Image: A fluffy Pomeranian puppy enjoying a bowl of nutritious puppy kibble from the Diamond Puppy Food formula. The Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide is your complete resource for understanding the high-quality nutrition this formula offers. Packed with 31% protein and 20% fat, Diamond Puppy Food fuels healthy growth and development. It also includes DHA from salmon oil and 80 million CFU of guaranteed probiotics per pound to support your puppy’s brain, vision, and digestive health. In this guide, we explore Diamond Puppy’s key ingredients and nutrition facts, provide the official feeding chart by age, weight, and breed size, compare grain-free alternatives, and highlight important safety and recall information every puppy owner needs to know.
Diamond Puppy Food Reviews: Ingredients, Benefits & Feeding Chart
The Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide highlights why Diamond Puppy Formula is widely praised for its balanced nutrition and great taste. Specially formulated for puppies as well as pregnant and nursing dogs, this formula supports healthy growth and development. Key nutritional benefits include 31% high-quality protein and 20% fat to fuel growth, DHA from salmon oil to promote brain and vision health, and 80 million CFU per pound of K9 strain probiotics to support digestive and immune health.
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High-quality nutrition
: The formula provides complete vitamins and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A, E, etc.) to support bone, eye, skin and coat health. It even includes glucosamine for joint support and fiber (from beet pulp) for digestion.
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Brain & immune support
: Salmon oil and fish meal supply essential omega-3 (DHA) fatty acids, crucial for puppy brain development. Live probiotic cultures (Lactobacillus, Bacillus, etc.) help maintain a healthy digestive system and strong immunity.
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Palatability
: Many owners note that puppies enjoy the taste and texture of Diamond Puppy kibble. The kibble size is suitable even for small or toy-breed puppies.
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Potential concerns
This grain-inclusive formula, detailed in the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide, contains ingredients such as chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy. While these components offer essential nutrients and energy, some puppies with sensitivities or allergies may need to avoid grains. Veterinarians generally agree that grains provide valuable nutrition for most dogs, but individual puppies with known sensitivities should be monitored carefully.
Both owners and experts regard the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide as a reliable resource highlighting why Diamond Puppy Formula is an above-average choice for puppies. Reviewers consistently praise its strong nutrient profile and high-quality ingredients. The clearly laid-out feeding chart, which we discuss below, helps owners customize portions for their puppies’ specific needs. Here are the key pros and cons based on ingredient analysis and customer reviews:
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Pros:
According to the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide, this formula contains 31% protein and 20% fat to support healthy growth, DHA for brain development, and a guaranteed 80 million CFU of probiotics to promote digestive health. It also provides complete vitamins and minerals in an AAFCO All-Life-Stages formulation, ensuring balanced nutrition for your puppy’s overall well-being.
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Cons:
The Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide notes that this formula uses chicken by-product meal and common grains such as wheat, soy, and corn. While these ingredients provide essential nutrients, they may trigger allergies in some puppies. As one review highlights, there are potential allergy-triggering components like chicken, wheat, soy, and corn to be aware of when selecting the right food for your pup.
Diamond Puppy Food Ingredients & Nutrition Guide for Healthy Growth
Diamond Puppy Formula’s ingredients are chosen to meet puppies’ nutritional needs:
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Protein Sources:
Chicken by-product meal (a highly concentrated protein with added glucosamine) and fish meal provide essential amino acids for muscle and tissue growth. Egg product adds easily digestible, high-biological-value protein, excellent for coat health.
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Fats & Fatty Acids:
Chicken fat (preserved with natural tocopherols) and salmon oil supply omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These fats support healthy skin, coat and brain development. The formula’s guaranteed analysis also shows significant omega-6 (≈3.3%) and omega-3 (≈0.5%) levels for balance.
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Carbohydrates & Fiber:
Whole grain ground corn and wheat flour are the primary carbohydrate sources, providing energy for active puppies. While grains provide vitamins and fiber, the formula also includes dried beet pulp as a beneficial fiber source for intestinal health.
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Special Additions:
Flaxseed adds soluble fiber and omega-3 precursors (ALA) for digestion and coat health. Diamond also fortifies the food with a blend of vitamins (A, D3, E, B-complex, etc.) and minerals (calcium 1.2%, phosphorus 1.0%, zinc, selenium, etc.) to meet AAFCO growth standards and support bone development.
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Probiotics:
Every batch contains a multi-strain K9-Strain Probiotic blend (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus species) at 80,000,000 CFU per pound. These species-specific probiotics promote healthy digestion and immune function, helping puppies absorb nutrients efficiently.
Overall, this comprehensive ingredient list ensures puppies receive balanced nutrition for healthy growth. The formula meets AAFCO requirements for “All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs”, meaning it’s nutrient-dense enough for puppies of any breed.
