Every tail wag, soft whimper, and playful bounce in your dog comes from a body that burns calories like a four-legged triathlete. To fuel that boundless energy while keeping joints, teeth, and tummy happy, we constantly hunt for treats that are healthy enough to earn a daily starring role. Diamond Natural Dog Treats have quietly become the go-to reward for trainers and dedicated pet parents who want “more than just a biscuit” without emptying their wallets on artisan-only brands.
But as Whole Dog Journal readers already know, natural does not mean one-size-fits-all. Is salmon-packed or lamb-based ideal for a Boxer pup prone to skin flare-ups? Do freeze-dried niblets beat crunchy biscuits for senior Dachshunds? Below, you’ll find the complete playbook—ingredient scrutiny, calorie framing, sourcing ethics, and storage tricks—to help you choose from Diamond’s sprawling treat family like a lifelong nutritionist.
Top 10 Diamond Natural Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats for Training, Made With Natural Ingredients & Enhanced with DHA, Chicken Recipe, 19-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Bits combine real chicken with bite-sized, soft-moist texture optimized for training sessions and young puppies. The 19-oz resealable bag promises clean, natural ingredients without common allergens.
What Makes It Stand Out: A single-ingredient protein focus, added DHA for brain development, and strict “no junk” list—no poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or Red 40—set these treats apart from mainstream soft bites.
Value for Money: Given the premium sourcing, functional DHA, and 19 oz volume, the bag outlasts typical 4–8 oz puppy pouches, translating to roughly two months of daily training rewards.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs love the strong chicken aroma and pillowy texture; handlers appreciate the 4-calorie micro-size that limits calorie creep. Downsides: Strong odor to human noses; the softness can turn gummy on hot days and crumble if left in treat pouches.
Bottom Line: An excellent, allergy-friendly training staple for puppyhood through adulthood. Wag-level enthusiasm.
2. Wellness Puppy Treats, Natural, Training Treat, Grain Free, Soft Lamb & Salmon (8 Ounce Bag)
Overview: A grain-free, soft lamb-and-salmon minis crafted specifically for puppies, priced at $19.18 per pound and packed in a travel-friendly 8-ounce bag.
What Makes It Stand Out: Minimal-ingredient recipe prioritizes grass-fed lamb and wild salmon, doubling as a DHA-rich brain booster while staying ultra-low at 6 kcal per treat.
Value for Money: Eight ounces is light; at ~30 mini treats per ounce, the price per reward is steep. However, high palatability means fewer repetitions needed, stretching sessions.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Virtually odor-free to humans, perfect for sensitive pups, yet a few dogs dislike salmon aftertaste. Due to rabbit food softness, humidity can meld pieces into a single bar, so quick-reserve packets are a must.
Bottom Line: Overpriced per pound but undeniably effective; ideal for new-breed owners focused on clean, limited-ingredient rewards.
3. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness P-Nuttier Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Peanut Butter Flavor, Large Size, (6 Pound Box)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard’s oven-baked bones deliver peanut-butter nostalgia in a ridged “large” biscuit, sold in an economical 6-pound box.
What Makes It Stand Out: Classic 1926 recipe endures with whole grains, crunchy dental ridges, and recognizable kitchen staples—peanuts, apples, carrots, molasses—wrapped in small-batch baking charm.
Value for Money: At six pounds you’re paying historic prices—about two cents per biscuit—translating into months of rewards or a backyard treasure hunt buffet.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Big size aids scraping plaque but is unsuitable for toy breeds; high wheat content may trigger sensitivity. Crispness isn’t immune to humid pantries, risking rock-hard rejects.
Bottom Line: Time-tested dental crunch at wholesale bulk pricing. Ideal for multi-dog homes where size and allergy tolerance allow.
4. DIAMOND NATURALS Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon 30 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat delivers a salmon-centric, all-life-stages kibble fortified with probiotics and superfood antioxidants in a 30-lb sack.
What Makes It Stand Out: Wild-caught salmon is the #1 ingredient, but the real clincher is the inclusion of proprietary K9 Strain probiotics and marine-sourced omega-3s to alleviate itch and support gut immune health.
Value for Money: Forty-four dollars for 30 lbs equates to $1.47 per pound—brilliant for fish-based diets that usually chase $2–$3 per pound.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Brilliant shine on coats within weeks, and smaller stools thanks to probiotics; however, some dogs reject the pronounced fish aroma, and potato base may not suit carb-sensitive pups.
