This is the most comprehensive guide to finding the best dog food for tear stains. If your dog has tear stains and you have tried everything to treat them with no luck, their diet may be the culprit. Did you know fillers and preservatives in kibble cause chemical waste buildup in dog eyes, ultimately leading to excessive tearing and tear stains? This is just one of many dietary and underlying health reasons these pesky marks appear. In this review, our research team recommends ten of the best dog foods to prevent tear stains, each thoroughly reviewed. We have you covered if you’re looking for a breed-specific solution, such as the best food for Maltese to prevent tear stains. We’ve listed the best dog foods to get rid of tear stains, catering to different dog needs. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide covering the importance of dog nutrition and its impact on tear stains, foods that cause tear stains, diet prevention tips, risks, and everything in between.
Tear stains are dark brown or reddish marks that can appear beneath a dog’s eyes, around their muzzles, between their toes, or in other places on the body. However, it most commonly manifests under the eyes. Sometimes, a discharge may accompany this condition. Tear stains can affect any dog, but they are typically more visible on dogs with white or lightly-colored fur, like the Maltese. It may not be noticeable in dogs with darker fur colors.
Causes of Tear Stains in Dogs
Tear stains are caused by a pigmented molecule that a dog’s body excretes as waste. This waste product, known as porphyrins, results from the breakdown of red blood cells.[1]Porphyrins, which contain iron, are responsible for the reddish-brown color of tear stains. The iron in porphyrins carries oxygenated blood, explaining the reddish color of the tear stains.
Porphyrin is usually excreted through the digestive system, but it may also be expelled via urine, saliva, and tears when it builds up in a dog’s body. Internal or external factors may cause this buildup, leading to excessive tear production, known as epiphora.[2] Tear stains form when tears collect under the eyes, creating a moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive. The excess porphyrins in tears soak into the fur, leaving reddish-brown stains. Constant watery discharge and moisture further worsen the condition.
The most common medical causes of tear staining in dogs include, but are not limited to:
Ingrown eyelashes
Infection of the eye
Unusually large tear glands
Unusually small tear duct openings
Inverted eyelid
Brachycephalic syndrome
Ear infection
Medications
Secondhand smoke
Poor-quality diet
Plastic food bowls
Stress
Teething
Beware, tear stains will intensify/darken in the presence of sunlight. Dogs may develop tear stains from food sensitivities, genetic factors, or irritants like dust. While often harmless, tear stains can sometimes signal underlying eye problems. Conditions such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, ingrown eyelashes, or entropion may cause excessive tearing and discoloration. If staining appears suddenly or worsens, a veterinary ophthalmologist should evaluate your dog to rule out serious health concerns.
Top Dog Breeds Prone to Tear Stains
Tear stains are especially common in small breeds with long facial hair and white coats, as well as dogs with congenital tear duct abnormalities. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are also at higher risk because their head shape and shallow eye sockets impair normal tear drainage. “The shape of the head and the way the eyes fit into the socket will affect whether a dog is prone to tear stains,” explains Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer.[3] Common breeds that are more prone to tear stains include:
Poodles
Maltese
West Highland White Terriers
Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apsos
Bichons Frises
Pug
Pekingese
Cocker spaniel
Boxer
Bull Terriers
Beagles
French Bulldogs
Schnauzer
Cairn Terrier
Dog Food & The Connection With Tear Stains
Porphyrins are substances that can cause tear stains in dogs. They’re waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells and are usually excreted from the body through the liver (bile, intestinal tract, and poop). However, a poor diet or fasting can lead to a buildup of porphyrins, as the Mayo Clinic notes.[4] When your dog eats a poor diet, especially one that contains excessive nutrients like iron, it can overwork the liver, trying to eliminate these toxins. This overworking can lead to porphyrin buildup. In dogs, when porphyrin is produced in excess amounts, it gets removed through tears, saliva, and urine, which can cause noticeable tear stains.
Best Dog Food To Prevent Tear Stains
The best dog food to prevent tear stains should have the following characteristics.
Choose a balanced, species-appropriate diet with fresh, filtered water to avoid excess iron (porphyrins) and impurities that cause tear staining.
Pick foods that support digestion, detox, and overall health—reducing toxins helps prevent tear stains.
A grain-free diet is often the best preventative against tear stains in dogs.
Avoid tap water, which contains minerals like iron, chlorine, and fluoride; use a water dispenser with a filter (View on Amazon) instead.
