10 Best Dog Food Brands For Tear Stains Reviewed For 2021
We may earn a commission if you click on a link, but at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure policy for information.
Tear stains may not cause serious discomfort to the furry member of your family but they are disturbing for a pet parent, and that’s why you need the best dog food for tear stains.
These unpleasant marks around your pet’s eyes aren’t only visually unappealing, they can also indicate health issues and that’s when the best dog food for tear stains comes to the rescue.
Precisely tear marks are reddish or dark red spots around the eyes that are caused due to excessive discharge of a compound called porphyrins through tears rather than other waste streams like saliva, urine, and feces.
While the discharge of porphyrins is normal through urine and saliva, tear stains are something that shouldn’t be ignored by a pet parent.
Some of the natural causes of tear stains might be ingrown eyelashes, large tear glands, small tear ducts, teething, stress, special medications, etc. which isn’t that alarming and can be taken care of gradually.
However, tear stains may also result from food allergies, eye infections, ear infections, and most commonly from nutritional deficiency.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Dog Food Brands For Tear Stains Reviewed
To address the most common cause of tear marks that is poor digestive health, check out some of the best dog food for tear stains.
1. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets
- Contains (1) 4.5 pound bag of dry dog food
- Grain-free, limited ingredient diet with a single animal protein source
- Helps minimize the number of ingredients dogs are exposed to
- Maintains digestive health
- Supports healthy skin and a shiny coat
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a limited ingredient diet formula ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
It provides a balanced diet with sweet potato and Venison formula that’s suitable for adult dogs to prevent the appearance of tear stains or even reduce the existing tear marks.
This limited ingredient diet also helps to boost the digestive health of your pet without triggering any allergies.
It’s rich in Omega 6 and Omega-3 fatty acids derived from natural flaxseeds to improve the texture of your dog’s skin and fur.
The dietary carbohydrates take care of the overall health ensuring a satisfying meal for your dog.
It has no artificial flavor or poultry by-product which again makes it a great choice for your pet’s health.
It has balanced protein content that will nourish dogs of all breeds and stages to prevent any illness due to nutrition deficiency.
Pros & Benefits:
- It’s a grain-free product that boosts digestion naturally
- Doesn’t contain any artificial color or additives which make this a safe LID option for food-sensitive pups
- Omega 6 and Omega-3 fatty acids derived from natural flaxseeds
- The food is based on a venison formula that provides an adequate amount of amino acids to boost overall health
- It has a sweet potato that is a good source of fiber to improve digestive health
2. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This dry dog food combines natural ingredients like whitefish and sweet potato with essential nutrients to provide adequate nourishment to your dog to keep tear stains at bay.
It has no artificial fillers and synthetic preservatives to ensure safety from any allergic reactions caused due to poor diet.
Fatty acid from natural ingredients like whitefish in this product takes care of the skin and coat health of your dog.
It contains plenty of micro-nutrients like essential vitamins and minerals derived from natural vegetables that strengthen the immune system, teeth, and eyes.
This is an ideal food for adult and aged dogs because it has taurine which promotes heart health.
The product contains dietary protein and carbohydrate that provides well-balanced nutrition to strengthen the digestive system.
It contains all-natural ingredients without any meat by-products, so it’s a safe choice to keep food sensitivity at bay.
Pros & Benefits:
- Rich source of biotin that improves skin and fur
- Made from all-natural ingredients like whitefish, sweet potato, and flaxseed to prevent food protein allergies
- Contains taurine that protects the heart
- Good source of Omega 3 fatty acids derived from whitefish and flaxseeds that improves skin and fur
- Natural carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and barley boost digestive health
3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
- REAL TURKEY FIRST: This Blue Buffalo dry dog food is made with real, high-quality turkey as the #1 ingredient
- ADULT DOG FORMULA: This natural dog food with wholesome grains is formulated with healthy ingredients that support...
- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: This dry dog food contains exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: This Blue Buffalo dog food is made with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals,...
- Contains: One (1) 24-lb. bag of BLUE Basics Skin & Stomach Care Adult Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato Recipe
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a grain-free limited ingredient diet with some real meat in it then this is the product for your dog.
It contains real turkey as an animal protein with vegetables to support digestive health and reduce tear stains or even prevent it from coming.
This is an ideal meal for dogs with a sensitive tummy because it doesn’t have dairy, corn, egg, soy, or chicken.
