Diamond Small Breed Puppy Food

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy

Rating:

Complete Health Small Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, salmon meal, barley
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Life stage: Growth
• Best for:Small breed puppies
• Price: $$$

This Wellness formula acquires the largest part of its animal protein from fresh turkey and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 21% fat and 40% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 68%.

An excellent company with multiple puppy recipes.

Sample buyer reviewA newly adopted ~2 yr. old rescued Shih Tzu, Zachary, was obviously neglected. Matted sparse fur and prominent spine/ribs called out for some good food and lots of it. So, we chose Wellness. He has moved from 8 lbs. to 10 lbs. in two weeks. He loves the food and it seems to be doing the trick we asked of it. What a good boy!

What Do Others Say About Diamond

As of the time of this update

Chewy customers rate Diamond Naturals 4.5 out of 5 stars and 93% say they would recommend it to others.

Heres an actual user review

Sample buyer reviewI am a former pet store employee so I know a little bit about pet nutrition. I was wanting to transition my dogs into a new food that was still a good quality for a lower price. Diamond naturals does both. It has no bad ingredients and had fresh fruit and vegetables which I love. My two dogs seem to really be enjoying their new food!

• Diamond Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food

Rating:

Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Ground turkey, eggs, brown rice, carrots, spinach
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for:Small breed adults and puppies
• Price: $$$$

Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey as well as whole eggs. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 17% fat and 39% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.

If youve ever wished you could serve your small dog a fresh home-cooked meal but without all the fuss then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.

Top level, human-grade ingredients and a balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not cheap. But highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewJones is a rescue and he came to us with a *very* sensitive stomach. Since starting Nom Nom, his stomach has been doing well, and I didnt think his fur could get any softer.

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What Other Users Are Saying

Diamond Pet Foods has been around long enough to be tested and reviewed by hundreds of customers and professionals. Heres what everyone is saying about Diamond Pet Foods:

• HerePup The overall quality of ingredients appears to be above average
• Dog Food Guru Most Diamond foods provide good nutrition at a reasonable cost
• Amazon As pet owners, we always double-check with Amazon reviews from buyers before we buy something. You can read these by clicking here.

Blue Buffalo Vs Diamond Naturals: Which Dog Food Is Better

Let’s compare Blue Buffalo to Diamond Naturals and find which offers your pup the best dog food. We explore each origin story, recall history, as well as dig into each life stage to determine which brand has the more robust and nutritious offering for your puppy, adult, or senior dog.

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to Chewy.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Did you know that almost 9 out of 10 dog owners are not fully clued in on their dogs nutritional needs? And theres more to picking a dog food than just picking the brightest packaging or the most adventurous flavors. Here at LoveYourDog HQ, we are on a mission to ensure that every dog finds the best food in his bowl. And to do that, we need to compare the best brands out there. Today, we are comparing Blue Buffalo vs Diamond Naturals.

Many pet owners have a hard time choosing between Blue Buffalo and Diamond Naturals because they are not all that different. But there are a few key variances that you need to know about so you can make the best choice for your pup.

We take you through their brand history, recall details, ingredients used, and the range of formulas offered to find out what each is all about.

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Which Types Of Dogs Is Diamond Naturals Best Suited For

Diamond Naturals dog food is best for budget dog owners looking for dog food that is above-average in quality. Although its not the best of the best, its one of the better options available. In other words: Diamond Naturals is a good food choice if you dont want to sacrifice quality for value.

The History Of Diamond Pet Foods

With a dream and some bootstraps, 2 brothers by marriage started a small animal feed production that is now a billion-dollar business.

Diamond Pet Foods had its humble beginnings in Missouri, close to the homes of Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter. The brothers-in-law bought a mill in Meta, Missouri population 220. They began operating in April 1970 under the name Meta Feed and Grain.

Until then, the mill had been one of those hand-to-mouth local enterprises that dotted outstate Missouri, converting a farmers grain to flour, bran, corn meal and hog slops, according to a feature in the Kansas City Star.

