Dog food that won’t cause tear stains – and how to clean tear stains on dogs?

Pets Can Smile – 18 May 2024

The best dog food that won’t cause tear stains is The Farmer’s Dog.

But your dog may need something else. 

This is why this article will tell you everything you need to know about:

• How to clean tear stains on dogs
• What foods trigger tear stains
• How to prevent tear stains
• What is the best dog food to prevent tear stains

But there is more you need to know!

This is why this article will also tell you:  

• What causes tear stains in dogs
• How to remove tear stains
• Which dogs are most prone to tear stains

Yes, this is the best guide to help you find the best dog food that won’t trigger tear stains. 

Plus, our dog experts will recommend you top 10 dog foods to avoid tear stains.

Our two dogs (Poodle & Maltese) suffered from tear stains – but are fine now!

We’re sure, your dog will be soon fine too.   

Let’s do this. 

Best dog food for tear stains QUICK PEEK

Here is a quick peek at our top 10 picks for the best dog food to avoid tear stains.

Best dog food for tear stains FULL REVIEWS

Here are full reviews of our top 10 picks for the best dog food to avoid tear stains.

• Best overall
• Best for puppies
• Best for white dogs
• Best dry food
• Best grain-free
• Best value
• Best vegan
• Best allergies & sensitivities
• Best wet food
• Best for small dogs

Every dog food review is based on:

• AAFCO nutrient guidelines
• Specific nutritional needs for tear stains
• Health benefits and special considerations
• Life stage suitability
• Ingredients quality
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Price and value
• And more

Best overall dog food for tear stains

The Farmer’s Dog

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Perfect dog food to avoid tear stains
• No additives. No harmful chemicals. No cheap fillers
• Freshly cooked, so no toxins and no tear staining
• Cooked in a human-grade kitchen!
• Cooked gently to ensure retention of key nutrients 
• Options for sensitive stomachs, allergies, and other dietary issues
• You can edit your food subscription at any time
• Designed by vets to comply with all AAFCO standards
• Meals are pre-packaged as daily portions

NOTE: When ordering The Farmer’s Dog, select “tear stains” for the best option for tear staining. 

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best puppy dog food for tear stains

Zignature

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Grain-free, hypoallergenic dog food (reduces allergies & intolerances)
• Low-glycemic nutrition for stable blood sugar and dietary fiber
• Real, farm-raised duck as a single protein source (from Western France)
• Limited ingredient formula that’s easy on a digestive system
• No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
• “Psychologically tuned” (created to meet a puppy’s needs & cravings)
• Packed with essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Iron, Zinc, Selenium, and Phosphorus
• Gluten-free
• No added corn, soy, wheat, dairy, or chicken

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than lower-quality dog food for puppies

Best dog food for white dogs

Halo Holistic

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Great for white dog breeds with tear stains
• Perfect dog food for Maltese (and other white dog breeds)
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Free from meat meals, antibiotics, and GMO ingredients
• Wild-caught salmon is the first ingredient!
• Packed with probiotics for optimal digestive & immune health
• Comes with omega fatty acids for healthy skin & coat

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than lower-quality dog food 

Best dry dog food for tear staining 

The Honest Kitchen

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• The best adult dry dog food to avoid tear stains
• No problematic ingredients that could trigger toxin buildup (so no tear stains)
• No chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or amino acids
• No common allergens like corn, soy, wheat, rice, peas, potatoes, or sweet potatoes
• Comes with probiotics & digestive enzymes to support digestion & nutrient absorption
• No problematic grains
• Minimally processed
• Nutrients derived only from whole foods & natural ingredients
• Very tasty!
• Meat-based and packed with nutrients
• Enhanced with superfood ingredients
• Supports healthy skin & coat
• Boosts gut, heart, and immunity functions
• Roasted & dehydrated to preserve flavor and key nutrients

