Diamond Pet Foods is one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the United States, producing dog and cat food under several different brand names. With a wide selection of dry and wet foods spanning multiple product lines, Diamond offers extensive options for pet parents seeking quality nutrition.
But how does Diamond dog food truly measure up? This comprehensive review will analyze Diamond’s brand, manufacturing process, recall history, and dive deep into an ingredient analysis and review of some of their most popular dog food formulas.
A Brief Background on Diamond Pet Foods
Diamond Pet Foods has been producing pet food since 1970. Headquartered in Meta, Missouri, they operate four manufacturing facilities across the United States.
The company specializes in producing budget-friendly pet foods sold under various brand names at retail stores globally. Some of their major brand lines include:
- Diamond: Their standard brand featuring both grocery and premium lines.
- Taste of the Wild: Grain-free formulations.
- Kirkland: Budget brand made exclusively for Costco.
- 4Health: Premium brand made for Tractor Supply Company.
Diamond highlights their focus on quality ingredients and nutritional research. Their facilities have on-site quality control labs and they employ multiple PhD animal nutritionists.
How Diamond Pet Foods are Made
Diamond emphasizes following a carefully crafted production process to create quality pet food:
- Ingredient Sourcing: Diamond sources ingredients from suppliers around the world, claiming to only select high-quality ingredients that meet their specifications.
- Quality Control: All ingredients must pass testing in their on-site laboratories before being approved.
- Formulation: Their PhD nutritionists craft formulas to meet established nutritional standards and profiles.
- Cooking: They use various cooking techniques including baking, extrusion, and cold forming based on the recipe.
- Testing: All finished products are tested for nutrients, bacteria, and other quality measures before release.
- Packaging: Food is packaged in various types of bags or cans then prepared for shipment.
While affordability drives production, Diamond states they do not compromise on safety or nutritional quality.
Diamond’s Recall History
Diamond has encountered some significant recall events over the years:
- April 2012: Large recall affecting Diamond brands due to potential Salmonella contamination. Multiple production facilities were involved.
- May 2012: Expanded recall to also include potential mold growth risks.
- August 2013: Limited recall of Diamond dry dog food due to potential Salmonella problems.
- November 2015: Recall of select Taste of the Wild formulas due to potential Salmonella issues.
These sizable recalls early on damaged trust in some consumers. Diamond states they have implemented many improved safety procedures across all their plants following these events.
Recent years indicate these measures have been largely successful, with no major events since 2015. But minor recalls still occasionally occur:
- February 2018: Minor recall of four raw pet food formulas due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- June 2019: Limited recall of select pig ear treats over Salmonella concerns.
- May 2021: Recall of several corn-based products due to potential aflatoxin contamination.
Overall, Diamond’s recall volume has decreased dramatically in scale and frequency following their major recall events in 2012-2013. While this history merits caution, their enhanced safety protocols over the past decade do appear largely effective.
Diamond Dog Food Reviews by Product Line
Diamond produces dog foods spanning all life stages and dietary needs. Here’s an overview of reviews of some of their most popular formulas:
Diamond Naturals Dog Food Reviews
| Formula | Ratings | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Beef and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food | 3.8 stars. Positive reviews for quality ingredients, digestibility. Some dogs had allergies. | Beef meal, cracked pearled barley, peas, rice, millet, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, flaxseed, salmon oil, etc. |
| Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food | 4.2 stars. Puppies seem to love taste. Helps with healthy growth. | Chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, egg product, flaxseed, natural flavor, etc. |
| Lite Dog Food | 4 stars. Helps dogs lose weight. Some mild digestive upset. | Chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, cracked pearled barley, peas, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, flaxseed, etc. |
Taste of the Wild Dog Food Reviews
| Formula | Ratings | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| High Prairie Formula | 4.6 stars. Dogs love taste. Helps sensitive stomachs. | Bison, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, roasted bison, roasted venison, natural flavor, etc. |
| Pacific Stream Formula | 4.7 stars. Supports skin and coat. Some dogs won’t eat. | Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pea protein, canola oil, smoked salmon, natural flavor, etc. |
| Wetlands Formula | 4.5 stars. Aids digestion. Minor scaling on skin for some. | Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, egg product, sweet potatoes, peas, chicken fat, natural flavor, etc. |
4Health Dog Food Reviews
| Formula | Ratings | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken & Rice Formula | 4.5 stars. Good nutrition for affordable price. Some digestive upset. | Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, millet, brewers rice, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, etc. |
| Lamb & Potato Formula | 4.3 stars. Picky dogs enjoy taste. Minor allergy concerns. | Lamb, lamb meal, peas, potatoes, canola oil, natural flavor, dried chicory root, tomato pomace, etc. |
| Puppy Formula | 4.6 stars. Supports growth and energy in puppies. Some loose stools. | Chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, salmon oil, etc. |
Kirkland (Costco) Dog Food Reviews
| Formula | Ratings | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato | 4.4 stars. Palatable taste. Some digestive issues. | Salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, canola oil, pea protein, pea fiber, natural flavor, etc. |
| Healthy Weight Formula | 4.2 stars. Helps weight loss. Picky eaters may not like taste. | Chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, rice flour, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, natural flavor, etc. |
| Small Dog Chicken & Vegetable | 4 stars. Small dogs seem to enjoy. Contains many carbohydrates. | Chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, brewers rice, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, dried egg product, etc. |
In-Depth Analysis of Top Selling Diamond Formulas
To provide a more comprehensive analysis of Diamond’s dog foods, we selected two top selling formulas across different product lines for an in-depth ingredient and nutrient breakdown:
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula
- Main Protein Sources: Features chicken meal as first ingredient. Also contains egg product.
