Dog owners are becoming more aware of the dangers inherent in many common dog food ingredients and have switched to natural alternatives. 4Health and Diamond Naturals are the two leading brands in natural dog food right now. Which is the best of both?
4Health and Diamond Naturals share a similar range of ingredients and prices. 4Health has a greater variety of recipes and is more affordable. Diamond Naturals, on the other hand offers more options to help you choose the right formula for your dog.
We will compare the 4Health and Diamond Naturals dog foods and discuss why they are so popular. To help you make informed decisions, we’ll look at the pros and con of each brand. Let’s compare these two giants.
Basic Similarities
You will first notice a similarity in that both brands are manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods Inc.
The company’s five brands are Diamond Naturals, Diamond Care and Diamond PRO89. It also has other brands like Tractor Supply Company, which is the retailer and owner of 4Health dog food.
Diamond Naturals and 4Health dog foods are made from all-natural ingredients. They are full of nutrients. All of their recipes use real meat and they add healthy grains, vegetables, fruits, and other nutrients to provide vital nutrients and fiber for your furry friends.
Both brands include Omega fatty acid for healthy skin and hair, antioxidants to boost your dog’s immune system and organic compounds such as taurine to support heart health. Both brands avoid soy, wheat, and corn fillers, which can lead to indigestion or allergic reactions.
They were both part of the 2012 voluntary recall that affected all Diamond Pet Foods Inc brands because they are manufactured by the same company as 4Health and Diamond Naturals.
Pros and cons of 4Health Dog Food
Pros and ConsReasonable pricingRecall historyMade in the USASold only in Tractor Supply Stores or onlineWide variety of recipes for different life stages
4Health dog food is only made for Tractor Supply, which has more than 1500 retail locations throughout the United States.
The brand is committed to providing nutritious and high-quality food for your furry friend without any extra costs.
Their website states that their dog food is 20% cheaper than similar premium brands. It’s not just what they put in the food, it’s also what they don’t. All 4Health products are free from wheat fillers, corn, artificial color, dyes, flavors, and other chemicals.
4Health offers a variety of dog food options for all types of pets. These include specialty formulas and grain-free options as well as regular dog food. The company offers ten dog treats and 14 canned recipes, as well as 22 dry food recipes. The company offers dry and wet dog food as well as a brand new line of cat food.
We love these flavors and formulations:
4Health Salmon & Potato Formula Adult Dog Food
ProsConsSuitable for the majority of dogsLow fiberPerfect for long-haired breedsA bit pricey if you buy onlineDoes not contain common protein allergens like chicken, dairy, and beefContain canola oilVery high in antioxidants and probioticsUnspecified by AAFCO
Nutritional Information
Carbohydrates: 46%Protein: 29%Fat: 17%Fiber: 3%
Key Ingredients
Salmon, peas, pea protein, potatoes, canola oil, ocean fish meal, potato fiber, flaxseed, choline chloride, salt, dried chicory root, carrots, dried kelp, apples, tomatoes, spinach, blueberries, cranberries, rosemary extract, parsley flake, yucca schidigera extract, L-Carnitine and probiotics.
4Health Salmon & Potato Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adult dogs. The main ingredient and source of protein is real salmon which also provides omega fatty acids for your pup’s skin and fur.
The formulation has a wide variety of probiotics and prebiotics to maintain a proper balance of good bacteria in your puppy’s intestines. Adequate levels of selenium, Vitamin E, and antioxidants are a big plus to ensure your dog is in good health.
The only problem with this product is the inclusion of canola oil and pea protein. Pea protein is not high in amino acids like meat-based proteins, while canola oil does not add anything to dog food at all.
4Health Grain-Free Chicken & Vegetable Dog Food
ProsConsSuitable for dogs with grain allergiesUnspecified by AAFCOHigh levels of protein and Omega fatty acidsAvailable in limited bag sizesGreat formula if you want your dog to gain weightContains tomatoes
Nutritional Information
Carbohydrates: 40%Protein: 26%Fat: 15%Fiber: 5%Moisture: 10%
Key Ingredients
Chicken, chicken meal and chicken fat. Egg product. Peas, potatoes. Tapioca, tomato paste, tomato pomace. Flaxseed. Ocean fish meal. Salt, tomatoes. Blueberries, raspberries.
This formula is ideal for your pet’s grain allergy. Red itchy skin, hair loss, excessive scratching and chewing, ear infections and obsessive-licking can all be caused by this product. This special grain-free formula does not contain any wheat, corn, soy or other allergens so that your dog can enjoy their food without side effects.
This formulation is primarily made up of chicken and chicken meal, which are both meat proteins. Both of these proteins are high in Vitamin B12 and Tryptophan. They also contain Vitamin B12, Tryptophan. Choline, Zinc and Iron. 4Health increased the protein content by using egg protein, fishmeal, peas and garbanzo beans.
This is a non-grain formula. The sources of carbohydrates are potatoes, dried peas and tapioca. Peas and pea proteins have been a great substitute for corn. They are a good source protein, dietary fibre, and Vitamin K.
This recipe is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients from whole-food sources like tomatoes, flaxseeds, berries, and additional vitamins. Probiotics are also included to aid digestion and stop the growth of harmful bacteria that could cause serious health problems in your pet.
4Health Original Puppy Recipe Dog Food
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ProsConsHighly nutritious in whole food antioxidantsNot suitable to puppies with animal protein allergiesGreat taste for puppies
Nutritional Information
Carbohydrates: 40%Protein: 30%Fat: 17%Fiber: 4.5%Moisture: 10%
Key Ingredients
Lamb, lamb meal and pea protein, egg product.
