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Here is something many shoppers do not realize: Taste of the Wild and Diamond Naturals come from the same family-owned company, Diamond Pet Foods, based in Meta, Missouri. They share manufacturing plants and quality systems but aim at different buyers. Taste of the Wild is built around novel proteins like bison, venison and smoked salmon, while Diamond Naturals focuses on familiar proteins at a lower price. If you are weighing them, the choice mostly comes down to protein type, grain preference and budget.
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The two lines in brief
Taste of the Wild
Launched as a grain-free brand with “ancestral” themes: High Prairie (bison and venison), Pacific Stream (smoked salmon), Sierra Mountain (lamb), Wetlands (fowl) and others. In recent years it added Ancient Grains recipes that include grains like sorghum, millet and quinoa, and the PREY limited-ingredient line.
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Puppy, Adult & Senior Dry Dog Food Salmon 30lb
Included for 'Taste of the Wild vs Diamond Naturals Dog Food Comparison' because the listing specifies Adult & Senior Dry Dog Food Salmon 30lb, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Rice, 40lb
Included for 'Taste of the Wild vs Diamond Naturals Dog Food Comparison' because the listing specifies Lamb Meal & Rice and 40lb, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food, Beef Meal & Rice, 40lb
Included for 'Taste of the Wild vs Diamond Naturals Dog Food Comparison' because the listing specifies Beef Meal & Rice and 40lb, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Rice, 40lb
Included for 'Taste of the Wild vs Diamond Naturals Dog Food Comparison' because the listing specifies Chicken & Rice and 40lb, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonDiamond Naturals
A value-oriented line with recipes such as Chicken and Rice, Lamb Meal and Rice, and Beef Meal and Rice, plus puppy, large breed, small breed and senior variants. It also has a smaller Grain-Free lineup.
Comparison table
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| Factor | Taste of the Wild | Diamond Naturals |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Diamond Pet Foods | Diamond Pet Foods |
| Signature proteins | Bison, venison, salmon, lamb, fowl | Chicken, lamb, beef |
| Grain options | Grain-free and Ancient Grains | Mostly grain-inclusive (rice, barley); some grain-free |
| Probiotics | Species-specific probiotics on label | Species-specific probiotics on label |
| Typical protein range | About 25–32% | About 22–27% |
| Dry price per pound (approx.) | $2.00–$3.00 | $1.40–$2.20 |
What you get for the extra money
Taste of the Wild costs more mostly because of its protein sources. Novel proteins like bison and venison are pricier, and they appeal to owners of dogs that seem to react to chicken or beef. Diamond Naturals keeps costs lower by relying on common proteins and grains. Nutritionally, both lines are formulated to meet AAFCO profiles, and both include guaranteed probiotics per pound.
The grain-free and DCM issue
Taste of the Wild was one of the brands most frequently named in the FDA’s 2019 update on dilated cardiomyopathy reports, which largely involved grain-free, legume-heavy diets. The FDA did not establish a causal link, but the case reports prompted many vets to recommend grain-inclusive diets unless a dog has a specific need. Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Grains line is the brand’s answer. If you like Taste of the Wild’s proteins, the Ancient Grains versions are a reasonable middle ground; talk with your vet if your dog’s breed has elevated heart risk.
Recall history
Diamond Pet Foods had a significant salmonella-related recall in 2012 that affected multiple brands made at one of its plants, including both Diamond Naturals and Taste of the Wild. The company says it strengthened food safety programs afterward. Check the FDA recall page before buying if you want current information.
Choosing between them
- Budget-first, healthy adult dog: Diamond Naturals delivers solid nutrition at a lower cost per day, especially for large breeds.
- Suspected chicken or beef sensitivity: Taste of the Wild’s novel proteins may help, though a vet-supervised elimination trial is the only reliable test.
- Picky eater: Taste of the Wild’s richer proteins often win, but results vary.
- Want grains: Diamond Naturals or Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains.
Feeding amounts and calorie density
Taste of the Wild recipes are generally a little more calorie dense than Diamond Naturals, which means you may feed slightly less. For a 50-pound adult of average activity, expect roughly 2.5 to 3.5 cups a day of either, depending on the recipe. Use the feeding chart as a starting point, then adjust every two to three weeks based on body condition: you should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. Large-breed and senior dogs often need fewer calories than the bag suggests. If your dog gains weight, cut portions by about 10% before switching foods. When comparing value, calculate cost per day from kcal per cup rather than comparing 28-pound and 30-pound bag prices.
FAQ
Are Taste of the Wild and Diamond Naturals made in the same factory?
Both are produced by Diamond Pet Foods in its own U.S. plants. Which plant made your bag is indicated by the production code.
Is Diamond Naturals as good as Taste of the Wild?
For many healthy dogs, yes. The main difference is protein source and price, not safety. See your vet if your dog has allergies or chronic GI issues.
Bottom line
Diamond Naturals is the value pick for dogs that do well on chicken, lamb or beef with grains. Taste of the Wild costs more but brings novel proteins and a strong palatability reputation. Since both come from the same company, choose based on protein, grains and budget, and consider the Ancient Grains recipes if you prefer Taste of the Wild.
