Is Diamond Naturals a Good Dog Food? Complete Review Guide

When it comes to choosing the right food for your furry best friend, the options can feel overwhelming. With countless brands lining pet store shelves, each claiming to be the best choice for your dog’s health and happiness, how do you know which one truly delivers? Diamond Naturals is one brand that frequently comes up in conversations among dog owners seeking natural, affordable nutrition. But is it really as good as the marketing suggests?

In this comprehensive review guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes Diamond Naturals tick, examining its ingredient quality, nutritional value, safety record, and how it compares to other popular brands. Whether you’re considering switching your dog’s food or simply curious about what’s in their bowl, this guide will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Diamond Naturals has built its reputation on offering grain-free and natural formulas at mid-range prices, positioning itself as a bridge between budget brands and premium options. But does affordability mean compromising on quality? Let’s find out.

About Diamond Naturals

Diamond Naturals is a product line from Diamond Pet Foods, a company that has been manufacturing pet food since 1967. The brand positions itself as a natural, grain-free alternative to mainstream commercial dog foods, offering formulas designed to mimic what dogs would eat in nature. Their product line includes options for puppies, adults, seniors, and dogs with specific dietary needs.

The company emphasizes using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They offer various formulas including chicken-based, beef-based, and fish-based options, with many being grain-free. Diamond Naturals operates several manufacturing facilities and sources ingredients primarily from North America.

One key aspect to understand about Diamond Naturals is their positioning in the market. They’re not a premium brand like some boutique pet food companies, nor are they a budget option. This middle-ground positioning means they often appeal to pet owners looking for a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness.

Ingredient Quality Analysis

Understanding what goes into your dog’s food is crucial for making the right choice. Let’s break down what Diamond Naturals typically uses in their formulas.

Protein Sources: Most Diamond Naturals formulas feature meat as the first ingredient, which is generally a positive sign. However, it’s important to understand the difference between whole meat and what chicken meal in dog food really means. Many Diamond Naturals products contain both whole chicken and chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of poultry protein. According to AAFCO standards, chicken meal is a legitimate protein source, though it’s more processed than whole chicken.

Grain-Free Formulas: Diamond Naturals offers numerous grain-free options that use legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas as carbohydrate sources instead of grains. While grain-free foods appeal to many owners, it’s worth noting that the FDA has investigated potential links between grain-free diets and heart issues in dogs. This remains an ongoing area of research, so consulting your veterinarian is wise if you’re considering grain-free options.

Natural Ingredients: Diamond Naturals avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, instead using natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols and vitamin E. This is a genuine advantage over some budget brands that rely on synthetic preservatives. Their commitment to natural ingredients extends to avoiding by-products and using named meat sources rather than generic “meat meal.”

Fillers and Additives: One concern with some Diamond Naturals formulas is the inclusion of ingredients like corn gluten meal and soybean meal. While these aren’t harmful, they’re often used as inexpensive protein and carbohydrate sources. Some pet owners prefer formulas with fewer of these ingredients, though they’re not inherently problematic.

Nutritional Profile

Diamond Naturals formulas generally meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. Here’s what you should know about their nutritional content:

Protein Levels: Most Diamond Naturals adult formulas contain 18-25% crude protein, which is within recommended ranges for adult dogs. Their puppy formulas typically contain higher protein levels (22-28%), supporting growth and development. This is appropriate for different life stages, though understanding can adult dogs eat puppy food is important if you have mixed-age households.

Fat Content: Fat levels typically range from 12-18%, providing essential fatty acids for skin and coat health. The inclusion of fish oil in some formulas adds omega-3 fatty acids, which support cognitive function and reduce inflammation.

Fiber: Diamond Naturals includes moderate fiber levels from vegetables and legumes, supporting digestive health. This is important for maintaining healthy bowel movements and overall gut function.

Vitamins and Minerals: The formulas include added vitamins and minerals to ensure complete nutrition. However, the bioavailability of these nutrients varies depending on their source and the overall diet composition.

Pros and Cons

Advantages of Diamond Naturals:

• Affordable Pricing: Compared to premium brands, Diamond Naturals offers reasonable prices without sacrificing basic quality standards.
• Natural Ingredients: No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives makes this a solid choice for owners wanting to avoid synthetic additives.
• Variety: Multiple formulas cater to different needs, including grain-free, limited ingredient, and breed-specific options.
• Named Meat Sources: Using identifiable meat sources rather than generic “meat meal” is a positive feature.
• Availability: Widely available at most pet stores and online retailers, making it easy to purchase and switch if needed.

