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Diamond Pet Foods: Who’s Really Making Your Dog’s Kibble?

Who Really Owns Your Dog’s Food? Spotlight on Diamond Pet Foods

Diamond Pet Foods is the manufacturer behind many familiar dog food brands like Taste of the Wild, Diamond Naturals, and Kirkland Signature (Costco). While these brands are often praised for their affordability and perceived quality, a deeper look into Diamond’s ownership, manufacturing practices, and recall history is revealing.

🏢 Company Profile: Diamond Pet Foods

  • Parent Company: Schell & Kampeter Inc.
  • Founded: 1970
  • Headquarters: Meta, Missouri, USA
  • Brands Produced: Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, Kirkland Signature, 4health, NutraGold, Premium Edge, and more

Though privately owned and family-operated, Diamond operates several large-scale manufacturing facilities and produces food for numerous private label brands and retailers across North America.

⚠️ Recalls and Food Safety Issues

Diamond has a long history of food safety problems, including:

  • 2012: A massive salmonella outbreak that resulted in 14 brands being recalled and dozens of illnesses in pets and people.
  • 2005: A recall due to aflatoxin contamination, leading to pet deaths and a class-action lawsuit.

These incidents raise concerns about quality control and manufacturing oversight, especially given that Diamond co-manufactures for many other brands.

📦 Private Labeling Practices

Diamond is one of the largest private-label manufacturers in the U.S. They produce pet food under different names for retailers like Costco (Kirkland), Tractor Supply (4health), and others. While this helps reduce costs, it also means that brand identity doesn’t necessarily reflect unique sourcing or formulation.

🔍 Ingredient Transparency

  • Uses a mix of real meats and meat meals
  • Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available
  • Limited public info on sourcing, supplier ethics, or third-party testing

This lack of transparency can be concerning for pet parents who prioritize traceability and ingredient integrity.

🔗 Related Blog Posts

⚖️ Final Thoughts

Diamond Pet Foods may offer accessible pricing and decent ingredients, but their recall history and manufacturing scale make them less appealing to dog owners who prioritize safety, transparency, and ethical sourcing. Independent brands like Open Farm or Ziwi Peak offer more peace of mind.

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