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Meet Sadie , a sweet little Malti with sparkle eyes and the softest whitened coating you ’ve ever nuzzled . But recently those eyes do n’t seem as brilliant thanks to the refractory rust-brown stripe marring her once flawless fur .

As her doting parent , you ’re determined to get to the source of those gravel tear stains so your pup ’s truthful beauty can shine through .

best dog food for tear stains

The solvent may lay in retrieve thebest hound nutrient for tear stains . See , what Sadie consume can flat bear on the health of her eye and pelt , and the incorrect diet could exacerbate washy eye and tarnish .

Together , let ’s find her the perfect pattern , fertile in omega roly-poly acids , vitamin E , and A to nourish her from the inside out . With the ripe food choice , those annoying streaks do n’t stand a chance against your can - do attitude and Sadie ’s natural radiance .

She ’s relying on you for the TLC she require , so snaffle a dainty , nuzzle up near and let ’s get started .

What Are Tear Stains in Dogs

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Key Takeaways

What Are Tear Stains in Dogs?

Tear stains in pups are those ruby-red - brown bar below the eyes that can really mess up their cute cheek . As your trusted veterinary surgeon , I desire to explain what causes these pestering discolouration so we can work together to keep your blackguard take care their best .

Tear staining befall when binge overflow the eyelids and run down the face . Certain breed like Maltese are more prone due to their flat face shape . But many factor can lead to excessive tearing , including irritation from shampoos or environmental allergen , choke off split ducts , centre infections , and reactions to component or fillers in food .

Diet definitely run a role – poor quality kibble with stilted coloration , preservatives , or grains can upset your pup ’s stomach and moderate to more rent .

What Causes Tear Staining in Dogs

The upright tidings is we can tackle this through grooming , medicinal drug if ask , and switching to a innate , limited factor diet made with digestible protein and antioxidants . With some trial and fault to receive what works for your unique doggy , you ’ll have those lovely binge - free eyes and face you love so much .

What Causes Tear Staining in Dogs?

You ’d be surprised to get wind that over 20 % of dogs sustain from excessive tear output , which can lead to unsightly crimson - brownish staining around the center .

sure breeds like Maltese , Poodles , andCocker Spanielsare more prostrate to tear stains due to their grimace contour . For puppies , it ’s common as tear duct are still developing . Food allergies or sensitivity , particularly to texture , can also run to supernumerary watering .

Environmental thorn like debris and pollen may overstimulate rent output . In some typesetter’s case , a puppy tooth emerging falsely can cause pain and extra tears .

Dog Breeds Prone to Tear Stains

While unsightly , tear stains themselves are harmless and can be supervise with a combination of cleanup , dieting changes , and care .

Dog Breeds Prone to Tear Stains

Maltese and other small breeds tend to be more prostrate to tear tarnish issue . Certain breeds like Maltese , Shih Tzus , Poodles , Bichon Frise , and Pekingeses are more susceptible to tear stain due to their genetic science , facial social system , and coat colour .

Their tear ducts can be too narrow or misaligned , leading to excessive rent production that causes ruby - brownish stains under the eyes .

While all dog can potentially grow tear stains , these toy breeds with white coats tend to show stain more perceptibly . As your canine ’s eye health counsellor , I recommend being thoughtful to any undue watering and talk over natural remedies or dietetical change with your veterinarian .

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food for Tear Stains

Tear spotting frustrates many owners , but future research on better heart health and stigma prevention for sensitive dogs gives me hope .

With solitaire and proactive precaution , those pesky stain do n’t have to be a lifelong nuisance .

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food for Tear Stains

Corn and wheat are fillers you wanna keep off whenpicking a dog foodfor binge stains . They provide footling nutritional note value and can irritate your puppy ’s heart and skin . You ’ll also want to steer clean of fuel - base preservatives , excess synthetic additives , to a fault productive protein , and reactive ring-binder that can overwhelm your dog ’s sensitive digestive system .

or else , search for a limited ingredient diet with digestible nub proteins like fish , poulet or turkey and avoid vulgar allergens like beef , dairy and ball . The few additional filler , the better . Focus on tone over quantity when reading the recording label .

A brusk , blank ingredient tilt gratuitous of junk is ideal for reduce tearing and stains .

