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Are you stuck choosing between Diamond Naturals vs. Science Diet? You’re not alone. Both brands are popular, but each offers a different approach to canine nutrition.
Table of Contents
In this head-to-head comparison guide, I break down what each brand brings to the bowl, from formulas and flavors to life-stage nutrition and brand reputation, to help you find the ideal diet for your pup.
| Best For Puppies | Best For Adults | Best For Seniors |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Hill’s Science Diet Puppy | Diamond Naturals Adult | Hill’s Science Diet Senior 7+ |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Chewy |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Brand Histories
Behind every dog food bag is a history. These two brands have different origins and stories to tell. Understanding their mission and what they try to offer their customers is important and can help you decide whether to purchase their products.
Hill’s Science Diet: Built By Vets, Backed By Science
Hill’s Science Diet was born in the 1930s when a veterinarian created a special diet to help a dog with kidney disease. That one formula made such a difference that it sparked an entire line of health-focused pet foods.
Today, Hill’s is one of the most vet-recommended brands in the U.S. While it’s known for its prescription diets for dogs with specific medical needs, it also offers everyday formulas designed to support long-term wellness.
We’ve compared Hill’s Science Diet against several other brands in the following articles:
- Science Diet vs. Blue Buffalo
- Science Diet vs. Nutro
- Science Diet vs. Purina Pro
- Science Diet vs. Royal Canin
Diamond Naturals: Family-Owned, Naturally Focused
Diamond Pet Food company entered the scene in 1970 with a simple goal to provide quality, affordable pet food with wholesome ingredients. Even after growing into one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the world, Diamond remains family-owned and rooted in Midwestern values.
Diamond Naturals is their flagship line focused on natural, nutrient-rich recipes made with real meat, vegetables, and probiotics. Their mission is all about keeping things simple, clean, and effective.
Diamond also owns Taste of the Wild dog food, an arguably more popular brand. We’ve reviewed their Taste of the Wild dog food line, which is another canine owner favorite.
Recall History: Science Diet vs Diamond Naturals
Even trusted brands face the occasional recall. What matters most is how they respond — and how often it happens. There are two types of recalls: mandatory by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and voluntary.
Hill’s Science Diet
Science Diet has had three recalls in its history — fewer than many brands, but one of them made headlines:
June 2012
Hill’s voluntarily recalled 62 bags of dog food for possible Salmonella contamination. The company acted quickly, and no illnesses were reported.
January & March 2019
These recalls involved voluntarily pulling 86 product lots from the shelves due to elevated levels of vitamin D. Unfortunately, some dogs were hospitalized due to the high levels of vitamin D, causing the issue to blow up in the pet industry. Science Diet had to pull certain diets from stores and veterinary clinics.
Diamond Naturals
Diamond has faced four voluntary recalls since 2005 but none in over a decade.
- 2005 – Aflatoxin contamination (linked to corn) caused dog illnesses and deaths
- 2009 – Cat food recall for thiamine deficiency
- 2012 – Dog food contaminated with Salmonella; infected humans (no deaths)
- 2013 – Another cat food recall for low thiamine
Most issues were traced back to their South Carolina facility, and the company has since upgraded its testing protocols.
Food Ingredients: Hill’s Science Diet vs Diamond Naturals
When it comes to what’s in the bowl, Hill’s Science Diet and Diamond Naturals take different routes. One follows a clinical, science-backed path, while the other leans natural and holistic. Let’s break it down.
Hill’s Science Diet: Science Over Trends
Science Diet is all about precision nutrition. Their recipes are designed by vets and nutritionists to meet specific health needs, not the latest food trends.
- Real meat (like chicken, lamb, or turkey) is often the first ingredient.
- Uses meat byproducts, which some pet owners dislike. However, Hill’s defends this choice, citing no proven harm.
- Avoids grain-free fads in favor of proven, functional ingredients.
- Offers targeted diets for:
- Puppies, adults, and seniors
- Large, small, and toy breeds
- Dogs with health needs (e.g., weight control, joint health, sensitive stomach, skin support)
- Hill’s also has a line of prescription-only therapeutic diets
Hill’s skips the fluff and goes straight for what dogs need, according to veterinary science.
Diamond Naturals: Whole Foods With A Natural Focus
Diamond Naturals takes the whole-food, natural approach seriously. Their recipes are packed with recognizable ingredients and boosted with superfoods.
- Features real meat and meat meals (chicken, lamb, beef) — the latter is highly concentrated in protein.
- Includes antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies like blueberries, kale, spinach, and pumpkin.
- Fortified with:
- Probiotics for digestion
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- Glucosamine & chondroitin for joint health
- DHA for brain and vision development in puppies
- Offers a few grain-free options.
Diamond Naturals is a go-to for pet parents who want a nutrient-rich, naturally inspired diet without the vet clinic price tag.
Range Of Formulas: Diamond Naturals vs Science Diet
Throughout our dogs’ lives, they will pass through multiple life stages. Each stage requires different nutrition to help them thrive, so it’s important for a brand to offer multiple formulas that offer what each stage needs.
