Picture a four-legged teammate who logs more vertical feet than most weekend warriors, recovers overnight, and still beats you to the trailhead at dawn. That caliber of canine doesn’t run on enthusiasm alone—every stride, every heartbeat, every oxidative reaction is dictated by what’s in the bowl. Diamond Extreme Athlete dog food has become shorthand among mushers, dock-diving pros, and agility handlers for “fuel that finally keeps up,” but the 2025 line-up brings new science to the starting line. Before you drop a bag into your cart and hope the kibble matches the hype, it pays to understand how high-performance formulas have evolved past simple protein percentages and into precision nutrition that mirrors human sports physiology.
Below, we unpack the biomarkers, manufacturing standards, and feeding strategies that turn an “all life stages” label into a legitimate competitive edge. Whether you’re campaigning a flyball pit bull or skijoring with a sprint team, the goal is the same: maximize work capacity, minimize downtime, and finish the season with joints, gut, and coat intact. Let’s decode what matters in 2025.
Top 10 Diamond Extreme Athlete Dog Food
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete High Protein Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food 40 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete is a high-octane dry food engineered for dogs that live in the fast lane—agility competitors, hunting partners, and weekend trail warriors. With 32% protein from real chicken, it promises to fuel repeated bursts of activity without the mid-day crash cheaper foods can trigger.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 32/25 protein-to-fat ratio is unusually high for a mass-market kibble, yet the recipe still folds in superfoods (blueberries, oranges) and Diamond’s own K9 Strain probiotics—survivability-tested bacteria that actually reach the gut alive. That combination of raw performance nutrition plus digestive insurance is rare at this price tier.
Value for Money: At $1.37/lb you’re getting performance-grade macros, probiotic coating, and USA sourcing for roughly half the cost of boutique “working dog” labels. If your dog trains daily, the calorie density also means you feed 10-15% less than grocery brands, stretching the bag further.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: real chicken first, probiotics backed by in-house research, superfood antioxidants for recovery, resealable 40-lb bag. Weaknesses: 25% fat can soften stools in lower-drive dogs; kibble size is small for giant breeds; formula is too calorie-dense for couch-potato pets.
Bottom Line: For sporting or highly active dogs, this is the sweet spot between budget kibble and $80 “premium sport” bags. Feed it if your dog works for a living; skip it if the biggest workout is a leashed neighborhood stroll.
2. Diamond Premium Complete and Balanced Dry Dog Food, for Active Athletic Dogs at All Life Stages 40lb
Overview: Diamond Premium positions itself as the Swiss-army kibble—one recipe that covers puppies, pregnant dams, and adult athletes without switching bags. The 26/18 protein-fat profile lands in the athletic middle ground: enough oomph for fieldwork, but not so rich that it ruins a sedentary weekday.
What Makes It Stand Out: 75% of the protein is animal-derived, a figure many “all life stage” foods only hit with concentrated plant gluten. Add guaranteed glucosamine (700 mg/kg) and 80 million CFU probiotics and you have joint and gut support baked into every cup—no separate supplements needed.
Value for Money: $1.17/lb undercuts most “performance all-stage” competitors by 30-40¢. Because it meets AAFCO growth profiles, you can feed one bag from 8 weeks onward, saving the cost of specialty puppy and senior formulas.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: single-recipe convenience, USA-made, joint pack included, moderate calorie load suitable for mixed-activity households. Weaknesses: chicken-heavy recipe may irritate dogs with poultry allergies; fat level still too high for obese-prone pets; kibble diameter may be large for toy breeds.
Bottom Line: If you run multiple dogs of different ages or simply hate juggling bags, Diamond Premium is an economical, science-backed default. Just verify everyone in the house actually needs athletic calories before you commit.
3. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb Meal and Rice Formula with Protein from Real Lamb, Probiotics and Essential Nutrients to Support Balanced and Overall Health in Adult Dogs 40lb
Overview: Built for the big guys—Labs, Shepherds, Danes—Diamond Naturals Large Breed uses pasture-raised lamb meal as its anchor, delivering joint-friendly minerals and a novel protein for dogs weary of chicken everything. The 23/12 protein-fat ratio is purposely restrained to curb growth spurts that stress developing bones.
