Diamond Naturals has carved out a solid spot in the premium pet food market, but after thoroughly examining everything from their ingredients to their safety record, I have some mixed feelings about this brand. While they offer decent nutrition at a reasonable price point, their history of safety issues and ongoing reports of digestive problems give me pause. If you’re comparing Diamond Naturals with other mid-tier options, you might also want to check out our Liberty review to see how these brands stack up against each other.
What Diamond Naturals Stands For
Company Origins and Philosophy
Diamond Pet Foods started in 1970 when brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter bought a small milling operation in Meta, Missouri. What began as a livestock feed business with pet food as an afterthought has grown into the world’s fourth-largest pet food manufacturer. The company remains family-owned, which I find refreshing in an industry dominated by corporate giants.
Their core philosophy centers on making premium nutrition accessible to all dogs, regardless of pedigree or circumstances. It’s a noble goal that resonates with many pet owners who want quality food without breaking the bank. The company has maintained this vision through decades of growth, expanding from one Missouri facility to six manufacturing plants across the country.
Market Position and Reputation
Diamond Naturals positions itself in the mid-premium segment – above grocery store brands but below ultra-premium options. They’ve built strong relationships with major retailers like Tractor Supply, Petco, and Walmart, making their products widely accessible. This distribution strategy aligns perfectly with their accessibility mission.
However, their reputation took a significant hit in 2012 following serious FDA violations and Salmonella contamination issues. While they’ve made substantial improvements since then, this history still influences how I view the brand’s reliability. The company has been transparent about these issues and their remediation efforts, which I appreciate.
Ingredient Analysis
Primary Protein Sources
Diamond Naturals uses identified meat sources as their primary proteins, including chicken, lamb, salmon, and beef. I like that they specify the protein source rather than using generic “meat” or “poultry.” Their beef meal formulations typically provide around 28% protein content, which is competitive for this price range.
The company uses both whole meats and meat meals in their formulations. While some consumers prefer whole meat, I actually think meat meals can be beneficial since they’re concentrated protein sources with moisture removed. This provides more protein per pound than fresh meat, which is mostly water.
Carbohydrate Sources
Traditional formulations include grain sorghum, ground white rice, and cracked pearled barley. These are digestible carbohydrate sources that provide energy and help bind the kibble. For dogs with grain sensitivities, they offer grain-free alternatives using sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils.
The estimated carbohydrate content averages around 47-48%, which is typical for dry dog food but higher than some pet owners prefer. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you might need to consider other brands or their grain-free lines.
Functional Ingredients and Additives
What sets Diamond Naturals apart from basic kibble is their inclusion of functional ingredients. Every formula contains superfoods like kale, chia seeds, pumpkin, and blueberries. While these additions sound impressive, I’m honestly a bit skeptical about how much nutritional impact they have in the small quantities typically used.
More meaningful is their guaranteed 80 million CFU of probiotics per pound. These K9 Strain Probiotics are specifically developed for dogs and could genuinely support digestive health. Joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin appear in select adult formulations, which is a nice touch for aging dogs.
Nutritional Value and Composition
Macronutrient Balance
Diamond Naturals typically delivers around 28% protein and 17% fat on a dry matter basis. This provides adequate nutrition for most healthy adult dogs without being excessive. The protein levels exceed AAFCO minimums by a comfortable margin, though they’re not as high as some premium competitors.
The fat content provides essential fatty acids and energy density appropriate for moderately active dogs. However, highly active working dogs might benefit from higher fat levels for sustained energy.
Micronutrient Profile
The brand includes comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplementation to meet AAFCO nutritional standards. I appreciate their use of natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, supplemented with added vitamin E and ascorbic acid for immune support.
Omega fatty acid balance comes from flaxseed, chia seed, and various oils. While this provides some omega-3 fatty acids, the levels aren’t as high as you’d find in fish-based formulas specifically designed for skin and coat health.
Production and Quality Control
Manufacturing Standards
Following their 2012 safety issues, Diamond Pet Foods implemented extensive quality control measures. They now conduct over 40,000 weekly tests, including 3,458 mycotoxin tests and 1,538 microbiological tests. Their Test and Hold program ensures no product ships without laboratory certification.
Manufacturing facilities use HEPA-filtered air systems, reverse osmosis water purification, and zone segregation to prevent contamination. These improvements represent a genuine commitment to food safety, though I wish they hadn’t taken a serious incident to implement them.
Ingredient Sourcing
The company emphasizes relationships with long-term suppliers rather than commodity purchasing. While this approach can support quality consistency, they provide limited transparency about specific sourcing practices or supplier standards. More detail about ingredient origins would strengthen consumer confidence.
What My Shelter Dog Thought of Diamond Naturals
Working at the local animal shelter gives me opportunities to test different foods with dogs who have various backgrounds and dietary needs. I decided to try Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult formula with Ranger, a three-year-old German Shepherd mix who came to us after his family moved and couldn’t take him along.
Ranger arrived as a somewhat anxious dog who was picky about food – he’d often leave half his bowl untouched with our standard shelter kibble. When I introduced Diamond Naturals, I was curious to see if the enhanced palatability would make a difference for him.