Disadvantages of Diamond Naturals:

• Grain-Free Concerns: The prevalence of grain-free formulas may not be ideal given ongoing research about potential heart health issues.
• Recalls History: Diamond Pet Foods has had recalls in the past, which some owners view as concerning.
• Ingredient Fillers: Some formulas contain corn gluten meal and soybean meal, which are less premium than whole vegetable sources.
• Limited Transparency: While the company provides basic information, detailed sourcing and manufacturing transparency could be better.
• Not Premium Quality: If you’re seeking the highest-end ingredients and formulations, this brand sits in the middle tier.

Comparison with Other Brands

Understanding how Diamond Naturals stacks up against competitors helps contextualize its value. Let’s compare it with some popular alternatives.

Diamond Naturals vs. Blue Buffalo: When comparing these options, it’s helpful to review our detailed analysis of whether Blue Buffalo is a good dog food. Blue Buffalo typically commands a premium price and emphasizes natural ingredients similar to Diamond Naturals. However, Blue Buffalo also offers more limited ingredient formulas and has positioned itself more as a premium brand, though both have had recall histories.

Diamond Naturals vs. Purina Pro Plan: For a thorough comparison, check out our guide on whether Purina Pro Plan is a good dog food. Purina Pro Plan is backed by extensive veterinary research and has a strong reputation among vets. While more expensive than Diamond Naturals, it offers formulas specifically designed for health conditions. Diamond Naturals, by contrast, focuses more on natural ingredient appeal.

Diamond Naturals vs. Kirkland: For budget-conscious owners, comparing Diamond Naturals with whether Kirkland dog food is good is useful. Kirkland (Costco’s brand) offers similar pricing but generally uses fewer named meat sources. Diamond Naturals edges ahead in ingredient specificity, though both are mid-range options.

Feeding Guidelines: Regardless of which brand you choose, proper portion control is essential. Our guide on how much food should you feed your dog provides detailed guidance on calculating appropriate portions based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.

Safety and Recalls

Pet food safety is paramount. Diamond Pet Foods has experienced recalls in the past, which is a consideration for potential buyers. The most notable incident was in 2012 when Diamond Pet Foods issued a recall for potential aflatoxin contamination. However, it’s important to note that recalls aren’t unique to Diamond—they occur across the industry.

The company has since implemented additional quality control measures. Current information from the FDA’s pet food recall database should be checked for the most up-to-date safety information regarding any brand you’re considering.

Diamond Pet Foods manufactures their own products rather than outsourcing, which some view as a quality control advantage. However, this also means that any issues with their facilities could affect multiple product lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Diamond Naturals good for sensitive stomachs?

Diamond Naturals offers limited ingredient formulas designed for sensitive dogs. These typically feature single protein sources and exclude common allergens. However, if your dog has specific sensitivities or allergies, consult your veterinarian before switching foods. Some dogs may do well on Diamond Naturals, while others may need more specialized diets.

Can I mix Diamond Naturals with other dog foods?

Yes, you can mix Diamond Naturals with other foods, though transitioning gradually over 7-10 days is recommended to avoid digestive upset. This gradual mixing helps your dog’s digestive system adapt to the new food.

What’s the difference between Diamond Naturals and Diamond Care?

Diamond Naturals is their natural formula line, while Diamond Care is a different product line with different formulations. Diamond Naturals emphasizes natural ingredients and grain-free options, while Diamond Care may include different ingredient profiles and price points.

Is Diamond Naturals appropriate for puppies?

Yes, Diamond Naturals offers puppy-specific formulas with appropriate protein and calorie levels for growing dogs. However, ensuring proper portion sizes is crucial—our guide on how much food to feed your dog includes puppy-specific guidance.

Should I be concerned about the grain-free trend?

The grain-free trend has been popular, but recent research has raised questions about potential links to heart issues in some dogs. While more research is ongoing, if you’re concerned, traditional grain-inclusive formulas are still available. Discuss this with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your specific dog.

Where is Diamond Naturals manufactured?

Diamond Pet Foods manufactures their products in facilities located in the United States. They source ingredients primarily from North America, which some consumers view as a positive aspect of their supply chain.

How does Diamond Naturals’ price compare to other brands?

Diamond Naturals typically costs more than budget brands but less than premium options. A 30-pound bag usually ranges from $30-$50, depending on the specific formula and where you purchase it. This makes it accessible for most pet owners while offering better ingredient quality than the cheapest options.