is diamond naturals a good brand of dog food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review (Dry)

The Diamond Naturals product line includes the 13 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Diamond Naturals Adult Beef Meal and Rice was selected to represent the other products in the line for this review.

Ingredients Analysis

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.

Whats more, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is something weve 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 doesnt 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 theyve 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 theyre 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.

Nutrient Analysis

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.

Our Rating of Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Diamond Naturals contains both grain-inclusive and grain-free dry dog foods using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus receiving 4.5 stars.

Please note certain recipes are sometimes given a higher or lower rating based upon our estimate of their total meat content and (when appropriate) their fat-to-protein ratios.

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review 2024: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

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Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review 2024: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Written by: Elizabeth Gray

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Diamond Naturals dog food a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Diamond Naturals is one of the many pet food lines produced by Diamond Pet Company, a second-generation, family-owned manufacturer. Made entirely in the USA, Diamond Naturals is also sold in 100 countries around the world. With a commitment to producing quality dog food at affordable prices, Diamond Naturals is an excellent option for pet owners looking for a diet that wont break the bank but still contains many ingredients commonly found in more expensive foods.

We found Diamond Naturals to be a fairly high-quality dog food brand, with a few recall issues and some over-reliance on ingredients with potential links to heart problems that should be suitable for pups with many tastes and diet considerations.

At a Glance: The Best Diamond Naturals Food Recipes:

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Reviewed

Who makes Diamond Naturals and where is it produced?

Diamond Naturals is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a completely U.S.-based company. Their original production plant opened in Missouri in 1970. As the company expanded, it opened additional facilities in California, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Kansas.

Which type of dog is Diamond Naturals best suited for?

Diamond Naturals is best for healthy dogs that thrive on quality, basic diets without the need for specialized food. This food can also accommodate dogs with some minor food sensitivities because of its fish-based recipess.

Which type of dog might do better with a different brand?

Diamond Naturals is short on options for dogs with true food allergies and pups with sensitive stomachs, especially those that dont like the taste of fish-based diets. For canines with sensitive stomachs, Purina ProPlan Specialized Skin And Stomach With Turkey And Oat Meal could be a better option. Dogs with severe food allergies may have better luck with the Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein recipe.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

Meat And Meat Meals: Diamond Naturals relies on real meat and meat meal ingredients as its primary protein sources. Chicken, beef meal, lamb, and lamb meal are all the first or second ingredients in each recipe. Diamond Naturals largely avoids using meat by-products, which are a cost-effective protein source but are considered low quality by some pet owners.
Fish And Fish Meals: For diets without meat protein, Diamond Naturals uses fish and fish meal. Fish is considered healthy in pet food as long as low mercury varieties are chosen. Whitefish and salmon are both low in mercury.
Rice, Barley, Oatmeal: For its grain-inclusive diets, Diamond Naturals avoids using wheat and corn. Rice, barley, and oatmeal are examples of the grains they use, which tend to be easy to digest.
Fruits And Vegetables: Diamond Naturals includes a variety of fruits and vegetables in all of its meals. Unlike cats, dogs are omnivores that can process and utilize the nutrition from plant sources. Diamond Naturals includes unusual fruits like coconut and papaya and superfoods like blueberries and kale.
Potatoes, Peas, Lentils: These ingredients are common in grain-free recipes and even some skin and coat foods. The FDA has cautioned pet owners that these ingredients may be linked to the development of a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM.) Research into these suspicions is ongoing, but it is a point to be aware of.

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Where Does Diamond Naturals Source Its Ingredients?

Because of ingredient safety issues regarding ingredients sourced from overseas, particularly in China, many pet owners like to know where their dog food suppliers are located. Diamond Naturals is made in the USA and claims to maintain strict food testing and safety standards. However, they dont get all their ingredients from America. Europe, North America, New Zealand, Australia, and China are all listed as potential ingredient sources.

Is Diamond Naturals Good For Dogs With Allergies?

For an over-the-counter dog food brand, Diamond Naturals offers decent options for dogs with potential food sensitivities, especially chicken. They have several recipes made without chicken and avoid using wheat and corn in all their foods. However, they dont offer a limited-ingredient meal, and the only novel protein option they have is fish, which may not agree with all dogs.