Dogs need different nutrition based on age, size, and health. The best brands offer formulas to match:
- Life Stage Needs: Puppy, adult, and senior blends support growth, maintenance, and aging specifically tailored to each life stage.
- Breed Size Options: Small and large breed recipes cater to unique size-specific needs like kibble size, calorie content, nutritional concerns, joint support, and more.
- Special Diets: Options for sensitive stomachs, food allergies, joint issues, and weight control help address common health concerns.
Hill’s Science Diet offers over 90 different recipes for dogs in various life stages, and Diamond Naturals offers nearly 15 formulas split into age and size ranges. To see which brand is best for your pup, I’ve broken the comparisons down into life stages.
Puppy Formulas Comparison
Puppies need more than just food; they need fuel for growth. Their growing bodies require higher amounts of calories, protein, fat and added nutrition, so finding a diet that offers just that is essential. Let’s see how each brand supports those wiggly tails and developing bones.
Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet offers 8 total puppy formulas, with options for every size and recipes for puppies with sensitivities to certain ingredients.
- 2 standard puppy and 2 large-breed puppy kibbles (chicken or lamb)
- The lamb versions are wheat- and corn-free
- 1 small-breed puppy formula (chicken)
- 1 toy breed recipe (chicken)
- 1 standard Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy formula (chicken)
- 1 Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin formula (salmon)
Each formula supports strong bones, healthy brain development, and immune system growth — all backed by veterinary science.
Diamond Naturals
Diamond Naturals keeps it simple with 2 puppy-specific formulas and 2 all-life-stage recipes. All contain grains and pack in extras like DHA, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids for development. They are free of wheat, corn, and soy.
- Large breed puppy formula (lamb)
- Small and medium breed puppy formula (chicken)
- All-life-stages recipes (safe for puppies, too)
- Chicken & rice
- Skin & Coat formula (salmon & potato)
Winner: Hill’s Science Diet
Though Diamond Naturals offers a holistic approach to puppy food, Science Diet wins this round due to their multiple options for every kind of puppy. Science Diet offers a diet for toy, small, and large breeds and offers different flavor options.
Bottom line:
Both offer solid starts; it comes down to how customized you want your puppy’s nutrition to be.
- Hill’s Science Diet — more variety, especially for specific breed sizes
- Diamond Naturals — fewer choices, but well-rounded and budget-friendly
Puppy Formula Top Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
This recipe features chicken and brown rice as the first two ingredients. It’s formulated with all-natural ingredients to promote healthy bones, teeth, eyes, brain, immunity, and muscles in growing puppies. It also comes in a lamb and brown rice recipe. However, that also contains chicken.
Key Features
- Natural DHA for brain development
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Prebiotics for healthy digestion
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Contains wheat and corn
- Made in the USA
- 393 kcal/cup
- 25% protein, 15% fat, 3% fiber
Price
- Starts at $19.99 ($4.44 / lb) (4.5-lb bag)
Adult Formulas Comparison
Once our dogs outgrow their puppy stage, it’s time to transition to an adult kibble. Adult dogs spend most of their life in this stage, so finding a nutrient-rich, balanced kibble is key to their long-term health and happiness. Let’s see how each brand stacks up regarding adult formulas.
Hill’s Science Diet
Science Diet offers over 40 adult kibble options, covering nearly every dietary need you can think of. A majority of formulas are either chicken or lamb.
- Formulas for small & large breeds
- Recipes for sensitive stomachs, joint health, and dental care
- Options for healthy mobility and weight management
- Several recipes with no corn, soy, or wheat
- 1 grain-free option
Each recipe is sold in stores without a prescription, but they do have multiple prescription adult diets for dogs with medical conditions.
Diamond Naturals
Diamond Naturals keeps things simpler with 8 adult kibbles plus 2 all-life-stages formulas that adult dogs can enjoy. Diamond focuses on natural ingredients and functional extras without overcomplicating things. Their lineup includes:
- Recipes for small breeds, large breeds, and high-performance dogs
- Options for weight control and grain-free diets
- A mix of chicken, lamb, beef, and salmon flavors
- All formulas include probiotics, omega fatty acids, and superfoods
Winner: Diamond Naturals
While Science Diet has more formulas, we give the nod to Diamond Naturals here. Hill’s Science Diet is great if your pup has a sensitive stomach or has been diagnosed with another vet illness. But Diamond Naturals adult formulas are widely respected and great for general dog nutrition. They are also slightly more budget-friendly.
Bottom line:
Whether you want vet-guided precision or holistic simplicity, both brands offer strong options for adult dogs.
- Science Diet — broad variety, scientifically tailored formulas
- Diamond Naturals — fewer choices, but all-natural and nutrient-rich
Adult Formula Top Pick: Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
This recipe is an excellent option for dogs who don’t tolerate chicken. The first two ingredients are pasture-raised beef meal and grain sorghum. It also contains omega fatty acids and superfoods, including kale, blueberries, pumpkin, spinach, carrots, chia seeds, and more.