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than lower-quality kibble

Best grain-free kibble for tear stains  

Merrick

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• The best grain-free kibble for a dog with tear stains
• No grains, no fillers, no preservatives
• No wheat, no soy, no corn
• Gluten-free
• Deboned meat as the first ingredient
• Only high-quality protein (lamb, chicken, bison, salmon)
• Up to 84% of protein from animal sources in each formula
• Usual food mix: 70% meat, 30% fresh ingredients (blueberries & apples)
• Packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin & coat
• Added Glucosamine & Chondroitin to support hip & joint function
• Contains probiotics & digestive enzymes for optimal digestion & nutrient absorption
• Comes with easy-to-digest ingredients (sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries)

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than lower-quality grain-free kibble

Best affordable dog food for tear stains 

Blue Buffalo

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• The best option for those looking for affordable dog food to avoid tear stains
• All-natural ingredients boosted with vitamins & minerals
• Limited ingredients to reduce food sensitivities & reduce your dog’s tear stains
• Easy-to-digest ingredients (potatoes, peas, and pumpkin)
• No chicken, no beef (great for dogs with food sensitivities)
• A single animal protein source (turkey)
• Free of corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs (for easier digestion)
• Grain-free
• No chicken byproducts
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• An optimal blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals (for a strong immune system)

CONS

• Comes with turkey meal to provide dogs with Glucosamine

Best vegan dog food for tear stains 

Wild Earth

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Best vegan dog food to avoid tear stains
• Plant-based ingredients for trouble-free digestion
• Vegan ingredients minimize toxin secretion and tear staining
• Tasty plant proteins that provide more protein by weight than traditional dog foods
• The same key nutrients as found in meat-based dog foods
• Enhanced with superfood ingredients (sweep potatoes, chickpeas, spinach, oats, pumpkin, and more)
• Packed with Omega Fatty Acids for healthy skin & coat
• Comes with monosaturated fats for a healthy digestive tract

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than lower-quality vegan dog food (but offers discounts with a subscription)

Best tear stain food for dogs with allergies & sensitivities 

Rachael Ray Nutrish

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• A great choice for dogs with allergies & sensitivities who suffer from tear staining
• Limited ingredients to prevent allergies, food sensitivities, and tear stains
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• No grain or fillers
• No beef, eggs, dairy, or potatoes
• No chicken byproducts
• Gluten-free
• Turkey (sourced in the USA) packed with essential amino acids & vitamins
• All the essential nutrients & vitamins to support healthy muscles & organs
• Wholesome food only

CONS

• Turkey meal is the first ingredient

Best wet dog food for tear stains 

Blue Buffalo

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Perfect wet dog food for dogs with tear stains
• Grain-free (won’t cause reactions that would trigger tear staining)
• No corn, soy, or wheat
• No artificial preservatives or flavors
• No byproduct meals
• No beef, chicken, dairy, or eggs for trouble-free digestion
• Single animal protein (real turkey)
• Packed with garden fruits & veggies (blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin)
• Enhanced with vitamins & minerals
• Higher moisture content for optimal hydration (helps avoid tear stains)

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than lower-quality wet dog food

Best dog food for small dogs 

Wellness CORE 

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Ideal for small dog breeds with tear stains
• No meat byproducts
• No fillers & no preservatives
• No grain, soy, or corn
• Gluten-free
• Non-GMO ingredients
• Optimal levels of protein & calories to support higher energy needs of small dog breeds
• Contains fish & flax omega fatty acid blend for healthy skin & coat
• Perfect mix of antioxidants, probiotics, glucosamine, vitamins, and minerals
• Formulated by dog nutritionists to support healthy heart, digestion, and immune system
• Protein-focused formula
• You can choose from several lean meat options (turkey, chicken, or salmon)
• Comes in smaller kibble size – perfect for smaller dogs

CONS

• Includes chicken and turkey meal

Why you should trust us

Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet’s health and happiness. But with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which dog food is the best for your pet. This is where we come in. To help you find the best dog food for your pet, we follow a strict set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and extensive personal experience.