What Makes It Stand Out: Lamb meal is first ingredient, yet the price stays south of chicken-based “large breed” labels. Superfood fruits and the same K9 Strain probiotics found in Diamond’s sport line make an appearance, so you’re not sacrificing micronutrition for gentler protein.
Value for Money: $1.17/lb is almost unheard-of for lamb-centric kibble; comparable lamb formulas run $1.60-$1.90. The inclusion of guaranteed calcium (1.2% max) and glucosamine means you can usually shelve standalone joint chews, adding hidden savings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: novel single-animal protein, controlled calcium for orthopedic safety, probiotics for gut flora, 40-lb bag lasts big dogs nearly a month. Weaknesses: lamb meal can smell stronger than chicken; rice content may not suit grain-sensitive dogs; protein level too modest for working-line Shepherds that hike daily.
Bottom Line: For households that need large-breed orthopedic safety on a tight budget, this lamb recipe is a standout. Feed it through adulthood, then switch to Diamond Extreme Athlete only if your dog becomes a weekend warrior.
4. VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food – Realtree Edge Energy Dry Food for Highly Active Dogs – 28% Protein, 22% Fat – Gluten Free Kibble with Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Hip and Joint Health, 40 lb
Overview: Victor Realtree Edge Energy is the field-trial trainer’s secret weapon: 28% protein from beef, fish, and duck meals, 22% fat, and a shot of salmon oil for brain stamina. Marketed alongside Realtree camo gear, it’s purpose-built for dogs that cover 20 miles before lunchtime.
What Makes It Stand Out: Multi-protein backbone delivers varied amino profiles, while gluten-free construction keeps sensitive spaniels from itching mid-season. Victor’s VPRO blend (selenium yeast, mineral proteinates, prebiotics) is added in precise ratios, not dusted on top, so every kibble piece carries the same nutrient charge.
Value for Money: $1.79/lb is the highest here, but still $1+ cheaper than other “sporting blend” imports. Calorie density (406 kcal/cup) lets you feed 20% less than grocery sport formulas, narrowing the real-world cost gap.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: multiple animal proteins, high omega-3 from salmon oil, USA manufacturing with regional ingredients, glucosamine + chondroitin for hard-working joints. Weaknesses: price shock for multi-dock kennels; 22% fat can trigger pancreatitis in sedentary dogs; strong fish aroma may offend indoor noses.
Bottom Line: If your dog earns its keep in duck blinds or on upland hills, Victor Edge Energy is worth the premium. For the average backyard retriever, the Diamond Extreme Athlete gives 90% of the benefit at 75% of the price.
5. Diamond Premium Puppy is a Complete and Balanced Dry Dog Food Formula with High Quality Protein, Probiotics, and Healthy Fat That Provide High Nutritional Value in Growing Puppies 40lb
Overview: Diamond Premium Puppy is a growth formula that refuses to cut corners: 31% protein, 20% fat, and DHA-rich salmon oil to wire developing brains. Designed for puppies destined to become active adults, it mirrors mom’s milk macro profile while adding probiotics to ease weaning stress.
What Makes It Stand Out: Many “puppy” foods top out at 27-28% protein; Diamond pushes to 31% without resorting to plant concentrates. DHA level is guaranteed at 0.05%, the same minimum found in premium small-breed puppy diets that cost twice as much.
Value for Money: $1.10/lb is the lowest price in the lineup yet the highest protein. Because it’s approved for all life stages, you can keep a growing Lab on it for 18 months without switching, eliminating the usual “puppy-to-adult” transition bag.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: calorie-dense for rapid growth phases, probiotics combat post-weaning diarrhea, DHA supports retinal development, budget-friendly 40-lb sack. Weaknesses: calcium ceiling not as tight as some large-breed-specific puppies—monitor intake in giant breeds; smaller kibble may encourage gulping in voracious eaters.
Bottom Line: For breeders, shelters, or single-puppy homes that want maximum nutrition per penny, Diamond Premium Puppy is hard to beat. Just measure carefully and pair with vet-supervised growth checks to keep orthopedic growth on track.
