Tear stains in dogs are usually the reddish or brown-colored blemishes around the inner corner of the eyes that are caused by a chemical called porphyrin in the dogs tears. Mix yourdogscurrentfoodwith his newfood. Fish oil is part of the formula for essential fatty acids to boost the dogs skin and coat. Looking for budget-friendly dog food for tear stains? This recipe uses a single animal protein (turkey) and only the finest naturally grain-free ingredients. Omega fatty acids significantly reduce the signs of allergies, which often show up as extreme itching and inflammation of the skin. Keep your dogs tail wagging during mealtime by providing reduced eye stains thanks to this limited ingredient formula that avoids fillers and artificial additives. Rinse your dog's face with warm water and dry thoroughly. This will help reduce tear staining. Does too much protein cause tear stains in dogs? Tear stains develop when a dogs tears accumulate under the eyes, providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria or yeast to grow. We recommend performing an at-home dog food allergy test to avoid giving Fido food that could trigger allergies. A dogs diet can also provoke tearing especially when the dog has food sensitivities. You can see this on the label. Earlier we talked about porphyrins and excessive tearing, which lead to tear stains in dogs. Porphyrins carry iron from the body and are excreted through urine, saliva, and tears. It will also help dogs with digestion issues. In chapter 3, we cover the ingredients that can cause and prevent tear stains in dogs. Flavor: Duck Sizes: 4,12 & 25 lbs Life stage: For all ages Food type: Grain-free, dry Ingredients: Limited Manufactured: USA, Flavor: Duck Sizes: 4,12 & 25 lbs Life stage: For all ages Food type: Grain-free, dry Ingredients: Limited Manufactured: USA. As we explained above, this reddish coloration occurs when the iron-containing waste products are exerted from the dogs body. Recipes are highly palatable, nutrient-dense, and meat-based with concentrates of select fruits and vegetables. Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. VICTOR Hero Grain-Free is a fry dog food from VICTORs Purpose range. Learn more. Many cheap dog food brands have ingredients that induce an allergic reaction in dogs. Light-colored and white dogs naturally have more noticeable tear stains. Vegan dog food is also an option for food-sensitive dogs. Now that you understand the relationship between dog food and dog tear stains, lets discuss the best dog foods to prevent tear staining in dogs. However, external factors, such as poor dog dieting, may cause a buildup of porphyrins. This proud Hills Science Diet formula is also plentiful with vitamins and minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. First 5 Ingredients:Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, Peas, Tapioca Starch. Dogs can also experience tear stains due to sensitivities, such as food or seasonal allergies, stress, genetic exposure to irritants such as dust, or even teething during puppyhood. Yes, stress can also be a trigger for tearing in dogs. The fresh fruits and vegetables used in this recipe add some supplementary fiber, but they are largely included as natural sources for key vitamins and minerals. A freelance writer and huge animal advocate, with 6 dogs and 3 cats. Applying Visine to the fur, not the eyes can lighten the color enough to live with it until it grows. Stain removal is another chapter in itself (and we will cover it in another post), but here is a quick list of some of the most popular products people report to have worked. Additionally, DogFood.Guide participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission from purchases made through our links. Made with six simple, natural ingredients to minimize allergies which oftencause tear stains, Our best pick for wet dog foodfor tear stains. Play with your pups more to relieve their stress. Thanks to the minimal and carefully selected nonallergic ingredient list, it may be a great option to fight off tear stains in dogs. We based our rankings on several factors, including quality of ingredients, customer reviews, pricing, and more. Many conditions can cause dogs to suffer from tear staining. But regardless of your dog's breed, regular cleaning will keep microorganisms away, which are also elements to develop tear stains in pets. This USA-made solution contains coconut cleanser, vitamin E, oatmeal, white tea, and other all-natural ingredients. Chicken is among the most common allergens indogs. Unnecessary dyes, preservatives, and fillers can cause sensitivity reactions that lead to dog tear stains. It uses deboned meat as the first ingredient in its recipes. Bichon Frise, Maltese) as well as breeds prone to epiphora, 1 or "weepy eyes" (e.g. It is worth pointing out, however, that some of the protein in this formula is vegetable-based, with pea protein and potato protein featuring on the ingredients list. Health issues in dogs are often prevented or even alleviated with high-quality dog food and proper nutrition. This is the most comprehensive guide to finding the best dog food for tear stains. Tear stains are normal at certain points in a dog's life But not always, so it's important to identify the cause for your dog's tear stains. Switching your pup to a premium,balanced,whole-food, a grain-free diet rich in real meat protein is advised. Dogs do have feelings and are actually subjected often to different stressful conditions when not well taken care of by their human parents. Tear stains are caused by a pigmented molecule that a dog's body excretes as a waste product. This is why its highly imperative for pet parents to provide their four-legged kids with the best quality dog food they can afford. Some allergies also cause excessive tearing in dogs as the immune system fights off the unwanted elements. Prevention is better than cure, and definitely much cheaper. 