Feed a fresh diet or a homemade diet (less processed, more digestible) to reduce toxins and support detox.
Limit common allergens (chicken, beef, or other animal proteins) that can trigger eye discharge and staining.
No filler, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that may irritate a dog’s system.
Add probiotics to improve gut health and nutrient absorption, which may help reduce excessive tearing.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them specific questions about managing tear stains through diet. Similarly, an at-home dog gut health test can provide valuable insights by analyzing your dog’s microbiome, helping you determine which nutrients may help reduce tear staining. Additionally, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can identify potential food sensitivities that may be contributing to tear stains. This information enables you to make informed choices about the right diet and care plan to support clear eyes, healthy digestion, and overall well-being.
Why we recommended it: Cooking homemade food for your dog offers the highest quality and natural ingredients. A home-cooked meal is one of the best options to fight tear stains because it skips cheap fillers and additives and is not processed. Making your pet’s food from scratch provides the healthiest, cleanest diet and ensures ingredients keep all their nutritional integrity, unlike traditional kibble. Furthermore, toxin levels in freshly cooked food are nonexistent, so you can be sure your dog’s liver won’t have to work as hard to filter out toxins with homemade meals. But what if you don’t have the time to cook for your dog? Or don’t know anything about dog nutrition. Enter fresh dog food companies like The Farmer’s Dog.
What sets it apart from competitors: Companies like The Farmer’s Dog deliver vet-designed, fresh-prepared, homemade dog food tailored to your dog’s dietary and health needs straight to your door. They cater to your dog’s unique nutritional profile so you can tell them about your dog’s food allergies, nutritional goals, and tear stain issues, and they will cook a personalized meal plan to meet your pet’s requirements.
When ordering The Farmer’s Dog, select “tear stains” so they can customize your dog’s meals to their needs.
Key Features
Fresh ingredients. Everything is made from real, human-grade, all-natural ingredients (meats, veggies, grains, etc.), cooked in human-grade kitchens, and packaged as daily portions for easy serving.
Balanced. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
Non-processed food. Never uses feed-grade ingredients or processes ingredients to be shelf-stable. This ensures your dog is getting the most balanced and nutritious meal possible.
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Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen formula is made free of chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. It has no problematic ingredients that could trigger toxin buildup in your dog’s tummy. Recipes are highly palatable, nutrient-dense, and meat-based, with concentrates on select fruits and vegetables. The formula is enhanced with superfood functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin, and coat health, immunity, heart function, weight management, and more.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s the cleanest dry kibble formula we’ve found. Unlike traditional dry dog food, this recipe is minimally processed. The Honest Kitchen recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.
Pros
All nutrients are derived only from whole foods and natural ingredients
Free of common allergens such as wheat, corn, rice, soy, potato, peas, or sweet potatoes
Specially coated with probiotics and digestive enzymes to increase nutrient absorption and aid in digestion
No harmful grains
Cons
Comes with a high price tag, but this is common with higher-quality foods
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Best Food For White Dogs With Tear Stains
4.6
★★★★★
Superior Care
Who It’s For: Dogs with white or light-colored coats—especially those prone to unsightly brown tear stains around eyes, mouth, or paws.
Why we recommended it:Nature’s Protection Superior Care White Dogs White Fish goes beyond marketing fluff with actual science-backed benefits—white fish as the primary protein offers a hypoallergenic, low-fat yet rich-in-omega-3-and-6 profile, which supports both skin health and a bright coat. The real standout is MicroZeoGen, a naturally derived volcanic mineral that helps detox, boost nutrient absorption, and even encourages a richer, shinier coat. Owners frequently mention that their dogs’ tear stains visibly diminished after a few weeks—one reviewer shared that even a previously picky eater began loving the food, and the eyes looked noticeably clearer.
What sets it apart from competitors: Grain-free, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives—so you’re not masking stains, you’re addressing root causes
Why we recommended it:Forza10 Sensitive Tear Stain Plus Grain‑Free Dry is the first ingredient, which means you’re getting high-quality, omega-rich protein (not just filler). It also includes a blend of active natural ingredients—like papaya, pomegranate, turmeric, citrus pulp, and melon—known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive support properties . These additions feel more thoughtful than just slapping the term “tear stain formula” on the bag.
What sets it apart from competitors: Forza10 leans into science a bit more; their line is backed by studies done alongside vets and European universities (not just marketing claims). A few tear-stain-specific formulas also blend clinical backing with whole-food, grain-free ingredients. Plus, it’s clean—you won’t find GMOs, by-products, wheat, soy, or artificial colors/flavors.
