Diamond Naturals is one of the most popular dog food brands on the market today. With a wide variety of dry and wet food formulas catered to dogs’ life stages and specific needs, Diamond offers high-quality nutrition at an affordable price point.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which Diamond Naturals formula is right for your dog? This exhaustive Diamond Naturals dog food review will cover everything you need to know about this brand.
An Overview of Diamond Pet Foods
Diamond Pet Foods is a U.S.-based company that produces dog and cat food under several brand names including Diamond Naturals, Diamond, and Taste of the Wild. Diamond has been around since 1970 and today is one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the country.
Diamond prides itself on producing high-quality pet foods at reasonable prices. The company owns and operates multiple manufacturing facilities across the U.S. where it claims to follow strict quality control procedures.
Some key facts about Diamond Pet Foods:
- Family-owned company founded in 1970
- Headquartered in Meta, Missouri
- Manufactures in company-owned facilities in California, South Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri
- Produces various brands like Diamond Naturals, Diamond, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Kirkland, etc.
- Employs over 1,600 people
- Processes 48 million pounds of pet food per week
Next, let’s take a closer look at Diamond’s premium line of dog foods – Diamond Naturals.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food – Overview
Diamond Naturals is Diamond Pet Foods’ natural line of dog foods. According to the company, Diamond Naturals recipes start with quality ingredients and are crafted through a holistic approach to deliver optimal nutrition.
Some key features of Diamond Naturals dog food include:
- Formulated for different life stages and breed sizes
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes
- Include probiotics and superfood ingredients
- No corn, wheat or filler ingredients
- Moderate fat and calorie amounts
- Made in Diamond-owned US facilities
The Diamond Naturals line includes both dry kibble and wet canned formulas. The dry foods come in standard and small bite kibble sizes.
Next, let’s dive into a detailed analysis of key Diamond Naturals dog food product lines.
Diamond Naturals Standard Dog Food Formulas
Diamond Naturals Standard line is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance and all life stages. Here is an overview of the different formulas under the Standard line:
Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Formula
- Key Features: Chicken meal first ingredient, grain-inclusive, no corn/wheat/soy, added glucosamine & chondroitin, omega fatty acids
- Types: Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb, 40 lb
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Formula
- Key Features: Lamb meal first ingredient, grain-inclusive, L-carnitine for fat metabolism, guaranteed levels of glucosamine & chondroitin, omega fatty acids
- Types: Lamb Meal & Rice, Chicken Meal & Rice
- Sizes: 30 lb, 40 lb
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Formula
- Key Features: Chicken meal first ingredient, grain-inclusive, guaranteed levels of glucosamine & chondroitin, omega fatty acids, kibble sized for small breeds
- Types: Chicken Meal & Rice, Lamb Meal & Rice
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb
Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula
- Key Features: Chicken meal first ingredient, DHA for brain development, optimal calcium & phosphorus levels, omega fatty acids
- Types: Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb
Overall, the Diamond Naturals standard line offers quality balanced nutrition for dogs of all life stages. The formulas cater to the specific needs of puppies, small breeds and large breeds.
Next, let’s review the grain-free and limited ingredient formulas.
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Dog Food
For dogs with grain sensitivities, Diamond Naturals has a line of grain-free recipes. These formulas replace grains with digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas. Here is an overview:
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Adult Dog Formula
- Key Features: Sweet potatoes first ingredient, grain-free, guaranteed levels of probiotics, omega fatty acids for skin & coat
- Types: Beef Meal & Sweet Potato, Whitefish Meal & Sweet Potato, Lamb Meal & Sweet Potato
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Puppy Formula
- Key Features: Sweet potatoes first ingredient, DHA for brain development, grain-free, omega fatty acids
- Types: Beef Meal & Sweet Potato, Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Senior Formula
- Key Features: Peas first ingredient, grain-free, glucosamine & chondroitin, L-carnitine for fat metabolism, omega fatty acids
- Types: Duck Meal & Peas, Chicken Meal & Peas, Salmon Meal & Peas
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb
The grain-free formulas provide dogs with digestible carbs and limited ingredients. They are a good choice for pups with sensitivities.
Diamond Naturals Limited Ingredient Dog Food
For dogs with multiple food sensitivities or allergies, Diamond offers limited ingredient recipes. These formulas contain a single source of protein and carbohydrate.
Diamond Naturals Limited Ingredient Adult Formula
- Key Features: Limited ingredients (one protein, one carb), single animal protein sources like lamb, venison, bison etc.
- Types: Lamb Meal & Rice, Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato, Venison Meal & Sweet Potato, etc.
