Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 4, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated for large-breed puppies, using lamb and lamb meal as the main animal protein sources along with several rice and grain ingredients for energy. It includes controlled calcium and phosphorus for appropriate bone development, DHA from salmon oil for brain and eye development, and added probiotics and fiber sources to support digestion. The recipe is designed to meet AAFCO requirements for all life stages, including growth of large-breed dogs, which have special needs while they’re growing.
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced option for large-breed puppies, with appropriate protein and fat levels and a calcium-to-phosphorus profile that supports controlled, steady growth. I like that it uses lamb and egg as quality protein sources and includes DHA, L-carnitine, and probiotics, all of which are useful during the growth phase. It’s formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages including large-breed growth, making it suitable for large and giant breed puppies as long as they tolerate the ingredients well.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages including growth of large-breed dogs, which is critical for safe large-breed puppy growth.
- Good protein and fat levels for a dry puppy food (27% protein, 15% fat) from lamb, lamb meal, egg, and fish meal, providing a solid amino acid profile.
- Calcium and phosphorus levels are appropriate for large-breed growth, and the formula includes DHA from salmon oil to support brain and eye development.
- Includes probiotics, prebiotic fiber sources (dried chicory root, tomato pomace), and various omega and antioxidant-rich ingredients that can support digestive and skin/coat health.
Considerations
- Contains multiple potential allergens such as lamb, egg, chicken fat, and fish meal, so it may not be suitable for puppies with known food allergies to these proteins.
- Carbohydrate sources are primarily grains (brown rice, barley, sorghum, white rice), which are fine nutritionally but may not fit owners specifically seeking grain-free diets—though grain-free is not inherently healthier.
- AAFCO adequacy is based on formulation rather than feeding trials, so while it meets nutrient profiles on paper, digestibility and real-world performance have not been verified through 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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
02
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
04
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
05
Grain Sorghum
Grain sorghum is a gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest plant protein, B vitamins, and minerals, often serving as an alternative to corn or wheat. It supplies energy and dietary fiber for dogs and cats but is relatively low in certain essential amino acids (like lysine), and some tannin-containing varieties can reduce palatability and nutrient digestibility—processing and balanced formulation mitigate these issues, and sourcing should guard against mycotoxin contamination.
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
Diamond Naturals is a mid-range premium brand featuring whole-food ingredients and added probiotics for digestive health. It provides grain-inclusive and grain-free formulas designed for balanced nutrition and holistic wellness.
Visit Diamond NaturalsManufacturer
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 Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula 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 Naturals ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Diamond Naturals. 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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