The Rundown
Best Overall: Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food
“Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food has no artificial ingredients. It comes in a variety of flavours that help you avoid allergens without being stuck to just one food option.”
Best For Puppies: Acana Singles Recipe Range
“Acana Singles Recipe Range gives your puppy the right amounts of proteins and fats to support his growing body’s needs. Each recipe also contains the same nutritional value for your puppy’s development.”
Best Budget Option: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
“Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach has good quality ingredients for its price. It is specially made for sensitive skin and stomach and is ideal for multi-dog families so you can avoid tear stains in more than just one pup.”
Have you ever seen a pup who looked like he’d been having a good cry? Although it may look kinda cute at first, these tear stains can give your pooch a dirty and sad appearance.
Although this condition, known as epiphora, isn’t dangerous in itself, it can have a variety of causes and can be a sign of an underlying problem.
If other health conditions have been ruled out by a vet, feeding your pet one of the kibbles on our list of best dog food for tear stains can reduce these marks and make your pooch feel (and look) chipper and cheerful.




Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Food For Tear Stains
- 1. Canidae Pure Real Limited Ingredient Diets
- 2. Acana Singles Recipe Range
- 3. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- 4. American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 5. Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement
- 6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
- 7. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
- 8. American Journey Limited Ingredient Treats
- 9. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food
- 10. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food
- 1. Canidae Pure Real Limited Ingredient Diets
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- What are the causes of tear stains?
- Are certain breeds more susceptible to tear stains than others?
- How do I know when my dog’s tear stains are a sign of something serious?
- How does the best dog food for tear stains differ from other dog foods?
- What can I do apart from changing my dog’s diet to reduce and prevent these tears stains?
- What are the causes of tear stains?
10 Best Dog Food For Tear Stains
1. Canidae Pure Real Limited Ingredient Diets
Premium Option: Packed with great nutritional values
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PROS
- Recipe range makes it easy to avoid allergens without being limited in choice
- Probiotics and antioxidants are added after cooking to preserve their effectiveness
- Between 8 and 10 ingredients in each flavour
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
CONS
- A little on the pricey side
For pups who need a dog food for tear stains but are fussy eaters, Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food is perfect. With great nutritional values, high protein and fat, high Omegas, and a splash of joint-strengthening supps means this kibble is suitable for just about any dog who wants to reduce tear stains.
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2. Acana Singles Recipe Range
Best For Puppies: Great protein and fats for growing pups
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PROS
- Fantastic recipe range for healthy flavour options
- High in protein and fats
- Contain DHA, EPA, and glucosamine & chondroitin
- Great for starting your puppy on a biologically appropriate diet
CONS
- Somewhat pricey
Although Acana Singles Recipe Range isn’t specifically for puppies, the nutritional values are right in the zone for growing pups, and the extra additions of DHA, EPA, and glucosamine make these kibbles perfect for puppies.
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3. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Best Value for Money: Good quality ingredients for its price
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PROS
- Good protein and fat levels for the average fairly active dog
- Added prebiotic fiber and fish oil
- Healthy and easily digestible carbohydrates
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives
CONS
- “Fish meal” and “Animal fat” are a little vague and indicative of lower quality ingredients
If you’re on a budget, Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach will make you smile. It’s formulated for sensitive skin and stomach, which means it’s right in the zone to keep allergies at bay. It’s also ideal for multi-dog families who are looking to reduce tear stains in one or all of their pups, because you can get a 41lb bag for the price you’ll pay for 24lb in any other brand.
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4. American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Runner-Up Option
PROS
- Various flavours available
- Super affordable
- Contains DHA
- High-quality single animal protein source
CONS
- May not be suitable if your pooch is sensitive to legumes
- Fat level may be too low for active pups
If you want your pooch to be eating well but you also don’t want to spend a fortune on food, American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a great choice. As long as your pup can deal with legumes, they’ll be getting a good amount of protein, fat, as well as a little dose of DHA. It’s suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and activity levels too, so there’s nothing not to like.
5. Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement
Best Immune Supplement
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PROS
- Provides an immune boost to help prevent allergies
- 90 chews per bottle
- Contain vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants
- Available in 2 different flavours
CONS
- Exceeding the recommended dose could have adverse results
Yes, we know… Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement doesn’t count as a food, although they could definitely count as a treat in between meals. If your fluff has bad allergies, a separate allergy-fighting immune supplement could be just what they need. These flavoured bites are packed with healthy stuff to build your dog’s immune system and lower the chances of allergies and tear stains.
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6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Best With Antioxidants & Vitamins
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PROS
- Contain LifeSource Bits which are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, & minerals
- A few different recipes are available so your pooch won’t get bored
