But they are generally harmless.
Nevertheless, they could indicate a more serious issue. And teary eyes can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
In other words, it is better to prevent your dog from having tear stains, if possible.
One way to do that is with their food. Some foods just do a better job of keeping tear stains at bay.
Keep reading for a list of the best dog foods for tear stains.
Contents
Best Dog Food For Tear Stains Compared
| Food | Sizes | Price (per oz) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Royal Canin Dry Dog Food | 2.5 lbs 10 lbs | $$$ | 10 / 10 |
Wellness Complete Health Food | 4 lbs 12 lbs | $$ | 9.4 / 10 |
Blue Buffalo Basics | 4 lbs 11 lbs | $$$$ | 9.8 / 10 |
Hill's Science Diet | 4.5 lbs 15.5 lbs | $ | 8.8 / 10 |
Purina ONE SmartBlend | 16.5 lbs 31.1 lbs | $ | 8.9 / 10 |
Nature's Recipe Grain-Free | 4 lbs | $$ | 9.2 / 10 |
Dog Tear Staining Explained
If you have seen some dark brown or reddish tear stains under your dog’s eyes, it means they have dog tear stains. Sometimes, a discharge may accompany the stains, and any dog can be affected by it.
They are most visible on yorkies with white fur or other white dogs, like the Maltese. It might not be noticeable with other dogs that have darker fur, but it can be.
Dogs That Are Most At Risk
Dogs that are most susceptible to this kind of condition are small breeds, usually the ones with long hairs on their faces. This obviously includes Yorkies. Read “Why Do Yorkies’ Eyes Water So Much?” for more.
Some of the other common breeds with a higher risk of tear stains include Toy Poodles, Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apsos, Bichons Frises, Pug, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels, and Boxers.
Naturally this extends to mixed breeds as well. A good example is the Morkie. Read “How Big Do Yorkie Maltese Get?” for more on this adorable crossbreed. Another example is the Yo-Chon. We have an entire article with Yorkie Chon information, too.
Causes Of Tear Stain In Dogs
Dog tear stains come from different internal and external factors like food, environment, and teething. These factors cause the over-stimulation of excessive tear production known as Epiphora.
According to experts, the most common medical causes of tear stain in dogs include ingrown eyelashes, infection of the eye, large tear glands, small tear duct openings, inverted eyelids, and Brachycephalic syndrome.
Tear stains usually develop when a dog’s tears accumulate in the eyes. It can be alarming because it provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to grow.
If your dog continually has a water discharge or moisture in its eyes, it is most likely to leave a stain mark. Tear stain is usually harmless, but it can also be a symptom of a serious underlying health concern.
It is always best to remove tear stains naturally, instead of with chemicals. This article shows you how to remove dog tear stains naturally.
Best Dog Foods For Tear Stains Reviewed
Now that you have an idea of what dog tear stains and how it developed. It is time to discuss effective dog foods that will help prevent tear staining in your dogs.
Here are some dog foods available today based on several factors, including the quality of ingredients, reviews of customers who have used the products, and overall pricing.
Royal Canin Adult Dry Dog Food
First on this list is Royal Canin, which is famous for its breed-specific formulations. This company offers complete nutrition, depending on the dog breed, which means you will get the product’s full potential.
Pictured here is the food for Yorkshire Terriers (of course), but they offer formulations for just about every dog breed out there. This specific one also made our list of the best dog food for Yorkshire Terriers.
This food also enhances the hair and coat, making sure that tear stains are less likely to mar your pet’s appearance in general.
With tons of glowing reviews on Amazon, you know this food is top quality, and most dog owners recommend it. It is because it provides optimal support for the digestive system, and it has a highly palatable formulation.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dog Foods
Wellness is one of those brands you know has a strong commitment when it comes to breed-specific formulations. Here we are looking at the Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed dog food designed for the majority of small dogs.
It is almost as popular as the previous brand and is one of the most reviewed foods on this list. Its formulation is designed to promote good health overall and healthy coats, which means you can have tear stain-free dogs.
