Diamond Naturals vs Purina Pro Plan: Dog Food Comparison

In this article, we will compare Diamond Naturals vs Purina Pro Plan dog food.

Your dog deserves excellent food rich in nutrients that meet his daily needs and help him thrive.

There are many dog food brands out there and you may question your choice.

We decided to compare Diamond Naturals vs Purina Pro Plan and give you a detailed review of the two brands’ food.

These dog food brands use good ingredients and many pet parents trust their products.

Drawing from our experience, Purina Pro Plan is the brand that uses better ingredients, real meat, and more protein and fiber sources, and it has a My Plan feature that helps you get a more customized experience.

So, let’s learn more about these brands and their products.

Brand History Diamond Naturals vs Purina Pro Plan

As pet parents, we want to buy food from trusted brands that have been established on the market.

Let’s check out why Purina Pro Plan and Diamond Naturals are favorites among many dog owners.

Purina Pro Plan

Although Purina’s journey started back in 1894, the brand was introduced by Ralston Purina Company in the 1970s as a premium line of pet food designed to provide optimal nutrition for working dogs.

In 2001, Ralston Purina was acquired by Nestle, and the company became known as Nestle Purina PetCare. 

Since then, Purina, including the Purina Pro Plan brand has continued to be a top-selling pet food, known for its quality and nutritional value and trusted by pet owners and veterinarians.

Their reputation for making dog food with high-quality ingredients, real meat, poultry, and fish as the main sources of protein, as well as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits for added nutrients. 

The company also incorporates vitamins and minerals into its formulas to support overall health and wellness.

Over the years, Purina Pro Plan has expanded its product line to offer a variety of specialized formulas tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of our furry buddies. 

Diamond Naturals

Diamond Pet Foods has been around for over 50 years. 

The family-owned company was founded in 1970 by Dr. Gary Schell, a veterinarian, and his brother-in-law, Kampeter.

The company was originally called Diamond Pet Foods, however, in the 1990s, the company shifted its focus to pet food exclusively and changed its name to Diamond Pet Foods, Inc.

Today, the company is owned by the Schell and Kampeter families and is based in Meta, Missouri. 

It continues to produce a wide range of pet food products, including Diamond Naturals dog and cat food at 6 manufacturing facilities in the US.

The other Diamond brands for dog food are:

• Diamond,
• Diamond Care,
• Diamond Naturals Grain-Free, and
• Diamond Pro89

Diamond Pet Foods owns other brands besides all Diamond brands including Taste of the Wild and Nutra-Gold. 

Their recipes feature real meat as the first ingredient and include wholesome ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. 

Product Range Comparison

In this category, we will compare Diamond Naturals and Purina Pro Plan’s products and show you what kind of recipes they offer for your four-legged buddy.

Diamond Naturals

This brand features dry and wet recipes made with superfoods to support your canine’s well-being.

There are 13 kibbles and 3 canned recipes made with high-quality ingredients like meat, whole grains, and wholesome veggies and fruits to provide holistic nutrition for dogs.

Diamond Naturals’ formulas are abundant in antioxidants and nutrients and all dry recipes have guaranteed K9 Strain probiotics that promote immune and digestive health.

Also, you can find a Diamond Naturals Grain-Free product line made with limited protein sources and without grains that cause sensitivities in some dogs.

What’s more, Diamond Naturals recipes range from puppy to senior and you can find specially made formulas for small, medium, and large breeds.

Although some of the recipes are aimed at all life stages and this can save you some time because you can use them without thinking about your pal’s age.

Furthermore, the formulas start with meat like chicken, lamb, whitefish, beef meal, lamb meal, and salmon accompanied by rice, oatmeal, sweet potato, and potato.

It’s worth mentioning that the brand uses pasture-raised beef and lamb and cage-free chicken.

The recipes don’t contain wheat, corn, or soy, and you can find grain-free, grain-inclusive, also, a light formula for weight maintenance, and a formula that supports skin and coat health.

And, one of their most popular kibbles, Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice formula for all life stages is made with cage-free chicken, fruits, and veggies that can provide a complete, balanced meal for your beloved canine.

Purina Pro Plan

This brand offers a wider range of products, 9 product lines with more than 80 dog food formulas.