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb
Diamond Naturals Limited Ingredient Puppy Formula
- Key Features: Limited ingredients (one protein, one carb), DHA for brain development, single animal protein sources like lamb, venison
- Types: Lamb Meal & Rice, Venison Meal & Sweet Potato
- Sizes: 6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb
The limited ingredient line minimizes ingredients that may cause allergies or sensitivities in dogs. This makes it a good choice for dogs with chronic food intolerance issues.
Next, let’s look at Diamond’s canned/wet food offerings.
Diamond Naturals Canned Dog Food
In addition to dry kibble, Diamond Naturals offers complementary canned dog food formulas. These wet foods provide added moisture and texture.
Diamond Naturals Meat First Recipes
- Key Features: Protein-rich chunks in gravy, grain-free, no artificial flavors or preservatives
- Types: Beef & Vegetable Stew, Chicken & Vegetable Stew, Lamb & Vegetable Stew
- Sizes: 13 oz, 24 oz, 48 oz
Diamond Naturals Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food
- Key Features: Limited ingredient recipes, protein chunks in broth, single novel protein source
- Types: Lamb & Rice Stew, Duck & Potato Stew, Salmon & Sweet Potato Stew
- Sizes: 13 oz cans
Diamond Naturals Senior Wet Dog Food
- Key Features: Slow cooked meat chunks in gravy, formulas for senior dogs
- Types: Chicken & Rice Stew, Beef & Vegetables Stew
- Sizes: 13 oz cans
The wet food line provides a nice complement to the dry kibble. The stews and limited ingredient formulas add palatability and variety.
Now that we’ve covered the key product lines, let’s analyze Diamond Naturals dog food using important criteria.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food – Criteria Ratings
When reviewing any dog food brand, there are certain key criteria to analyze which indicate quality and value. Here is a report card for Diamond Naturals dog food:
Ingredients Quality: 4/5
Most Diamond Naturals formulas use good quality whole meats, fish meals or meat meals as the first ingredients. They also include digestible whole food carb sources. However, some recipes do contain cheaper grain fillers.
Nutritional Value: 4/5
Diamond Naturals dry foods meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. They cater to dogs of all life stages. The grain-free recipes are lower in carbs.
Product Variety: 5/5
With both dry and wet foods, Diamond Naturals offers tremendous product variety. There are formulas tailored to all breed sizes and life stages.
Product Safety: 3.5/5
Diamond did have a major recall back in 2012 involving possible salmonella contamination. However, its quality control has improved since then.
Affordability: 5/5
Diamond Naturals dog food is very competitively priced relative to other premium brands, especially for the ingredients used.
Company Reputation: 4/5
Diamond is recognized as a leading mass producer of pet food. While it had recall history, the company has taken steps to improve safety procedures.
Overall, Diamond Naturals scores very well on most criteria, especially ingredient quality, product variety and affordability. Let’s now look at what dog owners have to say about this brand.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food Reviews
When considering any pet food, looking at actual buyer reviews can provide helpful insights. Here is an overview of what dog owners say about Diamond Naturals dog food:
Positive Feedback
- Dogs enjoy the taste and have good appetite
- Good quality ingredients for affordable pricing
- Formulas cater to varying dog needs and life stages
- Visible improvements to dogs’ skin, coat, energy levels
- Smaller stool volume indicating good digestibility
- Convenient to purchase online or in-store
Constructive Feedback
- Some dogs develop digestive upset like loose stools or gas
- Variability between batches and formulas
- Some picky dogs dislike certain recipes
- Occasional packaging/shipping issues
- Prefer cans with pop-top lids
In summary, most dog owners who try Diamond Naturals are pleased with the quality and value. Some dogs may need a transition period to adjust to the food. Trying samples first is recommended.
Next, let’s look at how Diamond Naturals compares to a few competing premium brands.
Diamond Naturals vs. Purina Pro Plan vs. Blue Buffalo
Diamond Naturals occupies the niche of premium dog food at mass-market prices. So how does it stack up against true premium competitors like Purina Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo? Here is a head-to-head comparison:
Ingredients
- Diamond uses quality ingredients on par with premium brands
- Both Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo also use high-quality ingredients
- Pro Plan highlights whole food sources as first ingredients
- Blue Buffalo features their LifeSource Bits
Product Range
- Diamond Naturals has wider product range than Pro Plan or Blue Buffalo
- Pro Plan also has extensive product line
- Blue Buffalo has fewer recipes but more limited ingredients
Price
- Diamond Naturals is 20-30% cheaper on average
- Pro Plan is priced mid-range
- Blue Buffalo is a premium-priced brand
Nutrition
- All three brands formulate recipes to meet AAFCO standards
- Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo invest more in R&D
Company Reputation
- Diamond is a high-volume mass producer
- Purina and Blue Buffalo focus just on pet foods
Recommendation: Diamond Naturals offers comparable quality to premium brands but at a significant discount. Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo remain good options for pet owners willing to pay higher prices.
