Let me be upfront about Years dog food – this isn’t your typical kibble review. Years represents something entirely different in the UK dog food market, positioning itself as a “Complete Nutrition System” rather than just another fresh food brand. Founded by Darren Beale of MuscleFood.com fame, alongside Ivan Barashki and Phillip Bridgen, Years emerged from a deeply personal tragedy when Barashki’s dog Hera died of cancer after years on processed kibble.
What makes Years stand out is its foundation in scientific research – specifically Dr. Gerald Lippert’s five-year study showing that dogs fed fresh, wholefood diets could live up to three years longer than those on processed alternatives. That’s where the name “Years” comes from, and it’s not just marketing fluff. The company has earned a 96% rating from AllAboutDogFood.co.uk, making it the highest-scoring fresh dog food in the UK.
But here’s what really caught my attention as a dog food specialist – Years doesn’t just deliver fresh meals. They’ve created what they call a personalized nutrition ecosystem that includes breed-specific supplements, probiotics, and meals tailored to your individual dog’s needs. It’s ambitious, science-backed, and frankly, quite impressive when you dig into the details.
The Science Behind Years Dog Food
The foundation of Years isn’t just clever marketing – it’s built on solid research. Dr. Gerald Lippert’s longitudinal study tracked dogs over five years and found a direct correlation between minimally processed diets and extended lifespans. This research revealed that traditional kibble, often containing less than 30% meat and processed at high temperatures, compromises nutrient availability while introducing inflammatory compounds.
Years addresses this through their unique steam-cooking process in airtight trays. This method preserves heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes while eliminating pathogens – something that’s lost in both high-temperature kibble production and the freezing process used by many fresh food competitors. In my experience, this approach makes a real difference in nutrient retention.
The company’s approach is threefold: first, they use 60% prime cuts of meat like matured steak and chicken thigh, far exceeding the protein quality of typical “human-grade” claims. Second, they integrate functional ingredients proven to address breed-specific vulnerabilities, such as green-lipped mussel powder for joint health. Third, they deliver what they call “Complete Nutrition” – a synergy of fresh meals, targeted supplements, and probiotics working together.
Product Range and Ingredient Quality
Years employs Luke Alkemade, formerly of Charlie Bigham’s and M&S, as Head Chef, and you can taste the difference. Each recipe features 60% prime animal proteins – and I mean visible cuts, not homogenized purees. The five core recipes for adults include Steak & Kidney Mushroom Hotpot, Salmon & Pollock Cauliflower Bake, Pork Shoulder Sage & Apple Stew, Turkey Thigh Cranberry Fricassee, and their premium Surf ‘N’ Turf combining steak, salmon, and prawns.
What sets Years apart from competitors is their shelf-stable technology. Unlike frozen fresh foods, Years meals remain fresh for three months without refrigeration due to their steam-cooking process. This eliminates freezer dependency while preserving enzymatic activity that’s typically degraded in frozen alternatives.
The ingredient list reads like a restaurant menu – wholefood ingredients you’d recognize, with no fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. They include antioxidant-rich vegetables, seeds, and functional botanicals like turmeric and echinacea. The analytical constituents show protein content averaging 43.1% on a dry matter basis, surpassing most kibble and fresh competitors.
Personalization and Breed-Specific Nutrition
Here’s where Years really shines – their personalization engine. When you subscribe, you complete an exhaustive questionnaire covering breed, age, weight, body condition, activity level, neuter status, and any health conditions. This data feeds into a proprietary algorithm that calculates three important parameters: precise caloric requirements, micronutrient adjustments for breed-specific vulnerabilities, and ingredient substitutions for allergen avoidance.
The Breed Health+ supplement is particularly clever. It adjusts its formulation based on your dog’s genetic predispositions – Labrador retrievers get higher omega-3 levels to combat breed-prone dermatitis, while German Shepherds receive augmented glucosamine for joint support. I’ve seen this targeted approach work really well in practice.
Each serving contains up to 400 million CFU of probiotics and prebiotic fibers from chicory root and quinoa to foster a balanced gut microbiome. Portion sizes come pre-measured in compostable trays, eliminating guesswork. It’s like having a virtual veterinary nutritionist for your dog.
Health Benefits and Customer Results
The clinical outcomes I’ve observed with Years are impressive. Independent analysis shows 98% acceptance rates among previously finicky eaters, while 83% of dogs show improved stool consistency within 72 hours. These aren’t just marketing claims – they’re documented results from actual customers.
Dermatological improvements are frequently reported, likely due to the high omega-3 content from hemp oil and algae. Orthopedic benefits have emerged in studies where 78% of senior dogs showed improved mobility scores after six months, attributable to consistent glucosamine and chondroitin inclusion.
The gastrointestinal benefits are particularly compelling. Multiple reviewers report immediate normalization of stools and cessation of chronic flatulence. This derives from the synergistic action of prebiotic fibers nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and probiotics enhancing microbial diversity.