The products include more meat varieties, and special recipes for dogs with sensitivities, allergies, weight issues, and skin, coat, and cognitive health support.

Plus, it features vet diets that help dogs with weight, GI, joint, dental, kidney, dermatologic, and urinary problems.

Purina Pro Plan is Purina’s best quality, premium dog food product line made with top-notch ingredients.

Purina Pro Plan features dry and wet recipes and you can choose by your dog’s size and age, but also their preference for food.

This gives you lots of options like grain-free, egg-free, chicken-free, pea and lentil-free, even whether you would like to buy shredded or sliced food.

Moreover, the formulas start with meat like chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, salmon, and the more exquisite quail, bison, venison, and cod.

They also add rice, whole grains, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to provide healthy, nutritious meals for your furry buddy.

Their recipes are made with corn, wheat, and soy, although there are formulas made without these ingredients.

Hence, you can find a suitable formula for your canine according to their needs since this brand offers many options.

Our top pick for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin is the Purina Pro Plan with salmon and rice which takes care of your pup’s immune system, digestive health, and skin and coat. 

Food Ingredients

Purina Pro Plan	Diamond Naturals
Chicken, poultry by-product meal, fish meal, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon, duck, quail, venison, bison, cod, salmon meal	Chicken, chicken meal, beef, lamb, whitefish, lamb meal, salmon, fish meal
Rice, whole grain wheat, pearled barley, soybean meal, barley, wheat bran, canola meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, corn germ meal, dried egg, oatmeal, pea, brewers rice	Rice, grain sorghum, rice bran, whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potato, potato, pearled barley, egg product, flaxseed, lentils, peas, quinoa, chia seed
Dried beet pulp, dried chicory root	Dried beet pulp, kale, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, dried chicory root, tomatoes, raspberries
Beef fat, Fish oil, Soybean oil, MCTs Vegetable Oil, Sunflower oil, Animal fat	Chicken fat, Salmon oil, Canola oil
Vitamins, minerals, probiotics	Vitamins, minerals, probiotics
Controversial ingredients: salt, poultry by-products	Controversial ingredients: tomato pomace, salt

As shown in the table, both brands use quality meat, grains, veggies, fruit, and added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to ensure dogs get essential nutrients, antioxidants, and omega-fatty acids to stay strong and healthy.

However, Diamond Naturals uses more veggies and fruits in its formulas, whereas Purina Pro Plan adds more animal-based ingredients that provide more complete protein for your four-legged buddy.

On the one hand, Purina Pro Plan has poultry by-product meals and salt which some dog parents choose to avoid, and most, not all recipes contain wheat, soy, or corn, which are not recommended for dogs with food sensitivities.

On the other hand, Diamond Naturals uses tomato pomace and salt which can potentially be harmful to pets.

Our research indicates that the two brands are among the favorite pet food companies thanks to their choice of top ingredients that help dogs maximize their potential.

We suggest consulting your vet for the best advice on your dog’s diet.

Meat Content

Purina’s recipe consists of beef, poultry by-product meal, beef fat, and fish meal while Diamond Naturals’ formula has a beef meal and chicken fat.

Consequently, Purina includes more meat sources that help your pup build muscle and stay energized, plus a fish meal provides him with omega fatty acids.

Omega fatty acids benefit your dogs’ inflammatory response, skin, coat, joints, brain, and vision.

On top of that, Purina’s recipe starts with natural beef whereas Diamonds’ uses beef meal.

Purina Pro Plan wins this category for providing more meat, amino acids, and omega fatty acids.

Winner: Purina Pro Plan

Nutrient Analysis

To give you an insight into the nutrients in dog food and their content, we decided to compare some of these brands’ most popular recipes with red meat: Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend beef & rice formula and Diamond Naturals beef meal & rice formula for adult dogs.

Stay tuned to find out more about these crucial components.

Check out the table of the main ingredients in both recipes:

Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula for adult dogs	Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula for adult dogs
Beef, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-product Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Beef Fat, Dried Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Meal, Wheat Bran, Soybean Oil	Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Egg Product, Rice Bran, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya

Protein Content

Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs because it supports the repair and renewal of cells, especially during growth, pregnancy, or lactation.