- Grains: Cracked pearled barley and brewers rice provide carbohydrates. Barley is easier to digest than many grains.
- Fruits & Veggies: Dried plain beet pulp adds fiber. No fresh fruits/veggies.
- Key Vitamins & Minerals: Supplemented with choline chloride, vitamin E, and selenium yeast.
- Plant-Based Fat Sources: Chicken fat and flaxseed support energy needs.
- Potential Concerns: Contains food dyes (Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5 & 6). Beet pulp increases stool volume.
- Macronutrients Profile: 30% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber meets AAFCO standards for large breed adults.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Formula
- Main Protein Sources: Salmon and ocean fish meal provide quality proteins.
- Grains: Grain-free. Uses potatoes and sweet potatoes instead.
- Fruits & Veggies: Formula includes sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, tomato pomace, blueberries.
- Key Vitamins & Minerals: Enriched with chelated minerals and vitamin E.
- Plant-Based Fat Sources: Canola oil and salmon oil deliver omega fatty acids.
- Potential Concerns: Legumes and potatoes may irritate some digestive systems.
- Macronutrients Profile: 25% protein, 15% fat, 3% fiber meets AAFCO standards for all life stages.
Expert Review and Recommendations
Pros of Diamond Dog Foods:
- Budget-friendly pricing compared to many premium brands
- Extensive variety of formulas for all life stages and dietary needs
- Grain-inclusive and grain-free options
- Meat or fish typically listed as first ingredient in formulas
- Produced by a large company with extensive experience
- Improved quality control in recent years
Potential Cons to Consider:
- History of safety-related recalls early on damaged reputation
- Some formulas have lower protein percentages for high activity dogs
- Many grain-free formulas rely on legumes and potatoes
- Not as many fresh meat inclusions compared to ultra premium foods
- Some formulas use many carbohydrates like brewer’s rice and corn
Our Recommendations:
Diamond offers extensive options at affordable price points. Their standard Diamond Naturals line provides quality nutrition for budget buyers.
For consumers willing to spend more, Taste of the Wild provides grain-free formulas using novel proteins like bison, trout, duck and venison that may appeal to picky eaters or dogs with allergies.
Overall, Diamond can work well for healthy pets if you find a formula aligned to your dog’s life stage and sensitivities. Pay close attention to the ingredient panel matching preferred protein sources, fruits/vegetables, and minimal fillers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for quick answers to common questions about Diamond dog foods? Here are helpful responses to some FAQs:
Is Diamond dog food high quality?
Diamond dog foods are mid-range in terms of quality. They use quality ingredients in many formulas but are more budget-focused than premium brands.
Where is Diamond pet food manufactured?
Diamond has manufacturing facilities located in Missouri, California, South Carolina and Arkansas in the United States.
Is Diamond dog food made in the USA?
Yes, all of Diamond’s dog food formulas are made in the United States.
Is Taste of the Wild better than Diamond Naturals?
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Taste of the Wild features more unique proteins and grain-free recipes catering to picky eaters. But Diamond Naturals still uses quality ingredients at a more affordable price point.
Is 4Health dog food made by Diamond?
Yes, 4Health is Diamond’s premium formula made exclusively for Tractor Supply Company stores. It offers quality nutrition at competitive prices.
Is Kirkland (Costco) dog food made by Diamond?
Yes, Kirkland dog food sold at Costco stores is produced by Diamond. It allows Costco to offer their own private label brand.
The Bottom Line on Diamond Dog Food
Diamond offers extensive options spanning average grocery store brands to premium formulas. While their large recall early on instilled doubt, enhancements to their safety protocols over the last decade have proven largely effective.
Focus on identifying the optimal Diamond formula for your dog based on your budget, dog’s life stage, and sensitivity to certain ingredients. Take time to read reviews from other purchasers and carefully analyze the ingredients list.
This will help determine if a Diamond formula may be a high quality and nutritionally balanced option for your dog.
