Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review in 2021

Feeding your dog healthy and nutritious food is one of the most important things you can do to protect its health. The best dog foods contain healthy and recognizable ingredients that dogs can properly digest. They also contain a balanced nutrient profile specifically tailored to meet the dietary requirements of healthy canines.

Unfortunately, the market is flooded with low-quality dog foods packed with indigestible fillers and empty calories, which is why it can be so difficult to choose the right food for your beloved pooch.

Given how confusing and frustrating the process can be, it is always worth taking the time to do your homework to find a type of dog food that is the right fit for your canine companion.

How Can We Help?

To help you make the right choice, we are going to take a look at one of the top dog food manufacturers in the United States – Diamond Pet Foods. Not only will we take an in-depth look at the dog food brand, but we will also examine and review dog food formulas within its best-selling Diamond Naturals product line.

We will review the top dog food blends offered under the Diamond Naturals name to see if they meet our high standards by examining the quality of the ingredients, the nutritional profile, price, digestibility, and the specific benefits of each dog food formula actually offer.

The Diamond Naturals Pet Food Brand

Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned company that manufactures a wide range of dog and cat foods across the United States. The brand was founded in 1970, and it continues to be owned and operated by the very same family. Today, Diamond Pet Food produces its various pet food lines in their own state-of-the-art processing plants, rather than contracting the work out to off-shore facilities, which can be the case with some lower-quality pet food brands.

Wherever possible, their dog food formulas use quality ingredients from trusted local sources. They are completely transparent about what goes into their dog food, and you can find a comprehensive ingredient glossary on the company website.

To ensure it receives the freshest and highest-quality ingredients from its suppliers, Diamond Pet Foods prioritizes forming strong relationships with farmers and food wholesalers. Once it receives the ingredients, its own team of scientists and pet food specialists works together to create the healthiest pet food formulas possible. Their in-house research team includes fully-qualified veterinarians with Ph.D. specializations in animal nutrition, food microbiology experts, and various food science professionals.

As you will see, their formulas meet the specific dietary requirements of different types of dogs.

Certification and Quality Assurance

All of the Diamond Pet Foods manufacturing plants retain Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, which means they regularly pass third-party audits of every one of their facilities. To earn certification from the Safe Quality Food Institute, each manufacturing plant must have outstanding cleaning and sanitation standards, safe practices while handling and storing ingredients, as well as outstanding records and knowledgeable staff.

In addition to third-party certification, Diamond Pet Foods has its own strict safety and quality standards and adheres to stringent and scientifically advanced pet food safety protocols. They also conduct rigorous testing of raw ingredients, as well as their finished dog food formulas.

Their on-site dog food testing involves pre-production and post-production tests for nutritional quality, oxidation, mycotoxins, and much more. Each of its facilities also uses an advanced water purification system and a HEPA-filtered air treatment system, which prevents contamination of the ingredients and completed dog food.

As a final quality assurance measure, Diamond Pet Foods follows a strict Test and Hold System, meaning it tests over 56,000 finished bags of pet food for quality and nutritional content per month.

American Made

As mentioned, Diamond Pet Foods manufactures all of its dog and cat foods domestically. Where lower quality brands keep production costs low by sourcing their ingredients from off-shore locations, Diamond manufactures its Diamond Naturals Dog Foods right here in the United States with American-grown and raised ingredients.

The fact that Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned, American company is part of the reason why so many dog owners trust their products.

The Top 10 Diamond Naturals Dog Foods

Now that we have provided a quick overview of the Diamond Pet Foods brand, we can look at one of their most popular product lines – Diamond Naturals Dog Food. This high-quality line of dry dog food recipes comes in a variety of formulas, and we have decided to review some of our absolute favorites.

