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8 Best Tear Stain Supplements For Dogs

Written by: Kelli Brinegar
For more than five years, Kelli Brinegar has been using her ability to write and her passion for research to tell the tale of what cats are thinking and why. She has provided care to more than 30 cats in her lifetime.Read more
| Published on January 6, 2024

Reviewed by: Dr. Theresa Fossum

Reviewed by:

Dr. Theresa Fossum

Meet Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS. Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – a remarkable animal lover whose passion for animal care and innovative solutions has left an indelible mark on the veterinary world. As the CEO of both Phoenix Animal Wellness and Epic Veterinary Specialists, she's ensuring dogs and cats receive the highest level of care and compassion.Read more
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With our list of the best tear stain supplements for dogs, you’ll find another effective tool in your efforts to help keep the fur around your pup’s eyes clean and stain-free.

Any dog can have an issue with these dark, rusty stains, but on white dogs and those with lighter-colored fur, the staining can be more obvious. Breeds with flat faces are prone to the overproduction of tears which can lead to staining. Dogs with long fur struggle with tear stains, too, as tears tend to hang up in the fur around their eyes.

And how you deal with those tear stains depends on the causes behind them. But whether you use cleaning wipes, a DIY solution, or even trim those stained hairs, a tear stain supplement can help lessen the staining over time. So, check out the answers to your questions about tear stains and then find out who made the list of the best tear stain supplements for dogs.

best tear stain supplements for dogs

FAQs About Best Tear Stain Supplements for Dogs

What causes tear stains in dogs?

Tear stains in dogs are typically brought on by an overproduction of tears, which can be caused by a number of 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 4 Best Supplements for Puppies (+1 to Avoid)

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 inflamed 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.

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

What vitamins help 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 in order 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 – another herb with anti-inflammatory properties that also helps lubricate mucous membranes 
  • Lutein – a naturally occurring carotenoid known to help inflammation in the eye while supporting healthy function 

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, as they help create a healthy immune system.

Related: The 13 Best Heart Supplements for Dogs

Related: 10 Best Eye Supplements for Dogs

The 8 Best Tear Stain Supplements for Dogs

#1 – iHeartDogs Vision & Tear Stain Support Dog Supplement

iHeartDogs vision and tear stain

The iHeartDogs Vision & Tear Stain Support Dog Supplement provides a natural approach to pet health, focusing on eye care and reducing unsightly tear stains. This tasty soft chew includes ingredients like lutein, cranberries, and marshmallow root to promote eye health and tear stain reduction. Plus, it’s made with Krill Oil (Qrill AstaOmega)to supply your dog with beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids and Astaxanthin for an overall health boost. And as always, when you shop with iHeartDogs, shelter dogs recieve nutritious meals. 

Pros

  • Easy-to-administer chews
  • Yummy chicken flavor
  • Made in the USA with no artificial additives
  • Every purchase funds 7 meals for shelter dogs

Cons

  • Effects on tear stains may take a few weeks to become noticeable

#2 – Finn Vision & Tear Stain Support for Dogs

best tear stain supplements 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 antioxidant blend for eye health
  • Yummy beef liver flavor
  • Highly rated on Amazon
  • For all ages and sizes

Cons

  • On the pricier side

#3 – 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 helps 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 flavor 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 bad smell

#4 – 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, 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: 9 Best Salmon Oil Supplements for Dogs

#5 – NaturVet Tear Stain Supplement Plus Lutein

best tear stain supplements for dogs

NaturVet Tear Stain Supplement Plus Lutein is formulated to help support your dog’s immune system and lubricate mucous membranes in order 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: 10 Best Dog Multivitamin Products

#6 – 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. And 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
  • Veterinarian formulated and recommended
  • Safe for cats and dogs
  • Tylosin free

Cons

  • Reviewers report chews are stinky
  • On the expensive side

#7 – Petpost Tear Stain Remover Soft Chews

best tear stain supplements for dogs

Another of the best tear stain supplements for white dogs, PetPost Tear Stain Remover Soft Chews bring together cranberry, eyebright, Oregon grape root, marshmallow root, and lutein, a powerful blend known to eliminate tear stains from the inside out. Results may take up to 6-8 weeks to become visible. For dogs twelve weeks and over only.

Pros

  • Quality ingredients
  • Tasty chicken soft chew
  • Safe and natural supplement
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • No Tylosin or harsh antibiotics

Cons

  • No change reported in some dogs

#8 – 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

Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs

best tear stain supplements for white dogs

Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, make sure to avoid any supplement or tear-staining formulas containing antibiotics. Also, skip supplements that contain artificial ingredients and other unknown ingredients. With any of these seven best tear stain supplements for dogs, you’ll be giving your dog a quality chew or powder that safely brings the luster back to the fur around their eyes. All the while, they’ll think they’re eating a tasty treat!

Related: 13 Best Skin & Coat Supplements for Dogs

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