Years fresh dog food and buckwheat concerns

Jul 1, 2026 Just Be Kind Dog Food Arielle

Fresh buckwheat used in Years fresh dog food that is linked to dry eye in dogs

Years fresh dog food have raised concerns on their website today about the use of a contamination issue with the soaked fresh buckwheat that they use in all their recipes as being a possible cause of dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or KCS) in 0.1% of the dogs eating their food.

As a vet, I have always been warned that dry eye in dogs can be caused by the drug Sulphasalazine (a Sulphur drug) - that is used to treat dogs with colitis. It could not be given for more than a week as dogs were very likely to develop dry eye. This is the only association I have with ingredients and dry eye in dogs.

(How I wish I knew what I now know as a vet - the most natural way to support a dog with colitis is to remove all known intolerances, and feed a pure hypoallergenic plant-based diet!)

Please see the ingredient list of the foods used in Years fresh dog food (taken as a screenshot from their site 18th August 2026) -

The thorough list above of their pork recipe contains very high levels of organ meat (the excretory organs) of pigs which immediately caught my eye as a plant powered vet as any type of pork is concerning to feed our dogs (but especially the excretory organs of intensively raised pigs).

We have the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and antibiotics in omnivorous pigs fed crushed chicken livers and fish byproducts for fast growth. (Read here how we shouldn't add pig to dog food for so many reasons)

However, the issue that Years are focussing on is the freshly pre-soaked buckwheat that they have added.

We do commend Years for being so thorough with their research and acting to remove the contaminated buckwheat from their recipes as we see that fresh buckwheat is added to ALL of their recipes, even those used for puppies.

Just Be Kind received this email today from Sandra -

"Hi, I have been passed your details from a friends who recommends your dog food highly. I have a Bichon Maltese 5 and a half male who over the last few months (although may have been longer?) has been diagnosed with dry eye.
This according to tests (strip test) will not be reversed.
Regular gels and eye cleaning are required about 6 times a day. Beau is incredibly stoic throughout. He also has a very sensitive digestive system - and is currently fed "Years" with some Scrumble for toy dogs as a very light topper. I understand that this is an autoimmune affliction. The reason for my contact is to ask whether a change to your wet foods could make a difference? I look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks" - Sandra

Yes absolutely Sandra, it is worth trying our wholefood trays of plant-based proteins such as faba bean protein, sweet potato, quinoa, cranberries and no buckwheat, corn, wheat or soya (and definitely NO animal byproducts).
We also highly advise the addition of our pure Omega 3 Algae oil for your Bichon Maltese as a natural supplement to help with the dry eye AND his sensitive digestion, as it is rich in pure Omegas and also contains a potent antioxidant called Astaxanthin from a bright pink microalgae.

Which of our products contains buckwheat?

Our Solo Vegetal dry food contains buckwheat powder as an ingredient. Please note that we have contacted our suppliers Nextmune and please see their reply in this Blog post as we are taking this very seriously.