Specifically, we examine all the following when reviewing dog food:

• Nutritional balance
• Ingredients quality
• Absence of fillers and artificial additives
• Meat meal vs fresh meat
• Digestibility
• Allergens consideration
• Life stage suitability
• Transparency and sourcing
• Health benefits and special considerations
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Price and value
• Recall history and safety

VIDEO: How to prevent & remove tear stains

What are dog tear stains?

Dog tear stains are reddish-brown marks that extend from the inside corner of a dog’s eye. 

Tear stains often extend down the sides of a dog’s muzzle. 

Tear stains can also appear between a dog’s toes and in other places on a dog’s body. 

Some tear stains can be accompanied by a discharge, depending on what causes the tears.

Tear stains can affect any dog but are usually more visible on dogs with white or lighter fur. 

Our dogs (Maltese and Poodle) are a good example. Both have beautiful white fur – but not so beautiful around their eyes, due to tear stains (more on this later).   

And yes, tear stains can be a problem for a number of reasons, including: 

• They can signal underlying health issues (more on this later)
• They can lead to infection
• They can ruin your dog’s appearance

What causes tear stains in dogs? 

Tear stains in your dog can be caused by three types of issues: 

• Medical
• Mechanical
• Other 

Eye infection

Tear stains can be caused by eye infections – caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Poor eye hygiene, such as allowing for a buildup of excessive eye discharge, can lead to tear staining. 

So yes, make sure to regularly clean your dog’s eyes. This will ensure proper drainage, which will prevent or help reduce tear stains. 

After we fixed tear stains in our two dogs, we followed a quick, daily “face grooming” routine to ensure the stains never return (more on this later). 

Ear infection

Ear infection (or excessive ear wax) can cause a blockage of tear ducts in dogs. Such blockages can lead to tear staining.  

This is why proper ear hygiene and monitoring play such a critical role in reducing tear stains.

Dental issues

The close proximity of the dog’s tear ducts to the oral cavity means that dental health can directly affect tear staining. 

This is why dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can lead to overproduction of tears in dogs, and subsequently to tear staining. 

And this is why regular dental care at home and occasional professional cleaning are so important. 

Allergies

A dog’s eyes can also water excessively due to allergies.  

Allergies in dogs can be seasonal, environmental, or related to food. 

Vets suggest that most tear stains are caused by food allergies. This is why we recommend that you follow our dog food recommendations for tear staining. 

By the way, if you have a Dalmatian, you can check here to see what’s the best dog food for Dalmatians with allergies.

Ingrown eyelashes

Ingrown eyelashes can rub against the surface of the dog’s eye, which may cause too many tears.

Ingrown eyelashes can cause eye irritation and even damage.  

Stress 

Stressful situations, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances can cause excessive tear production in dogs. This can trigger tear stains. 

This is why creating a stress-free environment for your dog is key in reducing the risk of tear staining and other health issues.

By the way, some dogs will try to reduce their stress levels by sniffing and licking ears of their owners. You can check here to see why your dog may be sniffing your ears.

Entropion

Tear stains can also be caused by the overproduction of tears resulting from Entropion. 

Entropion is a condition where the dog’s eyelid rolls in, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye, which leads to irritation.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a painful buildup of pressure inside the eye. This causes excess tear production and can lead to tear staining.

Glaucoma can cause blindness if the pressure increases too drastically.  

Conjunctivitis

In dogs with Conjunctivitis, inflammation in the eye’s lining can cause mucus, pus, or discharge. 

Conjunctivitis can lead to tear staining. 

Small tear duct openings

Tear duct openings allow tears to drain from each eye into the nose. 

If the tear duct openings are too small, the tears may spill over. This may trigger tear stains.  

Blocked tear duct openings

Blocked tear duct openings can’t remove the excess liquid from the dog’s eyes. This may trigger tear stains.  

