Welcome to our Diamond Dog Food Review. We cover ingredients, nutrition, cost, and more.

Diamond Dry Dog Food Review

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List of products

Diamond Dry Dog Food Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Diamond High Energy Formula	3.8	Maintenance
→ Diamond Maintenance Formula	4.0	Maintenance
→ Diamond Original Formula	3.8	Maintenance
→ Diamond Performance Formula	4.5	All Life Stages
→ Diamond Premium Formula	4.0	All Life Stages
→ Diamond Puppy Formula	4.0	All Life Stages

This dog food line has 6 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Diamond Premium Formula shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Chicken by-product meal (a source of glucosamine), whole grain ground corn, wheat flour, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried plain beet pulp, egg product, natural flavor, flaxseed, fish meal, salmon oil (a source of DHA), potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.

Contains a source of live (viable) naturally occurring microorganisms

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this Diamond Dog Food Review.

Primary Ingredients

→ Chicken by-product meal, as defined by AAFCO, is made from clean, rendered parts of chicken such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines (excluding feathers).

It is rich in protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This makes it a highly nutrient-dense ingredient that supports a dog’s muscle growth and energy.

→ Whole grain ground corn is one form of corn used in commercial dog foods. While corn ingredients are common, whole-grain ground corn itself is listed less frequently than other corn-based ingredients.

When it is properly milled and cooked through a process like extrusion, it becomes digestible. It supplies energy, fiber, and beneficial nutrients like linoleic acid from the germ and carotenoid antioxidants.

However, its plant protein is lower in biological value than animal proteins, though some dogs may have sensitivities to it.

→ Wheat flour, made by milling wheat kernels into a fine powder, serves as a source of carbohydrate energy in this dog food. However, it is also a common allergen for dogs. Its primary function is as a binder, where the gluten helps the kibble maintain its shape and texture.

→ Chicken fat is the fat separated from chicken tissues during rendering. It is commonly used in dog food as a concentrated energy source and flavor enhancer.

It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, and is often preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.

→ Dried plain beet pulp is a widely used and cost-effective fiber source in dog food. It contains both soluble fibers, like pectin, and insoluble fibers. These act together to support digestive health by improving stool quality, promoting bowel regularity, and helping to regulate appetite.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this Diamond Dog Food Review.

→ Egg product refers to dehydrated eggs, typically sourced from whole eggs, yolks, or whites. They serve as a concentrated source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, enhancing the nutritional profile, taste, and texture of foods.

→ Natural flavor is an ingredient derived from plant or animal sources used to enhance taste and palatability.
It is commonly added to pet food to make it more appealing to dogs and may be sourced from herbs, meats, or concentrated extracts of animal products.

→ Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep skin healthy, make coats shiny, and reduce inflammation in dogs.

Every 100g of ground flaxseed contains around 18g of protein, 37.3g of fat, 34.4g of carbs, and 23.1g of fiber.

Other Ingredients

→ Fish meal is a concentrated protein source made by cooking, drying, and grinding fish (often whole fish or leftover parts) into a powder.

It retains many benefits of whole fish, like omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and fur, but its quality depends on the fish species and its processing method.

→ Salmon oil is derived from salmon tissue and contains omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA. These fatty acids support skin, joint, heart, and brain health in dogs, promoting a healthy coat and cognitive development.

→ Potassium chloride is a source of potassium, an essential mineral that supports fluid balance and muscle function in dogs.

The Diamond Premium Formula includes other beneficial ingredients further down the list to support your dog’s health. However, we won’t explore them in detail here due to the scope of this Diamond Dog Food Review.

Nutrient Sources - Diamond Dog Food Review

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Ground Corn, Wheat Flour, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Egg Product, Flaxseed, Fish Meal
Fat	Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Ground Corn, Wheat Flour, Chicken Fat, Egg Product, Flaxseed, Fish Meal, Salmon Oil
Carbohydrate	Whole Grain Ground Corn, Wheat Flour, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed
Fiber	Whole Grain Ground Corn, Wheat Flour, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed

Vitamins

The formula contains vitamins A, D3, E, C, and a full B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), all supplied as synthetic supplements. These synthetic forms enhance shelf stability, though processing and storage can degrade some vitamins over time.

