{
  "id": 2530617,
  "title": "‘The worst part is the guilt’: the owners who fear dog food caused pets’ eye problems",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/the-worst-part-is-the-guilt-the-owners-who-fear-dog-food-caused-pets",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-22T07:00:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Business",
    "slug": "guardian-business",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/22/worst-part-guilt-owners-dog-food-eye-problems-years"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Owners who purchased Years' fresh dog food are expressing distress about a potential link between the recalled product and their pets' eye problems. Elizabeth, a civil servant from north London, shared her concerns after her six-year-old cavachon, Chester, developed severe red and gunky eyes. Chester has had multiple visits to the vet, and Elizabeth suspects a \"toxic chemical reaction\" may have caused the condition. This is one of several cases where pet owners are worried about the possible connection between Years' food and their dogs' eye health issues. Phoebe, a seven-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel belonging to Marie Carter-Robb, was diagnosed with dry eye, which is linked to the Years recall. Phoebe's symptoms emerged in June, and her owner believes the onset coincides with the introduction of buckwheat in the dog food. Marie's vet is concerned about the timing and suspects the food might be the cause. Adele Chaplin, who lives in Suffolk, reported that her eight-year-old greyhound, Lettuce, developed bilateral dry eye and eye ulcers after consuming Years' food for several years. Despite being treated by a vet and referred to a specialist, Lettuce still shows signs of discomfort and requires daily medication. All three pet owners are determined to understand the reasons behind their pets' health issues and seek ways to alleviate their suffering.",
  "summary": "In the week that Years recalled all of its fresh meals, concerns grow about a potential link to dogs’ health conditions “It’s been horrible – Chester developed sudden red and gunky eyes in May,” said Elizabeth, whose six-year-old cavachon “can’t open his eyes” on many days. The 29-year-old civil servant is one of a number of people who contacted the Guardian because they are concerned about a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}