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Tear Stains

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Tear Stains

When select a frank nutrient to help reduce tear maculation , focus on circumscribed element formulas with antioxidant - rich fruits and vegetable that stand eye health .

calculate for recipe with easily digestible proteins like fish or novel kernel to invalidate trigger food sensitiveness or allergy that can lead to exuberant watering . Kangaroo , duck’s egg , or venison may be less probable to do progeny than crybaby or beef .

endeavor to find caryopsis - detached and gluten - free recipes without corn , straw , soybean , or fillers that can get stuck in tear epithelial duct .

Zignature Duck Limited Ingredient Formula

Make certain the food is fortified with vitamin A , C , E to support eye health . Z fatty acid from fish oils promote tear production and lubrication .

tardily transition to a raw formula over 5 - 7 days if your pup is a finical eater . Gradually integrate the new kibble into their usualdry dog foodto avoid gastric upset from sudden changes .

Consult your veterinarian , as they can advocate appropriate foods and supplements based on your dog ’s alone wellness need and sensibility .

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed

10 Best Dog Foods for Tear Stains

Carefully chosen modified ingredient diets with extremely digestible protein , probiotics , and antioxidant can improve eye health . Working with your veterinarian to observe a high quality food sew to your dog ’s individual needs and sensitiveness is recommend .

Patience is key , as resolving any fundamental lawsuit of tear spotting takes time .

Opting for a diet with fewer ingredients can help pinpoint any food intolerances . Digestible proteins like chicken , fish , or egg are gentle on the gut . probiotic microflora support healthy digestion while antioxidants quash inflammation .

Merrick Real Texas Beef +

When select a dog food , check the recording label for whole protein reference as the first element . forfend filler like corn , wheat , soy , and spare carbohydrate . Some cad do better on grain - free recipes .

As each blackguard is unequaled , be willing to trial a few limitedingredient dog nutrient . It can take 8 - 12 hebdomad to see improvements as you identify triggers .

bring close with your veterinarian , as diseases like blocked tear duct require medication . discourse accessory like essential fatty acids that can reduce swelling . discover any environmental allergies contributing to oculus irritation .

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin &

With patience and a holistic approach , tear grunge can resolve over time . Tailor diet tribulation and intervention to your individual dog ’s needs for the best results .

1. Zignature Duck Limited Ingredient Dog Food

thought On ChewyYou’ll dear how this limited ingredient duck recipe serve reduce eye stain in sore pups . As your trusted veterinarian , I often recommend Zignature ’s grain - gratuitous duck’s egg recipe for Canis familiaris with food sensitivity or allergic reaction .

The limited element make less electric potential for irritation while ply omega fat person acids to back center wellness . This mellow protein kibble aids aristocratic digestion and may help understate tear staining .

2. Wellness Core Grain Free Small Breed Turkey Chicken Dog Food

opinion On ChewyYou’re impressed by how Wellness CORE ’s grain - free Republic of Turkey and chicken pattern supports belittled frank ’ health with its tailored nutrients and kibble size , though some whelp winnow out the taste . As your veterinarian , I recommend this gamy protein kibble because it provide balanced nutrition without filler or by - products .

The smaller musical composition are well chewed by tiny breeds with dental issues . Fortified with probiotics and omega fatty acids , it promotes healthy skin , a glossy coat , and a robust immune system in petite puppy .

This timber formula is craft in the USA with conscious sourcing for long - terminal figure wellbeing . Still , the chemical formula changes and increased leguminous plant content have caused some dog to flex up their nose .

Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient

3. Merrick Grain Free Sweet Potato Chicken Free Dog Food

View On ChewyDigest thisgrain - free dog foodmade in the USA that supports goodish pelt , coat , joint , and digestion with 65 % rattling deboned beef protein . regain the right food for your whelp can be slippery , but this Merrick formula is deserving a try .

With its conduct component of deboned gripe , it provides a copious protein source to aliment your wiener inside and out . The accession of dulcet Irish potato gives a hike of vitamin A for goodly skin and coat . It ’s also fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to lubricate those creaky join .

This grain - free formula contains no corn whisky , wheat berry , or soybean plant , making it easy on raw stomach . owner say even their pickiest pups gobble it up . The grain is similar to raw food , which some dogs opt .