This puppy food, like all 4Health formulas, contains meat protein in form of lamb meat and lamb meal. For more protein, the formula contains egg products and ocean fish meals. It also includes three types of grains: rice, millet and pearled barsley.
The ingredient list clearly shows that 4Health uses the kitchen sink method, which includes a small amount of each ingredient that is beneficial for puppies. This allows the food to be suitable for all ages, even as your puppy gets older.
We taste tested the food on dogs and puppies. This makes it easier for the dog to eat, and more delicious. Your puppy will grow and thrive with the fresh bags.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food Pros & Cons
ProsConsMade USALong recall historyFlexible availability wherever dog food is sold. Fewer recipes.Competitive pricingCustomized Shopping OptionVet-guided formulations
Diamond Pet Food Company’s flagship brand is Diamond Naturals dog food. This brand provides a healthy diet for your dogs and is made with whole ingredients.
They use real fruits and vegetables as well as quality animal and plant proteins in their formulations. For sensitive dogs, they also offer grain-free products. There are many probiotics in the recipes, including DHA for puppies, omega fatty acid, chondroitin and probiotics. All Diamond Natural dog foods are free from corn, wheat, filler, soy and artificial colors or flavors, just like 4Health.
Diamond Naturals has 22 different formulations, each one tailored to the size, age, and flavor of your dog. They are priced at the same level as 4Health dog food and comparable brands, which range from $14 to $45.
Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas Dry Dogfood Lamb Meal & Rice Formula
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Pros and Cons
Nutritional Information
Carbohydrates: 41%Protein: 23%Fat: 13%Fiber: 3.5%Moisture: 10%
Key Ingredients
Brown rice, lamb meal, cracked pearled and barley, oatmeal, dry yeast, rice bran.
This is the best formula for your furry friend. This formula’s main ingredient is real pasture-raised lamb protein. It, along with egg protein and chia seeds, provides up to 23% protein. Although this may seem like a small amount compared to other 4Health foods, it will help your dog remain healthy and lean. The formulation also includes dried kelp to increase calcium absorption and provide 750mg/kg of both chondroitin and glucosamine.
This formula contains superfoods such as kale and blueberries, spinach, and coconut. It’s full of Omega fatty acids and K9 strain-specific probiotics. This formula is also rich in antioxidants that will keep your dog looking and healthy. Prebiotic fiber is also included in this formula, which includes chicory root, pumpkin and dried kelp. This helps to improve digestion.
This formula provides large-breed dogs with the necessary nutrients and energy. We love it! The recipe does not contain whole lamb, so your dog won’t be able to eat it.
Diamond Naturals Adults Beef and Rice
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Pros and ConsFavorite flavor for dogs
Nutritional Information
Carbohydrates: 47%Protein: 25%Fat: 18%Fiber: 3.5%Moisture: 10%
Key Ingredients
Beef Meal and Rice Bran, Grain Sorghum and Ground White Rice, as well as Egg Product, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat, and Rice Bran.
This formula is very popular with adult dogs, according to numerous online reviews. It’s easy to digest and has a beef flavor. Beef meal is the primary ingredient. It’s a delicious and lean source of protein rich in amino acids, iron and fat.
Grain sorghum, white rice, and coconut oil are the main ingredients that provide energy. However, the formula also includes omega and fat sources such as flaxseed and chicken fat, which can be used to care for your dog’s skin, hair, and nails.
Every Diamond Naturals food is packed with biotin and antioxidants as well as vitamins, omega fatty acid, probiotics, and joint support. These vital nutrients are mainly found in whole foods like fruits and vegetables. There are no artificial colors or flavors.
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
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ProsConsContains real cage-free chicken, fruits and veggiesSome dogs don’t like the tasteHigh protein, High fat, High-calorie formulaLimited bag sizesNutrient-denseIt’s on the pricier sideProvides extra energy for active dogs
Nutritional Information
Carbohydrates: 47%Protein: 32%Fat: 25%Fiber: 4%Moisture: 10%
Key Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Ground White Rice and Cracked Pearled Barley. Egg Product, Ground Miscanthus grass, Dried Beet Pulp.
Extreme Athlete dog foods provide superior nutrition. This high-energy formula provides your canine with the strength and energy to handle heavy loads. This dog food is richer in protein, fat, calories, and carbohydrates than other formulas, so your dog won’t be starving halfway through. This formula contains 91% proteins that are animal-derived (chicken, eggs, and 9% from plants).
This formula has higher levels of chondroitin, glucosamine and other nutrients to help prevent problems with their joints. Diamond Naturals has made it a tradition to include probiotics and antioxidants in this formula.
This formula also contains vitamins and minerals from superfoods such as blueberries, oranges and spinach. Extreme Athlete kibble gives dogs beautiful fur and healthy skin.
Some dogs are not fond of the taste of this food. Many prefer the Beef and Chicken adult recipe.
Please note on Diamond Naturals and 4Health Dogfood Recalls
Diamond Pet Foods Inc. was hit hard in May 2012. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 14 cases, resulting in a recall of many of the company’s products. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sent out a major recall for all Diamond Pet Foods brands later that month.
All brands that outsource their dog food manufacturing to Diamond Pet Foods including 4Health were affected. The Tractor Supply brand was unaffected by this recall. Diamond Naturals, on the other hand, has been subject to FDA recalls for all sorts of problems including salmonella and aflatoxin contaminations.
Last Thoughts
Both 4Health and Diamond Naturals offer all-natural, nutritionally-dense and vet-directed formulas at reasonable prices. You can also choose from a variety of foods depending on your dog’s age and special needs. There are foods that suit regular dogs and sensitive dogs as well as puppies who need special care for their fur and skin.
4Health is the most diverse in terms of price and variety. Diamond Naturals is everywhere and you can use their site to find the best formula.
