Do you look at your adorable Maltese and notice those stubborn, reddish-brown streaks beneath their eyes? While these tear stains are a common sight on this beautiful breed, they can be incredibly frustrating for owners to manage. You likely want your pup to look their best, but constant wiping and expensive topical treatments often fail to provide a lasting solution.
The truth is that the secret to clear eyes often starts in your dog’s food bowl. Many commercial dog foods contain artificial dyes, low-quality fillers, or additives that trigger excessive tearing in sensitive Maltese. Choosing the right diet feels like a guessing game because every brand promises results, yet the shelves are overflowing with confusing labels and conflicting advice. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you only want what is healthiest for your furry best friend.
In this guide, we will cut through the marketing noise to identify exactly what ingredients cause staining and which nutrients promote clear, healthy eyes. You will learn how to read ingredient labels like a pro and discover the best dietary habits to keep your Maltese looking bright and clean. By the end of this post, you will have the confidence to choose a high-quality food that supports your dog’s wellness from the inside out. Let’s dive into the simple changes that will transform your Maltese’s appearance today.
Top Dog Food For Maltese Tear Stains Recommendations
- START REMOVING TEAR/SALIVA STAINS – Wipe twice a day to start seeing improvements in your dog’s tear stains or saliva stains!
- EASY AND SIMPLE – Perfect to wipe, clean and throw away! It is that quick! Mild and fragrance-free formula keeps your pet’s face clean, fresh and odor-free!
- KEEP YOUR DOG CLEAN – Keep your dog’s eye and mouth areas free and clear of discharge and debris
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All Healthy Breeds products are made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog products including health care, grooming, dental care and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our Amazon storefront. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Supports White Coat & Skin Health: Our dog food for small dogs is enriched with amino acids, Omega-3 & 6 to help prevent coat yellowing, brown stains, and dullness - keeping your small breed dog’s fur white and skin healthy
- High-Quality White Fish Protein: This sensitive skin dog food is made with highly digestible, savory white fish protein as the #1 ingredient that supports digestion and immune health - ideal for picky eaters and small breed dog food needs
- Gentle & Grain-Free Formula: A dog food grain free and gluten free recipe crafted for easy digestion and fewer reactions like bloating or gas, making it a top choice for dog food for allergies and itching
- Crunchy Kibble for Dental Health: Special dog kibble shape encourages chewing, promotes clean teeth, supports nutrient absorption and is ideal for small dog mouths - balanced small breed dry dog food for daily mealtime
- Convenient & Fresh Packaging: Comes in one (1) 3.3 lb bag of dry dog food, ideal for freshness and portion control. This adult dog food is crafted in the EU as a healthy dog food solution for white or light-coated dogs food needs
- Reduces Tear Stains & Odor: Our dog food for small dogs supports clear tear and saliva composition, helping reduce brown stains around the eyes, mouth, and paws while keeping white coats clean and free from odor or irritation
- Lamb Protein as the #1 Ingredient: A natural source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, this easily digestible small breed dry dog food supports immune health, energy metabolism, and delivers rich flavor for even the pickiest eaters
- Strengthens Immunity & Vitality: Formulated with antioxidants and nutrients, our healthy dog food helps defend against stress, supports cell health, and boosts immunity - ideal adult dog food for active, resilient pets
- Small Breed Kibble Texture: Crunchy dog kibble shaped for small jaws promotes chewing, aids dental hygiene, and enhances digestion; perfect for small breed dog food needs like Bichon Frise, Japanese Spitz, Maltese
- Convenient Packaging: Our dog food formula with lamb and rice comes in a 3.3 lb bag for portion control and freshness; a great dry dog food option for adult small breeds with white, light or mixed coats
- TEAR STAIN REMOVER FOR DOGS AND CATS: Eye Envy's Tear Stain Remover Powder absorbs moisture and cleans tears, keeping your pet's eyes stain free. With a drying formula featuring non-irritating and all-natural ingredients, this powder works to minimize tear stains over time. Remove tear stains in few days with daily use. For stain free eyes, use weekly once original tear stains are removed. Available in 3 sizes to suit your pet size, breed and number.