- Single source animal proteins with both whole meat and meat meal
- Has a puppy-specific option too!
CONS
- May not be great for pets who are sensitive to potatoes
If you’re looking for something to-the-point but packed with immune-boosting vitamins, Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food is it. Although all the formulas contain potato, the single source protein, slow-burning carbs, and added vitamin and minerals bits make this great for dogs who need some help strengthening their immune system to help fix tear stains.
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7. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Best For Large Breeds
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PROS
- Possible to avoid most common allergens, including legumes
- Nice mix of flavours so your pooch can have some choice
- No grains, corn, soy, wheat, dairy, eggs, gluten, or artificial ingredients
- 9 ingredients per recipe
CONS
- Slightly on the pricey side
Large breed dogs generally need a moderate amount of protein and a moderate to high fat count. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food have the perfect nutritional values for the bigger pups, and have a dose of joint-fortifying supplements included to keep those large joints strong.
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8. American Journey Limited Ingredient Treats
Best Limited Ingredient Treat
PROS
- Protein-packed biscuits
- Single source protein
- Naturally preserved
- Good quality ingredients
CONS
- Contain legumes, so not suitable for all pets
If your dog is eating a limited ingredient diet, it’s important to extend this philosophy to treats too, for the greatest effectiveness. American Journey Limited Ingredient Treats made with a select few real food ingredients and will bring an extra bit of protein to your pup’s diet.
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9. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food
Best Wet Food
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PROS
- Various flavors allowing for easy avoidance of problem ingredients
- 9% protein, which is higher than most
- No corn, wheat, soy, or carrageenan
- Added probiotics and antioxidants
CONS
- Not great for pups who don’t do well with legumes
Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food is the wet version of our top pick. No matter what the flavour, there are 7 or fewer whole-food ingredients in each, with probiotics added after the cooking process so their quality is not compromised. This would be a super addition to Canidae dry kibble, but it would also be an amazing kibble topper for any other dry food.
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10. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food
Best For Seniors
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PROS
- Human-grade, so it’s super healthy
- A variety of grain-free flavours for your pup
- Dehydrated ingredients helps preserve their integrity
- It’s possible to avoid most allergens including chicken, beef, and potatoes
CONS
- Expensive (although it makes four times the volume)
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food is best for active seniors who need something that’s still high protein, high fat, calorie-dense and all-natural. There are a few reasons this food is perfect for seniors. It’s of the highest quality, naturally preserved, comes in a few flavours, and is super soft for older pups to chow without teeth or jaw problems.
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Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 1 – High-Quality Animal Protein Source
The protein source should always be what you see heading up the ingredient list. It should be ingredient number one and should be a high-quality animal protein.
Although food sensitivities can play a part in tear stains, this depends very much on the individual dog. We haven’t avoided any particular protein on this list, because although some dogs may have certain allergies or sensitivities, not all of them will.
As long as there’s a premium quality animal protein right up there and the protein count is decent, then we’re happy with that. This will ensure your pooch gets all the necessary amino acids they need in their diet.
Criteria 2 – Added Vitamins & Minerals
Although tear stains can be caused by out-of-whack chemicals and vitamins and minerals in the body, there are some that can help.
As long as your pup’s food isn’t laced with unnecessary stuff or packed way too full of extra vitamins and minerals, things like vitamin A, vitamin E, probiotics and prebiotics can help keep your dog’s immune system happy, tear ducts in good condition, and prevent the stains from appearing in the first place, or being made worse if they’re already there.
Because tear stains can also be caused by infection, it’s important to keep your pet’s immune system as healthy as possible.
Criteria 3 – Avoids Common Allergens
Food allergies and intolerances can cause various allergic reactions in pets, and these allergies can cause your pooch to suffer from more watery eyes than usual. This, in turn, can contribute to tear stains.
It may be worthwhile switching foods to avoid common allergens if your pooch is having trouble with these stains. Chicken, beef, eggs, potatoes, and grains are quite common allergies, so if you think this may be part of the problem, switch your pup to a food with a different protein source or one without the ingredient you think could be the problem.
Criteria 4 – No Synthetic Ingredients
Artificial colours and flavours in dog food can contribute to the appearance of these facial marks. The chemicals that are often added to commercial kibbles often cause an excess of iron-rich porphyrin molecules, which are secreted in your pup’s tears and leave reddish-brown stains.
The best dog food for tear stains will be all-natural and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Foods like this aren’t hard to find, so whichever one you choose on this list, you can be sure your pup will be eating a chemical-free meal.
Criteria 5 – Affordability
This criterion is aimed at puppy parents, considering your pet can hardly walk into the pet store and buy his own kibble.
But we do believe in making both pets and pet parents as happy as possible, because if you’re feeling down, your pooch can sense it!
That’s why it’s important not only that the food is of the highest quality, but also that the price is right for you. We’ve been honest about the prices of the foods on this list, and while some of them are a little high on that front, there are some seriously well-priced options.
We also have a Best Value For Money option, which is just as high-quality as the rest for a much lower price. There’s something for everyone (and every dog) here.
Questions & Answers