Pros
Anchovy as the top ingredient brings digestibility, high omegas, and lower allergen risk.
Cons
The bag isn’t resealable, which can matter if freshness is a concern
Best Dog Food For Small Dogs With Tear Stains
4.5
★★★★★
CORE
Who It’s For: Great for small dogs with tear stains.
Why we recommended it: This formula is crafted into a smaller kibble size for small dog breeds, and it has optimal protein levels and calorie content to help support the higher energy needs of small dog breeds. If your Maltese, Shih Tzu, Maltipoo, or small dog struggles with those troublesome tear stains, Wellness CORE for small dog breeds is your best alternative. It includes a fish and flax omega fatty acid blend for healthy skin and coat, which may help clear up those pesky stains under the eyes.
What sets it apart from competitors: It offers the perfect blend of antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by veterinarian nutritionists to support immune system health, digestive health, healthy oxidative balance, and a healthy heart. It’s a protein-focused formula with several lean meat options like chicken, turkey, salmon, and fruits and vegetables.
Pros
No meat by-products, fillers, or preservatives
No grain, corn, or soy
Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3
Non-GMO ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits Minimizes food sensitivities and aids digestion
Gluten-free
Cons
The quality of packaging needs improvement to keep it closed and the food fresh
Includes turkey and chicken meal
Best Affordable Dog Food For Tear Stains
4.5
★★★★★
Blue Basics
Who It’s For: For those looking for budget-friendly dog food for tear stains.
Why we recommended it:Blue Buffalo Basics Limited offers a limited ingredient (grain-free formulated) to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing nutritional value. It’s made with LifeSource bits or specially formulated dog food containing a blend of the healthiest ingredients, with whole grains, antioxidants, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals blended precisely to create a healthy food option for dogs. This recipe uses real turkey as the first ingredient and adds peas and pumpkin to support gentle digestion in your dog without the grains that contain gluten. Thanks to its minimal and carefully selected nonallergenic ingredient list, this product may be a great option for fighting off dog tear stains.
What sets it apart from competitors: It contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Pros
No grains that contain gluten, making it a good option for dogs with a sensitive stomach
Essential proteins and carbohydrates
Limited ingredient list to prevent tear stains and other food allergies
Other flavor options, including duck, lamb, and salmon
Cons
Uses turkey meal (source of glucosamine)
Best Vegan Dog Food For Tear Stains
4.7
★★★★★
Wild Earth
Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals seeking a sustainably and responsibly sourced tear stain recipe solution.
Why we recommended it:Wild Earth vegan dog food can help remove tear stains, as seen in the V-Dog food case above. Vegan dog food contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for the health of the digestive tract. Furthermore, plant-based dog food is generally more easily digested by dogs’ digestive systems than regular kibble, which is vital in lessening toxin secretion.
What sets it apart from competitors: It uses only clean, sustainable, and tasty plant proteins that offer more protein by weight than traditional dog foods. It’s boosted with superfood ingredients, including chickpeas, sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin, oats, and more. It’s a clean, nutrient-rich, and cruelty-free recipe.
Pros
Has the same essential nutrients as meat-based diets
High-quality brown rice, oatmeal, and highly digestible potatoes
Balanced omega fatty acids help support healthy skin and a shiny coat
Highly digestible, energizing, and rejuvenating. Backed by science
Cons
One flavor is available. We wish they had more options for picky eaters
A bit pricey, but it offers discounts with a subscription
Why we recommended it:Puppy tear staining is usually caused by teething. Puppies tend to produce more tears during this stage, and tear stains may become apparent. You should check with your vet first, so no other issues are causing the tears. When teething is over (assuming teething is the root cause of the stains), the problem often goes away. However, you can help your puppy by feeding him a limited diet that’s easier on his digestive system. Raised Right brings farm-fresh ingredients to its recipes. Raised Right puppy recipes are ideal for transitioning your puppy to adult food. They have balanced calcium and phosphorus levels, perfect for healthy bone growth in puppies. It’s filled with healthy fats and carbs that are higher than all other recipes to support the energy requirements of growing puppies. These puppy recipes contain prebiotic fiber from pumpkin and chicory root, supporting healthy digestion, and also provide calcium iodate as a source of energy production, promoting muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What sets it apart from competitors: Their recipes also have roughly double the amount of protein as other human-grade brands. Raised Right doesn’t use unnecessary high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yams, squash, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed, and other wholesome ingredients.
