Welcome to our Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review.

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review

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List of products

Diamond Naturals Dry Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Extreme Athlete Adult Dog Chicken & Rice Formula	4.6	Maintenance
→ Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula	4.7	Maintenance
→ All Life Stages Dog Chicken & Rice Formula	4.5	All Life Stages
→ Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice Formula	4.6	Maintenance
→ Large Breed Adult Dog Chicken & Rice Formula	5	Maintenance
→ Large Breed Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice Formula	4.7	Maintenance
→ Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula	4.7	All Life Stages
→ Light Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice Formula	4.6	Maintenance
→ Senior Dog Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal Formula	4.8	Maintenance
→ Small Breed Adult Dog Chicken & Rice Formula	4.9	Maintenance
→ Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula	4.8	Maintenance
→ Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula	4.6	All Life Stages
→ Skin & Coat All Life Stages Dog Salmon & Potato Formula	4.5	All Life Stages

This dog food line has 13 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Beef Meal & Rice Formula shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Beef meal, grain sorghum, ground white rice, dried yeast, egg product, rice bran, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, flaxseed, potassium chloride, salt, DL-Methionine, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, yucca schidigera extract, 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, beta carotene, chondroitin sulfate, 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 Naturals Dog Food Review.

Primary Ingredients

→ Beef meal is rendered beef that has been dried and ground, typically including clean flesh, skin, and bone.

It contains a high protein concentration—around 60–70%—which supports muscle growth and overall strength.

Beef meal is also a natural source of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, contributing to energy production and immune system health.

→ Grain sorghum, an ancient grain native to Africa, is an excellent source of carbohydrates and a valuable source of protein. Compared with grains like rice, it typically has a lower glycemic index.

It also provides important minerals, most notably phosphorus and magnesium, making it a wholesome, nutrient-dense addition to the diet.

Each 100 g of dry, raw, pearled white sorghum contains 74.9 g of carbohydrates and 10.2 g of protein.

→ Ground white rice is a powdered form of the refined grain, which has had the bran and germ removed, leaving mostly the starchy endosperm. When finely ground, it is highly digestible and provides quick energy. This powdered form is commonly used in dog food as a carbohydrate source.

→ Dried yeast is a high-quality source of essential amino acids, protein, and B vitamins. Adding it to a dog food formula boosts flavor, making the food more appealing to picky eaters or dogs with poor appetites.

→ 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.

Secondary Ingredients

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

→ Rice bran is the nutrient-rich outer layer of the rice kernel, removed during milling. It is added to dog food for fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.

→ Cracked pearled barley is barley that’s been hulled, polished, and cracked for faster cooking. It offers pets soluble fiber and B vitamins but contains gluten. A 100 g serving of raw pearled barley provides 9.91 g protein, 77.7 g carbohydrates, and 15.6 g fiber.

→ 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.

Other Ingredients

→ 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.

→ 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.

The Beef Meal & Rice 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 Naturals Dog Food Review.

Nutrient Sources - Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Egg Product, Rice Bran, Cracked Pearled Barley, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Kale, Chia Seed, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Spinach
Fat	Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Dried Yeast, Egg Product, Rice Bran, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat, Flaxseed, Kale, Chia Seed, Quinoa
Carbohydrate	Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Rice Bran, Cracked Pearled Barley, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya
Fiber	Grain Sorghum, Dried Yeast, Rice Bran, Cracked Pearled Barley, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Kale, Chia Seed, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya

Vitamins

This dog food provides essential vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex, plus vitamin C from ascorbic acid. Vitamin K is not listed but comes from ingredients like kale and spinach, and dogs can synthesize it. The vitamins are primarily synthetic, ensuring stability during shelf life, with no major adequacy gaps.

Minerals

This recipe provides a robust mineral profile using both chelated (iron, zinc, copper, manganese) and sulfate sources. Chelation enhances bioavailability for superior absorption. The sulfate minerals remain effective. This dual approach ensures the formulation fully meets a dog’s nutritional requirements for macro and trace minerals.

Ingredient Concerns

While this dog food recipe appears comprehensive and avoids some major red flags like artificial preservatives, its primary potential concerns stem from the quality of its core ingredients.

The use of a generic “Beef meal” as the first ingredient, rather than a whole meat, raises questions about the primary protein quality, and the heavy reliance on grains like sorghum and white rice suggests a starch content that may not be ideal for all dogs.

Furthermore, the extensive list of trendy ‘superfoods’ like kale, chia seed, pumpkin, and blueberries appears further down the ingredient list rather than in the top ten. This suggests they are likely included in small amounts, serving more as a marketing-driven wellness appeal than providing substantial nutritional benefit.

This Diamond Naturals 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	25%	15%	38.5%	3.5%
→ Dry Matter Basis	27.8%	16.7%	42.8%	3.9%
→ Calorie Content Basis	25%	36.5%	38.5%	NA

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

However, Beef Meal & Rice Formula contains 27.8% protein, 16.7% fat, and approximately 42.8% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

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

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula contains 27.8% protein and 16.7% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for adult maintenance 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 Naturals Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.”

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	40-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$42.99
→ Cost per Pound	$1.08
→ Cost per Serving	$0.28

Based on the provided cost metrics for the 40-lb bag of Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula, the financial pros are exceptionally strong. With a total cost of $42.99, it breaks down to just $1.08 per pound and an remarkably low $0.28 per serving.

This positions it as a highly economical choice for large-breed owners, offering significant savings compared to many premium brands. The primary con is the upfront cost of a large bag, but the long-term value is undeniable.

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

For a 40-lb bag, the cost is $42.99, but on Autoship, it drops to $27.94, saving $15.05.

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

Pros and Cons - Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review

Pros

Pasture-raised beef protein for great taste and nutrition
Contains probiotics for digestion
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin & coat health
Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors
Packed with superfood fruits & vegetables

Cons

Top protein is beef meal (rendered), not fresh whole meat
Contains multiple grains (sorghum, rice, barley), Higher carb load
“Natural flavor” is a vague ingredient for sensitive dogs
Includes common allergens

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 Beef Meal & Rice Formula at 4.7 out of 5, while the Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.69 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.