When Schell and Kampeter took over, the mill produced mostly hog and cattle feed. But it also had a line of dog chow, cooked in 3 big iron kettles large enough to make 4 tons of the stuff in 10 hours.

Also, there was an important name change. According to folklore, Meta Feed and Grain came to be called Diamond Pet Foods when a hunter exclaimed that eating the dog food made his dogs coat shine like a diamond.

From Broke to Millions

The business continued to grow under the direction of Schell and Kampeter though it wasnt always easy.

We went broke 5 times, Schell told the Kansas City Star. We actually ran out of money. Once we went over to the bank, threw the keys to the place on the counter and said, You take it. They said, No, well work something out.’

The Second and Third Generations

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Now Fresh Small Breed Dog Food

Rating:

Small Breed Turkey is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh product line.

• First 5 ingredients: De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, potatoes, potato flour
• Type: Grain-free
• Best for:Small breed adults
• Price: $$$

Now Fresh Small Breed derives the largest share of its meat protein from fresh de-boned turkey and dried egg. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

Small-size, clover-shaped kibble ideal for small to medium breed dogs. Contains probiotics and pre-biotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria and better digestion. The recipe also includes taurine and L-carnitine for healthy heart function.

Also contains whole dried eggs, natures most complete protein. Which means this ingredient alone naturally includes every essential amino acid a dog needs for optimal health.

A bit pricey. But an excellent, nutritionally balanced design optimized for small and medium breed dogs. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewMy small dogs love this food! They will eat it dry, without anything in it! It is really small kibble but unlike other dry food, they love the taste!

Is Diamond Dog Food Good For Itchy Skin

Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula is a limited ingredient grain-free diet specifically designed for dogs with food-related skin issues. Its made with peas and hydrolyzed salmon protein to help prevent adverse skin reactions. For more options, be sure to visit The Advisors Best Dog Foods for Allergies page.

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How To Prepare Fresh Dog Food

The best way to prepare and serve fresh food to your dog will depend on the type of food you choose:

• Fresh dog food in a roll: Some fresh foods for dogs, such as certain varieties of Freshpet, come packaged in a roll or tube. To serve it to your dog, cut off a slice, making sure its the correct portion size. Many rolls will have measurements printed on the packaging to help you know where to slice. Then, cut that slice into small pieces that your dog can easily chew and swallow. Store the remainder in the refrigerator until your pups next meal.
• Fresh dog food in a bag: Other fresh foods for dogs come pre-cooked in a bag, ready to open and eat. For example, Freshpets bagged recipes are gently steamed at low temperatures, then vacuum sealed and ready for the fridge. To serve, scoop the correct portion size out of the bag and drop it into your pets bowlits that easy.

If you’ve been keeping your dog food in the freezer, remember to thaw it in your refrigerator before serving it to your dog.

For any fresh dog foodor any food at all, for that matteralways read the manufacturers guidelines for serving. Remember: Its best to work with your vet to ensure youre using the correct preparation and feeding strategies.

Holistic Select Grain Free Small And Mini Breed Puppy

Rating:

Small and Mini Breed Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select Grain Free product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Anchovy and sardine meal, chicken meal, chickpeas, peas, chicken fat
• Type: Grain-free
• Best for:Small breed puppies
• Price: $$$

This Holistic Select formula derives the majority of its meat protein from anchovy, sardine and chicken meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 19% fat and 34% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 49%.

A terrific grain-free growth option.

Sample buyer reviewMy chihuahua puppy has been super picky about any food I get for her, but she LOVES this food. The kibbles are really small and perfect for her little mouth. Ive also noticed improvement in her stool. Shes had some constipation issues, but this food has really made a difference in the appearance of her stool. I am definitely a fan.

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Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Chicken Formula

Rating:

Wholesome Essentials Puppy Chicken is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Wholesome Essentials product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, whole brown rice, whole grain oatmeal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for:Small breed puppies
• Price: $$

This Nutro formula takes the lions share of its meat protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Sample buyer reviewIve been feeding my senior dog this brand since 2012 so of course when I brought a puppy home this was my go to choice! I gradually switched the puppy over from the food he was previously eating with no trouble at all. Ive noticed that the puppy eats all of this food where he would nibble and leave the other brand in the bowl all day. Both my dogs love this food and will be Nutro pups for life!