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition

While it may initially produce gas , many see improvement in itchy skin , dull pelage , and joint pain sensation .

4. Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Turkey Potato Dog Food

View On ChewyThis limitedingredient dog foodcould let down your pup if he reject the taste or has a poor reaction . While the bomb and potato formula aims to ply gentle nourishment for firedog with sensitivities , the formula contain over 60 ingredients despite its circumscribed element claim .

character control issues have also surfaced , with some batches making pawl inauspicious . And links to heart disease are concerning . Still , the individual protein origin and antioxidant - robust fruits and veg may benefit some dogs .

5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Dog Food

View On ChewyFolks , Rachael Ray Nutrish ’s Elia and rice recipe vary from 6 to 9 main ingredients , make digestive disordered in some whelp fit in to client reviews . This limited factor formula is made with lamb meal , brown Elmer Leopold Rice , chicken meal , bloodless rice , oatmeal , barleycorn , peas , chicken fat , and natural flavour .

The addition of crybaby meal and pea to the new chemical formula did n’t agree with hotdog who did well on the original 6 ingredient version .

Though a component of proceeds is donated to Polemonium caeruleum , inconsistent availableness , quality concerns like eggs in bag , and a Leontyne Price increase despite cheap fixings are downsides . dog with protein sensitivities take a rightfully circumscribed formula to avoid triggers . count change back to the original 6 ingredient recipe that worked for your puppy or trying another limited fixings dieting if the formula change caused digestive subject .

Firstmate Small Bites Limited Ingredient

6. Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dog Food

View On ChewyYou’d require to see closely at Royal Canin ’s Maltese grownup dog food if your purebred pup is a picky eater . This kibble is especially excogitate with small strain mouths in mind . The tiny kibble sizing and enhanced odour and flavor targets your Maltese dog ’s druthers .

vitamin H and omega fatty acid promote a healthy pelt and coating , while the highly digestible protein reduces stool loudness and aroma . This premium formula also aids your pup ’s delicate digestive scheme . Though expensive and hard to find in memory , this 2 .

5 lb bag is easily usable online . Many proprietor report their Maltese bed this tailored food .

Lucy Pet Products Limited Ingredient

7. Firstmate Grain Free Chicken Blueberry Dog Food

View On ChewyYou’ll love how Firstmate ’s grain - free chicken and blueberry dog food facilitate reduce tear staining in your whelp . As a limited ingredient dieting made with antioxidant - rich superfoods like blueberries , this convention provides the tailored nutrition your wienerwurst motivation .

The unmarried protein germ of chicken is gentle on sore stomach prone to supersensitized reaction . low kibble raciness make this easy to masticate and stand for your modest breed . While it comes at a premium terms point , this caryopsis - free recipe offer accomplished balanced nutrition without fillers .

8. Lucy Pet Grain Free Duck Potato Dog Food

View On ChewyYour eyes light up up at the thought of save Fido the tummy hassle from wimp and gripe . As a cuspid aliment specialist , I often recommend Lucy Pet ’s grain - loose duck and potato recipe for pups with sensible stomach or food allergies .

This special factor dieting have duck’s egg as the single protein origin along with digestion - favorable Irish potato and prebiotic fiber .

Made in France and the USA , Lucy Pet ’s formula provides complete balanced nutrition without common irritants like grain , gluten or chicken . The tiny kibble size of it works well for small breed too . Most dog seem to bask the preference .

Halo Holistic Complete Digestive Health

While some may pass superfluous gas at first , this reasonably price solid food typically amend digestion in the long run .

motley reports on protein content , but still an fantabulous option for tender pup .

9. Halo Digestive Health Salmon Whitefish Dog Food

sight On ChewyHalo ’s grain - free salmon and whitefish kibble is a approval in camouflage for picky pups . With digestion - friendly probiotics and sting - sized mo even the old doggos can nibble , this kibble has rampantly - caught Salmon River as the first ingredient .

The addition of prebiotics , probiotics and postbiotics advertise well intestine wellness and immunity in tender pooches . Omega fatso acids give your pup ’s skin and coat an extra glow up . The lilliputian kibble size of it is thoroughgoing for small strain with dental issues .