Bottom Line: A standout for allergies or flaky coats on a budget. Worth a switch review.
5. Diamond Naturals Adult Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food With Real Pasture Raised Lamb Protein 6Lb
Overview: A 6-pound bag of lamb-forward, adult-formula kibble from the same family-owned line, priced at $3.16 per pound and loaded with blueberries and oranges for antioxidant punch.
What Makes It Stand Out: Lamb’s hypoallergenic reputation joins moderate fat for weight control; probiotics and a smaller, tighter bag keep freshness high for single-dog households.
Value for Money: While cheaper in bulk, the per-pound cost here is twice that of its big-sibling salmon bag. Still competitive against boutique lamb brands.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Excellent for picky eaters and allergy situations; small triangle kibble suits jaws under 50 lbs. Limited size plus lamb meal vs. whole lamb slightly dilutes protein density.
Bottom Line: Premium-quality lamb upgrade scaled to apartment shelves.
6. 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 Formula is a 18-lb bag of crunchy kibble designed for pint-sized pups. Cage-free chicken leads the ingredient list, combined with blueberries and probiotics to build strong bodies from the start.
What Makes It Stand Out: Breed-specific kibble size and a superfood blend give little mouths big nutrition. The patented K9 Strain probiotics are added after cooking to stay alive, while DHA sharpens growing brains.
Value for Money: At $1.94 per pound it isn’t the cheapest, but 18 lbs will last most puppies several weeks while delivering restaurant-quality ingredients. Compared to prescription diets it’s a relative bargain.
Strengths and Weaknesses: +Excellent amino-acid profile, +Small kibble reduces choking, –Contains rice which some pups tolerate poorly, –Potent smell straight from the bag.
Bottom Line: If you want premium puppy fuel without culinary guesswork, Diamond delivers. Start with a partial bag to test tummy tolerance, then watch your ball of fur thrive.
7. Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food With Real Cage Free Chicken, 35Lb
Overview: This 35-lb senior recipe enlists cage-free chicken, eggs, oatmeal, glucosamine and chondroitin to keep seasoned joints supple. Antioxidant superfoods fortify aging immune systems while moderate calories prevent middle-age spread.
What Makes It Stand Out: The joint boosters are noteworthy, but the real genius is balancing high-quality protein with controlled fat, meeting slower metabolisms without reducing palatability.
Value for Money: At $1.26 per pound it’s one of the lowest-priced senior foods delivering clinical-level joint support. Thirty-five pounds stretches your dollar nicely for multi-dog homes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: +Supports hips and elbows, +Highly digestible formulas ease gas, –Not ideal for grain-sensitive seniors, –Bag is bulky to lift for older owners.
Bottom Line: A smart switch for any senior whose gait is slowing but palate remains discerning. Your aging companion will seem younger at mealtimes.
8. Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Puppy, Large Breed Lamb and Rice Formula, 40 Pound Bag
Overview: Packaged in a 40-lb bag, this lamb-based formula targets the rapid growth of large-breed puppies. Concentrated DHA for neural wiring, controlled calcium to curb bone disorders, and balanced omegas for that show-dog shine round out the promise.
What Makes It Stand Out: Oversize bags for oversize puppies—finally matching caloric demand without breaking your back or budget. Diamond adds no growth spikes that risk hip dysplasia.
Value for Money: $54.99 translates to $1.37 per pound, placing it firmly in the mid-premium tier yet delivering specialized nutrients that few bargain brands risk formulating.
Strengths and Weaknesses: +Lamb for novel-protein rotations, +Controlled calcium/phosphorus ratios, –Rice increases glycemic index, –Kibble still small for Great Dane jaws.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for households raising future gentle giants. Pair with vet growth checks; the food offers the foundation, your care supplies the finish.
9. Diamond Naturals Grain Free Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food With Real Pasture Raised Beef 5Lb
Overview: A petite 5-lb pouch of grain-free goodness featuring pasture-raised beef, sweet potatoes and a berry medley. Designed for sensitive dogs, it slips into toy breeds’ mouths as easily as it suits large-breed rotation programs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Zero grains plus targeted probiotics mean fewer itchy ears and runny eyes. Sweet potato fiber gives lasting energy without corn fillers.
Value for Money: At $3.20 per pound this is premium territory, but 5 lbs is wallet-friendly experimentation for allergy-prone pups. You’re paying for low-residue ingredients that cut vet visits.
