Choosing the right food for your feline friend is no small task, especially with the vast array of options available. Diamond Cat Food, specifically the Diamond Naturals line, stands out for its commitment to quality, affordability, and holistic nutrition. Manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned company based in Meta, Missouri, since 1970, Diamond Cat Food has earned a reputation for delivering nutrient-rich formulas that cater to cats at various life stages. With a focus on real meat proteins, superfoods, and probiotics, Diamond aims to provide balanced nutrition without breaking the bank.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the top five Diamond Cat Food products from the Diamond Naturals range, highlighting their ingredients, benefits, and potential drawbacks. We’ll also address frequently asked questions sourced from recent trends, provide a comparison table, and offer insights to help you decide if this Cat Food is the right choice for your pet. Whether you’re a new cat parent or looking to switch brands, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Diamond Naturals Brand
Diamond Pet Foods, the parent company behind Diamond Cat Food, began as Meta Feed and Grain with a mission to produce high-quality pet food at affordable prices. Today, it’s one of the top pet food manufacturers in the U.S., operating state-of-the-art facilities in Missouri, South Carolina, California, Arkansas, and Kansas. The Diamond Naturals line is designed to offer premium nutrition with real meat as the primary ingredient, supplemented by superfoods like kale, blueberries, and quinoa, and enhanced with probiotics for digestive health.
Diamond Cat Food is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and all formulas meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). While the brand has faced recalls in the past (notably in 2005, 2009, 2012, and 2013), Diamond has since invested heavily in safety protocols, including daily quality checks and a “test-and-hold” policy to ensure product safety. Despite these improvements, the recall history remains a consideration for some pet owners.
The Diamond Naturals range includes both dry and wet cat food, with six formulas tailored for kittens, active cats, and indoor cats. Below, we review the top five Cat Food products, focusing on their nutritional profiles, pros, and cons.
Top 5 Diamond Naturals Cat Food Products
1. Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula (Dry)
Overview: This high-protein, high-fat formula is designed for active adult cats, kittens, and pregnant or nursing cats. With 40% protein and 20% fat (dry matter basis), it supports energy needs and development, featuring cage-free chicken meal as the first ingredient and DHA for brain and vision health.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken meal
- Ground white rice
- Chicken fat
- Superfoods (blueberries, oranges, kale)
- Probiotics (80 million CFU/lb)
- Salmon oil (source of DHA)
Pros:
- High protein content (40%) ideal for active cats and kittens.
- Includes DHA for brain and vision development.
- Affordable at approximately $1.89 per pound.
- Contains probiotics for digestive and immune support.
- Free from corn, wheat, and soy.
Cons:
- Contains grain sorghum, which has limited nutritional value for cats.
- Chicken meal as the first ingredient may concern owners preferring whole meat.
- High carbohydrate content (estimated 32%) compared to wet formulas.
Best For: Active cats, kittens, or pregnant/nursing cats needing high-energy nutrition.
Customer Feedback: Pet owners praise this Diamond Pet Food for its affordability and palatability, with many noting improved coat health and energy levels. Some report picky eaters refusing it, possibly due to recent formula changes.
2. Diamond Naturals Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food
Overview: Formulated for indoor cats, this Diamond Cat Food offers 32% protein and 14% fat (dry matter basis), with cage-free chicken and chicken meal as the top ingredients. It includes superfoods and probiotics to support digestion and immunity, making it ideal for less active cats.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken meal
- Chicken
- Ground white rice
- Cracked pearled barley
- Superfoods (kale, chia seed, blueberries, oranges)
- Probiotics
Pros:
- Balanced nutrition for indoor cats with moderate protein (32%).
- Includes fiber-rich ingredients like ground miscanthus grass to aid hairball control.
- Affordable and widely available on platforms like Chewy and Amazon.
- Free from artificial additives.
- Positive reviews for supporting healthy weight in indoor cats.
Cons:
- Higher carbohydrate content (estimated 35%) due to grains like rice and barley.
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken-based formulas.
- Mixed reviews on palatability, with some cats picking out kibble.
