Buckwheat-Free Dog Food: What Dog Owners Need to Know

Why are dog owners talking about buckwheat?

Buckwheat has recently been in the spotlight following a voluntary recall of fresh dog food from another manufacturer.

The manufacturer identified a potential connection between buckwheat and sudden bilateral dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) in dogs. According to information released about the recall, 57 suspected cases were reported among approximately 40,000 customers.

The affected recipes contained 6.3–7.2% buckwheat, which had been introduced into the recipes in early 2026. The manufacturer has recalled its fresh meals and advised to stop feeding the affected meals while it continues its investigation and reformulates the recipes without buckwheat.

Important to note: This is a different manufacturer. Nutriment do not use buckwheat in any of our products and are not part of this recall.

So, what is buckwheat, what do dog owners need to know, and what should you do if your dog's food is affected?

What is buckwheat?

Despite its name, buckwheat isn't actually wheat. It's a naturally gluten-free seed from a flowering plant, often described as a pseudocereal because it's used in a similar way to grains.

Buckwheat can be found in human food and is also used in some dog food recipes as a source of carbohydrate, fibre and other nutrients.

The recent recall has raised questions about a potential connection between buckwheat and sudden bilateral dry eye in dogs. This is based on the manufacturer's investigation into the affected products and should not be interpreted as establishing that buckwheat is a general cause of dry eye in all dogs.

Buckwheat and dry eye in dogs: what should owners know?

Dry eye, medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears to keep them adequately lubricated.

Signs can include:

  • Redness or cloudiness
  • Excessive blinking or squinting
  • Pawing or rubbing at the eyes
  • Thick or mucus-like discharge
  • Dry-looking eyes
  • General discomfort around the eyes

Dry eye can have several causes, so symptoms alone don't establish that your dog's food is responsible.

However, if you're feeding a product affected by the current recall, follow the manufacturer's recall instructions. If your dog develops eye symptoms or you're concerned about their health, contact your vet for advice.

Does Nutriment use buckwheat?

No. Nutriment does not use buckwheat in any of our products.

If you already feed Nutriment, our products are not part of the current buckwheat-related recall.

We believe pet owners should be able to understand what's going into their dog's bowl, which is why we're committed to carefully formulated recipes using high-quality ingredients.

If the recent recall has affected the fresh food you normally feed, or you'd simply prefer dog food without buckwheat, we have two easy alternatives depending on how you prefer to store and feed your dog's food.

Affected by the fresh dog food recall? Two alternatives to consider

Got freezer space? Choose Nutriment Fresh Medallions

If you're looking to continue feeding fresh dog food and have freezer space available, Nutriment Fresh Medallions are our first recommendation.

Our Fresh recipes are buckwheat-free and grain-free, with 87% meat and carefully selected ingredients. They're gently cooked and frozen into convenient 40g medallions, making portioning simple.

For example, our Chicken recipe contains 87% chicken alongside carrot, courgette, chicory, hemp oil and salmon oil.

Why choose Fresh Medallions?

  • No buckwheat
  • Grain-free
  • 87% meat
  • Gently cooked
  • Convenient 40g portions
  • Easy to stock in your freezer
  • Complete and balanced nutrition

Have freezer space? Stock up on Fresh.

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Short on freezer space? Choose Gently Steamed

If freezer space is limited, Nutriment Gently Steamed offers a convenient alternative.

Our Gently Steamed recipes are also buckwheat-free and grain-free, with high meat content, single-protein, and carefully selected ingredients.

They're shelf-stable, easy to store before opening, making them a practical choice if you don't have room to stock frozen food. They're also convenient for holidays, travelling, weekends away or those days when you've forgotten to defrost dinner. 

Even better: Gently Steamed is currently 20% off.

If you've been looking for a convenient alternative to fresh food, now's a great time to try Gently Steamed.

Save 20% across our Gently Steamed range – automatically applied, so there's no code required.

Gently Steamed Lamb 395g, with broccoli, lime, blueberries, and squash on a green background for easy digestion.

Why choose Gently Steamed?

  • No buckwheat
  • Grain-free
  • High meat content
  • Gently steamed
  • Convenient to store and serve
  • Ideal when freezer space is limited
  • Great for travelling
  • Currently 20% off - no code needed

Short on freezer space? Keep Gently Steamed ready when you need it.

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Fresh or Gently Steamed?

We've made the choice simple:

❄️ Got freezer space? → Fresh Medallions
Stock up on high-meat, buckwheat-free, grain-free fresh food in convenient 40g portions.

🏠 Short on freezer space? → Gently Steamed
Choose a buckwheat-free, grain-free option that's easy to store before opening.

Or keep both on hand: Fresh for everyday feeding and Gently Steamed for added convenience, travel or as a useful backup.

Fresh Medallions range

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Gently Steamed range

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nutriment dog food contain buckwheat?

No. Nutriment does not use buckwheat in any of our products.

Is Nutriment affected by the current buckwheat dog food recall?

No. The recall involves products from another dog food manufacturer. Nutriment products are not part of the recall.

Does buckwheat cause dry eye in dogs?

The manufacturer involved in the recent recall identified a potential connection between buckwheat and sudden bilateral dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) in dogs during its investigation.

This does not establish that buckwheat is a general cause of dry eye in all dogs, and investigations into the affected products are ongoing.

What are the symptoms of dry eye in dogs?

Signs can include redness, cloudiness, excessive blinking or squinting, pawing at the eyes, discharge and eye discomfort.

If you're concerned about your dog's eyes, contact your vet.

What buckwheat-free dog food can I feed instead?

If you have freezer space, Nutriment Fresh Medallions are our first recommendation for owners looking for a fresh alternative.

If freezer space is limited, Nutriment Gently Steamed provides a convenient buckwheat-free and grain-free option that's easy to store before opening.