Food and tear stain ?

I feed Blue to all my dogs and feel it is a very good food. This is just my opinion, but I do not feel that dogs should be kept from wholesome grains (which Blue contains) in proper ammounts. The arguement of many is that dogs should not eat grains because their relatives, wolves, do not eat grains. Not only is this incorrect, as wolves do supplement their diet with grasses, seeds, a variety of wild fruits/veggies, plus whatever is intheir preys stomach, but domestic dogs are not wolves, believe it or not. I think everyone can agree that a Maltese will have different dietary needs than a primative wolf. I'm not trying to stirr anything up, just giving a different perspective to the discussion, all in good humor and in the interest of your pup. Because humans have manipulated the canine species so drastically, we have not only changed their outward appearance, but their inward structures as well. A domestic dogs digestive system is not nearly as efficient as the wolfs. Dogs fed low fiber, high protein diets have been shown to have increased abdominal upsets such as constipation, bloat, and regular vomiting/diarrhea. This is because, unlike the wolfs digestive tract, the domestic canines cannot break down and process an excessive ammount of protein, mainly because they do not need to. They are not traveling miles a day, they are in our homes relaxing. Too much protein with insufficient fiber in a common house dog can cause unruly energy, chemical imbalances, obesity, and some internal organ problems. BTW this whole commentary is based on the average Maltese. A german Shepard who is an active police utility dog would fair quite well on a higher protein diet. Still if said dog were mine, I would not cut out the grains 100%. In addition, the grains I'm speaking of are of the human grade quality, not animal feed corn. I hope I didnt upset anyone, just trying to give another perspective on the subject.

As for the tear staining, it can be from a minor ear/nose/throat infection - thats the only time I've had tear staining problems. A friend of mine's Maltese tears during the summer because of the heat, that may be something for you to consider as well. Stress can play a part in increased tearing too, so if anything in your house has chaged that might be it.

P.S.
Coconut is just a doll!!!

It is true that wolves would have supplemented their diet with vegetables and fruit but not with grains.

There are a number of problems with grains, particularly processed grains.

To begin with the carbohydrates in the grains can increase tooth plaque as dogs do not have the correct enzymes in their saliva to break down such carbohydrates.

Those carbohydrates will adjust the ph levels in the gut and reduce the efficiency of meat digestion.

Dogs cannot breakdown the cellulose in grains.

All too often grains are used because they are cheep bulking agents.

That is not to say that all grain based foods are of an inferior quality.

In working dogs the energy rush from grains could well be advantageous, in other dogs it can lead to weight gain.

Many owners find that moving to a grain free diet DOES help with staining- it is difficult to say if this is possibly the result of moving to a better quality food rather than the absence of grain.

Statistically dogs fed raw rather than grain based kibble do live longer but I have no idea if grain free kibble leads to a longer life than grain based. I would also view such a singular statistic with a degree of skepticism as there could be other factors at play. EG it might (or might not) be the case that RAW feeders are more attuned to their dogs health, etc.

Ultimately if you choose to feed grains or not please make sure that it is decent quality. There are independent sites that constantly evaluate the quality of different kibbles.