Maltese is one of the smallest dog breeds and is a favorite to many because of its friendly nature and faithfulness. It is characterized by a long and silky white coat that is very beautiful and can even reach the floor.
It is a lively dog that loves to play and be around you. However, these elegant and lovable dogs are one of the breeds susceptible to tear staining.
Any dog can be affected by tear stains but these stains are more visible on the Maltese due to their white fur. Imagine having that beautiful coat marred by the unpleasant and unsightly tear stains? You don’t want in your sweet and good-looking canine companion.
It is worth noting that these tear stains are sometimes a result of what you feed the dog. That is why you need to ensure that you feed him a high-quality diet that will help prevent these tear stains.
Causes of Tear Stains in Maltese dogs
Allergies– Allergies may be caused by dyes, grains like corn and wheat and reactions to artificial flavors and preservatives.
Built-Up Toxins-Tear stains may also be brought about by accumulated toxin buildup in the liver. Addressing toxin sources and evaluating the health of the dog’s liver may provide treatment options or drive food choices that are more informed to get rid of the toxins and heal the liver.
Shared Infection-One dog can spread staph and yeast infections to another. Sharing brushes, bowls, and bodily fluids when dogs lick each other allow the passage of infection from one dog to another.
If your Maltese plays or shares spaces with other dogs showing tear staining, use foods that are high in antioxidants and nutrients to support a healthy immune system and to provide extra protection.
Systemic Imbalance-This occurs when the pH level of your furry friend is off. The rise or drop of pH levels beyond the healthy levels can lead to tear staining when there is an increase in certain enzymes. Systemic imbalance takes place when the dog has an infection or when stressed for a long period.
7 Best Dog Food to Get Rid of Those Pesky Marks
Since proper nutrition is key to the removal and prevention of tear stains, you must feed your pet dog food packed with ingredients that promote optimal health and lubricates mucous membranes that tear leading to unsightly tear stains.
We’ve compiled for you a list of the best food for Maltese to prevent tear stains to make it easier for you to find the best solution for your canine friend. We ensure that you get what you deserve; the best!
Our top picks are:
1) Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food
Just like the name suggests, this dog food offers perfect wellness for your Maltese and tops our list of best dog food for Maltese to prevent tear stains. The dry food provides well-balanced nutrition thus improving the overall being of your furry friend as it is crafted from ingredients that are carefully handpicked.
Made of Turkey and Oatmeal, the kibbles are small in size making them easy to chew. They are nonetheless tasty so your dog loves them. Even the picky eaters, this flavorsome meal will leave them wanting more.
Besides, the ingredients used in this food are of the best quality. The ingredients are all-natural with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Therefore, it is one of the best dry food that is perfect for dogs that are food sensitive.
What’s more, the food promotes the development of resilient muscles as it contains proteins and as well know proteins are a great source of energy. To support a healthy coat and skin, the food contains Omega 3 fatty acids.
Feeding your canine friend this food will also lead to healthy gums and teeth as it contains adequate levels of vitamins, calcium, and phosphorous. Prevent the onset of tear stains by feeding your furry friend this kibble.
Benefits
- Provides complete nutrition
- Boosts the immune system of the dog
- Ingredients are easily digestible
- Promotes a healthy body weight
- Easy to chew
- All-natural ingredients
- Promotes a healthy coat and skin
- Leads to healthy gums and teeth
2) Petpost/Tear Stain Remover Soft Chews
No one wants those unsightly discolorations and stubborn mucus stains that are unpleasant around their pup’s eyes and mouth. Getting rid of this menace is as easy as giving the dog a delicious treat. As the best dog food for Maltese to prevent tear stains, these soft chews will keep your pup all bubbly and full of good health.
The Petpost/ Tear Stain Removal Soft Chews are crafted from premium and all-natural ingredients such as marshmallow root, cranberry, and lutein. These ingredients are of high quality and are rich in nutrients that boost the overall health of your canine friend. Your dog will love these tasty chews that are irresistible and he will come running for them.
These chews are popular with vets, groomers, and white dog parents as they lead to happy, healthy and beautiful dogs and saves them the discomfort and embarrassment brought about by the unsightly marks around the eyes and mouth.
Benefits
- Contains no harmful chemicals or artificial additives
- Safe for canine systems that are delicate
- Tasty cheese flavor that your dog will love
- Reduces tear stains after few times of usage
- Made in the USA
- Boosts the immune system of dogs
3) Royal Canin Maltese Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
Talk of tailored nutrition for your pet. Royal Canin has stood out over the years for formulating dog food for specific breeds. This best food for Maltese to prevent tear stains is specially formulated with your dog’s needs in mind. This means that this dog food from them can be trusted.