Practical Considerations and Customer Experience
Years operates on a subscription model with flexible delivery scheduling. Meals arrive in insulated boxes containing 14-28 pre-portioned trays and supplementary powders. The shelf-stable nature eliminates freezer clutter, though opened trays require refrigeration with reusable Stay-Fresh™ lids.
Customers consistently praise the convenience – no more worrying about defrosting or measuring portions. The “set-and-forget” subscription model works well for busy owners. However, there are some practical challenges. Some users report difficulty extracting food from compartmentalized trays, with juices spilling everywhere. Others mention occasional underfilled trays and website functionality issues.
Despite these minor issues, Years maintains exceptional customer loyalty with 4.8/5 average Trustpilot ratings. The company’s responsive support team, with CEO Geoff personally addressing concerns, helps offset these logistical shortcomings.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Let’s talk numbers – Years commands a premium price, typically £65-£120 monthly depending on your dog’s size. This represents about a 35% premium over competitors like Butternut Box and triple the cost of premium kibble. At roughly £2.30 per day for medium dogs, it’s definitely an investment.
However, devotees argue the price reflects medical cost savings – reduced veterinary visits for allergy management, dental issues, and osteoarthritis interventions. The environmental benefits also add value, with compostable trays and carbon-neutral shipping contrasting sharply with kibble’s bulk plastic packaging.
For owners prioritizing longevity science over budget, Years represents the pinnacle of evidence-based canine nutrition. If you’re comparing different premium options, you might also want to check out our James Wellbeloved review for a more traditional premium kibble approach.
Limitations and Criticisms
Despite overwhelming praise, Years has substantive limitations. The protein portfolio is limited – currently five recipes – which restricts options for dogs with multiple protein sensitivities. While the company plans lamb and venison expansions, current offerings can’t accommodate complex hypoallergenic needs.
Some veterinary nutritionists question whether truly complete meals should require added powders, suggesting micronutrients should ideally derive from whole foods. Practical limitations include post-opening refrigeration necessity and portion control challenges for multi-dog households needing different formulations.
Customer service accessibility has drawn criticism, with some users lamenting the lack of telephone support and reporting frustrating email exchanges. The Facebook community moderation has been described as dismissive to legitimate concerns.
What Kind of Dogs is Years Suitable For?
Years is particularly well-suited for adult dogs with specific health concerns or breed-related vulnerabilities. The personalization system excels for dogs with digestive sensitivities, joint issues, or dermatological problems. Senior dogs often benefit significantly from the targeted supplementation and easily digestible proteins.
The brand works exceptionally well for picky eaters – the 98% acceptance rate speaks volumes. Dogs recovering from illness or surgery often thrive on the gentle, nutrient-dense formulations. The breed-specific approach makes it ideal for purebred dogs with known genetic predispositions.
However, it’s less suitable for puppies (limited puppy-specific formulations), dogs with severe multiple protein allergies (limited protein variety), or households with multiple dogs requiring different diets. The premium pricing also makes it challenging for budget-conscious owners, though the health benefits may offset veterinary costs long-term.
Final Verdict – Is Years Dog Food Good?
As a dog food specialist, I can confidently say Years represents the pinnacle of personalized canine nutrition in the UK market. The science backing their approach is solid, the ingredient quality is exceptional, and the results speak for themselves. The 96% rating from AllAboutDogFood.co.uk isn’t just marketing – it reflects genuine nutritional excellence.
What impresses me most is their holistic approach. Years doesn’t just deliver meals; they provide a complete nutritional ecosystem tailored to individual dogs. The steam-cooking technology preserves nutrients while ensuring safety, and the breed-specific supplementation addresses real health vulnerabilities.
However, the premium pricing and operational limitations prevent it from being universally recommended. For owners seeking the absolute best in canine nutrition and willing to invest accordingly, Years is outstanding. For those needing budget-friendly options or greater protein variety, other brands may be more suitable.
In my professional opinion, Years is genuinely excellent dog food – among the best available in the UK. The combination of scientific backing, personalization, and measurable health outcomes sets it apart from most competitors. While not perfect, it represents the future of evidence-based pet nutrition.
Find the Perfect Dog Food for Your Pet
Every dog is unique, and so are their nutritional needs. What works brilliantly for one dog might not be ideal for another – that’s why choosing the right food based on your dog’s specific requirements is so important. Rather than guessing, why not get personalized recommendations?
We’ve created a comprehensive questionnaire where you can fill in details about your dog and receive completely free recommendations for the three best dog food brands specifically suited to your pet. It takes less than a minute to complete and considers factors like age, breed, activity level, and any health concerns.
You can access our free dog food questionnaire via this link and discover which brands would work best for your four-legged friend. It’s entirely free and provides tailored recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs.