1. Diamond Naturals – Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice Formula
2. Diamond Naturals – Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula
3. Diamond Naturals – All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
4. Diamond Naturals – Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
5. Diamond Naturals – Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
6. Diamond Naturals – Extreme Athlete Chicken & Rice Adult Dog Food
7. Diamond Naturals – Senior Dog Chicken, Egg, & Oatmeal Health and Wellness Dog Food
8. Diamond Naturals – Lean Protein Lamb & Rice Light Adult Dog Food
9. Diamond Naturals – Skin and Coat Salmon & Potato Dry Dog Food
10. Diamond Naturals – Premium Large Breed Dry Puppy Food

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Reviews

When we reviewed the following Diamond Naturals dog food formulas, we examined everything from the nutritional profile, ingredient quality, and value:

1. Diamond Naturals – Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice Formula

This Lamb Meal & Rice Adult Dog Formula is considered one of the core products in the Diamond Naturals catalog. The primary ingredient is pasture-raised lamb, which acts as an outstanding source of protein. Given that lamb is a highly digestible animal protein, the canine digestive system is actually able to absorb the nutrients within the meat. This is really important, especially if you have an active breed, like a Jack Russell Terrier, Australian Shepherd, or Labrador Retriever.

Something we really like about this formula is the fact that Diamond Naturals infused it with their unique blend of K9 strain probiotics. This beneficial bacteria blend supports the dog’s digestive system, helping it properly absorb nutrients from the food. Proprietary probiotics are also important for proper immune system function, which is incredibly important, especially given that dogs become more susceptible to illness and disease when they reach their adult and senior years.

Every pound of this Diamond Naturals dog food is guaranteed to provide 80,000,000 colony forming units (CFU) of live, active probiotic cultures. In other words, eating this food can really help improve the overall strength of your dog’s immune system. Maintaining healthy gut flora is just as important for dogs as it is for humans, so it is really impressive that the Diamond Pet Foods brand puts such an emphasis on it.

This blend also contains high levels of selenium and vitamin E, which is great for digestive health. Added omega fatty acids also help to improve the overall condition of the dog’s coat and skin.

Overall, this is outstanding dog food that uses some really impressive ingredients. If your dog is sensitive to poultry, you might want to try this lamb and rice blend, as it is far less likely to trigger a food allergy.

Key Features:

• Made in the United States in their advanced manufacturing facility
• Enhanced with live probiotics for immune system support
• Lamb and rice formula is great for dogs that have a chicken allergy
• Contains added Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Added vitamin E for healthy skin and eyes
• Highly digestible primary protein source is excellent for active adult dogs

2. Diamond Naturals – Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula

As was the case with their Lamb and Rice Formula, Diamond created this formula to act as a nutritious and highly digestible adult dog food that would not trigger poultry allergies. It also contains the same impressive volume of live proprietary probiotics, so it can help strengthen your dog’s immune system.

It is specifically tailored towards adult dogs, so the caloric content per serving is optimized for that particular life stage. The added Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are beneficial, especially for long-haired breeds, as they can help strengthen the coat and protect the skin.

In addition to real, high-quality, pasture-raised beef, this blend contains a large helping of superfoods, like blueberries, chia seeds, pumpkin extract, quinoa, and dried kelp. These powerful ingredients are loaded with antioxidants and all of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to live a happy and healthy life. Brown rice and pearled barley provide the carbohydrates active dogs need to sustain themselves throughout the day.

The abundance of protein and healthy carbohydrates can help support your dog’s bones, muscles, and joints. This is important, as dogs often lose muscle mass and joint strength as they age. Easily digestible ingredients are also important, as the canine digestive system will also become less efficient as a dog reaches his or her senior years.

Just like the Lamb and Rice formula, this Beef and Rice formula is outstanding. It is an excellent choice for any adult dog, regardless of breed. Just make sure to follow the portion guide on the bag to make sure you do not overfeed or underfeed your pooch!

