Diamond Naturals is a well-trusted, high-quality brand that many owners turn to when they want to update their dog’s diet or prepare their new puppy’s nutrition plan. In our Diamond Naturals dog food review, we run you through all the reasons why it is a great option to consider.
We’ll start by looking at the brand itself and its recall history to make sure that it takes the safety of our pups seriously. Then, we’ll review a selection of the most popular formulas and tell you why we think they’ll work well for your pup. We’ll then finish by answering all of the frequently asked questions about Diamond Naturals.
We’ll leave no stone unturned and be honest about what we find. And once you’ve finished reading this short but comprehensive guide, you’ll know whether Diamond Naturals is the brand for you and your pup.
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Diamond Pet Food company is a big name in the pet food industry. They were founded in 1970 by two brothers-in-law, Schell and Kampeter. Not only are they one of the biggest brands in America, but they are also one of the largest pet food manufacturers too. Diamond Pet Food is owned by Schell & Kampeter. These guys also own other dog food brands, including Taste of the Wild and Chicken Soup for the Food Lovers Soul.
Despite their huge expansion and over 50 years of success, they still value their midwestern family principles and ownership. And this is a huge selling point of theirs. Their passion for making quality pet food is why they have succeeded despite competition from brands such as Hill’s Science Diet. Every product is still made in the USA.
Diamond Pet Food owns different lines of Diamond dog food, but this review is focused on Diamond Naturals. Diamond Naturals is one of the most popular because of their natural take on the doggy diet. The other Diamond food lines include Diamond, Diamond Care, and Diamond Pro89. Although Diamond Naturals lists their Diamond Naturals Grain-Free product line as separate from Diamond Naturals, we’ll include these products in this review.
Diamond Natural’s mission is to create high-quality, natural doggy diets for families like theirs across America. They provide dogs “with complete, holistic nutrition to promote overall health and wellness.” We’ll discuss the ingredients they use further down, but every bag or can of Diamond Naturals guarantees superfood goodness with every bite.
Looking at the recall history of a brand is a great way to see how important the safety of our pups is to them. It can also tell us how honest they are with us and how they deal with problems. A company that risks our beloved pets by covering their tracks is not a brand you want to buy from. A product recall occurs when a product does not meet the standards expected by either the brand itself or the industry. Once the problem is identified, the brand can issue a voluntary recall, or the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) can issue a recall.
Diamond Naturals has had several products recalled in the past. But considering how big a brand they are and how much pet food they manufacture, it is expected and similar to other quality brands.
December 2005 saw several diets made in their South Carolina facility recalled due to aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring chemical that is found in corn, and it can cause serious liver damage. Sadly, it resulted in the death of a few dozen dogs. This was Diamond’s largest, most serious recall, and it has resulted in them paying a large settlement to affected owners.
Diamond Pet Food was affected by the nationwide melamine food recalls that occurred in 2007. However, this affected many brands in America, and it was the fault of the Chinese supplier. There were two further recalls in April and May 2012. These both involved recalling several dry formulas due to the possible contamination of salmonella. There were no reported dog illnesses.
Diamond Naturals is a natural, high-quality diet, but what does this mean for the ingredients? Well, let’s start by saying that there are no nasty surprises in their food compared to other cheaper, low-quality dog foods. This means no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. They also boast of not using any fillers, corn, or wheat, which can irritate some dogs’ digestions.
Let’s start with protein, as it’s one of the most important components of a dog’s dinner. Diamond Naturals’ most common meat proteins are cage-free chicken, pasture-raised lamb and beef, and real salmon. The average protein content of their food is 28%, which is above the market average. They do not use meat by-products, only real meat and meat meals. This is a concentrated protein ingredient that is also full of glucosamine which is great for doggy joints.
Diamond Naturals offers options for both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets. Some parents think grain-free is better, while others avoid grain-free due to the recent cardio concerns surrounding grain-free doggy diets. Diamond Naturals also lists high-quality fats which are better for skin and coat health. These include chicken fat, salmon oil, and flaxseed.
