From Stained to Spotless: A Complete Guide to Removing Dog Tear Stains Naturally

You love your dog’s sweet face—their bright eyes, their happy expression. But those dark, stubborn tear stains? Not so much.

Maybe you’ve tried countless wipes and shampoos, only to see the stains return. You’re not alone. Many dog owners struggle with tear stains, unsure of what’s causing them or how to make them disappear for good.

Tear stains aren’t just about appearance—they can be a sign of something deeper, like diet, allergies, or bacteria. But the good news? With the right natural approach, you can gently and effectively reduce tear stains and prevent them from recurring.

Dog Tear Stains: Why Do They Happen?

Tear stains are the reddish-brown marks that appear under a dog’s eyes, especially in light-colored breeds. These stains form when tears overflow onto the fur, carrying compounds that cause discoloration. 

While tear stains are common, they can also signal underlying health issues like dietary imbalances or bacterial overgrowth.

Porphyrins: Why Your Dog’s Tears Leave Stains

orphyrins are natural iron-containing compounds found in your dog’s tears, saliva, and urine. They’re responsible for the rusty red stains that often appear beneath the eyes.

When these fluids sit on the fur, porphyrins oxidize when exposed to air, leading to dark discoloration. Some dogs naturally produce more porphyrins than others, such as breeds with shallow eye sockets or those prone to chronic tearing.

How Dysbiosis and Microbiome Disruptions Contribute to Tear Stains

Your dog’s gut microbiome plays a decisive role in managing tear staining.

An imbalance of gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can trigger excessive yeast and bacterial growth, particularly around the eyes, leading to darker, more persistent stains.

Supporting a healthy microbiome helps regulate tear production and reduces the bacterial buildup that worsens staining.

Inflammation, Poor Diet, and Excessive Tear Production

When a dog reacts to food allergens or low-quality ingredients, the body may produce more tears as a defense mechanism.

Ingredients such as artificial additives, fillers, and common allergens can trigger chronic inflammation, exacerbating tear stains.

A diet that's rich in whole-food ingredients helps calm the immune system and keeps tear production in check.

Detoxifying Your Dog’s Body: Clearing Out Stains From the Inside

Tear stains aren’t just a surface issue—they often start from within. When a dog’s body struggles to eliminate toxins efficiently, excess waste can show up in their tears, saliva, and even skin. 

Natural detoxification helps remove these built-up toxins, reduce tear stains, and improve overall health. A combination of liver support, anti-inflammatory foods, and a balanced diet can make a noticeable difference over time.

Supporting Liver Function With Liver Tonic for Natural Detox

The liver filters out toxins, including excess iron and porphyrins, that can contribute to tear staining. If the liver is overburdened, those toxins may be pushed out through tears and skin.

A gentle herbal liver tonic featuring ingredients such as milk thistle, dandelion, and burdock root can help support detoxification and naturally reduce tear stains.

The Rescue Diet: A Hypoallergenic, Anti-Inflammatory Solution

The Volhard Rescue Diet removes common irritants that can trigger chronic inflammation. This diet focuses on simple, whole-food ingredients that are easy to digest, helping to reduce tear production, support gut health, and minimize staining.

Choosing the Right Proteins: Cooling & Neutral Meats for Reduced Inflammation

Many dog owners find that cooler or more neutral proteins (like turkey, duck, and whitefish) can be gentler on their dog's system. On the other hand, warmer proteins such as chicken or beef may contribute to irritation for some dogs.

Choosing a protein that suits your dog's needs may help support clearer eyes, healthy skin, and overall well-being.

A balanced diet that includes calming, nutrient-rich ingredients can be a great way to help your pup look and feel their best.

Nutritional Solutions for Bright, Clear Eyes

The Power of Berries

Berries like blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. They also support a healthy immune system and improve circulation, which can help prevent excessive tear staining.

Krill Oil & Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil, fish oil, or flaxseed help reduce inflammation, promote a healthy coat, and support eye function. Adding omega-3s to your dog’s diet can help minimize tear staining by keeping the skin and tear ducts in good condition.

Raw Meaty Bones

Chewing on marrow bones helps maintain oral health, which is directly connected to tear staining. Poor dental hygiene can lead to bacterial buildup around the mouth and eyes, worsening staining. Regularly giving bones can help keep bacteria at bay.

Filtered Water

Providing clean, filtered water removes impurities and minerals that can contribute to tear staining. Tap water may contain excess iron or other contaminants that can lead to more porphyrin production. Ensuring your dog has access to fresh, pure water can significantly reduce stains.

Daily Care & Natural Remedies for Tear Stains

In addition to nutrition, daily care is essential for keeping your dog’s face clean and free from tear stains. Gentle maintenance can help remove stains and prevent bacterial buildup around the eyes before they set in.

Gentle Wipes & Rinses

Natural, gentle wipes or saline rinses can help remove tear buildup before it causes staining. A simple mix of warm water and a soft cloth can also be used to wipe the eye area daily. Herbal rinses with chamomile or calendula can provide extra soothing benefits.

Avoiding Harsh Chemicals

Many commercial tear stain removers contain harsh chemicals or bleaching agents that can irritate the skin. Instead, opt for natural cleansers and herbal solutions that support skin health without causing irritation. Avoid anything with artificial fragrances, dyes, or preservatives.

Regular Grooming & Eye Area Maintenance

Trimming the hair around your dog’s eyes can help prevent moisture and bacteria buildup. Regular grooming, including brushing and facial cleaning, helps keep the eye area dry and clear. Keeping the fur short around the eyes can reduce irritation and allow tears to drain correctly.

Say Goodbye to Tear Stains With Holistic, Natural Care From Volhard

Tear stains don’t have to be a constant battle. With natural nutrition, gentle daily care, and holistic solutions, you can help your dog achieve bright, clear eyes—without harsh chemicals or quick fixes.

Volhard’s whole-food nutrition and natural supplements support your dog’s health from the inside out, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and promoting clear, stain-free eyes.

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches offer online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. Becker, Dr. "Epiphora: What May Be behind Your Pet's Unsightly Tear Stains." Bark & Whiskers, Bark & Whiskers, 3 Feb. 2025, www.barkandwhiskers.com/2016-10-21-nl-pet-excessive-tear-production/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
   
2. "Everything You Need to Know about Tear Staining in Dogs ." MedVet, 22 Aug. 2024, www.medvet.com/tear-staining-in-dogs/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
3. "How to Clean and Remove Dog Tear Stains." Four Paws, www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/health-and-wellness/dog-tear-stains. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
   
4. "How to Remove and Naturally Prevent Tear Stains on Dogs." The Kind Pet, The Kind Pet, 21 June 2023, thekindpet.com/blogs/blog/the-best-tear-stains-on-dogs-removal. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.