6 Most Popular Diamond Naturals Dog Food Recipes
Now that we’ve compared Diamond Naturals to the competition, let’s highlight 6 top-rated recipes dog owners love.
1. Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dog Food
With lamb meal as the first ingredient, this formula provides dogs with a highly digestible single animal protein source. It contains optimal omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. Owners say it keeps their dogs satisfied and regular.
2. Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Sweet Potato Formula Grain-Free
This grain-free formula features beef meal as the concentrated protein source. Sweet potatoes give a low glycemic carbohydrate. Many owners switch to this recipe to resolve skin allergies in their dogs.
3. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula
Tailored for small breeds, this recipe delivers the right sized kibble and balanced nutrition. Small dog owners love it for its ability to maintain healthy body weight.
4. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Puppy Food
With chicken meal as the first ingredient, this puppy formula provides complete nutrition for growth and development. It supports brain development with DHA. Owners recommend transitioning slowly to this food.
5. Diamond Naturals Canned Beef Stew Wet Dog Food
This canned stew is a delicious complement to dry kibbles. Made with beef in gravy, it adds excitement at mealtime. Dogs love the taste and texture.
6. Diamond Naturals Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Potato
Formulated for dogs with sensitivities, this salmon and potato recipe limits potential allergens. Owners say it improves gut health and reduces skin itchiness.
Buying Diamond Naturals Dog Food: What You Should Know
As our Diamond Naturals dog food review has shown, this brand offers quality nutrition at an affordable price point. Here are some tips for purchasing Diamond Naturals for your dog:
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- Compare formulas and prices online at Chewy, Petco, PetSmart and Amazon
- Look for deals and autoship discounts to maximize savings
- Start with smaller bag sizes to trial a formula first
- Select recipes tailored to your dog’s size, age and health needs
- Combine wet and dry foods for more variety and texture
- Feed measured amounts split into 2-3 meals per day
Feeding trials and transition periods are recommended when introducing a new food. Monitor your dog closely for any intolerance reactions. Overall, Diamond Naturals provides great bang for your buck.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food: FAQ
Still have some questions about Diamond Naturals pet food? Here are answers to 6 frequently asked questions:
Q: Is Diamond Naturals a good quality dog food?
A: Yes, Diamond Naturals is considered a good quality dog food brand. It uses quality ingredients, provides balanced nutrition, follows safety protocols, and gets positive feedback from owners. Some dog owners even prefer it over premium brands.
Q: Is Diamond Naturals grain-free?
A: Diamond offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes under the Naturals line. The grain-free formulas use digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas instead of grains.
Q: Where is Diamond Naturals dog food made?
A: Diamond Naturals recipes are made in company-owned manufacturing facilities in California, Arkansas, South Carolina and Missouri. Diamond sources ingredients from trusted suppliers in the U.S, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Q: Is Diamond Naturals being discontinued?
A: There are no indications that Diamond Naturals is being discontinued. As one of Diamond Pet Food’s premium lines, Diamond Naturals remains widely available both online and in stores. The brand continues to release new recipes.
Q: Does Diamond Naturals contain taurine?
A: Yes, Diamond Naturals dog foods contain supplemental taurine. This essential amino acid supports heart health. Both the grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas are formulated with added taurine.
Q: Is Diamond Naturals good for senior dogs?
A: Yes, Diamond Naturals offers specially formulated recipes for senior dogs such as Diamond Naturals Senior Formula dry dog food. These formulas are tailored to meet senior dogs’ needs for reduced calories, joint support and weight management.
The Verdict: An Excellent Budget-Friendly Dog Food Brand
Our in-depth Diamond Naturals dog food review has shown that this brand lives up to its promise of premium quality ingredients at budget-friendly pricing.
Made by a reputable company with extensive manufacturing experience, Diamond Naturals offers time-tested formulas tailored for dogs of all life stages and needs.
While it doesn’t have the prestige of boutique brands, Diamond Naturals competes well where it matters – ingredient quality, nutritional standards, product safety, and customer reviews. Many dog owners even prefer it over costlier competitors.
In summary, if you’re looking for quality dog food that doesn’t break the bank, Diamond Naturals is a great choice. We hope this exhaustive review has provided helpful insights to choose the best formula for your furry friend. Stay tuned for more helpful dog food brand reviews!