A Quick Look at Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Pros

Meat and meat meal protein source, no by-products
Made in the USA by a family-owned company
Reasonably priced but uses some ingredients found in more expensive diets
Decent options for dogs with food sensitivities

Cons

Some ingredients sourced from China
No true limited-ingredient diet
Grain-free diets contain legumes and potatoes

Recall History

As we mentioned, grain-free diets are potentially problematic. However, Diamond Naturals was not one of the 16 brands listed on the FDAs initial list of foods possibly linked to DCM cases. However, Taste Of The Wild, which Diamond Pet Foods also produce, is included on this list.

Diamond Pet Foods has had several recalls and two major class-action lawsuits. However, the last recall occurred in 2013, suggesting that Diamond learned from their mistakes and improved the food safety protocols.

In 2013, Diamond Naturals cat food was recalled for low levels of the nutrient thiamine.

An extensive recall happened in 2012 involving Diamond Naturals and other brands produced by Diamond Pet Foods, including Taste of the Wild, due to salmonella contamination at the South Carolina plant. Humans and pets alike fell ill during this outbreak, leading the company to settle a giant class-action suit.

The worst recall occurred in 2005, also involving the South Carolina plant. In that instance, the plant failed to follow testing protocols and manufactured numerous batches of food using corn tainted with a toxic mold. Several brands were involved, and the recall was wide-ranging because the dangerous products were shipped worldwide to over two dozen countries.

The tainted food caused liver disease and damage in very young dogs, leading to the death of potentially over 100 pets. Diamond Pet Food also settled a large lawsuit in response to the recall.

Reviews of the 3 Best Diamond Naturals Dog Food Recipes

Now, lets look at three of our favorite Diamond Naturals recipes in more detail.

1. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food

Large Breed Puppy Formula is made for large and giant-breed puppies and contains real lamb and lamb meal as the primary protein sources. It has protein-packed grains like brown rice and quinoa as well. Its highly digestible, so the puppy can absorb as many nutrients as possible and includes fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics. This recipe contains some ingredients from China.

Pros

Meat and meat meals are the primary protein sources
Highly digestible
Contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics

Cons

Some ingredients from China

2. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Formula Dry Food

Made for working dogs and those involved in canine sports, Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Formula is packed with protein from chicken and egg products. Fruits, vegetables, and grains like white rice add even more nutritious energy and fuel. Like other Diamond Naturals recipes, this one contains live probiotics, fatty acids, and antioxidants for overall health. Because it includes chicken, this is not the ideal diet for pups with food sensitivities.

Pros

High in protein from multiple sources
Designed to fuel working dogs and athletic pooches

Cons

Not ideal for dogs with food sensitivities

3. Diamond Naturals Skin And Coat Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

For dogs with food sensitivities, this recipe is chicken-free and made with wild-caught salmon, gentle on the stomach, and full of fatty acids for skin and coat health. Free of common allergy triggers like corn, wheat, chicken, and egg, this food is high in protein and contains probiotics and antioxidants. This diet does contain potatoes and legumes, ingredients potentially linked to DCM.

Pros

Free of common allergy triggers
Fatty acids for skin and coat health
Gentle on the stomach

Cons

Contains potatoes and legumes

What Other Users Are Saying

Heres a quick look at what some Diamond Naturals users say about the products.

Chewy: This food (Skin And Coat) was great for my Lab with dry skin when I couldnt afford the high-end food they had her on

Picky eaters may not like it
A great deal

Diamond Naturals website: I have been using this product since 2001(my dogs) are full of energy, great coats, healthy

Good quality dog food for an affordable price
Our dogs love it!

Amazon: Checking Amazon reviews can be a valuable source of information for pet owners. You can read these by clicking here.

Conclusion

Overall, we think theres a lot to like about Diamond Naturals. We appreciate that its made by a family-owned company committed to making higher-quality food at an affordable price. For the average, healthy dog, Diamond Naturals offers multiple recipe options.

This company has a problematic recall history, but they seem to have learned from their mistakes and re-committed to food safety over the past decade. Superfoods, real meat, and meat meal are commonly found in more expensive diets, but Diamond Naturals makes them more affordable. Dog owners concerned with food quality and affordability should find Diamond Naturals well suited to their needs.

See Also:

Featured Image Credit: Diamond Naturals