Diamond Naturals dog food is one of those brands you see everywhere, and for good reason. It usually lands in that “solid and affordable” zone that many dog owners want. It has a bunch of recipes, it leans on familiar ingredients, and it does not try to be overly fancy.
So is Diamond Naturals a good choice for your dog? For a lot of dogs, yes. It can be a steady daily kibble with decent protein, a fair fat level, and a formula that sits well in the stomach.
If you want a deeper breakdown with a full table and recipe notes, check this out: Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review
Quick look at what Diamond Naturals offers
Diamond Naturals keeps things pretty straightforward. Most formulas aim to cover the basics first, then add a few extras.
Here’s what you will usually get:
- Meat or meat meal listed early for protein
- Grain-inclusive recipes, plus grain-free options
- Added probiotics for digestion support
- Extra ingredients like pumpkin, blueberries, and chia seed
One of the most common picks is Chicken & Rice. It’s designed for everyday feeding and it works for many adult dogs.
Protein sources: what’s doing the real work
When you look at a dry dog food, protein sources matter a lot more than trendy label words. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice leans on animal-based ingredients like:
- Chicken
- Chicken meal
- Egg product
Chicken meal is a big deal in kibble. It’s more concentrated than fresh chicken, so it often bumps the protein level in a practical way.
This recipe can be a nice match for dogs that do well with poultry. If your dog gets itchy, has red ears, or keeps licking paws on chicken-based food, that’s a different story. In that case, a different protein makes more sense.
Carbs and grains: what you are really feeding
Dry food needs carbs. That’s just how kibble works. The real question is what kind of carbs show up and how your dog handles them.
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice uses ingredients like:
- Brown rice
- White rice
- Barley
- Sorghum
These are common, familiar grains. Many dogs handle them just fine, especially active dogs that burn energy daily. Dogs that gain weight fast can still eat this food, but the portion size matters a lot.
And yes, “filler” gets thrown around online all the time. In real life, the bigger issue is whether your dog stays lean, has normal poop, and looks healthy on the food.
Fat sources: energy and coat support
Fat fuels energy and helps the coat stay soft. Diamond Naturals uses fats like:
- Chicken fat
- Flaxseed
- Salmon oil (in some recipes)
- Coconut (in some recipes)
This mix gives a balance of omega fats. That can help with dry skin and dull fur, especially during winter or when indoor heat dries everything out.
Still, no kibble fixes everything. A healthy coat comes from good food, steady hydration, brushing, and normal hormones. It’s a package deal.
The “superfood” list: helpful or just for show?
Diamond Naturals includes a long list of plant ingredients that sound healthy, like:
- Pumpkin
- Blueberries
- Kale
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Chia seed
- Kelp
These ingredients can add small nutrition perks, but keep your expectations realistic. They sit behind the main building blocks of the food. Meat, grains, fat, and the vitamin and mineral mix still do most of the heavy lifting.
Still, it’s nice to see a formula that at least tries to include more than just the bare minimum.
Probiotics and digestion support
Many dogs deal with soft stool, gas, or random tummy days. Food plays a role, yet treats, table scraps, stress, and fast food changes hit digestion too.
Diamond Naturals includes probiotics and ingredients that support gut health. Some dogs do better on it after a slow transition. Other dogs stay gassy no matter what brand you pick. Dogs can be dramatic like that.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, the transition plan matters more than the label.
Diamond Naturals nutrition numbers (simple breakdown)
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice sits in a pretty normal range for a mainstream kibble.
You will often see values like:
- Protein around the mid-20% range
- Fat around the mid-teens
- Calories per cup high enough that portions add up fast
What does that mean in real life?
- The protein level supports muscle and daily play
- The fat level helps with energy and taste
- The calorie count can lead to weight gain if you free-pour meals
If your dog looks a little thick around the ribs, cut the portion slightly and re-check weight in 2 weeks. Small changes work better than big swings.
Who this food tends to fit best
Diamond Naturals can work really well for:
- Adult dogs with normal activity
- Families who want a fair price without going ultra-cheap
- Dogs that do fine on chicken and grains
- Owners who want one steady kibble and fewer food experiments
It’s the kind of food a lot of people use as a “default.” They feed it daily, then keep treats under control, and the dog stays in good shape.
When Diamond Naturals may not be the right match
Some dogs need a different direction. Not every dog thrives on chicken and grains.
You may want to skip Diamond Naturals if your dog has:
- A clear poultry allergy
- A medical condition that needs a prescription diet
- A history of pancreatitis and strict low-fat needs
- Repeated vomiting or chronic diarrhea on many kibbles
If you see fast weight loss, blood in stool, or constant stomach trouble, talk with your vet soon. Food changes won’t fix everything.
Feeding tips that help prevent weight gain
This is where most dog owners get stuck. Even a good dog food can lead to weight gain if the scoop gets heavy over time.
A few habits that really help:
- Measure food with a cup or kitchen scale
- Split the daily amount into 2 meals
- Treat calories like real calories, not “free snacks”
- Weigh your dog every 2 weeks
A lot of dogs gain weight from snacks, not meals. A biscuit here, a chew there, a few bites from the table, then boom. The waistband disappears.
If you have cats too, overeating becomes a whole-house problem fast. This guide can help you catch it early: Signs of Overfeeding a Cat
Taste and picky eaters
Many dogs eat Diamond Naturals without any drama. Chicken fat helps with taste, and the smell is usually strong enough to keep most dogs interested.
If your dog acts picky, try this before swapping foods again:
- Add a splash of warm water and wait 2 minutes
- Feed at set times, then remove the bowl after 15 minutes
- Cut back treats for a few days
Most “picky” dogs suddenly love dinner when snacks disappear. Funny how that works.
Safety and recall history
It’s fair to ask about brand history. Most big pet food brands have had recalls at some point.
Diamond Pet Foods had a voluntary recall in April 2012 tied to Salmonella risk in certain products. That does not mean Diamond Naturals is unsafe today. It just shows why storage and hygiene matter.
Smart habits at home:
- Store kibble in a sealed container
- Wash hands after handling dog food
- Keep food away from humid heat
- Clean bowls often
These steps sound basic, yet they truly help.
Pros and cons of Diamond Naturals dog food
Pros
- Meat and meat meal show up early in many recipes
- Good everyday macro balance for lots of adult dogs
- Added probiotics can help digestion
- Many recipes for different sizes and life stages
- Easy to find online and in stores
Cons
- Not a fit for dogs with chicken allergies
- Calorie counts can sneak up on you
- Long ingredient lists can bother sensitive dogs
- Some dogs do better on higher-meat formulas
How to switch to Diamond Naturals the safe way
Fast food changes cause loose stool for many dogs. A slow transition keeps things calm.
Try this 7-day plan:
- Days 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Days 3–4: 50% old, 50% new
- Days 5–6: 25% old, 75% new
- Day 7: 100% new food
Keep treats the same during the switch. Changing treats and kibble at the same time often turns into a mess.
Final verdict
Diamond Naturals dog food is a strong everyday kibble for many dogs. It aims for balanced nutrition, fair pricing, and recipes that feel familiar and easy to feed.
If your dog does well on chicken and grains, Diamond Naturals can be a simple, reliable pick. If your dog has allergies or medical needs, a different formula will make life easier.