Best For: Indoor cats needing a balanced diet with hairball control support.
Customer Feedback: Many cat owners report their pets thrive on this formula, with reduced hairballs and maintained weight. However, some note their cats are less enthusiastic, suggesting possible formula tweaks.
3. Diamond Naturals Chicken Dinner for Adult Cats & Kittens (Wet)
Overview: This wet Diamond Cat Food offers 45.5% protein and 22.7% fat (dry matter basis), making it a nutrient-dense option for cats and kittens. With chicken and chicken liver as the top ingredients, it provides high-quality protein and hydration.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Chicken liver
- Chicken broth
- Carrots
- Brown rice flour
- Guar gum
Pros:
- High protein (45.5%) and low carbohydrate (23.8%) content.
- No animal by-products, ensuring quality protein sources.
- High moisture content (70-80%) supports urinary health.
- Free from artificial preservatives and flavors.
- Suitable for all life stages.
Cons:
- Contains guar gum, which may cause digestive issues in sensitive cats.
- Limited flavor variety compared to other wet food brands.
- Slightly pricier than dry options.
Best For: Cats needing hydration or those with urinary concerns.
Customer Feedback: Owners love the high protein and moisture content, noting shinier coats and better hydration. Some cats with sensitivities struggled with the guar gum.
4. Diamond Naturals Whitefish Dinner for Adult Cats & Kittens (Wet)
Overview: This wet formula features whitefish and chicken as primary proteins, offering 44.7% protein and 22% fat (dry matter basis). It’s a great alternative for cats allergic to chicken, with added superfoods and omega fatty acids.
Key Ingredients:
- Whitefish
- Chicken
- Ocean fish
- Chicken liver
- Carrots
- Brown rice flour
Pros:
- High-quality protein from whitefish and chicken.
- No artificial additives or by-products.
- Supports skin and coat health with omega fatty acids.
- High moisture content aids hydration.
- Suitable for cats and kittens.
Cons:
- Contains chicken, which may not suit all chicken-allergic cats.
- Guar gum may be problematic for sensitive stomachs.
- Limited availability compared to dry formulas.
Best For: Cats with mild allergies or those needing variety in wet food.
Read More: Nutrish Cat Food Review
Customer Feedback: Pet owners appreciate the fish-based protein and report improved coat health. Some note their cats are less enthusiastic about the flavor compared to chicken-based options.
5. Diamond Naturals Indoor Cat Hairball Control (Wet)
Overview: Designed for adult cats, this wet Diamond Cat Food targets hairball control with 44.7% protein and added fiber. Chicken and chicken liver lead the ingredient list, ensuring a protein-rich diet.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Chicken liver
- Chicken broth
- Carrots
- Brown rice flour
- Natural fiber sources
Pros:
- High protein content supports muscle maintenance.
- Fiber aids in hairball reduction.
- High moisture content promotes urinary health.
- No artificial additives.
- Affordable compared to premium wet foods.
Cons:
- Limited to adult cats, not suitable for kittens.
- Contains guar gum, which may cause digestive issues.
- Less variety in flavor options.
Best For: Adult cats prone to hairballs.
Customer Feedback: Owners report fewer hairballs and improved digestion, though some cats dislike the texture or flavor.
Pros and Cons of Diamond Naturals Cat Food
Pros
- High-Quality Protein: Most Diamond Cat Food formulas feature real meat or meat meal as the first ingredient, providing essential amino acids for feline health.
- Affordable Pricing: Compared to premium brands, Diamond Cat Food offers quality nutrition at a budget-friendly price (e.g., $1.89/lb for dry food).
- Superfoods and Probiotics: Ingredients like kale, blueberries, and probiotics (80 million CFU/lb) support overall health and digestion.
- No Artificial Additives: Free from synthetic preservatives, colors, and flavors, ensuring a natural diet.
- High Moisture in Wet Foods: Wet formulas contain 70-80% water, reducing the risk of urinary issues.