The dog food is loved by many dog parents as it offers fully balanced nutrition and also enhances the quality of the hair and coat of your Maltese. This is particularly because it contains biotin, Omega-3, and 6 fatty acids.
Buying this dog food comes with various benefits. Firstly, the dog food is very delicious making it irresistible. Your dog will love it! Secondly, the formula is crafted with the nutritional needs of the Maltese so it has high-quality ingredients that are essential for the wellbeing of your furry friend.
As the best food for Maltese to prevent tear stains, this dry dog food does more than just removing the pesky stains. It promotes smooth digestion, reduces the quantity of stool, reduces stool odor, its clear-cut fiber content supports healthy digestion. It is what you need if you are in search of great dog food that will reduce those tear stains in your beloved Maltese.
Benefits
- Made with specific nutrients to help your dog thrive
- Easy to chew
- Promotes a healthy coat and skin
- Ingredients are easily digestible
- Palatable flavor
- Reduces stool amount and stool odor
- Offers a complete nutrition
4) Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken-Small Breed
Your dog requires the best food to help him be at his best. Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food offers the best level of protein that your furry dog needs as it has chicken as its first ingredient. The highly digestible proteins furnished your pup with all the amino acids essential to meet your dog’s nutritional requirements.
The other ingredients in this formula are wheat, chicken fat, corn, potassium chloride, and natural flavors. So, you do not have to worry about any artificial colors or ingredients that may cause harm to your dog’s health.
Additionally, the dog food contains natural fiber and a prebiotic blend that ensures a healthy dog at all times. DHA and Vitamin E found in this formula support the mental sharpness of your furry friend and ensure that his brain is functioning healthily.
Not only that, but the formula also includes glucosamine, animal proteins, and chondroitin sulfate all of which are vital in supporting lean muscles and nimble joints.
The fact that it contains optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates makes it a great solution for Maltese dogs that are prone to weight gain. All these attributes make this dog formula one of the best dog food for Maltese to prevent tear stains.
Benefits
- Well-balanced nutrition for small-breed dogs
- Made of high-quality ingredients
- Great for weight control as it has low levels of fats and carbohydrates
- Kibbles is teeth cleaner as well
- No artificial ingredients or colors
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Supports mental sharpness and healthy functioning of the brain
- Promotes lean muscles and nimble joints
5) Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws for Small Breed Dogs
This dog food is specifically tailored to prevent tear stains in your Maltese. It is formulated with ingredients that are easily digestible and is perfect for small breed dogs. To promote the healthy skin and shiny coat of your beloved furry friend, the food contains omega-six fatty acids and vitamin E.
Your pooch will like this dog food as it is crafted with only natural ingredients with no filler ingredients. These natural ingredients are of high quality thus preventing tear stains that are often brought about by ingredients that are of low quality. These ingredients are such as chicken, lamb, or salmon protein.
In addition, this dog food promotes muscle maintenance as it encompasses high-quality protein. It boosts the immune system as it nonetheless uses an antioxidant blend. This formulation is not only trusted by vets but by dog parents also all over the world. Undoubtedly, this is the best dog food for Maltese to prevent tear stains.
Benefits
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Vitamin E promotes good eye health
- Formulated with ingredients that are of high quality
- Ingredients are easy to digest
- Contains natural ingredients and vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Crafted with nibble sized kibble for tiny mouths
- Support the immune system
- Promotes a healthier skin
6) NaturVet-Tear Stain Plus Lutein
NaturVet is known to provide the best food in the market for a long period. As another best food for Maltese to prevent tear stains, NaturVet-Tear Stain Plus Lutein is recommended by vets and does a really good job.
As the best food for Maltese to prevent tear stains, these tasty chews packs key nutrients that lubricate the mucous membrane to prevent the emergence of unsightly tear stains. Through proper feeding and supplementation with these soft chews, your pet enjoys a blissful life free of tear stains.
It is one of the most sought dog foods as it contains no artificial ingredients that may cause harm. This is because it is crafted with natural flavoring and wheat free making it extremely safe for your doggie bud.
The ingredients used to manufacture the food are such as Cranberry Extract, Marshmallow Root, Lutein, Vitamin C, and Oregon Grape Root. The food nonetheless contains Omega 3 and 6 which is responsible for maintaining silky and long hair and is great for reducing allergies.
It is delicious and soft hence your dog will love it. Even the fussy eaters cannot resist this supplement. To ensure its freshness, the food is packaged with a re-sealable cap.
Benefits
- Made with natural ingredients and flavors
- Contains mucous membranes
- Maintains a silky and long hair
- Reduces allergies in dogs
- Gets rid of unsightly tear marks
- Boosts the immune system of your dog
- Delicious hence loved by dogs
7) Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Breed Dry Dog Food
This is another popular dog food that you will find in the market to prevent tear stains in Maltese. Because you need high-quality food to prevent tear stains, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is an excellent contender for the best dog food for Maltese to prevent tear stains as it is made of high-quality ingredients.
