Victor Dog Food vs. Diamond: How Do They Compare?

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Are you trying to decide between Victor dog food vs. Diamond? Choosing the right food for your pup isn’t easy, but I’ve done the digging for you.

Victor and Diamond are both trusted brands with solid options for every life stage. In this quick guide, I’ll break down ingredients, formulas, and top picks to help you find the best fit for your dog.

Best For Puppies	Best For Adults	Best For Seniors
Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula	Victor Purpose Performance Formula	Diamond Naturals Senior Formula
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Brand History Matters

A brand is more than just its products; it’s also about where it comes from and what it stands for. While history doesn’t guarantee quality, knowing a company’s story gives helpful context. Let’s take a quick look at how Victor and Diamond got their start and where they are today.

Victor Dog Food: Texas-Born, Nutrition-Focused

Victor Dog Food started as a small feed store in the 1950s but has grown into a well-respected pet food brand since 2007. Family-owned and based in Texas, they focus on high-quality, nutrient-dense recipes made with locally and regionally sourced ingredients.

The company routinely tests their ingredients and final products to ensure they meet Victor’s strict quality standards and are safe and nutritious.

Diamond Pet Food: Quality Meets Affordability

Founded in 1970 by brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter in Missouri, Diamond aims to deliver premium nutrition at a price pet owners can afford.

Family-owned and made in five U.S. facilities, they use strict testing, water purification, and trusted meat suppliers to ensure quality. Their mission? Treat every pet like family and never compromise on health.

Have Victor Or Diamond Food Products Ever Been Recalled?

How a company handles a food recall is essential and can help us understand which brands have our dog’s best interest at heart. There are two types of recalls: mandatory by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and voluntary.

Victor Dog Food Recalls

Victor had a series of recalls in the fall of 2023. In cooperation with the FDA, Mid America Pet Food, Victor’s parent company, issued a voluntary recall of several brands due to Salmonella contamination. This recall was initially issued on September 3 and updated several times to include more products.

Salmonella can infect pets when they eat it and can affect humans when they come into contact with it and do not wash their hands. Salmonella can also spread to surfaces and other people. There were 7 cases of Salmonella infection in people in connection with this recall. No deaths were reported.

Current Standing With The FDA

On November 22, 2024, the FDA issued a warning letter to Mid America Pet Food for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDA regulations noted during inspections of the firm’s manufacturing facility in 2023 and early 2024.

The letter states that Mid America Pet Food has not adequately addressed some of the violations related to food safety. As of June 2025, it’s unclear if these issues have been resolved.

Diamond Pet Food Recalls

Diamond has faced four voluntary recalls since 2005. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 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 Ingredient Comparison: What’s In The Bowl Matters

Excellent dog food starts with real, nutritious ingredients with no fillers or chemicals. Here are a few ingredients you don’t want to see on the label:

• Corn Syrup – A sugar-based filler that can lead to obesity and energy crashes.
• BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) – A chemical preservative linked to potential health risks.
• Artificial Coloring (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6) – Adds color, not nutrition; may trigger allergies or behavior issues.
• Melamine – A toxic additive used to falsely boost protein content; extremely dangerous.
• Unnamed By-Products – Low-quality meat sources from unspecified animals; lack transparency and nutritional value.

Look for foods that list real meat, named meat meals, veggies, fruits, and whole grains (or suitable, healthy grain-free carbohydrates). Here’s how they compare:

Victor

Victor builds its formulas around high-protein content and clean ingredients, supported by its signature VPRO blend for immune and digestive health.

Highlights

• Uses named meat meals (beef, chicken, pork, etc.)—never generic “meat meal”
• 68–92% of protein comes from animal sources
• Only uses gluten-free grains or offers grain-free formulas
• Key veggies: peas (plant protein) and sweet potatoes (digestible carbs)
• Fortified with selenium yeast, minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics

Worth Noting

• Occasional use of blood meal and brewer’s yeast, but in small amounts
• High transparency—lists protein sources and percentages clearly

Great for: Owners who want clear labeling, high protein, and grain-conscious formulas.

Diamond Pet Food

Diamond offers a broader range of options across budget and premium tiers, with ingredient quality varying by line.

Highlights

• Premium lines (Naturals, Pro89) use named meat meals or whole meat as the first ingredient
• Standard formulas may include chicken by-product meal and wheat or corn fillers
• Grain-free and rice-based options available in higher-tier lines
• Naturals line adds superfoods like pumpkin, chia, and spinach
• Contains probiotics and omega fatty acids in premium formulas

Worth Noting

• Ingredient glossary is available but lacks full transparency on quantities
• CARE line supports health needs like weight control, renal health, and sensitivities

Great for: Pet parents seeking affordable variety or specialty diets, but it’s best to stick with Naturals or Pro89 for top-tier ingredients.