Key Features:

• Made in the United States in their advanced manufacturing facility
• Enhanced with live probiotics for immune system support
• Made with real, pasture-raised beef
• Contains superfood ingredients, like kale, blueberries, carrots, and papaya
• Soluble and insoluble plant fibers from chia seeds, pumpkin, and dried kelp help support healthy digestion
• Contains added vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health

3. Diamond Naturals – All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food

This formula is appropriate for all life stages. The previous two formulas are tailored towards adult dogs, but this Chicken & Rice formula has a more rounded nutritional profile suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors.

The packaging features a feed guide, outlining portion recommendations for specific ages, sizes, and breeds. Like its adult-specific formulas, this blend uses high-quality, natural ingredients to ensure the food is highly digestible and extremely healthy.

The number one ingredient and primary protein source is cage-free chicken, which means your dog will have a high-quality protein source. This is ideal for active dogs, as it helps with the growth and maintenance of lean muscles. Added Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids help with skin and coat health.

As with the previously mentioned formulas, this blend also contains some truly unique superfood ingredients, so it has an impressive nutritional profile. It is packed with bright-colored fruits and vegetables, like kale, blueberries, papaya, and more, which means the food is an excellent source of phytonutrients and vitamins.

We also liked that the food is delivered in the form of a textured dry kibble. Not only does this help build jaw strength, but the gritty surface of the kibbles also helps to scrape away plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. Given how important dental health is during all life stages, having food that can help clean your dog’s teeth as it chews is beneficial.

Overall, this is an excellent dog food that is suitable for all life stages. While we typically recommend an age-specific dog food, this blend is so well-balanced, it can be a good option for anyone looking for a versatile dog food packed with protein, healthy fats, and all the vitamins and nutrients dogs need.

Key Features:

• Made in the United States with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients
• Contains K9 strain probiotics, which help support the dog’s digestive system
• Contains unique superfood ingredients for a more complete nutritional profile
• Suitable for all life stages
• Contains ingredients that are naturally rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, like chia seeds, coconut, and flaxseeds.
• Rich in prebiotic fiber that is sourced from dried chicory root
• Dry kibble helps keep the dog’s teeth and gums clean

4. Diamond Naturals – Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food

This blend meets the unique nutritional and caloric requirements of adult large-breed dogs. It contains more protein than most of the formulas within the Diamond Naturals product line. More protein is important because larger dogs need more protein to support their larger bodies.

The primary protein source is real cage-free chicken, which contains an optimal amino acid profile to build and maintain lean and strong muscles. Other high-quality ingredients help support your large dog’s unique dietary needs. Added vitamins and minerals ensure the dog has everything it needs to continue a healthy and active lifestyle.

Larger dogs tend to suffer various joint issues, like hip dysplasia, so this blend also contains plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients help ease symptoms related to joint pain, which, again, is important for larger breeds, especially as they approach their senior years.

The kibbles are also highly digestible, which means your dog can absorb the nutrients within the food. Lower-quality foods can be difficult for dogs to fully digest, which means most nutrients pass through the dog without ever being used. Like the other blends, this formula contains live proprietary probiotics designed to survive and thrive within your dog’s digestive system.

This blend is free of corn, wheat, artificial colors, and harmful preservatives to avoid triggering abdominal discomfort. Your dog gets healthy food that only contains necessary ingredients. As always, Diamond tests the food to extremely high standards, so it is contaminant-free and made with only the safest ingredients.

It is an excellent option for anyone looking for high-quality food for a larger breed, like a Great Dane, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, or Bernese Mountain Dog.

Key Features:

• Made in the United States in their advanced manufacturing facility
• Enhanced with live probiotics for immune system support
• Specifically formulated for adult large breed dogs, so it is very rich in protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients that are vital for larger canines
• Textured, dry kibbles help clean the teeth and they are designed to be appealing to larger dogs
• Made without corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, and colors, or preservatives

5. Diamond Naturals – Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food

This particular blend was specifically designed to meet the dietary needs of adult small breed dogs. Smaller dogs tend to need fewer calories per serving, but they need a surprising amount of protein, as many of these breeds have high energy levels.