What are the causes of tear stains?
There isn’t just one answer to this question. Basically, whatever the underlying cause, the actual staining is caused by excessive watering of the eyes. The fluid contains a pigment that stains the fur.
Eye watering can sometimes be brought on by irritation, and sometimes because the tear ducts aren’t draining properly. This can be caused by:
- Eye infections
- Ingrown eyelashes
- Inward-turned eyelids
- Bulging eyes (some breeds are more prone to this than others)
- Excessive minerals in their water (this also causes stains around the mouth)
- Food or environmental allergies
Anyone of these things could be the culprit when it comes to your pup, so you’ll need to pay some close attention to figure out what the actual problem is.
If obvious physical causes are ruled out, then it’s a good idea to look at environmental allergies (dust, pollen, etc), and food allergies.

Are certain breeds more susceptible to tear stains than others?
Yes! Flat-faced dogs tend to suffer from these more than others, due to the abnormal shape of their faces and how that affects the growth and development of their tear ducts.
Pekingese, Pugs, Maltese, and other brachycephalic pooches are more at risk of developing these tear stains. Poodles and Spaniels seem to be most prone to blocked tear ducts.
Dogs who are light in colour, especially on their faces, are not necessarily more at risk, but the staining will be far more noticeable on their fair fur.

How do I know when my dog’s tear stains are a sign of something serious?
If your pup’s tear ducts are working overtime, it’s generally something that should be fixed if possible. Watery eyes themselves are not dangerous, but it’s uncomfortable and not fun for your pooch.
If the tear stains on your dog’s face are accompanied by swollen or crusty eyes, a lot of fluid, or an unpleasant smell, then a vet’s visit is probably a good idea.
Any other symptoms that come along with them could be cause for concern too. Tear stains don’t generally appear overnight, and other longer-term symptoms could be part of the same allergy or sensitivity. Sensitive tummies, reluctance to eat, and dull, dry fur could be signs of a food allergy.
Coughing, sneezing, lack of energy, and itching in addition to these stains could be indications of an environmental allergy.
If your pup has tear stain markings but is otherwise happy and healthy, then there should be no cause for concern. Just be sure to keep their eyes clean and dry, but if there are other additional symptoms, a vet’s once-over might be a good idea.

How does the best dog food for tear stains differ from other dog foods?
Whether or not the initial cause of your pup’s stains is food allergies, changing their diet can actually help reduce the chances of staining and keep allergies and irritations at bay.
Dog foods that help tear staining are usually limited ingredient recipes that are all-natural and contain no synthetic ingredients that might mess with your pup’s system.
Limited ingredient doesn’t have to mean limited nutrition though. The recipes should be protein-packed and make use of slow-burning carbohydrates, while staying away from common allergens if possible.
Things like probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin A, vitamin E, and Omega fatty acids are great for helping reduce or even prevent allergies.
While there are many high-quality kibbles on the market, the best dog food for tear stains will most likely contain fewer ingredients than most, with a nice dose of extra vitamins.

What can I do apart from changing my dog’s diet to reduce and prevent these tears stains?
Changing your dog’s diet is a good first step to getting rid of tear stains, but it’s not the only thing that you should be looking at.
There are other things you can do to help your pup’s eye health improve, such as:
- Facial grooming
Keeping your pup’s facial hair trimmed (especially around the eyes) and giving his face a regular wash can make a huge difference.
You can simply gently wash his face twice a day with a damp washcloth, or, if his eye problems are more severe, you can use a canine eye-wash. There are different ways to use these – you can either flush out the eyes or just give them a rub underneath and around with a cotton ball.
- Use filtered water
If your pup is a messy drinker, try to keep his mouth and chest dry after he’s been at the water bowl. Reducing moisture on his fur can help reduce staining quite a bit. If this is tricky, he may benefit from using a doggy water dispenser instead of a bowl.
Speaking of water, staining can occur as a result of excess minerals in your pet’s water. Filling his bowl with filtered or purified water instead of just tap water can fix this issue.
As for removing the stains that are already there, you can find products on the market that claim to do so. Be very careful, though, that you aren’t using something with unhealthy or dangerous chemicals in it. An all-natural product will work the best.
We would advise simply taking measures to improve your dog’s health and letting the current stains grow out. If you are feeding your pooch a great quality food, healthy water, and giving them a regular face groom, the tear stains shouldn’t come back.