6. Bully Max Pro 2X High Calorie & High Protein Dry Dog Food for Puppy & Adult Dogs – Healthy Weight Gain & Muscle Building for Small & Large Breeds – Slow-Cooked, 600 Calories/Cup, Chicken Flavor, 4lb.
Overview: Bully Max Pro 2X is a performance-focused dry dog food engineered for rapid weight gain and muscle development. With an impressive 600 calories per cup and a 31% protein/25% fat ratio, this chicken-flavored kibble targets working dogs, underweight rescues, or any canine needing concentrated nutrition in smaller portions.
What Makes It Stand Out: The calorie density is unmatched—feed 60% less than standard kibble while delivering twice the energy. The formula is free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-products, and the brand touts a zero-recall history, rare in the performance-food niche. Added flaxseed and 19 vitamins/minerals round out the “more-than-just-calories” pitch.
Value for Money: At $8.74/lb the sticker shock is real, yet one 4 lb bag stretches like 8 lbs of ordinary food. For owners tired of buying 30 lb bags every two weeks, the condensed feeding rate can actually lower the monthly feeding cost per dog.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: extreme calorie density, clean ingredient list, suitable for all life stages including pregnant females, made in USA.
Cons: price per pound is triple grocery-store brands, rich formula may soften stools during transition, strong smell that some humans find off-putting.
Bottom Line: If your dog needs to tip the scale quickly—whether for show, sport, or recovery—Bully Max Pro 2X is the most efficient, safest shortcut money can buy. For the average couch-potato pup, a standard diet is kinder to your wallet.
7. Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food With Real Cage Free Chicken, 35Lb
Overview: Diamond Naturals Senior is a 35 lb bag of USA-made kibble tailored for aging dogs whose joints, digestion, and waistlines need extra love. Real cage-free chicken leads the ingredient list, complemented by glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidant-rich super-fruits, and proprietary K9 Strain probiotics.
What Makes It Stand Out: Few brands offer breed-agnostic senior formulas with guaranteed probiotic levels (80M CFU/lb) plus joint-support dosages in one bag. The super-food blend—blueberries, oranges, spinach—delivers natural vitamin C and quercetin for cognitive support, while omega fatty acids keep coats glossy even when thyroid function slows.
Value for Money: At $1.26/lb you’re paying grocery-store money for specialty-store nutrition. A 35 lb bag feeds a 60 lb senior for roughly 50 days, translating to under $0.90 per day—cheaper than a cup of drive-thru coffee.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: joint supplements built-in, resealable zip-top bag, moderate calories prevent fat creep, family-owned company with transparent sourcing.
Cons: kibble size may be large for tiny seniors, chicken-first recipe isn’t ideal for poultry-allergic dogs, some lots arrive crumbled from warehouse shipping.
Bottom Line: For owners who want an all-in-one senior diet without separate joint chews, Diamond Naturals Senior is the sweet spot between budget and premium. Buy it, pour it, and watch grand-paw chase tennis balls again.
8. DIAMOND CARE Grain-Free Formulation Adult Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Skin Specially, Itchy Skin or Allergies Made with Hydrolyzed Protein from Salmon 25lb
Overview: Diamond Care Grain-Free is a veterinary-style elimination diet that relies on hydrolyzed salmon protein to outsmart itchy skin and food allergies. The 25 lb bag skips chicken, beef, and grains entirely, focusing instead on novel, single-source fish protein broken into molecules the immune system rarely recognizes.
What Makes It Stand Out: Hydrolyzed salmon is pricey tech you usually find only in Rx foods, yet Diamond sells it over the counter. Guaranteed levels of vitamin E and omega-3/6 fatty acids target inflamed skin, while patented probiotics survive antibiotic courses that often accompany allergy treatment.
Value for Money: $2.12/lb sits between grocery and prescription pricing. Considering most vets mark similar hydrolyzed diets above $3/lb, you’re saving roughly $22 per bag—real money when you feed a 70 lb Labrador for 12 weeks during an elimination trial.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: single hydrolyzed protein minimizes allergic reactions, highly digestible, no corn/wheat/soy, USA-made with global ingredients.