Range Of Formulas Comparison

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.

Victor and Diamond provide several options for every life stage, breed size, and some health concerns, but they differ in how many they offer. I’ll break these down into life stages to help you choose your best option.

Victor Dog Food Lines

Victor currently offers five lines of dog food:

• Classic Line – High-protein formulas for active dogs and puppies
• Select Line – Limited-ingredient recipes for dogs with sensitivities
• Purpose Line – Targeted nutrition for joint health, weight control, and working dogs
• Realtree® Line – Performance formulas for hunting and high-energy dogs
• Canned Food Line – Wet food options for added flavor, hydration, or picky eaters

Diamond Pet Food Lines

Here are Diamond Pet Food’s dog formula lines:

• Diamond Naturals – Nutrient-rich recipes with superfoods and probiotics
• Diamond CARE – Limited-ingredient formulas for specific health needs
• Diamond Pro89 – High-protein, meat-first formulas for active and working dogs
• Diamond Original – Budget-friendly options with essential nutrition
• Diamond Naturals Grain-Free – Grain-free recipes for dogs with grain sensitivities
• Diamond Canned Food – Wet food options for variety and added moisture

Puppy Formulas: Diamond vs Victor

Growing pups have different nutritional needs than adults or seniors. Selecting the proper food for a puppy is vital to their growth. Victor Dog Food and Diamond each provide food that’s suitable for puppies, but let’s see who does it better.

Victor

Something that jumps out right away about Victor’s puppy formulas is that, technically, there aren’t any. Instead, Victor labels formulas as “For Active Dogs & Puppies” or “For All Life Stages.”

Diamond

Like Victor, Diamond has several formulas that work well for all stages of life. However, Diamond has some products that are made exclusively for puppies.

Diamond’s puppy formulas aren’t just for that stage of life. They even have formulas for small breeds and large breeds. These are part of their Naturals line, which overall provides better nutrition than their Diamond line.

Puppy Top Pick: Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy

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Budget-friendly formula
Cage-free chicken is first ingredient
DHA for brain support
No corn, wheat, or fillers
Made in the USA
453 kcal per cup
32% protein, 22% fat, 3.5% fiber

Price

• Starts at $22.84 ($3.81 / lb) (6-lb bag)

Adult Formulas: Diamond vs Victor

Adult dog food is the core of most pet food brands, and both Victor and Diamond offer a wide variety. However, the quality, ingredients, and focus of each brand tell different stories. Here’s how they compare when it comes to feeding your adult pup.

Victor Adult Food

Victor offers 24 adult products across six lines—including kibble, canned food, and treats. Their approach leans into functionality and nutrition, with high protein and minimal fillers.

Classic Line
These recipes are straightforward, with beef meal as the main protein and gluten-free grains. While not flashy, they offer solid everyday nutrition for healthy adult dogs.

Select Line
Ideal for dogs with sensitivities, this line avoids common allergens. Some options are grain-free, while others use gentle carbs like brown rice. It’s a reliable choice for dogs with food intolerances or allergies.

Purpose Line
This line is all about targeted nutrition. Whether your dog needs joint support, weight control, or extra endurance, these blends offer enriched formulas packed with vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, and more.

Victor excels in transparency and purpose-driven recipes. Most formulas are high-protein and avoid unnecessary fillers. Whether you’ve got a high-energy dog or one with dietary needs, there’s likely a Victor formula that fits.

Diamond Adult Food

Diamond brings a larger variety, with over 30 adult options, including canned foods and treats. But not all formulas are created equal — some shine, while others fall short.

Standard & Classic Lines
These more affordable formulas use chicken by-product meal and sometimes vague “meat meal” paired with wheat flour. These ingredients are less digestible and lower in nutritional value. They get the job done but don’t impress.

Naturals Line
A big step up. These recipes use named meat meals (like lamb or beef), ditch the wheat, and focus on better grains like rice. With 10 options, it’s their most balanced and versatile line for adult dogs.

Naturals Grain-Free Line
Skips grains entirely, which is great for sensitivities, but these formulas can be lower in protein, making them better suited for dogs with moderate activity levels.

Pro89 Line
A standout option for working or athletic dogs. It features a high-protein blend with beef, pork, and beef meal. This is one of Diamond’s best-performing adult formulas.

Care Line
Developed for dogs with specific health concerns (like joint or skin issues). Their Care Rx formula is prescription-only and tailored for dogs with kidney conditions.

Diamond offers great variety, especially in its Naturals and Care lines. However, quality varies across their products — some are premium, while others use lower-grade ingredients. Choose carefully based on your dog’s needs.