5Strands Allergy Test For Dogs Review 2022: Is This Pet Allergy Test Worth It? 5 Pieces dog flea combs dog eye stain remover combs pets grooming comb dog tear stain comb for dogs gently removing eye mucus and crust Features: Easy to carry and clean: The dog tear stain combs are designed with light weight, which are convenient for you to carry anywhere you want, such as having a walk with your pets, the combs are also easy to clean with water after using. Annamaet Grain-Free Aqualuk Dry Dog Food - Best for Puppies. Well, a poor diet can lead to the dogs digestive system or liver working harder in filtering the body from toxins, increasing the porphyrins secreted by the body through the tears. The best vegan dog food products, such as Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula and V-Dog Kind Kibble Vegan are formulated with high-quality plant-based ingredients and essential nutrients that are highly favorable to your pooch. Contact your veterinarian for professional advice. Simply put, the best dog food can help prevent tear stains in dogs. The 10 Best Dog Tear Stain Removers: 1. Merrick Grain-Free Dog Foodis your best grain-free kibble for dogs with tear stains. Forza10 Nutraceutic Sensitive Tear Stain Plus Dry Dog Food. These grains trigger an increase in melanin production resulting in the darkening of the fur beneath the dog's eyes. Furthermore, toxin levels in freshly cooked food are non-existence, so you can be sure your dogs liver wont have to work as hard to filter out toxins with homemade meals. Well, you are in for a surprise! Angels' Eyes Chicken Flavored Natural Soft Chews are made to lessen a dogs tear stains. Make sure the water is clean, which means regular cleaning of the water bowl and pouring fresh water, preferably filtered or distilled to avoid extra minerals (like iron) that can contribute to the stains. Did you know fillers and preservatives in kibble cause chemical waste buildup in dog eyes, ultimately leading to excessive tearing and tear stains? It also has limited ingredients, with wild-caught anchovy meal as a primary protein source, to suit dogs with a sensitive stomach and allergic reactions to common proteins. Similarly, customers report that Wild Earth (our top vegan dog food formula) has helped dogs with brown stains under dog eyes. Food allergies can causeeye discharge in dogs, which may increase the risk of those pesky dark marks. All dogs have porphyrin in their tears. Look for recipes with whole meats and produce in their recipes that never include any meal or meat by-products or highly processed ingredients. Yes. But again, give the vet a quick call before shifting to a vegan dog food option. Zignature Duck Limited Ingredient Formulais our pick for puppies with tear stains. . Brown stains happen due to the constant moisture present under your dogs eyes. 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. Any allergic reaction could lead to tear stains, says the AKC.6. As mentioned earlier, the porphyrin in the tears brings the colors usually associated with the tear stain, and so the continuous and excessive transit of the porphyrins accumulate in the dogs face and leave the unsightly tear stains. First 5 Ingredients:Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal. The are several options to choose from, but our favorite all-natural treat is Full Moons Kitchen-Crafted Natural Dog Treats. Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dry Dog Food is a puppy food designed for extra small breeds, which includes the Maltese. This formula is made free of chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. Our site is supported by our readers. This prevents your dog from eating excess iron (porphyrins) or impurities that could contribute to tear staining. Flavors: Turkey, Beef, Pork & Chicken Life stage: For all ages Food type: FreshIngredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced Manufactured: USA Nutrition: AFFCO, Flavors: Turkey, Beef, Pork & Chicken Life stage: For all ages Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA source Manufactured: USA Nutrition: AFFCO. According to the Mayo Clinic, dieting or fasting can trigger porphyrins buildup.4. What Causes Tear Stain In Dogs? Some canine breeds are also naturally prone to tear staining because of the shape of their face. In-depth & key information about dog tear stains. OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR BEST DOG FOODS FOR TEAR STAINS. Being careful not to get any paste near or in your dog's eyes, apply the paste to the tear stains on your dog's face. Short-nosed dogs like the Shih-Tzu, Pekingese, and pug, are prone due to their shallow eye sockets or hair growth in their eyes' skin folds. WELLNESS Core Ocean Grain Dog Food #4. Internal or external factors can cause a buildup of porphyrins and drive the over-stimulation of