While most pups devour this formula , a few may scorn it after an constituent change . But for the majority , this salmon and whitefish recipe offer up healthy digestion support while avoiding common triggers like grain , meat meals and contrived additives .

Angels' Eyes Plus Chicken Flavored

10. Angels Eyes Plus Chicken Flavored Tear Stain Supplement Dogs Cats

View On ChewyAngels Eyes Plus Chicken Flavored Tear Stain Supplement Dogs Cats

Angel Eyes supplement turn inside - out to tackle tear stains fast when ruffle into your pup ’s solid food day by day . I highly recommend pairing this chicken - flavored powder with a daily tear grunge wipe regimen for optimum upshot .

Be patient , as it can take 2 - 3 workweek to start working and up to 3 months to see a 50 % reducing in staining .

Tips for Managing Tear Stains in Dogs

Tips for Managing Tear Stains in Dogs

Regularly cleaning around your dog ’s eye with a moist cotton globe can aid prevent tear grime from building up . If John notices crusty buildup around his pup ’s eye in the break of day , using a gentle wipe with some diluted apple cider acetum on it could loosen debris before it leads to staining .

To aid make do tear stains in dogs :

Environmental allergens , food for thought sensitivities , and morphological factors can all give to excessive lacrimation and staining in certain breeds . Work with your veterinary to pinpoint the case through allergy examination or a dietetic excretion trial .

Consult Your Veterinarian About Persistent Tear Staining

Frequent training , dietary alteration , and gentle middle washes can facilitate reduce defile over time .

Consult Your Veterinarian About Persistent Tear Staining

You ’d be wise to hold an appointment with your vet if those pesky tear stains keep showin ’ up on your whelp ’s precious face no matter what you try .

As your canine nutritionist , I always commend startin ’ with the fundamentals – check that you ’re maintain up with your pup ’s day-after-day hygienics by lightly wipe those eyes .

Switch to a modified ingredient , salmon - based food that ’s mellow in moisture and backpack with digestive enzymes , fatty acids , and vitamin A to hold up their resistant organization .

you may also try total some stainless steel water additives and vitamin supplements .

But if you just ca n’t kick those unregenerate stains , your veterinary needs to ascertain for underlying infections , close up bout duct , dental disease , or other health emergence .

Your puppy ’s comfort come first , so let ’s better half together to get to the root of the job and keep ’em happy and healthy .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to see results after switching my dog’s food?

You ’ll often see improvements within 2 - 4 weeks of exchange foods . Be patient though – every pup is singular . It can take a couple months for their body to fully adapt and show the full benefits .

Should I transition my dog gradually to the new food or switch completely at once?

step by step transition your dog over 5 - 7 days to avoid Gb disturbed . integrate a little more of the raw food and a little less of the old food at each meal until fully interchange . This allows time for the digestive organisation to adapt to the new protein sources , fats , and sugar .

Are there any risks or side effects associated with changing my dog’s diet for tear stains?

Gradual transitions allow sentence to monitor for sensitivities . Still , even with caution , diet changes carry risks of GI broken or allergic reactions to new ingredients . Watch for vomiting , diarrhea , itchiness – if severe or persistent , revert to the premature food and consult your veterinarian .

You may see some advance with a dieting change , but tear smear are complex and often involve implicit in health issues . make for closely with your veterinary surgeon to identify all contributing constituent . A character dieting reduces risks but may not wholly eliminate stains on its own .

Stay naturalistic – managing rent staining take patience and perseveration over time .

Should I give my dog supplements in addition to the tear stain food for better results?

I urge give postscript along with a tear spot dieting for upright result . Look for natural supplement containing antioxidants that support eye and skin health . Begin with a low dose and monitor for any side effects . Be patient , since it may take hebdomad to months to notice improvements with a healthy diet and daily facial / eye cleaning act .

Conclusion

As a veterinary nutritionist , I understand the foiling of dealing with stubborn tear stains in your dog . choose the correct food is essential , but persistence and patience are also cardinal . Tear spotting can take weeks or month to improve , so do n’t get discouraged .

Work closely with your veterinarian to name any underlie issues and find a nutritionary solution tailored to your hotdog ’s indigence . With time and eubstance , you should see those frustrative stain start to fade .

Stay prescribed and keep trying — a little industry goes a retentive way in the competitiveness against tear stains .