The brand is known for its balanced blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to take care of overall health and immunity.
The dietary protein and carbohydrates in this product are good for the digestive health of your dog.
The food is rich in antioxidants to help boost healthy oxidative balance in your dog.
The meal is cold formed to ensure the nutritional potency of the food is preserved for a long time.
The diet is completely natural without any artificial flavor or synthetic preservatives which make it a safe choice to treat tear marks of both puppies and adult dogs.
Pros & Benefits:
- Contains real de-boned turkey as a natural source of animal protein to strengthen muscles
- Provides fiber from natural ingredients like potatoes, peas, and pumpkins
- Easy to digest carbohydrates regulates the digestive system and boost energy level
- LifeSource Bits provide well-balanced nutrition to build a strong immunity system
- Natural Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseeds improve skin and coat
4. Hill's Science Diet for Sensitive Stomach & Skin
- Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin
- Prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome
- Omega-6s & Vitamin E to promote a healthy coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This dry dog food not only reduces tear stains but also improves skin irritations and coat texture of your furry friend as it contains vitamin C and E.
It has a digestive formula based on prebiotic fiber that supports the digestive health of dogs having a sensitive tummy.
It also contains omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin C to boost immunity and energy.
The food has no chicken by-product in it and has adequate antioxidants to ensure the overall health of your dog.
The chicken and barley flavor will be loved by almost all dogs be it a pup or an adult dog.
As the formula has no synthetic color and artificial flavor, it’s a safe option to avoid any food allergies.
The food is naturally preserved to maintain the original nutritional value for a long time.
The diet is suitable for dogs of all breeds and is the best product for new dog parents who have less experience in handling pets.
Pros & Benefits:
- Made of natural ingredients like barley to provide the prebiotic fiber that nourishes good digestive health
- Contains chicken as a source of animal protein
- Safe for dogs with food sensitivity and food allergy
- Vitamin E, C, and Omega 6 acids improve skin and coat
- Provides balanced nutrition with minerals and amino acids derived from natural ingredients
5. Purina ONE Natural Sensitive Systems Dry Dog Food
- Sensitive skin dog food made with real salmon as the #1 ingredient to help support strong muscles, including a...
- A SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients in this adult dog food, along with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids,...
- Purina ONE Skin & Coat dog food includes four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system and natural...
- Calcium and deliciously crunchy bites in this dog food kibble support strong teeth and healthy gums
- Sensitive stomach dog food crafted in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities with no artificial colors, flavors or...
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you looking for nourishing dry dog food to cure tear marks within the budget?
Then, your search ends here with Purina ONE.
The food has a natural source of protein derived from salmon which makes it a great option if your dog is allergic to meat.
It’s rich in Omega 3 fatty acids to improve the immune system, skin, coat, eyes, and also teeth.
Rice and oatmeal are the sources of natural fiber in this diet that supports better digestion and reduce constipation.
The dry food comes in the form of crunchy kibble bites packed with natural protein and essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals to take care of both inner and outer health.
This balanced diet is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds.
Pros & Benefits:
- Has natural protein derived from salmon to suits dogs allergic to meat proteins
- Safe for dogs with a sensitive stomach
- Packed with omega fatty acids that help to improve muscles, teeth, eyes, skin, and fur
- A balanced proportion of vitamins and minerals from natural ingredients to strengthen immunity
- Provides nourishment to naturally defend allergens
6. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced whitefish is expertly balanced with...
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly...
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY COAT & DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed...
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no poultry by-products, wheat, wheat...
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of...
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your dog is prone to food allergies from almost anything that dog food contains, then try this product, it may help.
This is a natural grain-free dry food that is rich in protein derived from seafood like herring, salmon, and whitefish.
Only a handful of dog food brands can offer well-balanced nutrition like this food and also takes care of the food allergy and tear stains.
Coming to the effectiveness of the food, it has adequate levels of Omega 3 fatty acids to improve skin and coat texture.
A balanced level of antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine extracted from natural ingredients takes care of the heart health of your dog.
The best part of this dog food is there is no meat or by-products used in this, so it’s safe for dogs with a sensitive tummy.
As there are no artificial preservatives or fillers, the natural nutritional value of the food stays intact for a long time.