To find a balance between reduced calories and increased protein content, this formula uses lean cage-free chicken as the primary protein source but supplements it with other protein sources, like chia seeds and egg whites. This nutrient-rich blend helps smaller dogs sustain high energy levels, without contributing to unhealthy weight gain. This is important for small breeds with short legs, like Welsh Corgis, Dachshunds, and French Bulldogs, as obesity can result in serious back and joint issues.

The kibbles are smaller than what you find with other Diamond Naturals blends, making them more manageable for smaller dogs; however, they still retain the same textured surface, as this is really important for maintaining good dental health. Many smaller breeds suffer from serious dental issues, so removing plaque and tartar during meals is extremely beneficial for your dog’s oral and dental health.

As with the blends designed for larger breeds, this small breed formula is also packed with live proprietary probiotics, so your dog’s digestive system will benefit. Added antioxidants are important for cardiovascular health, and they also help support the dog’s immune system.

If you have a small breed, especially an energetic one, the Diamond Naturals Adult Small Breed Formula is an excellent option that will help your little pooch live a long and healthy life.

Key Features:

• Family-owned and made in the United States
• Specifically formulated to meet the exact dietary requirements of adult small breed dogs
• Made with high-quality protein sources, like lean, cage-free chicken, chia seeds, and egg whites
• Packed with live probiotics to help support a healthy digestive system
• Contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, like oranges, blueberries, and carrots
• Kibble size and texture designed specifically for the smaller jaws and teeth of small breed dogs

6. Diamond Naturals – Extreme Athlete Chicken & Rice Adult Dog Food

This blend is for the most active and athletic dogs. Show dogs, hunting dogs, working dogs, and extremely active breeds can all benefit from the high protein and healthy fat content within this food.

Dogs that burn significant amounts of energy will benefit from the 32 percent protein content in each kibble, 91 percent of which comes from high-quality cuts of real chicken and egg whites. Healthy, plant-based protein sources, like chia seeds and quinoa, also help to increase the total protein content.

High-quality carbohydrate sources help fuel your active pooch during even the most strenuous activities. The food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, so your dog will be able to keep up with the demands of its day.

Since active dogs put significant strain on their joints, this blend is also fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients help to lubricate the joints, which can offer pain relief from arthritis, hip dysplasia, and spinal disc injuries. It also helps keep performance dogs in peak condition, as it aids with joint recovery between activities.

The food also contains the same superfood ingredients that you can expect from any Diamond Naturals formula, so your active dog will receive all of the essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals required to support an active lifestyle. It is also rich in live probiotics, which help your energetic dog absorb all of the nutrients from the food.

Even if you do not have a sporting or working dog, extremely active breeds, like Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies, can all benefit from the optimized protein and fat content within this Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Adult Dog Food.

Key Features:

• Formulated for highly active and sporting dogs
• Made in the United States in their advanced manufacturing facility
• Made with cage-free chicken, egg whites, and plant-based proteins for outstanding taste and nutrition
• Optimized levels of protein and fat for energetic dogs
• 91 percent of the protein content comes from real chicken and eggs
• Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and recovery
• Enhanced with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics to help promote a healthy digestive system

7. Diamond Naturals – Senior Dog Chicken, Egg, & Oatmeal Health and Wellness Dog Food

Senior dogs have very specific dietary requirements. For starters, their metabolism begins to drop off, leaving them susceptible to unhealthy weight gain and obesity, both of which can trigger life-threatening health issues.

Luckily, this Senior Dog health and Wellness Formula is tailored to the exact dietary requirements of senior dogs. The protein and fat content are lower than other adult blends, which helps keep aging dogs at a healthy weight. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which helps protect aging joints and reduce pain associated with age-related joint issues, like arthritis and osteoporosis.

