Finding the perfect dog food can feel like a never-ending quest. You want something nutritious that keeps your dog healthy and energetic, but you also don’t want to spend a fortune. My dog isn’t a professional athlete, but he’s no couch potato either—we love our daily long walks and weekend hikes. I needed a food that could support his active lifestyle without being packed with unnecessary calories or a sky-high price tag. That’s what led me to try the Diamond PREMIUM RECIPE Maintenance dry food, and it’s been a staple in our house for a while now.
This food is designed specifically for that “in-between” dog—the one that’s moderately active and needs a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight and energy level. It promises quality ingredients and a complete nutritional profile, so I decided to see if it lived up to the hype.
Key Features I’ve Noticed
✅ Balanced Protein & Fat for Active Dogs: With 22% protein and 12% fat, this formula hits the sweet spot for dogs who get regular exercise. It’s enough to support lean muscle and provide sustained energy without leading to weight gain, which is perfect for maintaining an ideal body condition.
✅ Healthy Skin & Shiny Coat: This was a big one for me. The guaranteed levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids have made a visible difference in my dog’s coat. It’s softer, shinier, and he seems to be shedding less.
✅ Digestive & Immune Support: It includes fiber for healthy digestion and antioxidants like Vitamin E and selenium to support the immune system. Plus, it’s fortified with probiotics, which is a fantastic bonus for promoting gut health.
✅ Made in the USA: Diamond is a family-owned company that makes its food in the USA. They use a mix of trusted domestic and global ingredients, and their commitment to food safety protocols gives me peace of mind.
How to Switch Your Dog’s Food
If you decide to give this food a try, remember that switching dog food should always be a gradual process to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
- Days 1-3: Start by mixing 25% Diamond food with 75% of your dog’s old food.
- Days 4-6: Move to a 50/50 mix of the old and new food.
- Days 7-9: Increase to 75% Diamond food and 25% old food.
- Day 10: You can now feed 100% Diamond food.
Tip: Always keep an eye on your dog’s stool and energy levels during the transition. And, of course, make sure fresh, clean water is always available.
What Other Pet Parents Are Saying
With an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 ratings, it’s clear I’m not the only one happy with this food.
- Brenda (5 stars) mentioned that she’s been feeding this to her three large-breed dogs for years. She says their coats are beautiful, they have great energy, and her vet is always pleased with their health.
- Mark T. (5 stars) switched to Diamond from a more expensive brand and was thrilled to find that his dogs love it just as much. He highlighted the great value and the fact that it keeps his active dogs in perfect shape.
- A few 4-star reviews, like one from Jessica, noted that while her dog does well on the food, she wished the kibble was a bit smaller for her medium-sized breed. This seems to be a minor point for most, but something to consider for smaller dogs.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value for a large 40lb bag | Contains grains like corn, which some owners prefer to avoid |
| Balanced nutrition specifically for moderately active dogs | Kibble size may be a bit large for some smaller breeds |
| Includes probiotics and omegas for digestive and coat health | Not ideal for very high-performance dogs or sedentary seniors |
| Made in the USA by a family-owned company | Some picky eaters might not take to it immediately |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is this dog food grain-free? No, Diamond Maintenance is not a grain-free formula. It includes grains which are a good source of carbohydrates for energy in moderately active dogs. If your dog has a specific grain allergy, you would need to look at one of Diamond’s grain-free lines.
Q2: What breeds is this food best for? This food is formulated for all breed sizes. However, given the standard kibble size, it’s probably most suitable for medium to large breed adult dogs. Owners of toy or very small breeds might find the kibble a bit big.
Q3: Does the 40lb bag come with a resealable closure? Typically, large bags like this do not come with a zip-style closure. I recommend investing in a large, airtight pet food container to keep the kibble fresh and safe from pests.
Final Thoughts
So, who is this dog food really for? If you’re the owner of a healthy, moderately active adult dog and you’re looking for a reliable, nutritious food that offers fantastic value, Diamond PREMIUM RECIPE Maintenance is an excellent choice. It provides all the essential nutrients to keep your dog in great condition without the premium price tag of many specialty brands.
It’s perfect for the dog that enjoys daily walks, games of fetch, and weekend adventures. However, if your dog has known grain sensitivities, is a high-performance working dog, or is a senior with very low energy needs, you might want to consider a more specialized formula.
For the vast majority of dog owners, this food strikes a perfect balance between quality and affordability.
Ready to give it a try? You can find it on Amazon. Buy on Amazon Diamond PREMIUM RECIPE Maintenance Complete and Balanced Dry Dog Food