The guaranteed level of prebiotics and probiotics in this food promotes better digestion and also improves overall health like body mass, muscle mass, bones, teeth, eyes, etc.
Pros & Benefits:
- It’s grain-free so completely safe for dogs with a food sensitivity or food allergy
- Whitefish, salmon, and herring are the main source of protein to improve lean body mass and muscle mass
- Natural seafood provides Omega 3 fatty acids for improved skin and coat
- Rich in antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine to protect heart health
- Contains an adequate amount of prebiotics and probiotics to support the digestive system
7. Wysong Optimal Adult Canine Formula Dry Dog Food
- 42% Protein With High Levels Of Fresh/Frozen And Dried Meats, Natural Protein And Fat
- A Grain Free+ Formula! Not Only Grain Free, But High Protein, High Fat, And Very Low Starch. An Improved Version Of...
- Low Levels Of Carbohydrate And Glycemic Index, Organic Ingredients, High Levels Of...
- Numerous Organic Ingredients, High Levels Of Enzymes/Probiotics/Micronutrients, Natural Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratios....
- Wysong Has Been A Leader In Pet Nutrition Since 1979
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are thinking of rotating your dog’s diet to prevent tear stains and food allergies then try this dog food.
This food is rich in protein and well-balanced nutrition to provide optimum nourishment to adult dogs.
Guaranteed levels of vital minerals and vitamins derived from natural ingredients take care of the overall health of your dog.
It’s specially designed with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to aid better digestion for dogs with food intolerance.
It’s also a good source of necessary enzymes, amino acids, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to improve the quality of coat and skin.
Chelated minerals in proportion with inorganic minerals in this food ensure better absorption of nutrients.
It contains freeze-dried meat blended with co-extrusion of meat to increase the protein quotient for stronger muscles.
The food has been formulated with an emphasis on whole ingredients to ensure nutritional potency.
It has an adequate level of antioxidants to promote a healthy oxidative balance.
The food is super-saturated with lipids in an oxygen-free atmosphere to stop oxidative free radicals.
It’s packed in a modified atmosphere and comes with oxygen-controlled closure to preserve the nutritional value of the food for a long time.
Pros & Benefits:
- Fortified with vitamins along with natural minerals to improve the overall health
- Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics to support digestive health
- Rich in amino acids, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids to take care of skin and coat
- Co-extrusion meat blended with freeze-dried meat
- Made from whole ingredients to preserve nutritional potency
8. Nature's Logic Dog Food Canine Meal Feast
- No Wheat, Corn, Rice, Soy, Potato, Peas Or Lentils
- Probiotics & Enzymes For Digestive Support
- No Ingredients From China
- Multiple Proteins For Easy Rotation
- 100% Natural - No Synthetic Vitamins Or Minerals Added
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do you believe that high-quality nutrition can beat those tear stains off your furry child?
– Then this is the product you were looking for.
The food is named as sardine meal feast and it contains 100% natural ingredients.
It’s an extremely palatable nutrition-dense dry dog food that has real meat and all the goodness of fruits and vegetables.
This formula is made with minimally processed whole foods to prevent any toxin build-up in the stomach to prevent food allergies.
The rich source of protein is derived from real meat and is available in a range of varieties like beef, rabbit, duck, salmon, etc.
Millet and high-quality grains are the source of vital nutrients, antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to ensure better food absorption and treat food intolerance.
It has low natural sugar which makes it a healthy food option for dogs of all stages.
The food doesn’t contain hydrolyzed protein, corn, wheat, soya, potatoes, or any harmful grain to disturb the digestive health of your dog.
It’s free from MSG, synthetic preservatives, and artificial colors.
The food is safe for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Pros & Benefits:
- Made with whole ingredients that are minimally processed and 100% natural
- Rich in meat protein, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to improve the overall health
- Available in multiple varieties of protein like pork, lamb, duck, beef, rabbit, fish, chicken, etc
- Contains millet which is gluten-free and low in sugar
- Suitable for dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds
9. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Real Texas Beef And Sweet Potato Recipe. Wholesome And Natural With Added...
- Real deboned beef is always the first ingredient in this premium grain free kibble, made with real food ingredients...
- Features a holistic blend of 63% protein and healthy fat ingredients to maintain lean muscle mass and energy...
- Merrick dog food delivers 64% of protein from animal sources, providing high protein levels, and contains no...
- Wholesome grain free real meat beef dog food contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat, and...