Diamond Puppy Food Feeding Chart by Age, Weight & Breed Size
Diamond Pet Foods provides a detailed feeding guide to help owners portion Diamond Puppy Formula according to their pup’s current weight and age. Here are some example guidelines drawn from the official chart (values in cups of dry food per day):
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Tiny breeds (≤10 lbs):
A very small puppy (e.g. ~5 lbs) starts around ¾ cup/day at 2–4 months, then decreases to about ½ cup by adulthood. For example, a 5-lb pup is fed ~0.75 cup at 2–4 months, ~0.67 cup at 8–12 months.
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Small/Medium breeds (10–40 lbs):
A 10-lb puppy needs about 1–1½ cups per day at 2–4 months, tapering to ~0.75 cup as an adult. A 20-lb pup starts at ~2½ cups (2–4 months) and reduces to ~1⅓ cups by adulthood. A 40-lb puppy might require 4¼ cups at 2–4 months, then ~2¾ cups by 8–12 months.
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Large breeds (60–100+ lbs):
Very large puppies consume much more. For example, at 4–8 months an 80-lb puppy may eat ~5¾ cups/day, while by 8–12 months it’s around 4⅔ cups, settling to ~3¾ cups as an adult. A 100-lb pup approaches ~5½ cups at 8–12 months and 4½ as adult.
Note: These values are starting points. The guide advises adjusting based on your puppy’s body condition and activity. For very large adult dogs, Diamond suggests adding about ⅓ cup for every extra 10 lbs over 100. Pregnant or nursing mothers may be fed free-choice, with the daily amount adjusted to maintain ideal body weight. Always monitor your puppy’s growth and consult a veterinarian to fine-tune feeding amounts.
Diamond Puppy Food Grain Free Options: Pros, Cons & Best Picks
While Diamond Puppy Formula itself contains grains, Diamond Pet Foods offers several grain-free formulas under its Diamond Naturals line that can suit puppies with grain sensitivities (though not specifically labeled “puppy” formulas). Notable options include:
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Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Salmon & Potato (All Life Stages)
– Grain-free. Real salmon is the first ingredient, providing omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Sweet potatoes and fruits add complex carbs and antioxidants. This formula is suitable for all life stages (puppies included) and includes the same K9 probiotics.
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Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato
– A cage-free, pasture-raised beef formula (grain-free) with sweet potatoes. It’s formulated for dogs with sensitivities, with fiber for easy digestion and antioxidants from veggies. Pasture-raised beef and lamb meal supply lean protein, and added flax/fish oils support coat health.
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Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Whitefish & Sweet Potato
– A fish-based grain-free diet starting with wild-caught whitefish. It delivers omega-3 fatty acids and easily digestible protein, along with a blend of vegetables for phytonutrients.
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Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato
– Uses cage-free chicken and sweet potatoes. It provides complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and balanced omegas for skin/coat.
Grain-Free Pros:
These formulas eliminate wheat, corn, and soy, which some owners choose for dogs with known grain allergies. They still contain high-quality protein and added vitamins/minerals to support growth. Grain-free may also aid digestion in particularly sensitive pups. Diamond ensures its grain-free lines retain probiotics and essential nutrients akin to the grain-inclusive recipes.
Grain-Free Cons:
Grain-free diets have been under scrutiny. The FDA has investigated a potential link between certain grain-free foods (especially those high in legumes or potatoes) and canine heart disease (DCM). While causality isn’t proven, experts caution that most dogs do not need grain-free diets. Grains provide valuable energy, fiber and nutrients that support digestion and health. Unless your vet diagnoses a true grain sensitivity, a grain-inclusive diet is generally recommended. Also, grain-free formulas can be more expensive and should still be balanced – Diamond’s grain-free puppy-friendly formulas do use digestible carbs like sweet potatoes, but pet owners should monitor their puppies on any diet and consult a vet with concerns.
Diamond Puppy Food Recalls & Safety Information Every Owner Should Know
Pet food safety is crucial, and Diamond Pet Foods has had some notable recalls in the past. Key points for Diamond Puppy Food:
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2005–2006 Aflatoxin Recall:
Diamond’s South Carolina plant produced a dog and cat food contaminated with aflatoxin (a mold toxin). Over 100 dogs died or became ill nationwide before the recall.
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2012 Salmonella Recall:
In April/May 2012, Diamond expanded a voluntary recall to include Diamond Puppy Formula (dry) after tests found Salmonella contamination. This was part of a larger multi-brand recall (affecting Diamond and several other labels) due to Salmonella in products from Diamond’s plant. (Diamond reported that no illnesses in dogs were confirmed from the puppy formula.) The affected products had specific lot codes and best-by dates; owners were instructed to discard any matching bags.
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2013 Thiamine Recall:
A limited recall in March 2013 involved Diamond Naturals cat food for potentially low thiamine levels. This did not involve the puppy formula and no related illnesses in pets were reported.
