh Meals immediately, even if their dogs do not currently have symptoms. The food should not be fed to another animal, sold or donated.

The Chef’s Collection, treats and Breed Health+ supplements are not included in the recall according to the company’s information at the time this article was updated.

What should owners do?

Any dog that has eaten the recalled food and is showing redness, discharge, squinting, rubbing, cloudiness or discomfort should be examined by a veterinary surgeon promptly.

A vet may carry out a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production and use fluorescein dye to check the cornea for ulcers or other damage. Some dogs may require urgent referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Owners should retain:

• food packaging, batch details and any remaining food;
• order confirmations and payment records;
• photographs showing changes in the eyes;
• a dated account of when symptoms appeared;
• copies of veterinary notes and test results;
• invoices for consultations, medication and referrals; and
• copies of all correspondence with the manufacturer.

Should all dog foods containing buckwheat be avoided?

The present investigation relates specifically to Years fresh meals. It should not automatically be taken as evidence that every pet food containing buckwheat is dangerous.

The variety of buckwheat, the part of the plant included, its source, processing and concentration may all be relevant. Until the investigation is complete, owners may understandably wish to read ingredient labels and ask individual manufacturers what type and part of buckwheat they use and how it is processed.

All About Dog Food rating and company connection

Years was previously described as one of the joint highest-rated foods on the All About Dog Food website. The website describes itself as “fully independent” and says that its ratings are data-driven and algorithmic rather than influenced by advertising or sponsorship.

Official company records nevertheless establish a corporate connection that may be relevant to readers. The All About Dog Food website identifies its UK operator as All About Pet Food UK Ltd, company number 16665744. Its Companies House incorporation document shows that the company’s single issued share was held by the Finnish company All About Pet Food Oy, meaning that the Finnish company wholly owned the UK operator when it was incorporated in August 2025.

An official Finnish Trade Register extract for All About Pet Food Oy, business ID 3230956-3, dated 28 August 2024, lists Years co-founder Darren Carl Beale as Chair of its Board of Directors. It also lists Felicity Anne Beale and All About Dog Food founder David James Jackson as board members.

What is known so far?

A concerning cluster of eye problems has been reported, buckwheat is common to the recalled recipes, and Years considers it a potential contributing factor. It has not yet been established precisely what caused the dogs’ condition or whether the recognised phototoxic action of fagopyrin explains the reported cases of sudden dry eye.

Further toxicology results and independent veterinary investigation will be needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. This article will be updated if reliable new information becomes available.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for advice from a veterinary surgeon. The Years investigation is continuing and the information may change as laboratory findings become available.

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