Cons
- Recall History: Diamond Cat Food has faced recalls (2005, 2009, 2012, 2013) for issues like aflatoxin, salmonella, and low thiamine, raising concerns for some owners.
- High Carbohydrate Content in Dry Foods: Dry formulas have estimated carbohydrate levels of 32-35%, which may be too high for some cats.
- Limited Specialized Options: No prescription diets for cats with specific health conditions.
- Potential Allergens: Chicken-based formulas may not suit cats with allergies.
- Mixed Palatability: Some cats refuse certain formulas, possibly due to recent changes.
Comparison Table: Top 5 Diamond Naturals Cat Food Products
| Product | Type | Protein (Dry Matter) | Fat (Dry Matter) | Key Features | Price (Approx.) | Best For |
| Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice | Dry | 40% | 20% | High protein, DHA, probiotics | $1.89/lb | Active cats, kittens |
| Indoor Formula Dry | Dry | 32% | 14% | Hairball control, probiotics | $1.89/lb | Indoor cats |
| Chicken Dinner (Wet) | Wet | 45.5% | 22.7% | High protein, hydration | $1.50/5.5oz can | All life stages |
| Whitefish Dinner (Wet) | Wet | 44.7% | 22% | Fish-based, omega fatty acids | $1.50/5.5oz can | Cats with mild allergies |
| Indoor Cat Hairball Control (Wet) | Wet | 44.7% | 22% | Fiber for hairball control | $1.50/5.5oz can | Adult cats with hairballs |
FAQs About Diamond Cat Food
1. Is Diamond Naturals cat food good for cats with allergies?
Diamond Cat Food offers limited options for cats with allergies. The Whitefish Dinner wet food is a good choice for cats with mild chicken allergies, but it still contains chicken, so it’s not suitable for all cases. For cats with specific dietary needs, consult a vet for prescription diets.
2. Has Diamond Cat Food been recalled?
Yes, Diamond Cat Food has faced recalls in 2005 (aflatoxin), 2009 (neurological symptoms), 2012 (salmonella), and 2013 (low thiamine). The company has since implemented stricter safety measures, with no major recalls in over a decade.
3. Is Diamond Naturals cat food grain-free?
Most Diamond Cat Food formulas, like the Active and Indoor dry foods, contain grains (e.g., rice, barley). The Diamond CARE Weight Management formula is grain-free, but it’s not part of the Naturals line.
4. How does Diamond Naturals compare to other brands?
Compared to Purina Beyond, Diamond Cat Food offers higher protein (40% vs. 33%) at a lower cost per pound. Taste of the Wild, also made by Diamond, has slightly higher protein (42%) but is pricier and has a lower rating due to quality concerns.
5. Are the fruits in Diamond Cat Food safe for cats?
Ingredients like oranges and blueberries are included in small amounts for antioxidants and fiber. While citrus is toxic in large quantities, the flesh (not peel) used in Diamond Cat Food is safe in trace amounts.
Why Choose Diamond Cat Food?
Diamond Cat Food strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for pet owners on a budget. The Diamond Naturals line prioritizes real meat, superfoods, and probiotics, ensuring cats receive essential nutrients without artificial additives. While the brand’s recall history is a concern, its improved safety protocols and positive customer feedback highlight its reliability.
For cats needing high protein, the Active Cat formula and wet foods deliver, while the Indoor Formula supports less active cats. The wet foods are particularly beneficial for hydration, reducing the risk of urinary issues. However, Diamond Cat Food may not suit cats with specific allergies or those requiring prescription diets.
Conclusion
Diamond Cat Food, particularly the Diamond Naturals line, offers a compelling option for cat owners seeking quality nutrition at a reasonable price. With high protein content, superfoods, and probiotics, these formulas cater to various feline needs, from active kittens to indoor adults. While the recall history and higher carbohydrate content in dry foods are drawbacks, the brand’s commitment to safety and affordability makes it worth considering.
Explore Diamond Cat Food on platforms like Chewy or Amazon to find the best formula for your cat. Always transition foods gradually over 7-14 days to avoid digestive issues, and consult your vet for personalized advice.
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