Some dog breeds are more prone to blocked tear duct openings than others. 

For example, tear duct openings in Cocker Spaniels and Poodles don’t always develop properly.  

 

Large tear glands

Large tear glands often produce larger volumes of tears, which can lead to tear stains. 

Scarring

Tear drainage may be reduced if there has been a previous infection or eye damage.

Scarring from such damage can trigger tear staining. 

Hair around the eyes

Hair around the dog’s eyes can draw moisture from the eyes and down to the skin. This can lead to tear staining.  

Shallow eye sockets 

In some dogs, their eyes bulge and protrude so much that the eyelids can’t close completely, even in sleep.

Breeds with short muzzles like Pugs, Pekingese, and Bulldogs are especially prone to this. 

And yes, you guessed it, shallow eye sockets can sometimes lead to tear staining. 

Irritant exposure

Irritants such as dust and smoke can cause eyes to water excessively in an effort to remove the irritants. 

Such overproduction of tears can trigger tear stains. 

Skin and coat care products

Some skin or coat care products can cause allergic or sensitivity reactions in dogs. 

These reactions can trigger excessive tear production, which may lead to tear stains. 

Make sure to always look for gentle skin and coat care products to avoid tear stains. 

Teething

Teething puppies usually produce more tears than older dogs. 

And more tears can sometimes produce tear stains. 

It’s always a good idea to consult your vet to ensure there are no underlying health issues causing tear stains in puppies.  

Parasites

Parasites such as mites can irritate your dog’s eyes, which can lead to increased tear production and subsequent staining. 

By the way, parasites can also cause your dog to start walking slowly with its head down. Check here to find out more.

Water quality 

Chemicals in tap water can trigger tear stains as well.  

Poor diet 

Around 80% of cases of tear stains can be attributed to a poor diet or to a diet that is not suitable for a dog, based on its breed, age, activity level, and health.    

This is why every dog needs a well-balanced diet that meets its specific nutritional needs.

What foods cause tear stains in dogs?

Certain ingredients in dog food can trigger tear stains in your dog. 

Also, a poor diet can contribute to the buildup of porphyrins, which are the molecules responsible for tear stains.  

Here are the most common food ingredients that can trigger tear stains in your dog.   

Fillers

Fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy can trigger tear stains in your dog. 

If your dog already has tear stains, consider feeding your pup grain-free dog food. 

But note that some dog brands state that fillers are fine in small amounts.

By the way, if you have a Pomsky, you can check here to see what’s the best grain-free dog food for Pomskies with allergies.

Artificial preservatives 

Many dog food manufacturers add artificial preservatives to their products to keep dog food shelf-stable for extended periods. 

Unfortunately, artificial preservatives can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. This can lead to tear stains and other health issues. 

The following artificial preservatives can cause allergic reactions that cause tear stains:

• BHA
• BHT
• Ethoxyquin

Artificial food colorings

Artificial food colorings can cause hypersensitivity reactions and eye staining in dogs. 

Some artificial food colorings can even cause cancer. 

Avoid the following artificial food colorings in your dog’s diet:  

• Red 3 and 40
• Yellow 5 and 6
• Blue 1
• Red 40
• Yellow 5 and 6 

Consider replacing artificial additives with natural ingredients whenever you can.

Meat byproducts

Low-quality meat byproducts can lead to tear stains (and other problems). 

Furthermore, low-quality meat byproducts often include ingredients such as blood, brains, and chicken feet. Yes, low-quality meat byproducts usually come from slaughterhouse leftovers. 

Not only low-quality meat byproducts are a poor source of protein but they may also contain various diseases. 

Still, not all meat byproducts are bad. 

For example, meat byproducts such as heart and liver are considered quality offal, which is packed with quality protein and vitamins. 

But remember that your dog’s diet shouldn’t contain more than 10% of quality offal (heart and liver are too rich to be served in larger quantities). 