Why we recommended it:Rachael Ray Nutrish Just offers a concentrated lamb protein source that supports lean muscles while avoiding whole-meat fillers . The limited ingredient approach—just lamb meal, rice (brown and brewer’s), plus a few supportive grains and vitamins—reduces dietary clutter and minimizes allergy risk. For a dog with tear-stain challenges likely driven by sensitivities, this food offers a gentle foundation to support clearer eyes and better overall wellness.
What sets it apart from competitors: A portion of every Nutrish purchase supports animal welfare through The Rachael Ray Foundation, making buyers feel like their purchase contributes to a good cause—something you won’t find with most competitors.
Pros
High-quality protein without using whole-meat fillers
Gentle grains support digestion
Widely found in stores and online
Cons
Contains meat meals, not fresh meat—some premium brands may use whole meats exclusively
Best Wet Dog Food For Tear Stains
4.8
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Wet food has higher moisture content, beneficial for dogs needing more hydration, which can, in turn, help with tear stain issues.
Why we recommended it: Wet dog food usually provides an irresistibly tasty experience for dogs.JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh offers fresh, whole-food nutrition in a shelf-stable, preservative-free format. Unlike traditional wet dog food, Pantry Fresh meals are made with 100% human-grade ingredients and are lightly cooked to retain nutrients while ensuring safety, digestibility, and optimal nutrition. Its high moisture keeps dogs hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Additionally, they employ a unique cooking process to preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, avoiding the use of fillers and artificial additives. This approach keeps your dog’s tail wagging during mealtime by providing reduced eye stains.
What sets it apart from competitors: Aside from traditional flavors, they offer specialized wet food for addressing specific health issues, including joint problems, skin issues, sensitive stomachs, renal problems, appetite loss, metabolic issues, and concerns related to liver function.
Pros
USDA-certified muscle and organ meats
A convenient way to feed a fresh diet
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Dog Foods for Tear Stains
Best Dog Food For Red Coated Dogs with Tear Stains:Nature’s Protection All Life Stages Dog Food for Red Coat All Breeds with Lamb is specially formulated to preserve the natural vibrancy of red coats while targeting tear stains. The lamb-based protein supports sensitive digestion, reducing inflammation that can contribute to staining. Enriched with omega fatty acids and antioxidants, it helps maintain both skin health and a glossy coat. Owners appreciate that it’s designed for all life stages, making it a versatile choice that adapts as your dog grows. This balance of nutrition and coat-specific care is why it stands out as the top option for red-coated breeds prone to tear staining.
Best Dog Food For Bichon Frise with Tear Stains:Royal Canin Bichon Frise Adult Dry Dog Food is tailored to the unique needs of the Bichon Frise, including their tendency to develop tear stains. The formula supports urinary health and maintains an optimal mineral balance, which indirectly helps prevent tear discoloration. Its kibble shape is customized for the Bichon’s small muzzle, encouraging chewing for dental health. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids also promote a strong skin barrier, which is critical in reducing tear-stain issues. Pet owners consistently note visible coat improvements and reduced staining after switching to this diet.
Best Dog Food For Maltese with Tear Stains:Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food is developed specifically for the Maltese breed, addressing their delicate digestive system and tear-stain challenges. With high-quality proteins and biotin, the formula enhances coat shine while minimizing digestive sensitivities that can worsen staining. The kibble is designed to suit the Maltese’s jaw, encouraging slower eating and better nutrient absorption. Omega fatty acids keep their signature white coats bright and silky. Owners frequently highlight how this food keeps their Maltese looking pristine while reducing tear stains around the eyes.
Best Dog Food Supplement for Tear Stains:ANGELS’ EYES Natural Tear Stain Prevention Soft Chews for Dogs is a supplement that complements any diet by directly targeting the cause of tear stains. Made with natural ingredients like cranberry powder and Oregon grape root, these chews support eye, urinary, and immune health without artificial additives. They work by reducing oxidation and bacteria that often lead to unsightly staining. Owners find them easy to administer thanks to their palatable soft chew format, and many report visible improvements within a few weeks. For dogs who need an added boost beyond diet, these chews are the go-to solution for managing tear stains naturally.
