Buying guide for best Diamond dog food
One of the most important decisions you make for your dog is what kind of food it eats. The right formula should cater to your dog’s needs according to its breed, age, size, activity level, lifestyle, and any possible illnesses, allergies, or special considerations. Diamond is a trusted source for healthy dog food, and it makes a range of options for dogs of all needs and preferences.
Diamond Pet Foods is a Midwest-based, family-owned company that has been making popular pet foods for 50 years. The company offers comprehensive, nutrient-rich formulas as well as targeted recipes that address specific issues. Its options are affordable and simple to browse, making shopping easy.
Our buying guide takes a look at the various formulas Diamond offers and highlights the key ingredients. We also include some handy tips for feeding and caring for your dog. With a bit of research, you can find the perfect Diamond dog food so your pet can live a happy and healthy life. Take a look at our favorites too.
Key considerations
Formulas
Diamond has five main lines of dog food:
Diamond: This basic formula offers all-around nutrition at an affordable price. Dog food in this series caters to general needs, with options for puppies, high-energy dogs, and seniors that require a little more support. These formulas balance antioxidants with essential vitamins and minerals and include chicken or chicken by-products as the main ingredient. There are six recipes available in this line, all of which are dry.
Diamond Care: These specialized formulas are designed to help dogs with specific needs. They include probiotics, fiber, brown rice, and antioxidants. They are free of artificial colors or preservatives, as well as corn, wheat, soy, and gluten, which are some common allergens for dogs. Three formulas tackle sensitive skin, sensitive stomach, or weight management. A fourth option that targets renal function requires a prescription to purchase. All four formulas are dry.
Diamond Pro89: This line is specifically geared toward working and performance dogs. The name refers to 89%, which is the amount of included protein derived from animal sources. This formula has plenty of fiber and nutrients and is meant to increase muscle and stamina. There is only one recipe in this line: dry kibble that includes beef, pork, and whole grain brown rice as the main ingredients.
Diamond Naturals: This high-end line features quality ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, and probiotics. It costs more due in part to the inclusion of superfoods and a degree of specificity. Some Naturals formulas include recipes that focus on skin and coat health. The main ingredients include beef, salmon, lamb, and chicken. The formulas in this line don’t include any artificial colors or preservatives. Naturals include both dry and wet food options.
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free: Similar to Naturals, Diamond’s three grain-free formulas have real meat (chicken, beef, or whitefish) as the first ingredient, with probiotics, omega fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables, including sweet potato. All three formulas are designed for all life stages. Grain-free formulas are gaining in popularity, though there is a lot of discussion surrounding the need for it. Some dogs may be sensitive to grains, though a lack of grains in some diets may lead to heart issues. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian first if you’re considering a grain-free diet for your pet.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dogs thrive on a consistent routine, which includes a regular feeding schedule. Find times in the morning and evening that work best for you and stick with them so your dog can adjust.
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Features
Wet food
Three Naturals formulas are available as canned wet food. Wet food is useful for older dogs with teeth or mouth sensitivity, as well as dogs that require more hydration and don’t drink enough water. Wet food tends to be more aromatic as well, enticing picky eaters. Wet food cans hold 13.2 ounces and typically come in packs of 6 or 12. Depending on your dog’s size, it will need anywhere from a half of a can to a couple of cans a day.
Know that wet food costs more than kibble, can be harder to store, and only lasts a couple days once opened. Some dog owners opt to add a bit of wet food to the same dry formula to balance the best of both types because dry food is easier to store, more cost-effective, and can help clean a dog’s teeth and gums.
Quantity
Diamond dry dog food comes in packages of various sizes. Small bags weigh less than 10 pounds, medium bags weigh 15 to 20 pounds, and large bags range from 30 to 50 pounds depending on the formula. Buying a large bag is the most cost-effective, though it costs more up front, takes up quite a bit of space, and requires proper storage to make sure it doesn’t go stale.
Treats
The Diamond Naturals line also includes a selection of dog treats. Crunchy biscuits for adult dogs or puppies come in various flavors, including chicken, beef, and lamb. You can buy treats in small or medium bags or in bulk.
If you’re storing dry dog food in a container, cut out or photograph important information on the bag, including ingredients, feeding guide, and “best before” date.
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Accessories
Elevated dog bowl: Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Diner
Dogs eat and drink more safely and comfortably from a bowl raised to an appropriate height off the floor. We like this option from Pawfect Pets for tallers dogs.
Dog food storage container: Gamma2 Vittles Vault
It’s important to keep dry food tightly sealed and away from light, heat, and moisture. We recommend this heavy-duty BPA-free container that keeps food safe and fresh. It includes a measuring cup too.
Dog dental chews: Greenies Dental Dog Treats
Dental health is paramount to a dog’s overall health. Greenies is a trusted brand, offering tasty treats that battle tartar and plaque buildup. Most dogs love the flavor too.
Diamond dog food prices
Inexpensive: You can find a variety of Diamond dry food formulas in smaller bags for under $15.
Mid-range: Most Diamond medium-size bags cost between $15 and $30, with options from all formulas, including Naturals. Diamond Care food is only offered in small bags at this price.
Expensive: For $30 and up, you can find a variety of larger bags of all formulas except the Diamond Care line, which costs around $50 for a medium-size bag.
DID YOU KNOW?
Oral hygiene is an important part of every dog's health. Brush your pet’s teeth daily to prevent plaque buildup and keep the teeth strong, especially if your dog mainly eats a wet food diet.
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Tips
- Transition slowly from one food to another. When introducing a new food or even a new bag of the same food, it’s important to transition slowly to avoid digestive upset. Incorporate about 25% of the new food every few days until your dog is eating only the new food.
- Monitor your dog. Keep an eye on your dog for about two weeks whenever you introduce a new formula. There’s a chance your dog won’t react positively. Take note of any itching, excessive shedding, drooling, or diarrhea. Should this occur, check with your vet. It could mean your dog needs a different food.
- Provide plenty of clean water. Your dog should always have a bowl of fresh, cold water available, particularly after eating. Get into the habit of regularly refilling water bowls as needed.
- Consult your vet. If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, particularly if your pet has sensitivities or specific needs, consult with your vet to get a professional opinion.
FAQ
Q. How do I store dry dog food?
A. Dry dog food should be kept sealed in a dry, cool place. It’s recommended that you keep the dog food sealed in the bag, and place that bag in an airtight container. Keep it away from any sunlight or moisture. You can also pour the food directly into a clean, dry bin provided it’s completely sealed and not affected by any light, temperature, or humidity changes.
Q. What do “meal” and “by-product” mean in the ingredients list?
A. Many familiar ingredients, including chicken, beef, and corn are incorporated into dry food as meal. This simply means the ingredient has been ground up into a powder.
By-product, as in chicken by-product, incorporates extra parts of the chicken into the recipe. In Diamond foods, by-product mostly comprises chicken liver, digestive tract, kidneys, and bone, though there may be other parts that aren’t easily identifiable or made readily available to consumers. This by-product composition is generally high in protein, though some consumers are averse to the potential inclusion of chicken feet, tongue, and head. Keep in mind that ingredients are listed in order of percentage included. Check the first three to five items listed to get a pretty accurate idea of what’s in the food.
Q. Where should I start when trying to find the right formula?
A. Start by narrowing down your choices according to your dog’s age. Keep in mind that depending on the breed, some adult dogs transition into their senior years earlier or later than others. From there, consider any special needs your dog has, such as allergies, and its activity level. Active dogs require more calories and protein. In terms of cost, you’ll find higher-quality ingredients in pricier dog food.