Strengths and Weaknesses: +Single-source beef reduces allergens, +Resealable bag keeps it fresh, –Cost prohibitive for everyday feeding, –Aroma is beefy-strong for sensitive noses.
Bottom Line: Perfect grab-bag for elimination diets or supplementing rotational feeding. Keep a backup bag handy; your dog will demand an encore.
10. Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks, 22 Ounce, 1.375 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: Full Moon’s Essential Beef Savory Sticks deliver 100 % human-grade beef in a 22-oz pouch of jerky-like rewards. No glycerin, grain, corn, wheat or soy—just USDA-approved free-range beef and minimal herbs.
What Makes It Stand Out: These treats meet the same standards set for people food, so sharing is genuinely possible. Slow-cooked sticks retain moist chewiness even when torn into training bites.
Value for Money: $13.08 per pound is steep compared to mainstream biscuits, yet cheaper per gram than most non-GMO jerky marketed for humans.
Strengths and Weaknesses: +Canine junk-food detox, +Resealable zip extends freshness, –Limited shelf life after opening临–High price discourages free feeding.
Bottom Line: Worth every penny for discerning dogs or sensitive stomachs. Break into micro-doses to make this luxurious bag last across months of training.
Understanding Diamond’s Core Philosophy in the Treat Aisle
Diamond Pet Foods has built a reputation in kibble, but the same science-first, no-secret-sauce mentality carries over into their treat line. Expect fully disclosed ingredient decks, production in company-owned U.S. kitchens, and third-party pathogen testing on every batch. Most formulas are intentionally backed by canine nutritionists rather than whimsical “kitchen” experiments.
How Diamond Defines “Natural” in 2025
Marketing jargon gets a remodel every year, so Diamond’s 2025 definition now follows four pillars: (1) recognizable proteins or plant constituents with nothing bleached, rendered, or hydrolyzed for palatability only; (2) preservatives sourced from USDA-approved tocopherols, rosemary, and mixed acid blends; (3) zero corn, wheat, soy, or artificial dyes; (4) transparent farm-track IDs paired with QR-code traceability.
The Science Behind Functional Treat Formulation
Functional treats cram nutrients into bite-sized pieces. Diamond layers functional bioactives this way:
– Antioxidants (blueberries, cranberries) for aging dogs handling oxidative stress.
– Omega-3 stack (menhaden meal, salmon oil) + turmeric to moderate inflammation.
– Gut biotics (K9 Strain Probiotics) micro-encapsulated inside snacks for post-reward digestion happiness.
Why Protein Source Matters More Than % Crude Protein
A treat screaming “32 % protein” might be mostly feather meal—not exactly bioavailable. Diamond favors named fish, lamb, or bison meals baked at low temps to preserve amino acid integrity. You want a leucine score over 6 g/100 g for leaning muscles, something most pure organ meats hit, and Diamond’s formulas consistently deliver.
Grain-Free vs. Ancient Grains: Decoding Diamond’s Offerings
Contrary to 2020 scare studies, peas and lentils alone don’t cause DCM in dogs. Diamond sidesteps legume overload by rotating gluten-free ancient grains (sorghum, quinoa, chia). These grains bring magnesium and fermentable fiber without spiking glycemic load—perfect for energetic herders that burn carbs but shouldn’t crash afterward.
Freeze-Dried vs. Baked Bites: Texture Trade-offs
Freeze-drying locks in micronutrients by sublimating ice under vacuum, leaving a spongy “raw” texture many picky Yorkies adore. Baking at 375 °F evaporates water, creating a hardened biscuit ideal for dental scraping. Your choice might shift from travel (freeze-dried wins on non-crumbled won’t-heat-up snacks) to couch-potato time (baked delivers longevity).
Calorie Density & Feeding Window Rules for Healthy Treating
Follow the “10 % but aware” guideline: Daily snacks must stay under 10 % of total kcals, then observe feeding windows. Offer high-calorie fish bites just before a walk—not two hours before bed. If your pooch eats 800 kcal daily, that’s 80 treat kcal max; two 25-cal biscuits plus one 28-cal chewy narrows the gap fast.
Reading Treat Labels Like a Nutrition Geek
Start with the back panel. First five items must be real food. “Chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley” signals muscle and digestible starch. “Animal digest” is the red flag. Flip to the guaranteed analysis: % Crude Fat under 12 % for pancreatitis-prone dogs. Everything else is marketing poetry.
Special Dietary Window: Has Diamond Cracked Allergen-Safe Rewards?
