Years Fresh Meals dog food investigation

What is the Years Fresh Meals dog food recall investigation about? 

Premium pet food brand Years recalled all products in the Fresh Meals range, excluding its Chef’s Collection, after concerns arose that one of the ingredients had become contaminated, allegedly causing irreversible eye injuries in dogs.  

Leigh Day's product safety team is now investigating whether pet owners whose dogs may have been affected may be entitled to compensation.  

The following products have been recalled: 

• Steak & Kidney Hotpot 
• Surf & Turf 
• Salmon & Pollock 
• Turkey Fricassee 
• Chicken Casserole 
• Pork Stew 

The recall has caused significant concern amongst pet owners. Many have reported their dogs suffering symptoms requiring emergency veterinary treatment.  

Is Leigh Day investigating potential claims? 

Yes. Leigh Day has been contacted by a significant number of dog owners whose pets are alleged to have suffered irreversible eye injuries after consuming the recalled Years Fresh Meals dog food. Our specialist product safety lawyers are actively gathering evidence from affected owners across the UK. 

What costs could a Years Fresh Meals dog food claim cover? 

A successful claim could cover veterinary treatment costs, the price of the recalled product, and other financial losses connected to your dog's injury. The team is investigating whether affected dog owners may be able to bring claims arising from: 

• The purchase of recalled dog food products 
• Veterinary treatment costs 
• Ongoing care and treatment expenses 
• Financial losses associated with the loss of a pet (cremation/burial costs) and replacement pet costs 
• Associated financial losses 
• Each case will depend on its individual circumstances and the evidence available. 

What symptoms have been linked to the recalled dog food? 

Dog owners have reported symptoms consistent with sudden bilateral dry eye, clinically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, after their dogs consumed the recalled products. If left untreated, KCS can progress to eye ulcers, scarring, and permanent visual impairment. 

Reported symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca include: 

• Sticky, thick, mucus-like discharge in or around the eyes 
• Excessive blinking or squinting 
• Rubbing or pawing at the face and eyes 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Redness or inflammation of the eyes 
• A dull, dry-looking appearance to the cornea 

If your dog suffered any of the above symptoms after consuming the recalled product, Leigh Day’s product safety team would be interested in hearing from you. 

Who may be eligible to bring a dog food recall claim? 

You may be eligible to bring a claim if you purchased a recalled Years Fresh Meals product, your dog consumed it, and your dog subsequently suffered an eye injury. Specifically, you may have a claim if: 

• You purchased a recalled dog food product 
• Your dog consumed the product 
• Your dog subsequently suffered an eye injury 
• You incurred veterinary expenses or other financial losses 
• Medical or veterinary evidence supports a possible connection between the eye injuries and the recalled product 

Leigh Day’s specialist team can assess your circumstances and advise whether they may be able to assist. 

What compensation could be claimed for a dog's eye injury? 

Compensation in a successful claim could cover veterinary costs, medication, ongoing care, and, in appropriate cases, losses connected to the death of a pet. Claims may include compensation for: 

• Veterinary treatment costs 
• Medication and rehabilitation expenses 
• Ongoing care requirements 
• The value of the recalled product 
• Travel expenses incurred in obtaining treatment 
• Losses arising from caring for an injured pet 
• Other financial losses connected to the injury 

In appropriate cases, financial losses associated with the loss of a pet (cremation/burial costs) and replacement pet costs.

The amount recoverable will depend on the individual facts of each case. 

What information should I provide to Leigh Day? 

To assist with the investigation, it may be helpful if you can provide: 

• Details of the dog food product purchased 
• Proof of purchase 
• Veterinary records 
• Details of any pet insurance policy or legal expense insurance policy that may cover this incident 
• Information regarding any financial losses incurred 

How can Leigh Day's product safety lawyers help? 

Our product safety lawyers are closely monitoring developments relating to the Years Fresh Meals recall and are gathering information from affected dog owners across the UK. If your dog became unwell after consuming the recalled dog food, contact the team to discuss the circumstances of your case, understand the investigation process, and find out whether they may be able to help you pursue a claim.