I have noticed the puppies are starting to get a little bit of tear staining. Since they are white I don't want it to get worse. I have been looking for a grain free puppy food that is small enough for them to eat. They are little things so kibble size it important. TIA

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What are you currently feeding the lil guys?

We fed Innova to Oakley but she still had the staining on that. Honestly with white faced pups, you're going to want to wipe their eyes as often as you can, gently, w/ a warm washcloth, but as far as good quality food, that is a kibble, I did really like the Innova BUT it was bought out by Proctor & Gamble, which may or may not change the quality (its likely it will).

You want to be absolutely SURE that the food has NO BEET PULP. If the food has beet pulp, it very likely may cause staining, esp. on such fair faced sweetie pie babies If their current food doesn't have beet pulp, corn or wheat or soy may be a cause as well.

I really like the Fromm all life stages kibbles -- they have a grain free one called Surf n' Turf that is itty bitty little kibbles, like smaller than tic tacs. It has a good variety of proteins in it too, besides just chicken like many dog foods have. Its pretty affordable, especially with the small amount chi puppies eat.

Hope you find something that works for you sooner than later

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Thank you Jan & Chico!!

I have a client with a Maltese puppy who was starting to get tear stains. She said that a lot of the staining was reduced by switching from tap water to distilled water. Can't hurt and might help.

Also, you might consider one of the dehydrated foods like Honest Kitchen. They're grain free and are definitely puppy-friendly because they're more of a stew consistency once water is added.

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Distilled water is supposed to help and out of all the puppy foods I have tried I am really liking Fromm Gold puppy the best.
I am not sure if it's grain free though

I second the Fromm Surf N Turf. It is grain free and the kibbles are tiny.

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Please visit my blog: http://coupleofpups.blogspot.com/

I have been feeding Core wet mixed with Solid Gold Wee Bit. They really like it but I would like to avoid the tear stains if possible. I do give them bottled water as well. We have a very limited choice in my town. We have Petco and a feed store that sells some high quality food. I could always order online I guess.

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I used to have 2 maltese and distilled water was the key. It was amazing what a change there was. And this was before I knew anything about good food. I thought I was doing well by feeding Purina One.

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siggy: courtesy of Kristi

If you bought a big bag, I would say ordering online probably would be well worth it...their website (Fromm Family Foods - Gourmet Pet Food, Naturally Holistic) has a store finder, you should try it just to see...I was amazed to find that our local natural food store carried the kibble. Actually darn near about fell over LOL. But anyway, you may just be surprised that you can get it locally.

I think THK is a great option, but its pricey, for sure. Embark & Thrive are their puppy formulas.

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Thank you Jan & Chico!!