Diamond Naturals Small Breed Chicken And Rice

Rating:

Diamond Small Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, grain sorghum
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Design: Maintenance
• Best for:Small breed adults
• Price: $

This Diamond Naturals formula obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.

A solid, budget-friendly option ideal for small breed adult dogs. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewSo I switched to this dog food on chewy as the review was right, the price was right and I did not have to haul large bags of dog food home. Auto shipment is a plus. Most important is my dogs love it. I didnt realize before researching these brands of dog food that the size of the kibble could be a health issue for the dog. Hard to find small kibble that is healthy. My dog usually has ear issues as well. None seen since starting the new kibble. Hopefully the skin issues will clear up as well!

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What Is Fresh Dog Food

Freshit sounds great, but what does it actually mean? Theres no legal definition of fresh when it comes to dog food, but our experts say there are four common attributes most fresh foods share:

What Are The Benefits Of Fresh Dog Food

So, what does fresh dog food have going for it? Proponents say its benefits include:

Theres one more important thing to consider when it comes to fresh dog food: Studies have not conclusively shown that fresh diets are better for all dogs. There are no actual documented scientific benefits of fresh versus not fresh, Dr. Bullen says. Every pet is unique, just as every human is unique. We all need the same nutrients, but the concentrations, quantities and proportions are all going to be a little different.

That means fresh food isnt the best choice for every single dogbut it might be a great choice for your dog.

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Discussion Of The Primary Ingredients

1. Whole Meat: Great

In most of the Diamond Naturals dog food recipes, the first or second ingredient is whole meat. The exception is with the Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food, which only uses lamb meal.

Whole meats are vital for quality dog food and proper protein intake. Although whole meats lose up to 70% of their weight while being processed, its an ingredient that still should not be skipped. Whole meats are a natural part of a dogs diet and should be listed as one of the top five ingredients.

2. Meat Meals: Great

Diamond Naturals lists poultry, fish, and other meat meals as one of their primary ingredients. This is a great sign because meat meals are nutrient-rich in protein without losing its size during processing and cooking. Meat meals are not the same as by-products and only contain the clean, necessary parts of the animal. By-products should be avoided if possible since theyre mainly used as fillers to cut costs.

3. Rice: Good

Rice is one of their popular sources of carbohydrates. As a grain, it may not be ideal for your grain-free dog. However, most dogs dont have grain or rice allergies. Rice can be an excellent source of carbs and protein, so we always look for rice and other healthy grains in dog food. Always test out new food in small doses and with the advice of a veterinarian in case of a potential allergy.

4. Potatoes, Lentils, and Peas: Potential Issue

List Of Diamond Recalls

Cause: Low levels of thiamine. Announcement: FDA report dated March 10, 2013 . What was recalled: 6 oz. samples and 6 lb. bags of Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula with Production Code #MKT0901 and best by date of Sep. 30, 2013.

May 2012

Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA report dated May 21, 2012 . What was recalled: 6 lb. and 18 lb. bags plus sample sizes of Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula, with Production Code #DSL0801 and the following best by dates:

• Samples

May 2012

Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA report dated May 5, 2012 . What was recalled: All varieties and sizes of both Diamond and Diamond Naturals pet foods were recalled in this large expansion of the previous recall , but only those products manufactured in the companys Gaston, South Carolina, facility, noted in the Production Code number with a 2 or 3 in the 9th position AND an X in the 10th or 11th position, and only those with best by dates falling between Dec. 9, 2012, and April 7, 2013.

Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA reports dated April 6, 2012 and April 30, 2012 . What was recalled: The following Diamond dry dog foods were among those pulled from shelves :

• Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
• Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
• Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
• Diamond Puppy Food
• Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
• Diamond Professional Cat Food

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