excessive tear production, also known as Epiphora.2. . HILL'S SCIENCE DIET Sensitive Stomach & Skin #6. This doesnt affect rankings. Another commendable dog food recipe from Hills Science Diet is its Adult Chicken and Barley premium kibble for adult dogs. There are many origins in dog allergies such as the environment, parasites, medications, and food. Brachycephalic (short-nosed and flat-faced) dogs can also be prone to tear stains. Also, the best vegan dog food recipes avoid even plant-based ingredients that are known food allergens in dogs, like soy and wheat. Vegetable proteins are harder for your dog's stomach to break down, but it shouldn't be too much of a concern if your dog does not have any digestive problems. Comb and blow-dry afterward. This waste product is usually excreted through the digestive system, but it may also be expelled via urine, saliva, and tears when there is a buildup of porphyrin in the dogs system. Here are five common causes: Porphyrin: Klein explains that a pigment known as porphyrin is excreted in tears, saliva and urine. A good rule of thumb is ensuring your dog eats a balanced, species-appropriate diet and fresh, filtered drinking water. Note that not all dogs are sensitive to all of the grains. Maintaining good hygiene and grooming practices is the most meaningful toe best way to prevent tearing food that won't cause tear stains. It can cause excessive tearing. The Farmers Dog, Natures Logic, and Wellness CORE for small dog breeds are excellent choices. First 5 Ingredients:Salmon, Rice Flour, Pearled Barley, Oat Meal, Corn Gluten Meal. If so, what does it consist of? Add a daily teaspoon of white vinegar to your dogs water bowl to suppress the frequency and severity of tear stains. DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. However, the root cause of tear stains is genetics, allergies, or bacterial infection. From there, the tears then empty into the nose. Many reputable pet food makers also source the ingredients from trusted and USDA-certified farms and suppliers. We receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Thanks for your support! Some dogs however produce more porphyrins than others, and some dogs also excrete more tears than others. When teething is over (assuming teething is the root cause of the stains), the problem often goes away. If you are unsure about the main cause of your dogs tear stains, or if after some remedies the tear stains persist, dont think twice about bringing Fido to the animal hospital for proper diagnosis. Its also mild on the skin and leaves a pleasant vanilla scent on your pups face. In short, yes. Keep those moist or "rusty" areas dry Try using glass water bottles (such. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog. The porphyrin that is contained in your dog's tears causes the actual stain. Its the cleanest dog kibble formula weve found. Its more of a cosmetic issue as unsightly tear stains can ruin your pups pretty face. It does not require a vet to tell that a dog has infections or an underlying health condition . Best For Small Dogs (Maltese): Wellness CORE. Trimming eyelashes and fur around the eye will reduce dog tear stains This is treating a symptom not the root cause. Heres a grain-free dog food thats created to address dog tear stain issues. This can be a harder problem to address. Enters fresh dog food companies like The Farmers Dog. Furthermore, the overproduction of tears causes chemical waste (porphyrins) in their tears to soak into their fur, leading to tear stains. Vegan dog food contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for the health of thedigestive tract. Its also teeming with healthy probiotics for the digestive system. Food and water bowls made from plastic may also trigger some adverse reactions, so try switching to stainless steel bowls. This is because chicken meat contains a pigment called porphyrin, which can build up in the dogs tears and cause staining. Photo credit: iStock/tapanuth While it's possible that your dog could have a blocked nasolacrimal duct or a condition that's causing excessive tear production, most dogs with tear stains . Yellow peas, brown rice, and dried beet pulp provide prebiotic fibers that are favorable for digestive health. We already know that tear stains reddish coloration is caused by a chemical compound known as porphyrins. Tear stains per se do not indicate something serious. Flavor: Turkey enhanced with pork flavor Size: 24 lbs Life stage: Adult dogs Food type: Dry Ingredients: Limited Manufactured: USA, Flavor: Turkey enhanced with pork flavor Size: 24 lbs Life stage: Adult dogs Food type: Dry Ingredients: Limited Manufactured: USA. 2.3 Blue Buffalo Basics Limited-Ingredient Formula Dog Food. It has no problematic ingredients that could trigger toxin buildup in your dogs tummy. You should check with your vet first so no other issues are causing thetears. Wellness CORE for small dog breeds is a great option as well. Here are a few tips to help prevent and reduce tear stains in dogs: Mix one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar with your dogs diet or drinking water. If you notice tear staining in your dog, please take him to a veterinary ophthalmologist to rule out any health concerns. You want Fido to eat as clean and healthy as possible to avoid putting stress on your dogs liver. 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