Diamond Naturals and Blue Buffalo represent different market positions—exceptional value versus premium marketing. Here's how these popular options compare.
Brand Overview
Diamond Naturals
- Founded: 1970
- Company: Diamond Pet Foods
- Headquarters: Meta, Missouri
- Philosophy: Natural ingredients, accessible pricing
- Price Point: $$ (Value-premium)
Blue Buffalo
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut
- Parent Company: General Mills
- Philosophy: Natural ingredients, "True Blue Promise"
- Price Point: $$ - $$$ (Premium)
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Diamond Naturals | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price (30-40 lb) | $40-50 | $55-70 |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
| Product Variety | Moderate | Extensive |
| Unique Feature | Superfoods | LifeSource Bits |
Ingredient Philosophy
Diamond Naturals
- Real meat first ingredient
- Natural ingredients
- Probiotics included
- Superfoods (chia seeds, pumpkin, quinoa)
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives
- Value-focused quality
Blue Buffalo
- Real meat first
- "True Blue Promise" standards
- LifeSource Bits (antioxidants, vitamins)
- No poultry by-products
- No corn, wheat, or soy (many formulas)
- Heavy marketing focus
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Diamond Naturals Adult: 25-26%
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: 24-26%
- Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete: 32%
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: 32-36%
- Similar ranges at comparable tiers
Fat Content
- Diamond Naturals: 15-18%
- Blue Buffalo: 14-18%
- Comparable
Key Differences
Diamond Naturals:
- Superfoods blend
- Standard probiotics
- No proprietary gimmicks
- Straightforward nutrition
Blue Buffalo:
- LifeSource Bits
- More specialized formulas
- Heavy marketing investment
- More variety
Product Lines
Diamond Naturals
- Adult: Chicken, Lamb, Beef options
- Large Breed: Adult and Puppy
- Small Breed: Adult
- Extreme Athlete: Performance
- Light: Weight management
- Puppy/Senior: Life stages
Blue Buffalo
- Life Protection: Core line
- Wilderness: High protein, grain-free
- Basics: Limited ingredient
- Freedom: Grain-free
- True Solutions: Targeted health
- Baby Blue: Puppy specific
Blue Buffalo offers significantly more variety.
Price Comparison
Per 30-40 lb Bag
- Diamond Naturals Adult: $40-48
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: $55-65
- Diamond Naturals Large Breed: $42-50
- Blue Buffalo Large Breed: $58-68
Diamond Naturals is approximately 25-35% cheaper.
The Value Question
Diamond Naturals Advantage
- Nearly a third cheaper
- Similar base quality
- Probiotics and superfoods included
- No marketing premium
What You Give Up
- Less variety
- No LifeSource Bits
- Fewer specialized formulas
- Less brand prestige
Manufacturing and Safety
Diamond Naturals
- Diamond Pet Foods facilities
- Historical recall issues
- Quality has improved significantly
- Acceptable for price point
Blue Buffalo
- Multiple manufacturers
- General Mills quality control
- Historical recalls too
- Corporate oversight
Both have had recall issues; neither is clearly safer.
The Marketing Reality
Diamond Naturals
- Minimal marketing expense
- Focus on quality for price
- Simple packaging
- No celebrity endorsements
Blue Buffalo
- Extensive advertising
- Premium packaging
- "True Blue Promise" branding
- Heavy marketing investment
Much of Blue Buffalo's premium covers marketing, not quality.
Superfoods vs LifeSource Bits
Diamond Naturals Superfoods
- Chia seeds (omega fatty acids)
- Pumpkin (fiber, digestion)
- Quinoa (protein, nutrients)
- Kale (vitamins)
- Coconut (energy)
Blue Buffalo LifeSource Bits
- Cold-formed to preserve nutrients
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins and minerals
- Unique dark-colored kibble pieces
Both approaches add nutritional value; neither is transformative.
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Diamond Naturals If:
- Value is primary concern
- Your dog doesn't need specialized formulas
- Superfoods appeal to you
- Budget constraints exist
- Basic premium quality is sufficient
Choose Blue Buffalo If:
- You need specialized formulas
- Variety matters
- Specific health conditions
- LifeSource Bits appeal
- Budget is flexible
Our Verdict
For Value
Diamond Naturals wins:
- Comparable quality
- 25-35% cheaper
- Superfoods included
- No marketing premium
For Variety/Specialization
Blue Buffalo wins:
- More product options
- Health-targeted formulas
- Specialized needs addressed
- More recognized brand
The Bottom Line
For most dogs, Diamond Naturals provides equal nutrition at significantly better value. Blue Buffalo's premium is largely marketing. Unless you need specialized formulas, Diamond Naturals is the smarter choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Naturals as good as Blue Buffalo?
For basic nutrition, yes. Core quality is comparable. Blue Buffalo has more variety and LifeSource Bits, but these don't justify a 25-35% premium for most dogs.
Why is Diamond Naturals cheaper?
Less marketing expense, efficient manufacturing, and value positioning. The savings are real without sacrificing base quality.
Is Diamond Pet Foods safe?
Diamond has improved significantly after historical recalls. Quality control is now acceptable. Both Diamond and General Mills (Blue Buffalo) have had issues—neither is perfect.
Are superfoods or LifeSource Bits better?
Neither is significantly better. Both add some nutritional value. Neither transforms the food into something dramatically superior.
Should I upgrade from Diamond Naturals to Blue Buffalo?
If your dog is thriving on Diamond Naturals, there's little reason to switch. The quality difference doesn't justify the price increase unless you need specialized formulas.