His first reaction was promising – Ranger approached the new food with interest and finished about three-quarters of his portion on the first day. Over the following week, he consistently cleaned his bowl, which was a significant improvement from his previous eating habits. The transition went smoothly without any digestive upset, which was encouraging given some of the consumer reports I’d read about.
What I noticed most was that Ranger seemed to have steadier energy levels throughout the day. He became more engaged during our training sessions and appeared less anxious overall. His coat, which had been somewhat dull when he arrived, started showing more shine after about two weeks on the food. His stools remained well-formed and consistent, which made cleanup easier for our volunteer team.
The practical benefits were clear – Ranger was easier to work with, more food-motivated during training, and generally seemed more content. For a shelter environment where we need dogs to put their best paw forward for potential adopters, these improvements were genuinely helpful.
Taste and Acceptance
Palatability Factors
Diamond Naturals generally receives positive marks for palatability from pet owners. The combination of real meat proteins and added fats typically makes the food appealing to most dogs. Their various protein options allow owners to find flavors their dogs prefer.
However, palatability can vary between formulations. Some consumers report their dogs showing less enthusiasm for certain recipes, particularly some of the grain-free options. If your dog is particularly picky, you might need to try different protein sources within the line.
Feeding Experience
The kibble size and texture work well for most dogs, though some owners of very small breeds find the pieces too large. The food produces moderate amounts of dust when poured, which is typical for this price range but not ideal for dogs with respiratory sensitivities.
Suitability for Different Dogs
Best Candidates
Diamond Naturals works well for healthy adult dogs with normal activity levels and no specific dietary sensitivities. The balanced nutrition and moderate price make it suitable for multi-dog households where feeding costs matter. Dogs who thrive on routine and don’t have sensitive stomachs typically do well on this food.
The probiotic inclusion makes it potentially beneficial for dogs with mild digestive issues, though I’d recommend consulting with your vet for dogs with serious gastrointestinal problems.
Dogs to Consider Alternatives For
Based on consumer feedback patterns, I’d be cautious recommending Diamond Naturals for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Multiple reports of digestive upset, particularly with puppy and senior formulations, suggest some dogs don’t tolerate these recipes well.
Highly active working dogs might benefit from higher-fat formulations than Diamond Naturals typically provides. Similarly, dogs requiring specialized therapeutic diets should stick with veterinary-recommended options rather than over-the-counter foods.
Price-Quality Analysis
Cost Breakdown
With 40-pound bags typically retailing between $42.99 and $51.99, Diamond Naturals offers reasonable value in the mid-premium segment. For a 50-pound dog eating about 3 cups daily, monthly feeding costs run approximately $50-60, which is manageable for most budgets.
The inclusion of probiotics, joint support ingredients, and superfoods provides added value compared to basic maintenance diets at similar price points. However, some competitors offer comparable nutrition at lower costs.
Value Assessment
Diamond Naturals provides decent value for the money, especially considering their extensive quality control measures and functional ingredients. The wide availability through major retailers often means competitive pricing and convenient access.
However, given the digestive sensitivity reports and recall history, I’m not convinced it offers the best value in this price range. You might find better options with cleaner safety records and fewer tolerance issues.
User Experiences and Long-Term Feedback
Positive Owner Reports
Many long-term users report improved coat condition and sustained energy levels in their dogs. Professional breeders and trainers often appreciate the balance between ingredient quality and affordability. Dogs who do well on Diamond Naturals often thrive for years without issues.
Concerning Patterns
The most troubling feedback involves digestive sensitivity issues. Multiple consumers report diarrhea, loose stools, and digestive upset, particularly with certain formulations. These reactions often occur within days of starting the food and resolve when switching to alternatives.
Some users also report quality control inconsistencies, including damaged packaging and occasional foreign matter in the food. While these incidents appear relatively rare, they’re concerning given the brand’s safety history.
Sustainability and Ethics
Environmental Initiatives
Diamond Pet Foods has implemented some sustainability measures, including solar panels at newer facilities that provide about 25% of electricity needs. Their energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems demonstrate some environmental consciousness.
However, comprehensive environmental reporting remains limited. The company provides minimal information about carbon footprint reduction, sustainable sourcing practices, or packaging environmental impact.
Social Responsibility
The company’s family-owned structure and commitment to employee benefits reflect positive social values. They emphasize long-term supplier relationships and community involvement in their manufacturing locations.
Their mission of making quality nutrition accessible aligns with social responsibility goals, though more detailed reporting on these initiatives would strengthen their position.
Competitive Comparison
Strengths Against Competitors
Diamond Naturals’ wide retail availability gives it significant advantages over boutique brands. Their extensive quality testing regime, while reactive to past problems, now exceeds many competitors’ standards. The combination of functional ingredients at moderate prices provides competitive positioning.
Areas Where Competitors Excel
Several competitors in similar price ranges offer higher protein levels and lower carbohydrate content. Brands with cleaner safety records may appeal to risk-averse consumers. Some alternatives provide better digestive tolerance for sensitive dogs.