It is suitable for all senior dogs, regardless of breed, but make sure you read the instructions on the bag to make sure that you are giving your dog an appropriate portion of each meal.

The uniquely shaped dry kibbles are easier for older dogs to chew. While they are less crunchy than the puppy and adult blends, they still feature a textured surface, so they will still help to clean the surface of your dog’s teeth as it chews.

Like their other blends, this formula contains plenty of live probiotic colonies that are beneficial for digestive system health. Given that the canine digestive system tends to become far less efficient than when the dog was in its adult life stage, it is important to keep it healthy. That is why this formula contains plenty of dietary and prebiotic fiber.

The primary ingredients of chicken, eggs, and oatmeal, were specifically chosen because they are much easier to digest than other ingredients. This means your senior dog will be able to absorb the nutrients within the food rather than expelling them as undigested waste.

Overall, it is an outstanding food that helps senior dogs stay healthy and age gracefully!

Key Features:

• Healthy source of essential vitamins and minerals
• Packed with highly digestible ingredients that are easier on a senior dog’s stomach and digestive tract
• Made in the United States from high-quality ingredients
• Reduce protein and fat content, which helps senior dogs stay lean and healthy
• Reduced salt content, which is important for protecting the dog’s aging kidneys
• Packed with fiber and probiotic organisms

8. Diamond Naturals – Lean Protein Lamb & Rice Light Adult Dog Food

Obese and overweight dogs are at a severely elevated risk of developing extremely serious health issues like heart disease and cancer. Weight management is so important for dogs, regardless of their life stage. This unique formula helps adult dogs lose and manage weight.

It uses lean, nutrient-dense ingredients, like real lamb and brown rice. Each serving contains 18 percent fewer calories than the standard Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice Adult Dog Food Formula. So, your dog will get the same high-quality ingredients but fewer calories.

Overweight dogs typically suffer from joint deterioration and pain, so this blend is also fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine. Not only does this help to lubricate the joints and improve mobility, but it is also effective for pain relief.

Given that the primary protein sources are pasture-raised lamb, chia seeds, and quinoa, your dog will have the fuel required to stay active while simultaneously losing pounds. If you want your dog to reach a healthier body weight the right way, it is important that they still receive all of the same nutrients.

The formula provides digestive system support, which means it contains soluble and insoluble fiber from a variety of plant sources, helping to improve metabolism and the overall efficiency of the digestive system so your dog can feel satisfied and full with fewer total calories.

Like the other Diamond Naturals dog foods, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and all of the other nutrients your dog needs to live a healthy lifestyle. Whether your dog is overweight and needs help shedding body fat or is simply a less active breed, this light adult dog food can be just what you and your pooch need.

Key Features:

• Made with highly digestible ingredients
• Contains 18 percent fewer calories per serving than similar formulas (275 calories per cup)
• Made domestically in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities
• Helps dogs manage their weight after they have been brought down to a healthy body weight
• Lamb-based protein is easy to digest and is much leaner than beef or salmon
• Rich in antioxidants and probiotics, so your dog’s digestive system can operate more efficiently than ever before
• Added glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine help repair joints and alleviate pain

9. Diamond Naturals – Skin and Coat Salmon & Potato Dry Dog Food

This blend improves the health of the skin and coat. It is ideal for dogs with longer coats, as well as those that suffer from food-related allergies. The primary protein source is wild-caught salmon, so it will not trigger beef or poultry allergies that are common with certain breeds.

It is designed for all dogs that suffer from food allergies, regardless of their life stage. Not only is the primary protein source salmon, it doesn’t contain any grains, which can also trigger itchy skin and other allergic responses.

It contains essential fatty acids that help support skin health and a shinier coat. The wild-caught salmon has healthy fats, but Diamond Naturals also adds extra Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, so your dog’s coat will be thicker, shinier, and stronger than ever before.