It is also necessary for the growth and maintenance of healthy muscles, bones, skin, and other tissues.

In addition, dogs need protein to produce enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, which are important for the proper functioning of the immune system and various metabolic processes. 

Dogs are omnivores and can get protein from animal-based sources, such as meat, poultry, and fish, as well as plant-based sources, such as soy, peas, and grains. However, animal-based protein sources are better for dogs’ health and well-being.

Guaranteed Analysis	Diamond Naturals	Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials
Crude Protein	25%	26%
Crude Fat	15%	16%
Crude Fiber	3.5%	3%
Moisture	10%	12%
Glucosamine	300 mg/kg	400 ppm
Taurine	0.12%	0.05%
Phosphorus	1.5%	0.8%
Calcium	2.2%	1%
Energy	399 kcal/cup	379 kcal/cup

In comparison, Diamond Naturals’ recipe has 25% while Purina Pro Plan’s formula contains 26% crude protein.

The formulas have similar protein content, so it’s more important to look at the sources of protein.

Diamond Naturals includes only a beef meal and egg product whereas Purina Pro Plan adds beef, poultry by-product meal, and fish meal as sources of animal-based protein.

This protein is considered complete and more beneficial for dogs than plant-based protein.

Besides, fish meal is naturally rich in omega fatty acids and can promote skin, coat, joint, and brain health.

So, Purina Pro Plan retakes the win by providing more quality protein.

Winner: Purina Pro Plan

Fiber Content

Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and can aid dogs that suffer from constipation or other digestive issues.

It can also help support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve overall digestive function and this is particularly important for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Another benefit of fiber is that it can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness and satiety, which is good for maintaining weight. 

Good sources of fiber for dogs are whole grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies.

Both Purina Pro Plan and Diamond Naturals have a good content of fiber, 3% and 3.5%, respectively.

Purina Pro Plan has whole-grain wheat bran, whole-grain corn, and rice to provide your dog with dietary fiber for healthy digestion.

Although some dog parents choose to avoid corn, this ingredient gives your pal energy and omega-6 fatty acid that promotes shiny skin and coat.

Diamond Naturals uses not only grains like grain sorghum, ground white rice, rice bran, and cracked pearled barley, but also wholesome food like flaxseed, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, and papaya.

These seeds, veggies, and fruit are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are super healthy for your four-legged buddy.

Kudos to Diamond Naturals for including these powerful ingredients and, therefore, it is the winner in this round.

Winner: Diamond Naturals

Fat Content

Fat is a concentrated source of energy and it is also important for maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Moreover, it is vital for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins. 

Fat Content	Diamond Naturals	Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials
Crude Fat	15%	16%
Omega-3 Fatty Acid	0.4%	0.14%
Omega-6 Fatty Acid	2.4%	1.5%
Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio	6:1	11:1

Fat is also important for the proper functioning of the immune system, nervous system, and other physiological processes. 

And, essential omega fatty acids are beneficial for your dog’s skin, coat, reproduction, immune system, and growth.

Make sure to choose high-quality sources of fat like fish, poultry, eggs, and plant-based oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, and flaxseed oil. 

Bear in mind that dogs with weight issues should have a diet lower in fat.

So, Diamond Naturals has 15% while Purina Pro Plan has 16% crude fat.

Again, similar percentages and when looking at the ingredients, Purina Pro Plan uses beef fat, fish meal, and soybean oil whereas Diamond Naturals picks chicken fat, chia seed, and flaxseed.

They both include good sources of fat that not only fuel your dog’s body but provide a good ratio of omega fatty acids necessary for optimal health.

Diamond Naturals’ kibble is higher in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and that’s the reason we can declare it as a winner in this round.

Winner: Diamond Naturals

Flavors

The flavor is important when it comes to dog food because no matter how nutritious their meal is if they refuse to eat, you have to look for other options.

Both brands use meat to add rich flavors dogs like, but when it comes to variety and different choices, Purina Pro Plan offers a wide range of products and you can find a suitable recipe even for a picky eater.

Their product lines include vet diets, grain-free recipes, chicken-free, and many others to ensure there’s a tasty formula for every pup out there.