Cons: fishy odor clings to storage bins, bag lacks reseal strip, not suitable for dogs with true fish allergies, calorie density is modest for very active pets.
Bottom Line: If your dog’s scratching keeps you both up at night, Diamond Care Grain-Free is the most affordable non-Rx route to diagnose and soothe food-related skin issues. Pair with your vet’s guidance and expect shinier coats within a month.
9. Diamond Naturals Grain Free Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food With Real Pasture Raised Beef 28Lb
Overview: Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef Recipe delivers pasture-raised beef as the first ingredient in a 28 lb bag aimed at owners seeking a high-protein, ancestral-style diet. Superfoods—kale, coconut, chia—join a guaranteed probiotic package to support immunity and lean muscle maintenance.
What Makes It Stand Out: Beef-fronting grain-free kibble under $2/lb is rare; most competitors pivot to chicken to cut cost. Diamond keeps the recipe free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors while still hitting a 25% protein/15% fat profile suitable for both athletic and weight-watching dogs.
Value for Money: $1.86/lb lands this formula in the “premium budget” zone. For multi-dog households, the 28 lb size prevents weekly store runs and the moderate calorie count means you can feed according to label recommendations without instantly doubling the food budget.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: red-meat flavor picky eaters love, includes taurine for heart health, family-owned U.S. facility, probiotics survive gastric acid.
Cons: grain-free label draws FDA DCM scrutiny, kibble dust at bag bottom, beef meal can darken stool color (alarming if you’re unready).
Bottom Line: For households wanting grain-free without the boutique price or legume overload, Diamond Naturals Beef is a commonsense choice. Rotate with a grain-inclusive variety if DCM worries you, but expect eager tail wags at every bowl drop.
10. Diamond Naturals Real Meat Small and Medium Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food with Quality Protein, Probiotics and Antioxidants, 18 Pound
Overview: Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy is an 18 lb bag of bite-sized kibble engineered for higher metabolic rates and rapid growth curves of pups expected to mature under 60 lbs. Real cage-free chicken leads the recipe, reinforced with DHA for neural development and moderate calcium for controlled bone growth.
What Makes It Stand Out: The kibble diameter (≈7 mm) fits tiny jaws yet still carries guaranteed probiotics, superfoods, and omega-3s usually reserved for large-breed lines. The company publishes calcium/phosphorus ratios (1.2:1) on the bag—transparency that helps breeders steer clear of orthopedic growth issues.
Value for Money: At $1.94/lb you’re paying slightly above grocery puppy food but well below boutique brands. An 18 lb bag feeds a 20 lb puppy for roughly six weeks, costing about $0.80 daily—less than a puppy latte pup-cup.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: small kibble reduces choking risk, DHA from salmon oil aids trainability, antioxidant blend mirrors mom’s milk, resealable bag.
Cons: chicken base excludes poultry-sensitive pups, calorie count can inflate toy breeds if free-fed, some bags arrive with excess crumbs from shipping.
Bottom Line: For future lap dogs, agility stars, or just a healthy best friend, Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy covers developmental bases without gourmet-markup pain. Feed measured meals, enjoy consistent growth, and stash the savings for teething toys.
Why Extreme Athletes Need Purpose-Built Nutrition
Sled dogs burning 10,000 kcal/day and IPO sport dogs exploding through bite routines share one truth—ordinary maintenance diets can’t replenish glycogen fast enough to protect lean muscle. Purpose-built nutrition shifts the metabolic spotlight from survival to super-compensation: higher fluxes of amino acids, rapid-fire fat oxidation, and micronutrient profiles that extinguish exercise-induced free radicals before they inflame connective tissue. In short, the diet becomes a performance modulator every bit as important as interval training or hydrotherapy.