The dog formula is specially crafted for the wellness of adult small breed dogs. Real meat is the first ingredient in this formula. Chicken is another ingredient that is a source of high-quality protein which is essential for building and maintaining a healthy muscle.
For optimal small dog breed health and wellness, this dog formula is made with high levels of protein and carbohydrates such as oatmeal, barley, and brown rice. Filler ingredients that cause allergies will not cause any concern when you buy this formula.
Besides that, this wonderful formula for your Maltese is supported with BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits that encompass a unique blend of antioxidants, carefully selected vitamins, and minerals to boost the dog’s immune system and support the requirements for each life stage.
Benefits
- BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits
- Crafted with natural ingredients
- Contains no fillers
- High levels of proteins and carbohydrates
- Contains chicken as the first ingredient
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- No chicken by-products
- Contains oatmeal which is a great source of Vitamin B
- Contains blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, carrots, and dried kelp
- Reduces diarrhea in dogs
- Ideal for dogs with allergies, stomach, and skin issues
Further Reading
Best Dog Food for Maltese to Prevent Tear Stains Buying Guide
Considerations When Buying Dog Food for Maltese to Prevent Tear Stains
Palatability of The Food
Dogs just like humans dislike a bad taste in their mouths. You thus want to get dog food that is not only of good quality but also tastes well. This increases their appetite and also helps in getting rid of the tear stains.
Easy Digestibility
This is another important factor to put in mind. The dog food that you purchase can be easily broken down by the dog’s digestive system. The food should have sufficient fiber to aid in digestibility.
Premium Ingredients
The dog food that you pick for your Maltese should be highly nutritious. You, therefore, want to go for dog food with high meat content and not meat products. Whether you eliminate the tear staining problem is determined by the ingredients in the dog food.
Life Stage of the Dog
Providing your Maltese with the most appropriate diet that is healthy and beneficial for his life stage leads to a long and healthy life. Remember that feeding healthy helps with mental acuity and behavioral issues.
Budget
Quality dog food doesn’t come cheap. However, this doesn’t mean that you should go overboard when getting the best food for your four-legged family member. A bit of research will help you strike a balance between quality and affordability.
Related Post: Best Dog Food for Small Dogs
Ingredients in Foods that Cause Tear Stains in Maltese dogs
Fillers
For dogs to function properly, they need a diet that is simple and high in protein. However, some dog foods may contain fillers such as wheat and corn which manufacturers use to cut the costs. As much as these fillers are non-harmful, they may lead to tearing stains particularly for dogs with sensitive stomachs as they react poorly to them.
Artificial Colors and Flavors
Dog foods that use artificial colors and flavors to make the food more delicious can lead to allergic reactions and eye staining.
Preservatives
Unnatural preservatives are used by commercial dog food brands to increase the shelf life of the foods. These preservatives can result in allergic reactions in dogs causing excessive watering and subsequent tear stains.
Read: Benefits of Grain-free Dog Food
Other Dogs That are at Risk to Tear Stains
Dogs that are most likely to be affected by tear stains are small breeds with long hair on their faces and white dogs. These include:
- Shih Tzu
- Lhasa Apsos
- Cocker Spaniel
- Boxer
- Toy Poodles
- West Highland White Terriers
- Bichons Frises
- Pug
- Pekingese
Best Food for Maltese to Prevent Tear Stains FAQs
Q: How do I Prevent Tear Stains in My Maltese?
Besides using the foods elucidated above, there are other things that you can do to prevent tear stains in your dog. Use dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth to wash the muzzle hair. You may also use a bit of hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterward. You can also trim the hair around the eyes to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.
Q: Does Tap Water Cause Tear Stains in Dogs?
Tear stains can be brought about by high mineral content in the dog’s drinking water. If this is the case, give your furry friend fresh, filtered water instead of tap.
Q: What Can I Feed My Maltese to Prevent Staining?
It is vital to feed your dog natural and wholesome foods based on complex carbohydrates, have low amounts of proteins, and are free from additives. Vitamins and minerals should be incorporated into the dog food that you choose. The foods mentioned above are great picks for you.
Conclusion
The snow-white coat makes the Maltese one of the most adorable and attractive dog breeds. Tear stains can mar this coat’s aesthetic appeal and you don’t want that. Therefore, you need to do whatever it takes to keep this coat looking beautiful and healthy at all times.
This is where dog foods illustrated above come in handy. They can be trusted to do an excellent job of eliminating tear-staining issues. We hope you choose any of them and tear staining in your Maltese will not be an issue for you anymore.