Wellness Dog Food provides complete balanced nutrition, especially for small breed dogs. It promotes a healthy weight and is made with all-natural ingredients.
It contains no wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients, making it perfect for your little buddy. With its long list of impressive natural benefits, this is surely a brand that belongs to your canine shopping list. It lags behind our favorite, but does cost quite a bit less.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited-Ingredient Formula Dog Food
A lot of dog owners prefer to feed their dogs with limited ingredients. If that is you, Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Adult Dry Dog food is perfect. It has the best quality ingredients and formulations that are designed to promote a healthy coat and skin.
It will immensely help your dog in blocking and will eventually eliminate tear stains forever.
Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula is made from a single protein source, which is a deboned turkey. It contains pea fiber and pumpkin to enhance your dog’s digestion and has omega3 fatty acids for a healthier coat.
It does not contain corn, soy, wheat, dairy, or eggs and does not contain any by-product meal. It means that feeding your dog with this product can significantly enhance its coat.
It is one of the best dog foods for tear stains, if you are looking for limited ingredients in one package. Even if your dog is a picky eater, it will eventually fall in love with this food.
Hill’s Science Diet Small And Toy Breed Dry Foods
Hill’s Science Diet is one of the most trusted brands by vets and millions of pet owners worldwide. If you are fighting tear stains on your dog’s coat, Hill’s Science Diet Small and Toy Breed Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice to start with.
It is specially formulated for the unique characteristics of small dogs and it aligns perfectly with their nutritional needs.
Your pet will be able to enjoy all the health benefits of Hill’s Science Diet, and these include precisely balanced meals for all your dog’s nutritional needs. It is formulated with all US ingredients and no artificial colors, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
It includes Vitamin C and E to enhance your dog’s immune system. Last but not least is that it is the number one choice of veterinarians everywhere in the world.
Purina One SmartBlend Natural Sensitive Systems Formula
Purina One SmartBlend Natural Sensitive Systems is a perfect food option for dog owners on a budget. The primary source of protein in this dog food is salmon.
If your dog has some allergies when it comes to protein content, this is a great place to start. Its primary focus is to help dogs with their digestion.
The best part of it is that salmon high in omega-rich fatty acids can help improve your dog’s skin and coat. It also comes with some added vitamins and minerals that will enhance your dog’s immune system. As a result, it will help with the defense against all allergens.
Many dog owners also reported that this product helps their doggies if they are suffering from a sensitive stomach. This is because Purina ONE has higher omega fatty acids. Even better, these acids also make dog coats shinier.
This product is perfect for people looking for a more budget-friendly option. It is roughly $17 a month for a 35 pound dog.
You do not need to feel bad about getting bad quality, because Purina is a well-established pet food company. Their products are often sold out at veterinarian’s offices. That said, this food is definitely lower quality than all the other ones on this list.
Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Foods
The last item on this list is Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Foods. This brand is another excellent food perfect for your dog’s needs. It also fights tear stains and gives your pet a healthier and cleaner coat.
What makes Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food different from other brands is that your doggie will enjoy a wide variety of health benefits. It includes real chicken as its main ingredient. This is a high-quality protein that can improve muscle health.
For added extra energy, it contains sweet potato and pumpkin and has all-natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals.
If your dog is having issues with tear staining, Nature’s Recipe Grain-free dog food could be the answer to your problem. It is formulated for dogs under 24 pounds and has a lot to offer when it comes to health benefits.
Best Dog Food Against Tear Stains: Conclusion
Overall, a shiny coat and healthy hair and skin indicate that you have a healthy dog. But there isn’t just one solution to get rid of those annoying tear stains.
You could use the best tear stain remover for dogs to get rid of existing stains. Dog tear stains do not go away on their own, so you’ll have to use something.
Or you can modify your dogs diet by switching to the best dog food for tear stains. This will take some time, and each dog will respond to their dog foods differently.
It is most likely that you will have to undergo some experimenting to find the product that works best for your pup.
It is vital to transition your dog into its new food gradually. Doing so will help avoid digestive upset or tummy issues. Above all, we recommended consulting your vet first to know more about the pros and cons of using the above products.
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