The Science Behind Canine Energy Systems
Dogs posses three intertwined energy pathways: the immediate phosphocreatine system for 5–10 second bursts, glycolysis for efforts up to two minutes, and aerobic oxidation for anything longer. Extreme athletes toggle among all three in a single session—think of a coursing hound sprinting, braking, then loping uphill. Diets that neglect one pathway create bottlenecks; 2025 formulations layer fast, medium, and slow fuels so the body can seamless switch without lactate spikes that hobble recovery.
Macronutrient Ratios That Actually Move the Needle
Protein is sexy, but the ratio game is won in the kitchen, not the poster. Target ranges for extreme workloads now sit at 32–38 % highly digestible protein, 22–28 % quality fat, and sub-30 % low-glycemic carbohydrate. That band keeps insulin quiet during sedentary hours yet offers enough starch to reload liver glycogen for tomorrow’s double session. Anything higher in carbs dilutes caloric density; anything lower risks chronically elevated cortisol.
Protein Quality vs. Quantity: What AAFCO Doesn’t Tell You
A bag can claim “34 % crude protein” using feather meal that’s 60 % indigestible. Instead, look at amino acid scores, specifically leucine, valine, and isoleucine—the branched-chain trio responsible for mTOR signaling and muscle repair. 2025 high-performance lines publish standardized ileal digestibility figures, often verified by in vivo feeding trials, not just lab assays. If those numbers aren’t on the company website, email the nutrition team; transparency is the new marketing.
Functional Fats: Omega-3s, MCTs, and Metabolic Flexibility
Chicken fat smells great to owners, but alaskan salmon oil and coconut-derived MCTs deliver docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for neural conduction and medium-chain triglycerides for rapid hepatic ketone production. The result is a dog that can mobilize fat at 70 % VO2 max—crucial for ultra-distance—while still banking anti-inflammatory EPA to keep joints sliding smoothly. Look for a combined 2.5–3 % of total diet as omega-3, with an omega-6:omega-3 ratio below 4:1.
Joint Support Beyond Glucosamine: New Age Mobility Agents
Glucosamine is table stakes; 2025 layers tetrahydro-iso-alpha acids from hops, eggshell membrane collagen, and mobilee® hyaluronic acid matrix. These novel compounds reduce C-reactive protein and increase synovial viscosity in as little as fourteen days, verified by force-plate gait analysis. Because they’re heat-stable, they survive extrusion and retain bioactivity once the kibble hits the bowl.
Microbiome Engineering for Endurance and Recovery
Exercise-induced gut permeability—“leaky gut”—lets lipopolysaccharides slip into circulation, triggering systemic inflammation. Spore-forming Bacillus coagulans and yeast fermentates tighten intestinal junctions while mannan-oligosaccharides crowd out pathogenic clostridia. The payoff is less post-workout diarrhea, fewer vet visits, and quicker glycogen resynthesis because blood isn’t busy fighting endotoxins.
Electrolytes and Hydration Strategies for Working Dogs
Sweat glands on a canine nose pad won’t replace sodium losses; they rely on respiratory evaporation, which skews toward pure water loss. A 25-kg malinois can drop 250 mg of sodium in a 90-minute bite session. New formulas balance sodium, chloride, and potassium at a 1.3:1.0:0.4 milliequivalent ratio and add organic chelates of magnesium to prevent tremors during repetitive muscle contractions.
Antioxidant Payloads That Neutralize Exercise-Induced ROS
Free radicals spike exponentially after eccentric muscle contractions. Mixed tocopherols, L-carnitine, and polyphenols from blueberry and rosemary reduce creatine kinase and aspartate transaminase levels, biomarkers of muscle trauma. The trick is delivering them inside a lipid matrix so they survive extrusion heat and intestinal oxidation—look for “encapsulated antioxidant blend” on the guaranteed analysis.
Palatability Hacks for Picky Power Eaters
High-protein diets can taste “fishy” to dogs accustomed to chicken-fat coatings. 2025 formulas layer palatants: first, a hydrolyzed liver slurry vacuum-infused post-extrusion, then a micro-encapsulated bacon fat mist applied at 40 °C so it crystallizes on the surface. The result is a kibble that smells like a BBQ plate but delivers the nutrient density of a performance bar—no toppers required.
