What are the Top Dog Food Brands for Tear Stains on White Dogs?
Some of the most famous people in history have fallen in love with the Maltese dog’s companionship. The Maltese dog has been in the hands of famous people like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Bennett, and other Hollywood stars. The dogs have an attractive appearance and a signature white silky coat.
If you think the Maltese are a new breed of dog, you are mistaken because these dogs have been around for millennia. People purport that his toy-breed for Europe may have received worship from the Egyptians due to artifacts found aping the dog’s appearance. Maltese are relatively easy dogs to groom, but they tend to develop tear stains around their eyes caused by the tear ducts overworking.
To keep their silky white coats from getting tainted by excessive tears, a well-balanced meal is required first before you undertake any other measures. If you have no idea of nutritious kibble brands, worry not. We have assembled a list of kibble that would suit your Maltese and your budget below:
1. Royal Canin Maltese Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
The Royal Canin Maltese Dry Dog Food offers adequate nourishment for dogs older than ten months. This unique formulation is specific to Maltese dogs, so even the bite sizes presented fit perfectly in the small Maltese mouth. The dry kibble helps the dog maintain healthy teeth and a lustrous, healthy coat.
This special formulation is full of nutrients such as biotin, omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids geared to promote healthy skin and coat. It has good fiber content and highly digestible proteins that reduce the production of large amounts of feces with a foul smell.
Even a dog who is a fussy eater will be attracted to its aroma and taste because it is not overpowering. The kibble comes in a 10lb bag that is re-sealable to maintain freshness.
Pros
- It was designed specifically for adult Maltese dogs.
- Excellent flavor and aroma.
- Come in a re-sealable bag for freshness.
- Healthy for skin and coat.
Cons
- Not all Maltese dogs will like it.
- It is pricey.
2. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
The Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food’s formulae is specifically for small breed dogs between the ages of 1-6 years. This kibble has nutrients, and it is highly digestible, so your dog will not develop stomach issues. Your Maltese will benefit from the omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E that are essential for healthy skin.
This kibble additionally features antioxidants to keep the dog’s immune system in check. It is high in protein so that your dog can maintain a lean mass instead of getting chubby. The kibble has no artificial flavors or preservatives, so your dog can maintain good health. This USA-made product comes in a 4.5lb or 15.5lb re-sealable bag, and you can select between two flavors; chicken or lamb and rice.
Pros
- Available in two flavors.
- High protein formulation to promote a lean mass.
- It uses no artificial flavors or artificial preservatives
- Gives good value for money.
Cons
- It does not contain enough fiber for some dogs.
- Picky dogs may not like it.
3. Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Another fantastic product you can try is the Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch Dog Treats. This kibble contains actual beef from healthy cows raised in green pastures. The formulation features some beef parts, organs, and crush bones, so your dog gets all the nutrients they need. It has no antibiotics, hormones, sugar, grain, salt, or artificial flavorings that may affect your dog’s health.
This kibble made in Wisconsin comes in a 3.25ounce bag. The treats are not too hard; they have a semi-soft texture that allows the dogs to eat it up quickly. There is no age limit set for the treats; therefore, the kibble is suitable for both puppies and adults.
Pros
- Uses real beef from grass-fed cows.
- Contains no hormones, antibiotics, gain, or artificial flavorings.
- Dogs like the flavor.
- Suitable for both puppies and adults.
Cons
- May not be suitable for dogs that require more fiber in their diet.
- Pricey for some.
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food is available in different flavors; thus, it makes it easy to select a flavor your dog will like. Your dog gets to chow on real meat paired with whole grains, veggies, and fruits for a whole balanced meal. The formulation targets small breed dogs that have reached adulthood.
While packing a delicious flavor, the kibble’s size is small to help the dogs eat without straining. The dogs will also benefit from the various minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins present in the kibble as they develop a stronger immune system. This formulation is soy, corn, poultry by-product meals, and wheat-free; additionally, it has no artificial preservatives or flavors that disrupt the digestive system.
Pros
- Features real meat, fruits, and vegetables.
- Designed for small breeds.
- Available in different flavors.
- Soy, corn, wheat, and chicken by-products free.
Cons
- It has a strong smell.
- The bag is not re-sealable.
5. Nutro Natural Choice Natural Adult & Senior Dry Dog Food
Using chicken as the number one ingredient, the Nutro Natural Choice Natural Dry Dog Food is ideal for adult small breed dogs. The formulation includes farm-raised chicken combined with sweet potato and brown rice for a nice flavor. Not only is this kibble flavorful, but it contains adequate minerals and vitamins to support a healthy immune system.
Your dog’s skin and coat are taken care of thanks to the inclusion of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. If your dog is sensitive to allergens, then this product is ideal because it uses non-GMO ingredients. It has no artificial flavoring or preservatives, and it is devoid of soy, wheat, corn, and chicken by-products.
Pros
- Nice kibble size for small dogs.
- Uses natural ingredients.
- Soy, corn, chicken by-products, and wheat-free.
- Flavorful and nutritious.
Cons
- The taste will not appeal to every dog.