Rendered fat

Many dog food brands use rendered fat to add flavor to their products. 

Unfortunately, rendered fat contains heavy metal toxins that can trigger tear stains. 

Tap water

Tap water is usually high in minerals that increase the risk of tear stains. 

Consider giving your dog bottled spring water or filtered water instead of tap water.

What is the best dog food to prevent tear stains?

Yes, there is a clear connection between food and tear stains. 

A poor diet puts extra stress on your dog’s digestive system. 

For example, low-quality food makes the dog’s digestive system work harder, which can increase the amount of waste products. 

This can lead to a buildup of porphyrins, which are the molecules responsible for tear stains. 

When our two dogs suffered from tear stains, we took them to a vet who specializes in dog nutrition. 

Based on our vet’s advice, here are the key characteristics of the best dog food to avoid tear stains. 

Grain-free 

According to our vet (and other dog experts), the best dog food to avoid tear stains is a high-quality, well-balanced, grain-free diet. 

Grain-free dog food is also great for dogs who struggle to digest grains like barley, wheat, corn, or rye.

Plus, some dogs also display sensitivity to grains.  

Research (and our own personal experience) shows that grains can not only lead to tear stains but also inflammation, rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and other health problems.

Our vet also asked us to remember that grain-free foods are always gluten-free. This helps prevent allergic reactions and reduce the risk of tear stains. 

Limited ingredients 

Since the consultation with our veterinarian, we always look for dog food that contains limited ingredients. 

Limited ingredient dog food often contains only one source of protein, such as salmon or lamb.

Dog food with limited ingredients is also easier to digest, which greatly reduces the risk of tear stains. 

Limited ingredients dog food is usually labeled as limited ingredients formula. 

Easy to digest

Because tear stains are often caused by food that is hard to digest, look for dog food that emphasizes that it’s easy to digest. 

Also look for dog food that contains prebiotic fibers, such as sweet potato, beet pulp, pumpkin, and chicory root.

Also, consider adding probiotic supplements to your dog’s diet. 

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in your pup’s gut. 

A probiotic supplement will join the probiotics already existing in your dog’s body. This will increase the number of beneficial microorganisms and decrease the number of bad and potentially harmful microorganisms. 

This in turn will greatly reduce the risk of infections, gastrointestinal problems, and other health problems. And yes, probiotics can minimize the risk of tear stains.  

High-quality kibble

Also, consider high-quality kibble for your dog. 

High-quality kibble will provide a well-balanced diet that includes meat protein, omega fatty acids, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

To be sure, high-quality kibble is more expensive than a budget kibble. 

But remember that budget kibble often contains low meat content, cheap fillers that are hard to digest, and artificial preservatives and colors. All this can lead to tear stains and other health issues. 

AAFCO standards

Look for dog food approved by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

AAFCO regulates the sale and distribution of pet food and defines nutritional standards for dog food. 

AAFCO also creates guidelines for dog food labels.

It’s worth mentioning that most dog food brands only meet the minimum nutritional standards set by AAFCO. 

To ensure your dog gets the best food possible, consider dog food that exceeds AAFCO standards.

Dog treats for tear stains

That’s right, don’t forget about treats for your doggy.

But be careful…

Because treats can also lead to tear stains!

Our two dogs love treats – so we asked our vet which dog treats won’t trigger tear stains. 

Our vet recommends the Full Moon’s Kitchen-Crafted Natural Dog Treats. 

These treats are:   

• Made from human-grade ingredients
• Limited ingredients
• Meet USDA standards for human consumption
• Grain-free
• No glycerin
• No artificial preservatives and flavors
• Chicken and beef options
• Tasty!

But if you want treats specifically crafted to combat tear stains, we recommend two options: 

• PetPost’s Tear Stain Remover Soft Chews
• NaturVet Tear Stain Soft Chews

IMPORTANT: Feed your dog one of the above treats until tear stains disappear. After that, switch to a more natural option such as the above-mentioned Full Moon’s Kitchen-Crafted Natural Dog Treats.