- EYE STAIN REMOVER: Not a cover-up, chalk, or cosmetic. Used daily it will keep the area around the eyes dry. Apply with a fingertip or for easy application use the Eye Envy ProPowder Applicator Brush.
- EFFECTIVE ON ALL BREEDS: Remove tear stains from white dogs, toy breeds, dogs with skin folds/wrinkles and flat faced cat breeds such as the Persian and Exotic Shorthair. Recommended by breeders, professional groomers and cat fanciers/dog show enthusiasts worldwide.
- SAFE AND NATURAL: Made with only natural, non-toxic ingredients. Eye Envy products are non-irritating and applied topically, never ingested. Does not contain parabens, peroxide, bleach, steroids, or antibiotics. Fragrance free, cruelty-free. Safe for pets of all ages. Made in the USA.
- LONG-TERM TEAR STAIN REMOVAL: Use alone or for best results use it with Eye Envy Tear Stain Facial Cleanser to remove heavy staining and debris/gunk. Follow this with the Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Solution or Wipes to clean the area. Finally, finish with the Eye Envy Tear Remover Stain Powder to keep the area around the eyes dry.
- Gentle & Effective Tear Stain Solution for Dogs and Cats : This tear stain remover balm gently cleans and reduces tear stains, eye gunk, and crust on dogs and cats. Especially effective for white-furred breeds like Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Pomeranian. Leaves fur looking clean and healthy
- Soothing Formula with pH-Balanced Eye Care : Infused with natural plant extracts, our balm soothes irritated tear ducts, balances pH, and helps relieve eye redness, discharge, and minor irritations. A gentle alternative to harsh dog eye drops or chemical-based products
- Prevents Future Stains & Pigmentation : This balm not only treats current tear stains but also forms a light protective barrier that helps prevent tear-induced pigmentation and new stain formation. A smart addition to your pet grooming routine
- Easy 3-Step Application with Brush Included : For best results: clean the area using pet-safe eye wipes or dog face wipes, dry with a soft towel, then gently apply the balm using the included silicone brush. Great for home use or travel grooming kits
- Natural, Mild, and Safe for Daily Use : Made with jojoba oil, olive oil, and grape seed oil, our tear stain remover balm is hypoallergenic, lick-safe, and suitable for pets with sensitive skin. No bleach, no fragrance, and safe for both dogs and cats
- GENTLE ON SKIN – These cat & dog wipes are formulated with zero fragrances and a sulfate-free cleanser to soothe itch and gently clean their eye area of tearing.
- NO RINSE FORMULA – Easy and convenient to use, these cat & dog tear stain remover wipes help clean up discharge from around your pet's eye that could be causing staining and further irritation.
- RECOMMENDED FOR ALL BREEDS – Good for all dog & cat breeds, not just those with white coats, over 12 weeks of age for daily maintenance and cleansing of the sensitive eye area.
- HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS – Green Tea, Chamomile, and Valerian Extract make these eye wipes for dogs & cats non-irritating yet effective without the need for bleaching agents.
- EFFECTIVE & AFFORDABLE – Our premium products are high-quality at an affordable price. We know dogs and cats are more than just pets because we are pet parents too.
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED MALTESES: Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of a purebred Maltese 10 months and older
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble is designed to help small dogs easily pick up and chew their food
- COAT HEALTH: Provides skin support and coat care with biotin and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to help maintain silky, long hair
- OPTIMAL STOOL: Highly digestible proteins promote optimal stool quality and reduce stool amount and odor
- HIGHLY PALATABLE: Adult dog food with exceptional aromas and flavors to satisfy picky eaters
- TEAR STAIN REMOVER - With regular use of our tearless dog shampoo facial treatment you'll see tear stains fade and white fur brightened.