Every bag or can of food lists superfood ingredients, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. Some of the key superfoods that Diamond Naturals uses are quinoa, blueberries, coconut, kale, oranges, carrots, chia seeds, papaya, and spinach. These all contain key nutrients to better the health of our pups. These ingredients are definitely not found in lower-quality kibbles. Plus, all of the minerals are chelated, which means that dogs find them easier to absorb into their system.
Every bag of dried food contains guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune system support with every bite. They are enhanced with K9 Strain Probiotics, which is a unique blend of beneficial, gut-friendly bacteria. This means smoother digestion, (hopefully) less gas, and firmer stools. A blend of prebiotic fibers, including pumpkin, assists with a healthy digestive system too.
Despite using these great quality ingredients in their products, Diamond Naturals is budget-friendly for consumers. They aim to provide top-quality food for families at a price that feels good. And looking at the prices of their 40-pound bags (which are great for multi-pet households or large dog breeds), you can definitely feel good about providing good-quality nutrition that doesn’t cost the earth.
Some brands offer different lines of food. This can often lead consumers to wonder which range is best for their dog and make the decision more confusing. Instead, Diamond Naturals bundle all of their kibbles into one line – Diamond Naturals. Nice and simple. Diamond Naturals also have a few specific formulas on top of their standard kibbles. So, let’s take a closer look at these before we review the others.
This option is designed specifically for sensitive dogs who need extra help to maintain their skin and coat health. Or those who have food-related skin sensitivities. It is aimed at dogs of all sizes and life stages. This is a hypoallergenic, grain-free kibble that relies on other energy-supplying ingredients such as potatoes, lentils, and peas. It is also chicken-free, which is a huge selling point.
The first two ingredients are wild-caught salmon and fish meal, providing lots of omega-three fatty acids to nourish your dog’s coat from the inside out. Canola oil and flaxseed are rich in omega-six fats for overall wellness. Vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid also contribute to a shiny, lush coat. All of the superfoods mentioned above are listed in this kibble, as are the blend of K9 strain probiotic products.
This kibble is designed for extreme athletes and hardworking hooches, be that through canine employment or sporting ability. This recipe contains optimized protein levels, fat, and whole grains to fuel the muscles of highly active dogs. L-carnitine helps to stimulate the metabolism and keep dogs strong and lean. There are lots of superfoods packed into the kibble to ensure that the rest of his nutritional needs are taken care of.
Chicken meal and chicken are the first two ingredients, and combining egg products contributes to the high protein content of 32%. 91% of the protein content is from chicken and egg alone, so it is super meaty, and your pup is bound to love the taste. It is also a pea-free formula. The calorie count per cup is 470, giving your dog enough fuel for his day ahead. Not many brands have a performance kibble option, so this is a great offering from Diamond Naturals.
Review of Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Diamond Naturals Dog Food receives the Advisor’s second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.
The Diamond Naturals product line includes the 13 dry dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its related AAFCO nutrient profile when available on the product’s official webpage: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
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Diamond Naturals Adult Beef Meal and Rice was selected to represent the other products in the line for this review.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient ContentProtein =
Ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, ground white rice, dried yeast, egg product, rice bran, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried beet pulp, natural flavor, flaxseed, potassium chloride, salt, dl-methionine, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, Yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, beta carotene, chondroitin sulfate, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.9%
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 25% | 15% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 28% | 17% | 48% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 24% | 35% | 41% |
The first ingredient in this dog food is beef meal. Beef meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh beef.
The second is sorghum. Sorghum (milo) is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.
Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.
The third ingredient is ground white rice, another name for rice flour. Ground rice is made from either white or brown rice and is considered a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour.
The next ingredient is dried yeast, which can be a controversial item. Dried yeast contains about 45% protein and is rich in other healthy nutrients.
Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.
Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.
What’s more, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is something we’ve not been able to scientifically verify.
In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, we feel yeast should be considered a nutritious addition.
The fifth ingredient is egg product, an unspecified (wet or dry?) form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries — from eggs that have failed to hatch.
In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.
The sixth ingredient is rice bran, a healthy by-product of milling whole grain rice. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain containing starch, protein, fat as well as vitamins and minerals.
The next ingredient is barley, a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The eighth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The ninth ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.
Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.
We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Diamond Naturals product.
With 6 notable exceptions…
First, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
Next, we note the inclusion of chia seed, an edible seed nutritionally similar to flax or sesame. Provided they’re first ground into a meal, chia seeds are rich in both omega-3 fatty acids as well as dietary fiber and contain about 17% protein.
In addition, we find quinoa in this recipe. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is not a true cereal grain but a plant prized for its gluten-free seeds.
Compared to most other grain-type ingredients, it is high in protein (about 12-18%), dietary fiber and other healthy nutrients.
Next, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
We also note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
And lastly, this food includes chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Based on its ingredients alone, Diamond Naturals Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 28%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 48%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 28% and a mean fat level of 17%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 47% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
Which means this Diamond Naturals product line contains…
Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.
Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the dried yeast, quinoa, flax and chia seeds, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.
I had my mini Australian Shepherds on Rachel Ray and switched to this because ingredients and price is good. However, my male is not eating it unless starving and my senior (9yr) mix pup wont touch and she eats everything. Switching back to Rachel Ray, sometimes its just better pay little more, btw senior had allergy to prescription science diet that caused ear and skin problems. Rachel Ray cleared it up, no-egg product with some of hers.Rated 2 out of 5 starsEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starBy mommac2005 on Aug 10, 2022
Headquartered in Missouri, family-owned Diamond Pet Food believes that every pet deserves the best food possible, and theyve been delivering on that promise since 1970. They use state-of-the-art facilities across the USA to create quality cat and dog food made to the highest nutritional standards. Every formula balances protein, fat and essential nutrients to keep your pets active and healthy and performing their best.
Just made the switch to this food for my two Goldens. It has gone very smoothly. Have fed them salmon as the protein for several years but decided to switch to chicken. They love it!Rated 5 out of 5 starsEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starBy LDugan on Jul 25, 2022
My Golden’s usual Diamond Naturals LARGE BREED chicken with rice has been out of stock, so this was the closest thing so not to upset her stomach by changing brands, flavors, etc Only difference I saw was the size of the food is really small which I didn’t think would matter. Well…. I’m not my dog but she’s refused to eat it since I gave her the first bowl. SHE WON’T LOOK AT IT! I kid you not! Each day I’m tossing out the last bowl she refused to touch. I don’t know what to say other than I’m super sorry I kept feeding her the food she came home to me with. I’m out $42 snd no sign of the large breed coming in anytime soon. Based on her recommendation I’d have to say I don’t recommend!Rated 3 out of 5 starsEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starBy Pagan on Jul 2, 2022
Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms. The Facility In Which This Food Is Made Also Makes Food That May Contain Other Ingredients.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food Recall History
May 2012 – 6 Pound, 18 Pound, and sample sizes of Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula with Best By dates of Oct. 20, 2012, Aug. 26, 2012, Sept. 27, 2012, Oct. 8, 2012 and Oct. 20, 2012, were recalled due to a possibility of salmonella contamination.
April 2012 – May 2012 – 14 different formulas of Diamond and Diamond Naturals were recalled due to the potential for salmonella in April. That was expanded in early May 2012 to include all formulas and size made in the South Carolina plant marked as Best By Dec. 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.
December 2005 – Six different Diamond formulations made in the South Carolina plant with Best By dates ranging from Mar. 1, 2007 to June 11, 2007 were recalled due to a possible aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are produced by moulds of the sort often found on corn. They have been shown to cause cancer and poison the liver.
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Dry Foods:
Wet foods:
Diamond Pet Company also produces Diamond, Diamond Care, NutraGold, Taste of the Wild, Professional Plus, Premium Edge, and Nutra Nuggets branded dog foods.
Diamond uses a wide variety of protein and flavour sources, sometimes on their own, and sometimes blended. These vary by brand line and include:
Sweet potato and rice are common secondary ingredients.
The following sizes are offered for dry foods, with availability varying by formula:
6 Ounces, 6 Pounds, 15 Pounds, 18 Pounds, 20 Pounds, 30 Pounds, 35 Pounds, 40 Pounds
Wet foods are only available in 13.2 Ounce cans.
FAQ
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