By the way, I used the Full Moon’s treats to train my dog to stop barking at strangers. Check here to see how to train your dog not to bark at strangers.  

How to prevent tear stains in dogs 

If your dog develops tear stains, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues. 

After confirming that your dog is healthy, follow the below tips to avoid tear stains.

Preventing tear stains involves two approaches: 

• Proper nutrition
• Daily care

Dog food

Consider a hypoallergenic diet for your dog. This will reduce the risk of tear stains.

Hypoallergenic dog food is focused on reducing the risk of allergies and food intolerances. 

We feed our dogs white fish, salmon, lamb, and herring. These are high-quality hypoallergenic protein sources. Our dogs love them, especially salmon and lamb. 

We also recommend grain-free dog food. As mentioned earlier in this article, grains may trigger allergies. Just avoid low-quality dog food that contains cheap fillers, such as corn, wheat, and meals, as these can cause allergic reactions, which may lead to tear stains and other problems. 

Water

After giving our dogs tap water (or even water from our personal bottled water), the dogs quickly developed tear stains in response to excess of minerals. 

This is why we recommend that you only use purified, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water sources for your doggy.

Always take water with you for your dog walks – or your dog may just stop walking. You can check here to see what to do if your dog stops walking and won’t move.

Food additives

When our dogs developed tear stains, we started adding buttermilk powder to the dogs’ meals (one teaspoon added to each meal). It helped!

We’ve heard that organic apple-cider vinegar worked for other dog owners as well (also one teaspoon for each meal).

Some vets also recommend I-Stain (probiotic enzyme) to avoid tear stains. 

Furthermore, your vet may recommend mild antibiotics. These should be used for short periods of time only. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include Tylosin, Lincocin, and neomycin-polymyxin. 

You can also try Vetericyn ophthalmic gel, which is available over the counter if you want to skip a trip to a vet. 

Eye-hair & mouth-hair hygiene

This is the daily “face grooming” routine we use for our dogs (highly recommended by vets and other dog owners). 

Flush your dog’s eyes with a canine eye wash. For our dogs, we use Terra Septic eye drops and saline eye-wash solutions. They’re really great!

Next, we use eye wash wipes to rub underneath and around the eye areas of our dogs. For this, we use either Bio True or Opti-Clear. 

Next, we wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo. Strangely, our dogs don’t complain too much. We sometimes also use waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth. Then we comb and blow-dry the hair. Our dogs got used to the blowing air very quickly. 

And don’t forget to trim hair around your dog’s anus. Why? Because too long hair around your dog’s anus can disrupt your dog’s pooping. For example, your dog may continue walking while pooping. Check here for more details.  

Keep moist and rusty areas dry

We also use paper towels to absorb the excess water around our dogs’ mouths after they drink from their bowls. 

We also recommend dusting cornstarch from underneath your dog’s eyes, around the muzzle, and in between toes.

Make sure to keep the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed at all times.  This will ensure the hair don’t irritate the eyes and don’t lead to tearing.

How to remove tear stains in dogs

So your dog has developed tear stains. 

No worries. 

Our two dogs had serious tear staining too. 

But no longer!

Here are the best methods to eliminate tear stains in canines (we personally tried the first and second methods).  

Hydrogen Peroxide & water 

Yes, you can make your own tear stain remover!

It’s quick and simple – and totally homemade (we made it for our dogs).  

All you need is Hydrogen Peroxide and water. 

Hydrogen Peroxide is a colorless liquid with a slightly strong smell.

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic, normally used on the skin to prevent infection in case of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Follow these steps to prepare your tear stain remover. 

• Use one part of Hydrogen Peroxide with ten parts of water
• Stir the solution
• Apply it under your dog’s eyes (use a cotton ball)
• Once dry, wash and rinse it with warm water

Just don’t let Hydrogen Peroxide get in your dog’s eye!