Vitamin K is not listed but is derived from ingredients like beet pulp and synthesized by the dog’s own gut bacteria.

The formula appears to have no significant nutritional gaps.

Minerals

The mineral mix includes chelated iron, zinc, copper and manganese (proteinate forms) which improve absorption and reduce GI upset.

Non-chelated salts, such as ferrous, zinc, manganese and copper sulfates, potassium iodide, and sodium selenite, are effective but less bioavailable.

Ingredient Concerns

Chicken by-product meal appears first on the ingredient list. It is a concentrated, nutrient-dense source that can supply valuable protein and minerals, yet its quality tends to be more variable than whole-muscle meat.

That variability can affect digestibility and palatability, and, frankly, we were quite surprised to see it leading the formula.

For discerning owners who favor whole-meat ingredients, its prominent placement may be off-putting.

Ground corn and wheat flour appear high on the ingredient list, contributing significant carbohydrates. While they provide energy and fiber, they may also cause issues for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, making them less suitable for pets needing specialized nutrition.

Fish meal and natural flavor are somewhat vague ingredients. Fish meal can vary in quality depending on the source, while natural flavor is non-specific and does not clearly indicate what it contains, leaving uncertainty about consistency and nutritional value.

This Diamond Dog Food Review highlights both the strengths and potential concerns in the formulation, giving pet owners a clearer picture of what to expect from this popular dry dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=10% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	26%	18%	35%	3%
→ Dry Matter Basis	28.9%	20%	38.9%	3.3%
→ Calorie Content Basis	24.8%	41.7%	33.4%	NA

Normal dog food typically contains (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, Diamond Premium Formula contains 28.9% protein, 20.0% fat, and approximately 38.9% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it Moderate in protein, Moderately High in fat, and Moderate in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Diamond Premium Formula contains 28.9% protein and 20.0% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for both adult maintenance and growth and reproduction, as set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support your dog’s overall health.

Every recipe in Diamond Dry Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“Diamond Premium is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).”

The statement means the recipe’s nutrient levels were tested in a lab but not through actual feeding trials with dogs.

Both methods ensure nutritional adequacy, though feeding trials provide practical validation.

Cost Analysis

Cost Metrics	6-lb bag	20-lb bag	40-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$13.99	$28.99	$46.99
→ Cost per Pound	$2.33	$1.45	$1.17
→ Cost per Serving	$0.61	$0.38	$0.31

This Diamond Dog Food Review of the Diamond Premium Formula cost analysis reveals a clear financial advantage to buying in bulk.

While the initial outlay is higher for larger bags, the cost per pound and, most importantly, the cost per serving decrease significantly.

The 6-lb bag is the least economical, whereas the 40-lb bag offers substantial savings, cutting the per-serving cost by nearly half compared to the smallest option.

For dedicated pet owners with adequate storage, the 40-lb bag provides the best overall value, maximizing long-term savings without compromising on the quality of the recipe.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order.

For a 40-lb bag, the cost is $46.99, but on Autoship, it drops to $30.54, saving $16.45.

Chewy US

Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer, location, and availability.

Pros and Cons - Diamond Dog Food Review

Pros

75% of protein from animal sources
Guaranteed glucosamine to support joints and mobility
Guaranteed probiotics for digestive and immune health
Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 for skin & coat health
Stool quality & odor control

Cons

Uses chicken by-product meal instead of whole named meat as the first ingredient
Contains vague ingredients like “natural flavor” and unspecified “fish meal”
Includes common allergens like chicken, corn, and wheat

Recalls and Safety

The most significant Diamond Dog Foods recall occurred in 2012 after Salmonella Infantis linked to their Gaston, South Carolina plant prompted large, multi-brand recalls.

Diamond also issued a separate voluntary recall in 2013 for limited cat-food production codes because of possible low thiamine levels, which remains the most recent recall for this brand.

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the Diamond Premium Formula at 4.0 out of 5, while the Diamond Dog Food Review line received an overall rating of 4.02 out of 5.

Final Verdict

This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.