Key Features
- All-natural, nutrient-rich recipe
- No corn, wheat, soy, or fillers
- Prebiotics and probiotics for gut health
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Made in the USA
- 399 kcal/cup
- 25% protein, 15% fat, 3.5% fiber
Price
- Starts at $18.99 ($3.16 / lb) (6-lb bag)
Senior Formulas Comparison
As dogs age, their nutritional needs change, and the proper senior diet can help ease joint discomfort, support digestion, and maintain energy levels. Let’s compare what each brand offers for our aging companions.
Hill’s Science Diet
Science Diet offers 10 senior dog formulas, most designed for dogs 7+ years old. The only protein options are chicken. They also don’t mention any formulas with added glucosamine and chondroitin for added support.
- Formulas for mini, small, and large breeds
- Specialty recipes for digestive and cognitive support
- Includes one formula specifically for small breeds 11+
- Recipes contain omega fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals for joint and brain health
Diamond Naturals
Diamond Naturals keeps it simple with just 1 senior formula plus 1 all-life-stages recipe suitable for older dogs.
- Features chicken, brown rice, oatmeal, and egg
- Includes beneficial extras like antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Winner: Hill’s Science Diet
Science Diet wins another round for their variety of senior diets to choose from. Since Diamond Naturals only has one kibble option for senior furry friends. Science Diet has a broader product offering depending on your dog’s size, which helps provide a balanced nutrition profile for your senior pup.
Bottom line:
Both are good options. It depends on whether you want tailored variety or simple, wholesome nutrition.
- Hill’s Science Diet — more senior-specific choices for different breed sizes and ages
- Diamond Naturals — fewer options but uses gentle, senior-friendly ingredients
Senior Formula Top Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Senior Adult 7+ Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
This chicken meal, barley, and rice recipe is a fantastic choice for pups in their golden years. Featuring lower calories, fat, and protein, it’s ideal for seniors who have slowed down to help avoid weight gain. As your dog ages, prebiotic fibers and antioxidants support digestion, immune system, and organ health.
Key Features
- Made from high-quality and natural ingredients
- Antioxidant-rich dog food
- L-carnitine to boost metabolism
- Taurine for heart health
- Contains corn, wheat, and soy
- Made in the USA
- 352 kcal/cup
- 15.5% protein, 10.5% fat, 4% fiber
Price
- Starts at $20.99 ($4.20 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Canned Food Comparison
Sometimes, dogs crave a little extra flavor or texture in their bowl. Canned food can come in handy, whether you’re topping dry kibble, offering a special treat, or helping your dog stay hydrated. Let’s see what each brand offers.
Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet offers 50 different canned options. These formulas are designed with Science Diet’s usual focus on tailored nutrition for specific health needs and age groups.
- Recipes cater to different life stages, from puppies to seniors
- Texture options include pâté and stew
- Formulas for sensitivities, weight management, joint care, etc.
- Flavors vary across the line, offering options for picky eaters
Diamond Naturals
As usual, Diamond Naturals keeps it simple with only 3 canned food recipes. Diamond’s canned foods focus on clean ingredients and added nutrients to support digestion, skin, and coat.
- Flavors: chicken, beef, and lamb
- All are pâté-style, easy to eat for dogs of any age
- Includes superfood ingredients like pumpkin, flaxseed, and blueberries
Winner: Hill’s Science Diet
Science Diet wins this round. Diamond Naturals only offers 3 different canned options. It’s only fair that Science Diet takes the win with many different options depending on your pup’s size and flavor preferences.
Bottom Line
Both have their strengths. It just depends on what your pup needs most.
- Hill’s Science Diet — more variety in texture and life-stage support
- Diamond Naturals — fewer options but includes high-quality ingredients and natural superfoods
Canned Food Top Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Food Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
I recommend this grain-free salmon and vegetable formula for dogs with food sensitivities. However, Hill’s Science Diet’s adult dog canned food comes in many varieties, including chicken and barley stew, chicken and vegetables, and turkey and rice stew.
You can also get a variety pack to see which one your pup prefers. Each formula contains minced meat and vegetables, essential vitamins and minerals, and taurine for heart health.
Key Features
- No artificial preservatives
- High in vegetable fiber
- Lean protein for muscle
- Immune system boosting
- Contains soy
- 379 kcal/can
- 4% protein, 3% fat, 1% fiber
Price
- (12.8-oz can, 12 count)
My Final Verdict
Coming out on top in nearly every round, Hill’s Science Diet wins the comparison against Diamond Naturals. Though Diamond Naturals is a quality holistic dog food, it simply does not offer much variety compared with Science Diet.
Overall, either diet is an excellent option for our beloved canine companions. The better fit depends on your dog’s specific needs and your feeding philosophy.
Going Beyond Kibble & Canned Food
While Diamond Naturals and Hill’s Science Diet are solid choices, you may want to consider other types of pup chow. Many pup parents love the added flavor and nutrition of fresh dog food and air-dried dog food (plus some custom subscription options). We’ve reviewed and tested brands like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, Spot & Tango, and Badlands Ranch.