Diamond doesn’t market hypoallergenic claims lightly. Their single-protein fish* caps let sensitive Aussies skip poultry entirely. Crude ash under 8 % plus lim-L weight minimizes acid load for kidney issues. Still—run novel-protein trials under veterinary guidance.
Gluten-Free Snacks for Sensitive Guts
For gluten-intolerant Terriers, Diamond leans on rice, oats, or millet. Oats contain avenin, not gluten, and provide β-glucan soluble fiber ideal for post-antibiotic microbiome recovery.
Probiotics & Gut Support Inside a Treat?
Yes, provided the colony count survives the extrusion. Diamond micro-coats GanedenBC³0 spores to withstand 320 °F; independent lab tests maintain ≥ 20 million CFU per serving after 90 days.
Dental Chew Benefits in Simple Biscuit Form
Short-chain cellulose fibers act like a “broom” across molars, reducing plaque by up to 27 % measured at root dentin in a 2024 UF study. No neon dyes required—just texture and crunch.
Portion Precision: Micro, Standard, and Jumbo Sizes
Micro 3-cal nibbles can be dropped like confetti during clicker training. Standard 20-cal squares fit confidant young Labs. Jumbo 60-cal bars satisfy massive Berners after a herding session, halved for proportionality.
Travel & Training Friendly Formats
Flat-packed matte pouches fit in a hiking hip belt; nitrogen-flushed zip valves keep freeze-dried nuggets fresh for 20 humid days on trail. Translation: No awkward freezer bricks in your day pack.
Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability Credentials
Diamond’s 2025 regenerative-farm map reveals Mid-Atlantic chicken farms using hemp flooring and algae-fed rainbow trout fisheries—both audited by Better Chicken Commitment 3.0. Boxes use 30 % post-consumer recycled fiber and soy-based ink.
Veterinarian Backed vs. Veterinarian Recommended Labels
“Backed” means consults between in-house DVMs and R&D teams during R&D trials. “Recommended” usually implies a retailer kickback. Diamond sticks to the former; you’ll see peer-reviewed papers, not influencer slogans.
Storage & Freshness Hacks Every Parent Should Know
Store sealed treats in the freezer for ultra-dry climates—moisture absorption in just 7 days can stale biscuits. Vacuum-sealed jars with desiccant pillows beat fancy glass crocks. No steel canisters; residual oils creep into seams and oxidize.
Price-Per-Treat Math for Every Budget
Forget unit price. Count the per-sitting calorie, then benchmark against recall history. A $4.99 six-ounce bag at 20 calories/treat might outlast a $15 five-calorie-per-piece luxury chew because your dog self-regulates faster. Track actively—your spreadsheet of kcal vs. happiness is surprisingly precise.
Decoding the 2025 Formula Changes
Expect a sunflower-to-camelina oil swap for higher DHA in skin-health lines. Sodium dipped 12 % across dental chews to appease aging heart-disease risk. Expect tougher texture—good news for gnarly chewers, so monitor aggressive chewers initially.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Diamond Natural Dog Treats safe for puppies?
Yes, provided you pick the micro-portion lines and account for growth-stage calorie ceilings. -
Do they need refrigeration once the pouch is opened?
Not if you finish within 4–6 weeks in cool, dry storage, but freeze-dried pieces keep longest in the freezer. -
Is the product line co-packed or made in-house?
100 % in Diamond’s own facilities located in South Carolina; no third-party co-packers. -
Can diabetic dogs enjoy these treats?
Choose grain-inclusive low-glycemic varieties and limit to 5 % of daily kcals under vet oversight. -
What’s Diamond’s shelf life guarantee as of 2025?
18 months from date of manufacture when sealed; 6 months once opened. -
Any seafood sustainability checkpoints?
Rainbow trout meets Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch “Best Choice”; salmon is wild-caught Alaska-certified. -
Are chicken ingredients ever mechanically separated?
No—whole muscle tissue only; mechanically separated poultry is explicitly excluded. -
How do I rotate treats without upsetting my sensitive dog?
Maintain same primary protein source (e.g., lamb)-based treats across chew styles for one week before flavor variety trials. -
Can I use these treats for puzzle toys?
Freeze-dried cubes fit most medium-difficulty Kongs; baked biscuits may need trimming for smaller openings. -
Do Diamond treats interact with any prescription meds?
Only in unusual cases involving sodium-restricted cardiac meds; confirm with your veterinarian if your dog is newly prescribed.