Diamond Naturals Grain Free Dog Food is a solid mid-range option that provides high-quality protein and a good amount of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, all without common fillers like corn or soy. It's not a premium brand like Orijen, but it delivers decent nutrition at a more accessible price point. I've fed it to my own dogs off and on for years, and here's what I've found.
To cut to the chase: these formulas use real meat as the first ingredient, typically chicken, lamb, or salmon. They contain mostly named protein sources and avoid vague meat meals. The brand has a history of recalls (2012 for salmonella), which is something you should know going in. These foods are made by Diamond Pet Foods, the same company that produces Taste of the Wild and other brands. The formulas include probiotics and antioxidants, which is a nice bonus at this price.
The Diamond Naturals Grain Free Chicken and Sweet Potato recipe is their flagship grain-free option. The first ingredient is chicken, followed by chicken meal (which is a concentrated protein source, not filler). Sweet potato provides carbs for energy, and there are peas and potato protein in smaller amounts. I like that they use mixed tocopherols for preservation instead of artificial stuff. The protein content is around 32%, which is decent for an active dog. My own German Shepherd did well on this, but I did notice firmer stools compared to some other brands. It's not a dealbreaker.
The Lamb and Sweet Potato formula is a good alternative for dogs that might be sensitive to chicken. But here's the thing: the first ingredient is lamb, but the second is lamb meal. That's fine, but the fat content is slightly lower than the chicken version. If your dog needs to gain weight or has skin issues, the chicken formula might be better. I personally prefer the lamb for dogs with itchiness, as lamb is a novel protein for many pups.
The Salmon and Sweet Potato is another option. Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, which help with inflammation and coat shine. This one has a strong fish smell, so be warned. My picky eater loved it, but it gave her gas. That's just the nature of fish-based foods though.
One major thing to consider: Diamond Naturals has had recalls. The most notable was in 2012 due to potential salmonella contamination in some of their manufacturing plants. Since then, they've tightened quality control. Honestly, I think people overblow this. It was over a decade ago, and I've seen plenty of dogs eat this for years without issues. If you're still worried, look elsewhere, but it's not a dealbreaker for me.
Comparing to Taste of the Wild, which is made by the same company, Diamond Naturals Grain Free is very similar in ingredient quality but costs less. The main difference is that Taste of the Wild uses more exotic proteins like bison or venison. Diamond Naturals sticks to the basics. So if your dog does fine with chicken or lamb, you're paying a premium for nothing with Taste of the Wild.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is another grain-free line, but it's more expensive and often contains more filler ingredients like pea starch and tapioca. Diamond Naturals uses sweet potato and chickpeas, which I think are better sources of carbs. Also, Blue Buffalo has a tendency to cause loose stools in some dogs due to their high fiber content. Honestly, I think Blue Buffalo is overpriced garbage compared to this. Diamond Naturals seems more gentle on digestion.
Price-wise, Diamond Naturals Grain Free is typically priced lower than many boutique brands. You get a decent balance: good protein, no corn or soy, added probiotics. What you don't get is the ultra-premium sourcing like single-sourced meat or exotic ingredients. That's the tradeoff.
If your dog is healthy and has no food sensitivities, the Chicken and Sweet Potato formula is a reliable everyday food. If your dog has skin issues or allergies, consider the Lamb or Salmon formula first. For large breeds, watch the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, Diamond Naturals doesn't explicitly formulate for large breed puppies, but it can work for adults. I also recommend rotating proteins every few months to avoid developing sensitivities. Always transition slowly over a week to avoid digestive upset. And store the bag in a cool, dry place and use it within 6 weeks of opening.
Is Diamond Naturals Grain Free a complete and balanced diet? Yes, it meets AAFCO standards for all life stages. Has it been recalled? Yes, the 2012 salmonella recall, but nothing specifically for the grain-free line in recent years. How does it compare to Taste of the Wild? Both made by the same company, but Diamond Naturals uses common proteins and costs less. Protein content? The Chicken formula is around 32%, Lamb around 30%, Salmon around 31%. Is it good for allergies? It can be if you choose lamb or salmon, but the food does contain peas and potato which some dogs are sensitive to. Where is it made? In the USA at Diamond facilities in Missouri, South Carolina, and California.