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Current Status:
Importantly, no Diamond puppy products are under recall today. As of 2024–2025, there have been no new recalls of Diamond Naturals or Diamond Puppy formulas. Diamond maintains an online recall list and recommends checking product codes against it if concerned. For the latest safety alerts, owners can also refer to the FDA’s pet food recall notices.
To keep your pet safe, always feed Diamond Puppy Food as directed, store it in a cool dry place, and wash your hands after handling pet food. If you have any questions or notice health issues in your pet, contact your veterinarian.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main benefits of Diamond Puppy Food?
A: Diamond Puppy Formula offers a nutrient-rich, balanced diet for growing pups. It provides 31% protein and 20% fat to fuel healthy development. Crucially, it includes DHA (from salmon oil) for brain and vision development and a guaranteed 80 million CFU of probiotics for digestive and immune support. The formula also contains essential vitamins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, etc.), and omega fatty acids to support bone, skin, and coat health. In short, it’s formulated to meet all AAFCO growth requirements for puppies, making it a solid choice for overall puppy health.
Q: How much Diamond Puppy Food should I feed my puppy?
A: According to the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide, you should follow Diamond’s feeding chart based on your puppy’s current weight and age. For instance, a 10-pound puppy may require about 1½ cups per day at 2–4 months, tapering to around 1 cup by 8–12 months. Very small puppies weighing approximately 5 pounds start at about ¾ cup per day, while a 40-pound pup might begin with around 4¼ cups daily during the 2–4 month period. These amounts are guidelines,
so you should adjust portions as needed to maintain your puppy’s ideal body condition. The feeding chart, detailed in the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide and available on Diamond’s website, provides precise cup measurements for different weights and ages. Always ensure fresh water is available, and consult your veterinarian to fine-tune feeding amounts for your puppy’s specific needs, as emphasized throughout the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide.
Q: Is Diamond Puppy Formula grain-free or are there grain-free options?
A: The standard formula, as outlined in the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide, is not grain-free and contains ingredients like chicken by-product meal, corn, and wheat. However, the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide also highlights that Diamond offers grain-free puppy formulas under its Diamond Naturals brand, such as the Skin & Coat Salmon & Potato formula. These grain-free options use alternative carbohydrates like potatoes or sweet potatoes and feature proteins like salmon, beef, or chicken. It’s important to remember that grain-free diets should only be used if your veterinarian recommends them due to a diagnosed grain allergy. The Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide emphasizes that grains provide valuable nutrients for most dogs and that grain-free isn’t necessarily healthier. If you choose a grain-free formula, ensure it provides complete nutrition, and follow feeding guidelines just as you would with the regular formula.
Q: Has Diamond Puppy Food ever been recalled?
A: Yes, the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide acknowledges that Diamond Puppy Formula was part of a 2012 Salmonella recall. In April 2012, Diamond Pet Foods announced a recall of specific lots of Diamond Puppy dry dog food due to Salmonella contamination. The recall affected certain package codes and dates, but no illnesses were reported related to the puppy formula. The Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide also notes that Diamond Pet Foods has had other recalls in the past,
including a 2005 aflatoxin recall and a 2013 cat food recall. Importantly, as of early 2024, there are no active recalls affecting Diamond Puppy products. For safety, the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide advises owners to regularly check their bag codes against official recall lists from the FDA or Diamond Pet Foods, especially if using older packaging.
Q: Can Diamond Puppy Food be fed to pregnant or nursing dogs?
A: Yes. According to the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide, Diamond Puppy Formula is specially formulated for all life stages, including growth, pregnancy, and nursing. This means the formula has the nutrient density necessary to support the unique needs of pregnant or lactating dogs. Many breeders and veterinarians prefer using puppy formulas,
as detailed in the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide, because of their higher protein and calorie content. Pregnant or nursing dogs can be fed Diamond Puppy as their main diet; in fact, the Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide recommends free-choice feeding for pregnant and lactating dogs, adjusting intake as needed to maintain proper body condition. Always provide plenty of water and consult your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s weight and health.
Conclusion
Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide explains how Diamond Puppy Food provides puppies with a balanced, nutrient-packed diet designed to support healthy growth. Featuring high-quality protein, essential fatty acids like DHA, probiotics, and complete vitamins and minerals, this formula promotes healthy development when fed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Be sure to adjust feeding portions based on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level, and consult your veterinarian for any specific health concerns. We hope this guide has helped you understand the key benefits, ingredients, and safe feeding practices of Diamond Puppy Food.
If you found this Diamond Puppy Food Nutrition Benefits and Feeding Guide helpful, please share it with fellow puppy owners and leave a comment below with your experiences or questions. Keeping our pups healthy is a team effort—happy feeding!