Tearstains that have a reddish or rusted-colored appearance result from porphyrins. This reddish coloration occurs when iron-containing waste products are excreted from the dog’s body. If the stains are more of a brown color, it may indicate your pup has developed a yeast infection on the face. Yeast infections smell, so give it a quick sniff. If you sense an unpleasant odor, think yeast. Brown stains happen due to the constant moisture in your dog’s eyes.
Foods That Cause Tear Stains In Dogs
Cheap fillers found in inferior-quality foods such as corn, wheat, and meat meals can cause allergic reactions, resulting in excess tearing, leading to tear stains. Generally, cheap dog food doesn’t ensure long-term good health and is more likely to produce tear stains than high-quality options because cheap kibble usually contains excess chemicals, cheap fillers, artificial flavors/colors, and preservatives in their food.
Here is a list of ingredients in dog food to avoid tear stains.
Feeding your dog a diet high in fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, additives, and ingredients that may trigger allergies may cause food-related tear stains in dogs. Remember, a bad diet contributes to the buildup of porphyrins (the chemical responsible for the stains). The more stress you put on your dog’s digestive system/liver, the more chances your pup will secrete porphyrins through their eyes and turn into those pesky stains. Cheap commercial dog food contains harmful ingredients, such as meat by-products, leading to systemic overload that can worsen tear stains. Avoid high sugar content, low-grade ingredients, canned foods, synthetic vitamins, and things of that nature at all costs.
Other Ways to Treat Tear Stains In Dogs Safely
Other alternatives and natural options that might help mitigate your dog’s tear stains include:
Dog Treats For Tear Stains: You’ve secured the right food to prevent tear stains, but it won’t be effective if you continue giving your pup unhealthy treats. Several options exist, but our favorite all-natural treat is Full Moon’s Kitchen-Crafted Natural Dog Treats. They are made using human-grade, limited ingredients that meet strict USDA standards for human consumption. These tasty treats are free of grains, glycerin, or artificial preservatives and flavors. A more practical option is to get tear-stain-specific treats. Treats like PetPost’s Tear Stain Remover Soft Chews or NaturVet Tear Stain Soft Chews have the necessary ingredients to combat the root of tear stains effectively and provide additional immune support to prevent them from returning. They are packed with the highest quality extracts from Eyebright Herb, Lutein, Oregon Grape Root, Marshmallow Root, and Cranberry. It’s advised only to feed your pet until the stains resolve, then switch to a more natural option.
At-Home Remedies For Dog Tear Stains: These ingredients, foods, and over-the-counter medicines work well to eliminate tear stains naturally.
Adding one teaspoon of either organic apple cider vinegar or buttermilk powder to meals seems to help
I-Stain, a probiotic enzyme
Vetericyn ophthalmic gel is available over the counter
Soak a cotton pad in a water-diluted hydrogen peroxide dried into the muzzle (avoid eyes)
Applying Visine to the fur, not the eyes, can lighten the color enough to live with it until it grows
Add a daily teaspoon of white vinegar to your dog’s water bowl to suppress the frequency and severity of tear stains. Doing this changes the pH (alkalinity levels) of a dog’s tears, making it difficult for yeast and bacteria to thrive.
Cleaning your dog’s face with colloidal silver is a great way to brighten stained fur (use a cotton ball)
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken is among the most common allergens in dogs. Excessive eye discharge can result from food allergies, which compromise the immune system and cause uncomfortable symptoms, including tear stains. If your dog is allergic to chicken, it could develop tear stains.
Maltese dogs are among those most commonly affected by tear stains. Look for recipes that include whole meats and produce, avoiding “meal” or meat by-products and highly processed ingredients. The best food for Maltese is fresh and low in toxins. The Farmer’s Dog, Nature’s Logic, and Wellness CORE for small dog breeds are excellent choices.
Maltipoos with tear stains can benefit from clean, fresh formulas that avoid highly processed ingredients. The Farmer’s Dog and Nature’s Logic are excellent choices. Wellness CORE for small dog breeds is a great option as well.
It’s not certain that Royal Canin Bichon Frise Adult dry dog food causes tear stains. However, we noticed some of the ingredients in this formula include four questionable ingredients (brewer rice, corn, chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, and wheat gluten). While not necessarily bad for dogs, these ingredients are not beneficial either.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, there isn’t just one solution to getting rid of this condition. Each dog will respond differently, so it often takes experimenting, patience, and finding a product that works. Above all, we think having that precious little white face smiling at you again is worth the effort! Plus, taking care of anything that could jeopardize your pup’s health is crucial.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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