Premium competitors often offer more transparent sourcing information and stronger environmental commitments. Ultra-premium brands typically provide higher-quality ingredients and more specialized formulations.
What Kind of Dogs Is This Food Suitable For?
Diamond Naturals works best for healthy adult dogs with normal activity levels and robust digestive systems. It’s particularly suitable for households with multiple dogs where balanced nutrition at reasonable costs matters. The food provides adequate nutrition for most life stages, though I’d be more cautious with their puppy and senior formulations given user feedback.
Dogs who benefit most from Diamond Naturals include medium to large breeds with moderate exercise needs and no specific dietary restrictions. The probiotic inclusion makes it potentially helpful for dogs with minor digestive irregularities, though not as a therapeutic solution.
I’d recommend avoiding this brand for dogs with known food sensitivities or chronic digestive issues. The pattern of tolerance problems suggests some formulations may be challenging for sensitive stomachs. Highly active working dogs might also benefit from higher-energy alternatives.
Final Verdict – Is Diamond Naturals Good Dog Food?
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about Diamond Naturals. On paper, it looks like a solid mid-premium option with decent ingredients, extensive quality control, and reasonable pricing. The company has clearly invested heavily in safety improvements following their 2012 problems, and their testing protocols now exceed industry standards.
However, the persistent reports of digestive sensitivity issues concern me significantly. When multiple consumers consistently report loose stools and digestive upset with specific formulations, that suggests formulation or quality control problems that haven’t been fully resolved. For a brand that positions itself on digestive health through probiotic inclusion, these tolerance issues are particularly troubling.
The recall history, while addressed through improved protocols, still influences my confidence in the brand. While many pet food companies have experienced recalls, the severity of Diamond’s 2012 Salmonella incident and FDA violations were more serious than typical industry problems.
Would I buy this for my own dog? Probably not as my first choice. While it’s not a bad food, there are competitors in similar price ranges with cleaner safety records and fewer tolerance issues. If my dog was already doing well on Diamond Naturals, I might continue using it, but I wouldn’t choose it for a new dog.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Only with significant caveats. I’d suggest it primarily for budget-conscious owners with dogs who have proven tolerant of various foods. I’d definitely recommend a gradual transition and close monitoring for digestive issues, particularly with puppies or seniors.
Diamond Naturals represents adequate nutrition at a reasonable price, but it’s not exceptional. In today’s competitive pet food market, “adequate” often isn’t enough when better options exist at similar price points. The brand’s accessibility through major retailers is its strongest advantage, but that alone doesn’t overcome my concerns about digestive tolerance and safety history.
Find the Perfect Food for Your Dog
Every dog is unique, and so are their nutritional needs. What works perfectly for one dog might cause digestive upset in another, which is why choosing the right food requires considering your specific dog’s age, size, activity level, and health status. Rather than guessing which brand might work best, you can get personalized recommendations based on your dog’s individual characteristics.
We’ve created a comprehensive questionnaire that takes less than a minute to complete and provides completely free recommendations for the three best dog food brands specifically selected for your dog. By answering questions about your dog’s breed, age, weight, activity level, and any health concerns, you’ll receive tailored suggestions that match your dog’s unique nutritional requirements. You can access this personalized recommendation tool via this link and discover which foods are most likely to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Naturals safe to feed my dog after their recall history?
Diamond Pet Foods has implemented extensive safety improvements since their 2012 Salmonella incident, including over 40,000 weekly tests and a Test and Hold program. However, ongoing reports of digestive issues suggest some quality control concerns remain. While the food meets safety standards, the brand’s history and current tolerance problems make it a moderate-risk choice compared to competitors with cleaner safety records.
Why do some dogs get diarrhea or loose stools on Diamond Naturals?
Multiple consumers report digestive sensitivity issues with Diamond Naturals, particularly with puppy and senior formulations. This could be due to specific ingredients, formulation changes, or individual dog sensitivities. The pattern of digestive upset is concerning enough that I’d recommend a gradual transition period and close monitoring, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
How does Diamond Naturals compare to other mid-premium dog foods?
Diamond Naturals offers decent value at $43-52 for 40 pounds, with functional ingredients like probiotics and joint support. However, competitors in similar price ranges often provide higher protein levels, better digestive tolerance, and cleaner safety records. The brand’s main advantage is wide retail availability through stores like Tractor Supply and Petco.
What’s the difference between Diamond Naturals grain-free and regular formulas?
Regular Diamond Naturals formulas use grain sources like rice and barley, while grain-free versions substitute sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Both provide similar protein levels (around 28%), but grain-free options typically have higher carbohydrate content. Some owners report better palatability with grain-inclusive formulas, while grain-free may suit dogs with specific grain sensitivities.
Is Diamond Naturals suitable for puppies and senior dogs?
While Diamond Naturals offers life-stage specific formulas, consumer feedback suggests higher rates of digestive upset with their puppy and senior recipes compared to adult formulations. The brand provides adequate nutrition for these life stages, but given the tolerance issues reported, I’d recommend considering alternatives specifically formulated for puppies and seniors, especially from brands with better digestive compatibility records.