- SWEET BLUEBERRY & VANILLA - SPA's blueberry face wash for dogs is a luxurious soap free formula with a rich vanilla scent that will leave your pet pampered and smelling irresistible.
- FOR ALL BREEDS - Perfect tear stain remover for white dogs with long hair, but can also be used on pets with any fur color and coat type.
- LAVISH INGREDIENTS - Carefully blended with oatmeal and vitamin E to ensure that each use of our dog facial wash cleans and provides rich moisture to the coat.
- LOVED BY PROFESSIONALS - A groomers favorite, SPA by TropiClean offers a range of high-quality grooming shampoos and uniquely scented dog colognes for a luxe experience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Food for Maltese Tear Stains
Maltese dogs are famous for their beautiful, snowy white coats. However, many owners struggle with dark, reddish-brown tear stains under their eyes. While some stains are caused by genetics or blocked tear ducts, diet plays a major role. Choosing the right dog food can help clear up these stains and keep your pup looking bright.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for food to reduce tear stains, look for “limited ingredient” recipes. These diets remove common allergens that cause inflammation. You should also search for foods with high-quality protein sources like turkey or duck. Avoid anything with artificial dyes or heavy additives, as these often contribute to staining.
Important Ingredients to Include (and Avoid)
The quality of the ingredients matters most. High-quality dog foods use real meat as the first ingredient. They also include healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin health.
You must avoid these common triggers:
- Artificial Colors: Red dyes in kibble are frequent culprits for tear staining.
- Corn and Wheat: These fillers often cause digestive upset and inflammation.
- High Mineral Content: Excess minerals in tap water or food can sometimes change the pH of your dog’s tears.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The manufacturing process changes the quality of the food. Cold-pressed or gently air-dried foods keep more nutrients intact than mass-produced, high-heat kibble. A “grain-free” label can be helpful, but only if the grain is replaced with high-quality vegetables like sweet potatoes or peas. Always look for a brand that performs third-party testing to ensure safety and consistency.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most owners notice a difference after four to six weeks on a new diet. It takes time for the old, stained fur to grow out. During this process, you should also wipe your dog’s eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth. Use this food for dogs who suffer from chronic tearing or those with known food sensitivities. If the stains persist, consult your vet to rule out medical issues like infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does food actually stop tear stains?
A: Yes, it can help. By removing allergens and artificial dyes, you reduce the body’s inflammatory response, which often clears up the stains.
Q: How long until I see results?
A: Most owners see progress in four to six weeks. You must wait for the stained hair to be trimmed away and replaced by new growth.
Q: Should I choose grain-free food?
A: Many Maltese owners find success with grain-free options. However, talk to your vet before switching, as some dogs require healthy grains for heart health.
Q: Are treats causing the stains?
A: They might be. Many store-bought treats contain dyes and fillers. Switch to single-ingredient treats like dried sweet potato or lean chicken breast.
Q: Does water quality matter?
A: Yes. High mineral content in tap water can cause staining. Try giving your Maltese filtered or distilled water to see if it helps.
Q: Can I use supplements to help?
A: Some supplements containing probiotics can improve gut health, which often reflects in clearer eyes. Always check with your vet first.
Q: Is the most expensive food always the best?
A: Not always. Focus on the ingredient list rather than the price tag. Look for real meat and no artificial additives.
Q: Why do Maltese get stains more than other breeds?
A: Their white fur makes stains very visible. Additionally, their facial structure often leads to shallow tear ducts that overflow easily.
Q: Should I switch food suddenly?
A: No. Always transition slowly over seven to ten days by mixing the new food with the old to prevent upset stomachs.
Q: What if the stains don’t go away?
A: If diet changes don’t work, see your vet. Your dog might have a blocked tear duct, an eye infection, or seasonal allergies that require medical treatment.