The dry kibbles are incredibly dense with nutrients, so each bite is packed with the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. A wide range of live probiotic organisms also help with digestive system health, so your dog will be able to absorb all of the healthy nutrients within the food.

Not only does it support healthy skin, eyes, and fur, an optimal amino acid profile means that this food can help build and maintain lean, strong muscles. This is important if you have one of the more active long-haired breeds, like an Australian Shepherd or a Golden Retriever.

The dry kibbles also clean the teeth and help maintain strong and healthy jaw muscles. Overall, this is outstanding dog food for anyone concerned that their furry friend could be suffering from food allergies or skin and fur damage.

Key Features:

• Added vitamin E and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help repair damaged skin and fur
• Contains live proprietary probiotics for digestive system support
• Formulated for all life stages
• Free from common food allergens, like soy, grains, and poultry
• Made using real wild-caught, sustainable salmon
• Made in the United States with healthy, natural ingredients
• Loaded with all of the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs

10. Diamond Naturals – Premium Large Breed Dry Puppy Food

As the name suggests, Diamond puppy food was designed specifically for puppies. Puppies mature rapidly, so they must get the right number of calories and nutrients to support their growth. This blend is packed with more protein and fat per volume than adult blends, which helps the young dogs grow and build strong, lean muscles.

The food also contains DHA-rich salmon oil, which is important for brain and vision development in puppies. DHA is usually passed to the puppies through their mother’s milk, so having a kibble rich in this important fatty acid can help your little pup get off to a good start in life.

Pasture-raised lamb and chia seeds also provide lean, bioavailable proteins, which your pup’s developing digestive system can process and absorb. Plenty of healthy plant-based fiber is also important as it helps the puppy transition from wet food and milk to dry kibble.

While you might be tempted to keep a puppy on a diet of wet food, converting the young dog to a dry kibble is veterinarian-recommended, as it can help with tooth development. Even if the dog still has its baby teeth, plaque and tartar can spread to the gum line, which can pose serious health risks for your young pooch.

Other beneficial additives, like L-carnitine, support the digestive system and help the puppy convert fat and protein into energy. Antioxidants help with immune system development, which can be beneficial, as young puppies are often more susceptible to illness than adult dogs.

Overall, this is an excellent dry kibble for any young puppy. It will help them grow and get a healthy start to life!

Key Features:

• Formulated specifically for puppies
• Contains DHA-rich salmon oil for brain and eye development
• Highly digestible ingredients, including pasture-raised lamb
• Contains probiotics, healthy dietary fiber, and all of the antioxidants your young dog needs
• Probiotics for digestive system development

Our Overall Impression of Diamond Naturals Dog Food

We know how important your dog is to you and your family, which is why it is so important that you choose nutritious and healthy food for your beloved pooch. Fortunately, the Diamond Naturals product line from Diamond Pet Foods has just what you need. They offer a wide range of healthy dog foods that are tailored to specific needs of various life stages, sizes, and health conditions.

Whenever you choose new dog food, you should consider your own dog’s unique needs and preferences. Think about your dog’s age and weight, then choose a Diamond Naturals formula that meets those needs.

Simply put, we highly recommend any of the dog foods within the Diamond Naturals product line. If you have any questions about the type of food your dog should be eating, we recommend that you speak with a veterinarian, as they will be able to come up with an appropriate diet plan for your specific dog.

Mary Nielsen

I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. There was no choice but to take care of and learn about dog habits and the best animal care practices — otherwise, I’d be clueless about how to go about the creatures I was surrounded by day and night.

As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Although I’m not a professionally trained dog behaviorist, trainer, or veterinarian, all of my knowledge and experience with canines comes from a place of love and a deep-rooted passion for dogs and animals in general.

Seeing as dogs kept me company throughout every stage of my life, I decided to follow a different path in my academic life and obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing Management and Digital Advertising, which ultimately allowed me to combine my professional training and personal experience by creating the ultimate dog lover’s resource website! Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being.