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Tear stains can be frustrating for any dog parent, especially when they leave dark, rusty marks around the eyes that stand out on light-colored coats. The best tear stain supplements for dogs are designed to support eye health, reduce excess tearing, and help minimize staining over time using ingredients like cranberry, eyebright, lutein, and probiotics. These supplements work best alongside good hygiene habits, such as keeping the eye area clean and trimming long fur that traps moisture. If your dog struggles with persistent staining, the right supplement can be a helpful addition to your daily routine.
FAQs About Best Tear Stain Supplements for Dogs
1. What causes tear stains in dogs?
Tear stains in dogs are typically brought on by an overproduction of tears, which can be caused by several things, including:
- Defects of the eye, like improper drainage, eyelid problems, or overactive tear glands
- Allergies brought on by food, pollen, dust, smoke, or other irritants
- Infections, either fungal or bacterial
- Teething in puppies
- Foreign object in the eye
Related: The Best Supplements for Puppies (+1 to Avoid)
2. Can foods cause tear stains in dogs?
Diet plays an important role in the health of a dog, and feeding your pup foods with artificial ingredients and excess fillers like corn, wheat, and soy can potentially lead to inflammation in the body. Sensitivities and allergies to food can also cause inflammatory reactions, and both allergies and inflammation can lead to extra tears.
The high mineral content in some tap waters can also cause staining. If that’s the case in your home, your pup may also have staining of the fur around their mouth. To reduce staining from water, switch to filtered or bottled water.
3. How do you remove tear stains from dogs?
Before you start scrubbing your dog’s eyes, talk to your veterinarian. The reason behind the staining could be related to something that needs treatment. But once you know the root, you can get to work on removing tear stains by:
- Removing potential allergens
- Deep cleaning food and water dishes
- Trimming the long hair around the eyes
- Using a natural tear stain remover in wipe, powder, or liquid form
- Feeding your dog tear stain supplements
Related: The Best Heart Supplements for Dogs
4. What vitamins help with tear stains in dogs?
You’ll find many of the best tear stain supplements for dogs contain a similar blend of ingredients that improve eye health to help prevent further staining:
- Cranberry – provides powerful antioxidants and vitamin C for a healthy immune and circulatory system
- Eyebright – an herb with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties that helps with eye infections and irritation
- Oregon grape root – valued for its use in medicine, thanks to antibacterial properties that aid in fighting infections
- Marshmallow root – an herb with anti-inflammatory properties that also helps lubricate mucous membranes
- Lutein – a naturally occurring carotenoid known to help reduce inflammation in the eye while supporting healthy function
5. Do probiotics help with tear stains?
For dogs with tear staining due to yeast and fungal infection, probiotics can often help reduce tear stains. But even if your dog has tear stains for a different reason, probiotics are still a win because they help create a healthy immune system.
Related: Best Eye Supplements for Dogs
Top Picks for Tear Stain Support
#1 – Finn Vision & Tear Stain Support for Dogs
Finn Vision & Tear Stain Support for Dogs contains a proprietary tear stain blend containing organic cranberry, Oregon grape root, organic marshmallow root & DHAGold, which helps lubricate the eyes while preventing tear stains. These soft chews also contain Eyebright extract for soothing irritation and regulating tear and mucus production. See if you don’t notice a difference in your dog’s tear stains after a month of taking this best tear stain supplement for dogs! And in working on those stains, you’re also helping your dog maintain healthy eye function.
Pros
- Contains a Proprietary Tear Stain Blend
- Also made with an antioxidant blend for eye health
- Yummy beef liver flavor
- Highly rated on Amazon
- For all ages and sizes
Cons
- On the pricier side
#2 – Zesty Paws Tear Stain Bites for Dogs
A brand you know and trust, Zesty Paws Tear Stain Bites for Dogs, approaches tear stain removal with a formula rich in eyebright herb extract, Ceylon cinnamon extract, and d-alpha-Tocopherol Acetate to support eye and immune function. The addition of sustainably sourced AlaskOmega Fish Oil provides EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids that help to support normal eye moisture. But Zesty Paws doesn’t stop there. Their recipe also contains an antioxidant blend with premium Cran-Max cranberry concentrate and an Eye Health Blend made of quercetin, lutein, and astaxanthin to maintain normal visual function and help maintain normal histamine levels. Enjoy 20% off your order when you sign up to receive email and text messages from Zesty Paws.
