Diamond High Energy Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a high-calorie, high-fat dry food designed for active adult and sporting dogs who burn a lot of energy. It uses chicken by-product meal and an additional meat meal as the main protein sources, with corn, wheat flour, and rice bran providing carbohydrates and fiber. The formula also supplies added glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and probiotics to support joint comfort, skin and coat, and digestive health in hard-working dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a solid option for healthy, high-energy adult dogs that need a calorie-dense diet to maintain weight and fuel activity. The 24% protein and 20% fat, together with around 442 calories per cup, make it well-suited for working, sporting, or very active pets. It relies on chicken by-product meal and mixed grains, which offer good nutrition but may not be ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or those needing a lower-fat maintenance diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High fat and calorie density (20% fat, ~442 kcal/cup) to help active or working dogs meet their energy needs without very large meal volumes.
- Uses animal-based meals (chicken by-product meal and meat meal) as primary protein sources, which are nutrient-dense and provide important amino acids and natural glucosamine.
- Includes guaranteed glucosamine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and probiotics, which can support joint comfort, skin and coat quality, and digestive health.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it is complete and balanced for adult dogs.
Considerations
- The high fat and calorie content may be too rich for less active dogs, overweight dogs, or those prone to pancreatitis, so it’s best reserved for genuinely high-energy or working dogs.
- Contains chicken, wheat, and corn, which are all nutritious but can be problem ingredients for dogs with confirmed food allergies or sensitivities to these components.
- Protein level (24%) is adequate for most adult dogs but a bit lower than some other high-performance or working-dog diets, which some very athletic dogs may benefit from if they struggle to maintain muscle mass.
- AAFCO adequacy is based on nutrient formulation rather than feeding trials, so actual digestibility and real-world performance haven’t been verified through formal trials.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
02
Whole Grain Corn
Whole grain corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate and energy source in pet foods, providing digestible starch, dietary fiber, some protein, and B vitamins and minerals while retaining more nutrients than refined corn. It is generally economical and well-tolerated by most dogs and many cats, but because cats are obligate carnivores animal-based proteins are nutritionally more important, and pets with grain sensitivities, certain metabolic conditions, or requirements for low-carbohydrate diets may need alternatives; proper sourcing and processing also reduce mycotoxin risk and improve digestibility.
03
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is commonly used in pet foods as a carbohydrate source, binder and extender that provides digestible energy, some protein (including gluten), and small amounts of fiber and B‑vitamins when enriched. While generally safe and economical for many dogs, it is not a required ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, can contribute to excess calories or a high glycemic load, and can trigger food allergies or gluten sensitivity in susceptible pets, so animals with known wheat sensitivities or weight concerns may benefit from wheat‑free formulations.
04
Rice Bran
Rice bran, the nutrient-rich outer layer of the rice kernel, is used in pet foods as a source of dietary fiber, energy-dense fats, and micronutrients (B vitamins, vitamin E and trace minerals) and can help improve palatability and stool quality. It can be a useful ingredient for dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) but is high in oil and can go rancid unless stabilized, contains phytates that may affect mineral absorption, and can concentrate contaminants like inorganic arsenic, so it should be sourced and processed carefully and not be relied on as a primary protein for obligate carnivores.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
The core Diamond brand offers value-oriented dog and cat food formulations designed to balance affordability with reliable quality. It appeals to pet owners seeking trusted nutrition at budget-conscious price points.
Visit DiamondManufacturer
Diamond Pet Foods maintains a rigorous quality assurance program that includes in-house testing for mycotoxins, pathogens, and nutritional analysis. The company adheres to FDA, AAFCO, and HACCP standards, employing extrusion and cooking processes designed to ensure product safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Diamond Diamond High Energy Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Diamond ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Diamond. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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