Who Makes Diamond Naturals Dog Food? My Honest Results

Ever wonder what goes into your pup’s bowl? Who makes Diamond Naturals dog food is a question many pet parents ask when looking for quality they can trust. Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned company in the USA, makes this brand to give pets holistic nutrition.

I’ve seen my own dogs thrive on their salmon recipe, showing me that great food doesn’t always need a huge price tag. With over 50 years of experience, this maker knows how to balance health and value for families everywhere. If you want a brand that treats your dog like family, this is a top choice to check out today.

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review

I’ve been feeding this to my dogs for months to see if it really works, and here is my honest Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review. I will share my take on the ingredients, price, and quality.

Is Diamond Naturals Dog Food Good?

Is Diamond Naturals Dog Food Good? Yes, I think it is a great choice. I found it offers good food at a fair price. When I started looking for a new food, I wanted something safe. I learned that Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned company. It was founded in 1970 by Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter. They started in Meta, Missouri. Knowing it is not a huge, faceless corporation made me feel better.

My experience with the food has been positive. My dogs eat it up fast. Their coats look shiny and healthy. I also like where it comes from. They have six state-of-the-art facilities. These are in California, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and South Carolina. This helps them ship fresh food fast. I like buying things made in the USA. It feels safer for my pets.

The company has a clear commitment. They want to give high-quality, holistic nutrition. But they want to keep it at an affordable price. I have seen this price difference myself. It costs less than many other premium bags I have bought. It feels good to save money but still feed my dogs meat and veggies.

What I Like

• Real Meat is First: I love that real meat is the first thing on the list. My dogs seem to love the taste. It gives them the protein they need to run and play.
• Budget Friendly: I noticed my wallet is happier. This food costs less than big names like Blue Buffalo. You get good ingredients without the high markup. It feels like a smart buy.
• Trusted Manufacturing: I found out they make other top brands too. They make 4Health and Costco’s Kirkland Signature. I have used those before and liked them. Knowing they come from the same place gives me peace of mind.

What Could Be Better

• Past Recall History: I did see they had recalls in the past. This worried me a little at first. They have improved safety since then, but it is good to know.
• Not for Every Tummy: One of my dogs got a bit of gas at first. The food is rich. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might need to switch slowly.
• Hard to Find Sometimes: I cannot always find the specific flavor I want in stores. Sometimes the shelves are empty. I have to order it online instead.

Diamond Naturals Quick Overview

Recommendation

If you want good food on a budget, buy this. It is great for owners who have big dogs or many dogs. The cost savings add up fast. I think it is perfect if you shop at places like Tractor Supply or Costco, as you likely know their quality already.

However, check with your vet if your dog has allergies. While they use good meat, some dogs need special diets. If you worry about old recalls, you might want to look at Purina ONE instead. But for me, Diamond Naturals is a solid win. It balances cost and quality very well.

I’ve been testing out the Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat (Salmon) and the Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice formulas to see which one works best for my dogs.

What Is Dog Food? (What should be in a complete dog food)

Dog food is specially formulated nutrition designed to support a dog’s growth, energy, and overall health.

Dog food is made to give dogs the right mix of meat, vitamins, and energy for a long, happy life.

Purpose of Dog Food

• Supports growth and development
• Maintains energy and immune health
• Improves digestion and coat quality

Main Types of Dog Food

• Dry (kibble)
• Wet (canned)
• Raw or natural
• Homemade
• Prescription or therapeutic diets

This food fuels your dog’s day, keeping them active, playful, and healthy from the inside out.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8.5/10

Types of Dog Food Explained

Different dogs need different food—just like people.

Dry Dog Food (Kibble)

• Long shelf life
• Convenient and affordable
• Good for dental health
• Ideal for most adult dogs

Wet Dog Food

• Higher moisture content
• More palatable for picky eaters
• Useful for older dogs

Raw or Natural Dog Food

• Minimal processing
• High protein focus
• Risks: bacteria, imbalance if poorly formulated

Specialized Dog Food

• Puppy formulas
• Senior dog formulas
• Breed-specific diets
• Veterinary or medical diets

Kibble is easy to store and serves as a great staple, while wet food adds flavor and moisture.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9/10
• Chicken & Rice: 9/10

Who Makes Diamond Naturals Dog Food?

Diamond Naturals dog food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a U.S.-based pet food company.

Diamond Pet Foods makes Diamond Naturals. It is a family-owned company founded in 1970 and based in Meta, Missouri.

About Diamond Pet Foods

• Founded: 1970 (U.S.)
• Headquarters: Meta, Missouri, USA
• Known for: Diamond, Taste of the Wild, Diamond Naturals
• Business model: family-owned manufacturer

Where Diamond Naturals Is Made

• Manufactured in the United States
• Multiple production facilities across states
• Distributed internationally

Brand Positioning

• Mid-range premium dog food
• Focus on natural ingredients
• Competitive pricing compared to premium brands

The company is family-owned and makes high-quality food in the USA at a price that is fair for most homes.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 8/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8/10

Ingredients in Diamond Naturals Dog Food

When you flip the bag and read the label, the ingredient list tells a story.

Core Nutrients

• Protein: chicken, lamb, beef, fish
• Carbohydrates: brown rice, barley, oats
• Fats: chicken fat, fish oil
• Vitamins & minerals
• Fiber: vegetables, fruits

Common Ingredients

• Real meat as the first ingredient (in most formulas)
• Whole grains or grain-free options
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables

Controversial or Debated Ingredients

• By-products (in some formulas)
• Preservatives (natural or synthetic, depending on product line)
• Fillers (perception varies among consumers and experts)

I like seeing real meat first, like salmon or chicken, paired with superfoods like kale and blueberries.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9.5/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8.5/10

Nutritional Value and Benefits: Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Good nutrition often shows up in small, everyday moments—like a shiny coat or steady energy during walks.