Plus, they offer a My Plan feature where you can put information on your dog and get more customized feedback.

Clearly, Purina Pro Plan is the winner in this category.

Price Comparison

Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula for adult dogs	Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula for adult dogs
2.76$/lb	1.08$/lb

As you can see from the table, Purina Pro’s recipe is more expensive, and on average, their kibble costs more.

Nonetheless, they include more animal-based products that provide more protein and amino acids for building lean muscles and maintaining strong, healthy canines.

This brand is a good choice for pups who need plenty of protein and energy from real meat to thrive. 

If you want more affordable food for your pal that’s rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, Diamond Naturals is your choice.

Winner: Diamond Naturals

Customer Reviews

Based on Chewy’s customer reviews, Purina Pro Plan’s kibble has 4.5 stars and more than 750 reviews, while Diamond Naturals’ formula has 4.2 stars and more than 950 reviews.

Some customers claim that Purina Pro Plan’s recipe improved their dogs’ skin, bowel movements, and allergies, and even picky eaters like it.

Here’s one customer’s review:

“I was a little nervous to get my dogs Purina pro plan but I’m glad I made the switch. They seem to love it without adding anything extra to it at all. Their coats are shiny, body condition is excellent, and poops are absolutely perfect. They don’t leave the bowl with any food in it, which is a good thing! Complete nutrition for both my cocker spaniel and my springer doodle!”

Read more Purina Pro reviews.

However, some complain about the shape and smell of the kibble.

Diamond Naturals formula is praised for affordability and for helping dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.

“My dogs can be picky eaters but they accepted this dog food well and appeared to enjoy it. I have one dog with allergies and she seems to be showing an improvement in her coat after two weeks on this dog food. She has been on allergy shots, medicated baths and flea/tick control. She was still losing hair. Now she does look much better on this dog food.”

Read more Diamond Naturals dog food reviews.

But, some reviewers say it caused diarrhea, feeling sick, and refusal to eat.

Every dog is unique and although some might benefit from one formula, others may need something different.

Winner: Tie

Recalls and Product Safety

The FDA makes sure pet food is safe and meets the requirements for quality in the US.

When a certain product has been contaminated or there’s another issue with it, the FDA issues a recall and the company needs to retrieve or replace that product.

Both Purina and Diamond Pet companies have had food recalls.

Company	Recall
Purina	February 8, 2023 – Nestle Purina PetCare Company recalled a limited amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food because of potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. (Read more here)
Purina	March 10, 2016 – The company recalled some Purina Pro Plan wet dog food because it didn’t have enough vitamins and minerals.
Diamond	April 6, 2012 – Diamond Pet Foods voluntary recalled Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal and Rice dry dog food because to possible contamination with salmonella.
Diamond	December 2005 – The company recalled food produced in Diamond’s South Carolina plant because of aflatoxin contamination.

Purina recalled several recipes due to higher amounts of vitamin D, mislabeling, inadequate vitamin/mineral levels, and suspected salmonella.

Diamond Naturals recalled products due to salmonella, low levels of thiamine, and more serious contamination with aflatoxin, which may lead to the death of more than 100 dogs.

The companies take quality control and food safety rigorously and they try to make improvements in this area so that pets get premium products.

In this category, we have to side with Purina Pro Plan for providing safer food for our lovely pals.

Winner: Purina Pro Plan

Overall Winner

Choosing the right food for your munchkin can be tough.

In this article, we compared two dog food brands to help you make a good decision.

We have found that both brands use quality ingredients like meat, whole grains, veggies, fruit, and added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics which separates them from cheaper brands on the market.

Purina Pro Plan gets more points for including real meat, more complete protein, and taking product safety more seriously.

And we feel that this is a terrific choice for pups who need a diet high in protein, omega fatty acids, fat, and fiber to maximize their potential.

Diamond Naturals uses meat meals, and more veggies and fruits in their recipes, however, it’s wheat, corn, and soy free, and it doesn’t use by-product meals.

It can be a good fit for dogs who are sensitive to these ingredients and it can provide them with a balanced, nutritious meal that won’t break the bank.

We advise you to consult your vet before making any decision regarding your dog’s diet.

Do you want to make new comparisons? Check out our Dog Food Comparison page!