- Its re-sealable bag feature needs improving for better functionality.
6. The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Human Grade Dry Dog Food
Lastly, we have the Honest Kitchen Whole Food Dog Food designed for small dog breeds in a human-grade kitchen. The chicken flavored kibble is nutritious, and it has larger doses of L-carnitine, which is good for healthy metabolism and energy production. This formulation also consists of fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and skin.
The manufacturer guarantees that the kibble quality is excellent as it has met the safety standards to get the label ‘human grade.’ The kibble only uses liver protein, muscle meat, live probiotics, low glycemic carbs, and beneficial fats to provide the dog with optimal nutrition. There are no artificial flavorings or preservatives, grain, wheat, GMO ingredients, and chicken by-products that may harm the dog.
Pros
- Naturally dehydrated kibble.
- Uses free-range chicken.
- Produced in a human-grade facility.
- Suitable kibble size.
Cons
- It is pricey.
- Picky dogs may not gravitate to the taste.
Factors to Consider When Getting Dog Food for Maltese Tear Stains
A balanced diet is important in keeping a Maltese healthy and away from developing tear stains. You need to understand your dog’s nutritional needs to ensure that they maintain a healthy lifestyle. When selecting food to tackle Maltese tear stains, please consider the following points:
- Age
The food that dogs need as they grow up and when they finally join adulthood is different. You do not want to overfeed or underfeed your dog by selecting the wrong formulation. Puppies need kibble packed with all the beneficial nutrients without being overly complex flavors. Adult dogs are more aware of what they like; hence the food has to appeal to their taste buds.
- Allergens
Naturally, Maltese dogs are prone to skin allergies because they are sensitive to environmental allergens. To maintain healthy skin, the Maltese should have a diet with few allergens that may aggravate the situation. If you know that your dog has allergies, do not feed it the things it is allergic to. Allergies can make the skin itchy around the eyes, causing the tear ducts to overwork and cause further staining of the fur.
- Diets
Maybe your dog is getting a little chubby, and you put it on a diet. Even with tear stains developing, you do not want to compromise the dog’s diet. You want to make sure that the kibble you buy is healthy and full of protein if you are trying to make your dog lose weight. Ask your vet to recommend suitable kibble brands that won’t veer or dog’s plan to lose weight off the rail.
- Quality Standards
The quality of ingredients is crucial because it affects the nutritional value. Cheap ingredients equal cheap nutrition. Suitable kibble brands should contain natural ingredients with no added chemicals. Many prefer kibble that uses real meat and non-GMO products to ensure that the nutritional value is not compromised.
Quick tips on Maltese Dog food
Before you splurge on a bag of kibble, here are a few more tips that might be of help:
- Avoid kibble that features preservatives like propylene glycol because it can be toxic at high levels causing damage to the nervous system.
- Kibble that is rich in calcium and phosphorus is good for a dog’s bones, but too much can be harmful in the puppy stage.
- Dog food producers list all the ingredients used, so take your time to go through the ingredients, especially if you have a sensitive dog.
- Maltese dogs need a high protein diet to maintain a lean mass and adequate carbs to maintain high energy levels.
- It is advisable to buy kibble for the dog’s specific age because feeding over nutritious food might be detrimental to the kidney, cause diabetes or lead to obesity.
- Consider changing your senior dog’s diet to something easier on their digestive systems. There are several brands that formulate kibble specifically for elderly dogs.
- Choose kibble with high fiber if your dog is suffering from constipation or colitis.
How to Prevent Maltese Tear Stains
- Proper diet
While a bad diet is not the only cause of Maltese tear stains, it is among the top reasons behind the unsightly stains. Ensuring that the dog eats a balanced diet full of the appropriate vitamins and minerals gives it a healthy body. A healthy body functioning as required will not overproduce the tears that cause the stains. If you have already seen the vet to rule out any illnesses, try to change the diet and see if the stains will fade.
- Cleaning products
There are many cleaning products in the market design to help reduce the visibility of the stains. However, such products do not work overnight; they work well with a balanced diet to reduce the stains’ reoccurrence.
- Frequent maintenance
It is unnecessary to wash your Maltese every day, but daily wiping off the face can help reduce the hairs soaking in the stain-causing tears. Using canine wash is recommended and ensure that the dog is well-groomed to avoid hairs poking the eyes that initiate tearing.
Conclusion
Maltese dogs have to be one of the cutest breeds with their all-white coats. Tear stains in Maltese cannot completely vanish forever, but a few measures here and there can reduce the frequent appearance of the stains. It is important to note that these stains are not permanent, so be patient as you tackle them.
Combining cleaning products with nutritious kibble like the Royal Canin Maltese Dry Dog Food is an excellent way to start. You don’t have to worry if the kibble is suitable for your dog because it is especially for Maltese. This product is convenient for first-time owners of Maltese because it offers good nutritional value in one sitting. The kibble possesses an attractive aroma and flavorful small bites that your dog will appreciate.
If you are still undecided, do not worry, you can analyze the products again and make the final decision later. Tell us in the comment section which of the kibble for Maltese brands you selected and how it worked out.