Baking soda & water

For more serious tear stains, we recommend a tear stains remover made from baking soda and water. This is what we used for our Poodle (it worked).  

Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent that won’t damage your dog’s coat. 

Follow these steps to eliminate tear stains: 

• Add a few drops of water to baking soda until the mixture forms a thick paste
• Apply the paste to the tear stain
• Let the baking soda paste sit on the stain for about 1 hour
• Once dry, wipe the paste with a damp cloth (make sure nothing gets into your dog’s eyes)

Repeat the process for a few days until the tear stains are fully removed

White vinegar

Many dog owners also recommend removing tear stains with white or apple cider vinegar.

As with previous methods, make sure nothing gets in your dog’s eyes.

Coconut oil

We also once removed tear stains from another dog (another Poodle) with coconut oil. 

We applied unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil on tear stains. 

We repeated the treatment daily and the stains disappeared after 4 days.   

Just make sure to use glass, porcelain, or stainless steel bowls for the oil. This is because plastic bowls can crack and harbor bacteria, which may cause irritation to your dog’s eyes.

Dog breeds most prone to tear stains

Dogs with these characteristics are more prone to tear stains: 

• Short nose
• Large eyes
• Flat face
• White fur
• Small tear ducts
• Susceptible to congenital tear duct abnormalities

Here are the dog breeds that are especially susceptible to tear stains: 

• Poodles
• Maltese
• Pugs
• Pekingese
• Cocker Spaniels
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• West Highland White Terriers
• Boxers
• French Bulldogs
• Bull Terriers
• Shih Tzu
• Lhasa Apsos
• Bichons Frise
• Beagles
• Schnauzers
• Cairn Terriers

Frequently asked questions

Can tap water contribute to tear stains in my dog?

Yes, tap water can contribute to tear stains in your dog.

This is due to the excess of minerals in tap water. 

Can chicken trigger tear stains in my dog?

Chicken is one of the most common allergens for dogs. 

So if your dog is allergic to chicken, the poor thing may develop tear stains.

Are tear stains a big problem for a dog? 

Yes, tear stains can become a problem for a number of reasons, including: 

• They can signal underlying health issues
• They can lead to infection
• They ruin your dog’s appearance

What causes the reddish-brown color of tear stains in canines?

The reddish-brown color of dog tear stains is caused by porphyrins. 

Porphyrins are molecules that contain iron, which gives the reddish-brown color to tear stains. 

Can sunlight make tear stains worse?

Yes, tear stains can further darken in the presence of sunlight.

Can ear infections lead to tear stains in my dog? 

Ear infection (and even excessive ear wax) can lead to tear duct blockages in dogs. 

This can trigger tear stains.   

Can dental issues trigger tear stains in my dog? 

Yes, dental issues can lead to tear stains. 

For example, tooth decay and gum disease can cause excessive tear production and subsequent tear staining. 

Can stress trigger tear stains in my dog? 

Yes, stressful situations and anxiety can cause the overproduction of tears in dogs. This can lead to tear stains.

Dog food that won’t cause tear stains CONCLUSION

As you learned in this article, the best dog food that won’t cause tear stains is The Farmer’s Dog.

But your dog may need something else. 

This is why this article helped you find the best dog food for tear stains for your dog specifically: 

• Best overall
• Best for puppies
• Best for white dogs
• Best dry food
• Best grain-free
• Best value
• Best vegan
• Best allergies & sensitivities
• Best wet food
• Best for small dogs

This article also told you everything you need to know about:

• What foods lead to tear stains
• How to prevent tear stains
• What is the best dog food to avoid tear stains

We also told you all about:   

• What can trigger tear stains in your dog
• How to get rid of tear stains
• Which dogs are most prone to tear stains

Our two dogs (Poodle & Maltese) suffered from tear stains – but no longer!

We’re sure, your dog will soon be free of tear staining too.