Adult Top Pick: Victor Purpose Performance Review

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Nutrient-dense
Made with 81% meat protein
Promotes healthy digestion
Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg
Great for sporting breeds
399 kcal per cup
26% protein, 18% fat, 3.8% fiber

Price

• Starts at (5-lb bag)

Senior Formulas: Victor vs Diamond

As dogs move past their adult years, their nutritional needs change — less fat, more joint support, and easier-to-digest ingredients become essential. Both Victor and Diamond offer senior-friendly options, but their approaches differ.

Victor Dog Food for Seniors

Victor offers one formula specifically made for seniors:

• Senior Healthy Weight (Purpose Line) – Low in fat, contains L-Carnitine to support fat metabolism, and includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

While this is their only senior-labeled product, Victor recommends other formulas depending on your dog’s needs:

• Multi-Pro (Classic Line) – A solid choice for less active seniors
• 4 Select + 2 Purpose formulas – Also approved for senior dogs
• Realtree blends – Suitable for more active older dogs
• Canned pâtés – Easy on sensitive teeth

Diamond Dog Food for Seniors

Diamond takes a broader approach, stating that all adult formulas are senior-appropriate. However, they do have one dedicated senior formula:

• Senior Dog Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal – Free from wheat flour and corn; features easy-to-digest ingredients like chicken, egg, brown rice, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Bonus: Includes superfoods like pumpkin, blueberries, chia, and kale.

Additional options include:

• All canned formulas – Soft pâtés, perfect for aging teeth
• All treats (except puppy biscuits) – Safe for seniors

Senior Top Pick: Diamond Naturals Senior Review

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Nutrient-dense formula
No corn, wheat, or fillers
No artificial preservatives
Glucosamine and chondroitin boost
Made in the USA
347 kcal per cup
25% protein, 11% fat, 3% fiber

Price

• Starts at $23.14 ($3.86 / Pound)   (6-lb bag)

Wet Food: Victor vs Diamond

Wet food can be easier to chew, tastier for picky eaters, and gentler on sensitive stomachs. Both Victor and Diamond offer solid canned options. Here’s how they stack up.

Victor Canned Food

Victor offers five wet food options, including:

• 3 grain-free chunky meat recipes
• 2 pâté-style blends – great for seniors or dogs with dental issues

Highlights:

• Named meats (like beef or chicken) are always the first ingredient
• No fillers or vague by-products
• Dried egg whites boost protein levels naturally
• Grain-free recipes are ideal for dogs with sensitivities

High protein, clean ingredients, and senior-friendly textures make Victor’s wet food a strong choice.

Diamond Wet Food

Diamond keeps it simple with three wet food options in their Naturals line:

• Protein options include beef, chicken, and lamb
• All are pâté-style, easy to eat for dogs of any age
• All are grain-inclusive
• Lamb formula is not recommended for puppies

Highlights:

• Named meats listed first
• Includes superfoods like chia seeds, pumpkin, and blueberries
• Fewer fillers than their regular dry food formulas

Clean recipes plus superfood extras make Diamond’s wet food surprisingly premium.

Wet Food Winner: Victor

Both of these brands’ canned food options are top-of-the-line wet food. Victor wins over Diamond in this category because they have more options, including their grain-free selection that considers dogs with sensitivities.

Wet Food Top Pick: Victor Grain-Free Stew Review

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Sourced and made in the USA
Real, recognizable ingredients include turkey broth, turkey, chicken liver, sweet potatoes, etc.
Highly palatable texture
Encourages healthy digestion, bowel function, and muscles
Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and protein
100% free of flavors, colors, and preservatives

Price

• Starts at $25.99 (13.2-oz can, case of 12)

My Final Verdict

Both brands have their strengths, but here’s my quick takeaway:

• Diamond is a budget-friendly option with solid nutrition, especially in its Naturals line. However, the use of wheat flour and ground corn in some formulas and a history of multiple recalls may give some pet owners pause.
• Victor stands out for its high-quality ingredients and strong national reputation. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for premium nutrition. However, its recent recall history and FDA warning letter may be concerning for some owners.

If I were choosing for my pup, I’d go with Diamond Naturals. I love the inclusion of superfoods and more specific formulas for breed sizes and ages. And Victor’s recent food safety issues are of concern.

Are You Still Exploring Healthy Dog Food Options?

Victor and Diamond are solid choices, but if you’re still searching, you might consider freeze-dried dog food or fresh dog food. Many pet parents love the added flavor and nutrition, plus the custom subscription options. We’ve reviewed and tested brands like Ollie, Spot & Tango, and The Farmer’s Dog.

Just remember: always transition food slowly, and check with your vet before making a change.