Transitioning to High-Octane Diets Without GI Mayhem
Abrupt jumps from 26 % to 36 % protein can trigger small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and explosive stools. The protocol: Days 1–3 feed 25 % new diet mixed with 75 % old; days 4–6 shift to 50:50; days 7–9 move to 75:25; day 10 full swap. Add a vet-approved probiotic during the pivot to crowd out gas-producing microbes and monitor fecal score—anything below 5 on the Purina scale means slow the roll.
Decoding Feeding Trials vs. Formulated Statements on Labels
“Formulated to meet AAFCO” means the recipe passed a spreadsheet audit; “animal feeding trials” means dogs actually ate it for 26 weeks, had blood drawn, and maintained hemoglobin above 12 g/dL. For extreme athletes, insist on the latter—digestibility and hematologic data trump nutrient math on paper every time.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing in Premium Pet Food
Performance doesn’t have to pillage the planet. Look for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) logos on fish meal, cage-free certifications on chicken, and upcycled brewer’s yeast that diverts agricultural waste. Bonus points for company-published carbon intensity per kilogram of diet—transparency keeps marketing honest.
Cost-per-Calorie vs. Cost-per-Bag: Budgeting for Peak Nutrition
A 30-lb bag at $89 that delivers 4,200 kcal/kg costs less per calorie than a $59 bag at 3,500 kcal/kg once you adjust for feeding rate. Factor in reduced stool volume (less waste to pick up) and fewer joint supplements bought separately; the sticker shock evens out when you amortize over a 12-month campaign.
Red Flags: Marketing Buzzwords That Don’t Translate to Performance
“Grain-free” without legume digestibility data, “ancestral” with no feeding trials, or “raw-coated” that survives 200 °F extrusion are slogans, not science. If the website flashes a wolf silhouette but hides the nutritionist’s credentials, keep walking—real performance brands lead with peer-reviewed citations, not emotional iconography.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon will I notice performance changes after switching to an extreme-athlete formula?
Most handlers report improved recovery—less stiffness, quicker heart-rate return—within 10–14 days, but full muscle glycogen adaptation can take six weeks.
2. Can I feed a high-performance diet to my adolescent pup who isn’t competing yet?
Yes, if calcium:phosphorus ratio sits between 1.2:1 and 1.4:1 and the pup’s orthopedic radiographs are normal; otherwise choose an all-life-stages large-breed puppy variant first.
3. Do I still need fish-oil toppers if the kibble already lists salmon oil?
Check the omega-3 guarantee; if EPA+DHA combined is ≥0.5 % of diet as-fed, additional toppers risk vitamin-E depletion and oxidative rancidity.
4. Will higher protein hurt my dog’s kidneys?
No evidence in healthy dogs; serum creatinine may rise slightly due to muscle mass gains, but glomerular filtration rate remains stable when water is always available.
5. What’s the ideal pre-event meal timing?
Offer a mini-meal (25 % of daily calories) 2–3 hours before activity to top off liver glycogen without diverting blood flow to the gut during peak exertion.
6. Is there a benefit to rotating proteins within the same brand line?
Rotation can reduce food sensitivities over time, but keep macronutrient ratios identical to avoid GI upset mid-season.
7. How do I calculate daily calories for a multi-day expedition?
Start with 1.5× resting energy requirement (RER) for light mushing, 2–2.5× RER for heavy freight work, then adjust by 10 % based on nightly body-weight checks.
8. Are probiotics stable in extruded kibble?
Spore-forming strains like Bacillus coagulans survive; vegetative strains generally don’t—look for guaranteed cfu counts “at end of shelf life,” not “at time of manufacture.”
9. Can extreme-athlete diets prevent hip dysplasia?
Genetics and biomechanics rule dysplasia, but controlled growth, optimal body condition score (4-5/9), and anti-inflammatory nutrition lower the risk of clinical arthritis.
10. What’s the best way to store high-fat kibble to prevent rancidity?
Keep the bag sealed inside a dark, 18 °C (65 °F) pantry, not a garage; oxygen-barrier bags plus vitamin-E mixed tocopherols give a 12-month window once opened.