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Is your dog a lover of kibbles?
Then try this grain-free kibble to cure those tear stains in no time.
The food is enriched with whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, and blueberries to prevent food intolerance in dogs with a sensitive tummy.
The source of natural protein is derived from beef, lamb, and salmon which are also rich in healthy fat.
It also contains a balanced amount of nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids to boost overall health.
It’s specially coated with probiotics and necessary digestive enzymes to ensure complete absorption of nutrients and better digestive health.
The food is safe for dogs of all breeds as it doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, gluten, or artificial preservatives that are harmful and can induce food allergy.
An optimum level of added vitamins and minerals derived from natural ingredients boosts muscle strength and also takes care of skin and coat.
The nutrition blend has been scientifically formulated to ensure every bowl of meal contains almost 65% protein and 35% vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pros & Benefits:
- Contains natural protein derived from beef as the main ingredient along with lamb and salmon
- Has an adequate level of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat
- Made from real whole ingredients without any grains like wheat, corn, soy, or gluten
- Glucosamine and chondroitin helps to maintain strong bones and joints
- Doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives to suit dogs of all breeds and stages
10. Rachael Ray Nutrish Diet Dry Dog Food
- Contains (1) 24 Pound Bag of Dry Dog Food
- Limited ingredient diet which may help dogs avoid food sensitivities
- Turkey meal is the #1 ingredient
- No dairy, egg, beef or potato ingredients
- Just 6 easily-digestible, natural ingredients with added vitamins & minerals
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Many dog parents prefer a limited ingredients diet because it works best to prevent food sensitivities and allergies that can cause tear stains.
This grain-free 6 ingredient formula is just the one you have been looking for to provide a well-balanced diet with all essential nutrients.
The main ingredient in this food is turkey which is the source of protein and amino acids for healthy muscles and bones.
All other essential vitamins and minerals are derived from natural ingredients like peas, pea starch, dried beet pulp, etc.
It has natural chicken fat which is a good source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that support healthy skin and shiny coats.
These kibbles come in natural pork flavor so your furry child will easily gobble it up.
The meal is gluten-free and doesn’t contain any filler ingredients which can trigger any sort of food allergy.
It doesn’t have any dairy products like beef so it’s a safe choice for dogs with a dairy sensitive tummy.
No eggs and potatoes are used in this diet to keep it simple yet healthy for all dog breeds.
The same meal is also available in a safe grain version with lamb and brown rice for dogs that need high fiber meals.
Pros & Benefits:
- Turkey is the main ingredient that contains animal protein and amino acids to support muscle mass
- Contains chicken fat as a source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that improve skin and coat
- Peas, pea starch, and beet pulp provide essential vitamins and minerals to boost overall health
- Comes in natural pork flavor
- Doesn’t contain gluten, beef, eggs, potatoes, dairy, and fillers
Difference Between Red and Brown Tear Stains
Tear marks can range between reddish or rusted in color to reddish-brown marks around the eyes of your dog.
If the color of the tear stain is reddish or somewhat similar to the rust color then those stains have resulted from excessive discharge of Porphyrins through tears and can be treated with a nutritionally balanced diet.
However, if the tear stains are darker red that is close to brownish then it could be the result of yeast infection on the face or eyes.
Generally, these yeast infections aren’t caused due to nutritional deficiency and most often stinks.
If you notice dark red or somewhat brown stains around the eyes, try to sniff a little to find if it has an unpleasant smell.
If the tear stains are smelly, don’t delay your next visit to the vet to discuss the issue, but if the stain has no unpleasant smell then a specially formulated dog diet can be of great help.
Final Thoughts
The best dog food for tear stains is a great way to remove tear stains and also prevent them from coming only if dog parents are completely sure that the reason behind tear marks is a dietary deficiency.
Apart from diet, there are multiple options like wipes and cleansers to remove tear stains that are caused due to eye infections like conjunctivitis or inflammations.
Generally, tear marks that are caused due to nutrition deficiency will start improving within a few weeks into a premium diet, specially formulated to provide well-balanced nutrition.
Sometimes, a high-quality dog diet may not show any positive result to the tear marks even after a month, and then it’s certain that the cause of tear stain is a health issue, not poor nutrition.
In such cases, it’s always advisable to take your pet to veterinary care to treat such symptoms that might cause serious health issues later.