Key Benefits

• Supports muscle development
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves skin and coat health
• Aids digestion
• Provides sustained energy

The salmon recipe works wonders for shine, while the chicken blend keeps energy levels steady all day.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9.5/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8.5/10

How to Choose the Right Dog Food

Not every dog thrives on the same formula.

Factors to Consider

• Age (puppy, adult, senior)
• Breed size (small, medium, large)
• Activity level
• Health conditions
• Allergies or sensitivities
• Budget

Practical Tip

A slow transition between foods reduces digestive upset—something many owners learn the hard way.

If your dog itches, pick the Salmon; if they have a sturdy tummy, the Chicken & Rice is a great value.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8/10

Feeding Guidelines: Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Feeding isn’t just about filling a bowl.

Portion Size

• Depends on weight, age, and activity level
• Follow manufacturer guidelines as a baseline

Feeding Frequency

• Puppies: 3–4 meals/day
• Adults: 1–2 meals/day

Water Intake

• Always provide fresh water
• Especially important with dry kibble

Check the bag for amounts, but watch your dog’s waistline and adjust if they gain too much weight.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9/10
• Chicken & Rice: 9/10

Safety and Quality Standards: Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Trust often comes from transparency.

Regulatory and Nutritional Standards

• AAFCO nutrient profiles (U.S.)
• Internal quality control testing

Storage and Safety Tips

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Seal bags properly
• Check expiration dates

They test for safety, but keeping the bag sealed tight keeps the fats from spoiling or smelling bad.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 8/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8/10

Advantages and Limitations of Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Benefits

• Balanced nutrition
• Natural ingredient focus
• Affordable compared to premium brands
• Wide variety of formulas

Limitations

• Not all recipes are grain-free
• Ingredient quality varies by formula
• Possible allergies in sensitive dogs
• Mixed consumer reviews

It is hard to beat the price for this quality, though the fish smell might be too much for some owners.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8.5/10

Environmental and Ethical Aspects: Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Pet food choices quietly affect the world beyond the bowl.

Sustainability

• Use of the meat industry by-products reduces waste
• Limited transparency on sourcing

Packaging and Ethics

• Standard plastic packaging
• No strong public claims about eco-friendly practices

The bags are basic plastic, and while they use good meat, they don’t brag much about being “green.”

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 7/10
• Chicken & Rice: 6/10

Performance: Diamond Naturals Dog Food

How dogs actually respond matters more than marketing.

Observed Results

• Consistent energy levels
• Improved coat condition in many cases
• Acceptable palatability for most dogs

My dogs stopped scratching within weeks on the Salmon recipe, and their energy stayed high and happy.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9.5/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8/10

Ease of Use: Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Convenience often decides daily routines.

Practical Advantages

• Easy to find in stores and online
• Simple feeding instructions
• Long shelf life

You can grab a bag at many local farm stores or online, making it super easy to never run out.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9/10
• Chicken & Rice: 9.5/10

Value for Money: Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Sometimes the best choice isn’t the cheapest or the most expensive.

Cost vs Quality

• Mid-range pricing
• Balanced nutritional profile
• Competitive compared to similar brands

You get premium ingredients like superfoods and real meat without paying the high “boutique” price tag.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9.5/10
• Chicken & Rice: 10/10

Overall: Is Diamond Naturals Dog Food Worth Considering?

Diamond Naturals is positioned as a reliable, mid-tier dog food brand made by Diamond Pet Foods. It offers balanced nutrition at a reasonable price, though ingredient quality and suitability can vary by formula and individual dog. Choosing it—or any dog food—ultimately depends on your dog’s needs, your expectations, and how well the food performs in real life.

If your dog has itchy skin, the Salmon recipe is a lifesaver; for a healthy dog on a budget, Chicken is perfect.

Rating:

• Skin & Coat (Salmon): 9.3/10
• Chicken & Rice: 8.8/10

FAQs for Who Makes Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Who makes Diamond Naturals dog food, and where is it based?

Diamond Pet Foods makes this brand. It is a family-owned business. The main office is in Meta, Missouri. They have been making pet food since 1970.

Is Diamond Naturals dog food made in the USA?

Yes, it is made in the USA. They have six large plants in several states. These include Missouri, California, and South Carolina. This helps keep the food fresh for your pet.

Does the same company make Kirkland dog food?

Yes, Diamond Pet Foods makes the Kirkland brand for Costco. They also make Taste of the Wild. Many people trust them because they make several high-quality names in the pet world.

What kind of safety tests does the maker perform?

They use a strict safety plan. They test ingredients and finished bags every day. They check for germs and harmful toxins. This helps ensure every bowl is safe and healthy for your dog.

Where does the company get its ingredients?

Most items come from the USA. However, they do source some from other countries. For example, they get lamb from New Zealand. This ensures they use the best bits for your dog’s diet.

Taslima Akter Sumaiya

Taslima Akter Sumaiya is a passionate pet mom and founder of PetFoodHubing.com. With real-life experience and insights inspired by USDA-ARS experts like Dr. Jitender P. Dubey, she writes honest, research-backed reviews to help dog and cat parents choose the best food. Trust her to simplify pet nutrition—with love and science. Read More…