Pros
- Chicken-flavored dogs love
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for eye and immune health
- Contains powerful cranberry concentrate for antioxidants
- Soft chew for easy feeding
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Affordable option
- Large 90-count quantity
- Made in the USA
Cons
- May stain fabric and fur
- Reviews mention a bad smell
#3 – Angels’ Eyes Natural Tear Stain Prevention Soft Chews
Known for their tear stain wipes, Angels’ Eyes Natural also makes Tear Stain Prevention Soft Chews to help stop tear stains before they start with a proprietary blend composed of natural antioxidants and antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This blend of cranberry, Oregon grape root, marshmallow root, and colostrum aims to keep tear stains away by reducing oxidation released through tear ducts. It’s great for all dogs, but Angels’ Eyes is one of the best tear stain supplements for white dogs. Dogs love the chicken flavor, but they’re also available in beef if your pup prefers.
Pros
- Easy to administer soft chew
- Chicken or beef flavors
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Made in the USA
- No Tylosin
Cons
- Not effective for all dogs
Related: Best Salmon Oil Supplements for Dogs
#4 – NaturVet Tear Stain Supplement Plus Lutein
NaturVet Tear Stain Supplement Plus Lutein is formulated to help support your dog’s immune system and lubricate mucous membranes to reduce tear staining. This easy-to-serve powder contains cranberry extract, Oregon grape root, vitamin C, Eyebright extract, marshmallow root, and omega fatty acids. The addition of lutein provides support for healthy eye function and can protect against UV rays. Simply sprinkle this best tear stain supplement for dogs over your pup’s dinner to give them bright and sparkly eyes.
Pros
- Veterinarian formulated
- Manufactured in the USA
- Formulated for adult dogs and cats
- Tylosin free formula
Cons
- No scoop included
Related: Best Dog Multivitamin Products
#5 – Vet Classics Tear Stain Supplements for Dogs
Vet Classics Tear Stain Supplements for Dogs uses a blend of cranberry, eyebright, Oregon grape root, marshmallow root, and lutein to support the immune system and help remove tear stains in dogs. While we’ve listed their soft chews on our list of the best tear stain supplements for dogs, you can also choose from powdered and liquid forms. This supplement can be used in conjunction with Vet Classics’ water-based tear stain wipes.
Pros
- Helps reduce tearing, leading to less staining
- A veterinarian formulated and recommended
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Tylosin free
Cons
- Reviewers report chews are stinky
- On the expensive side
#6 – Healthy Solutions Tear Stain Remover for Dogs Plus Lutein
Healthy Solutions Tear Stain Remover for Dogs also turns to the winning combination of lutein, cranberry extract, Oregon grape root, vitamin C, marshmallow root, and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to help decrease tear stains and maintain strong eye and immune health. These treat-like chews have a cranberry flavor and are always free of wheat and antibiotics. Noticeable results may take up to 45 – 60 days to appear. Only use in dogs older than twelve weeks.
Pros
- For cats and dogs
- Vet formulated
- Easy to feed soft chew
- Made in the USA
- Made with NO antibiotics
Cons
- May upset stomachs
Helping Your Dog Stay Tear Stain-Free
Reducing tear stains often takes a combination of consistent cleaning, a balanced diet, and the right nutrients to support healthy eyes and normal tear production. Quality tear stain supplements for dogs may help lessen discoloration over time by addressing common causes like irritation, inflammation, and microbial imbalance. For the best results, choose a formula with proven ingredients, follow the recommended dosage, and give it time to work. If staining is sudden, severe, or paired with redness or discharge, a quick check with your veterinarian can help rule out underlying issues and keep your pup comfortable.
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