Diamond Naturals vs Taste of the Wild Cat Food: 2 Great Brands, Who Wins?

Feeding your precious cat the vital nutrients and minerals that they need is one of the best ways to promote sustainable health for your pet. There are a lot of cat food products out on the market which can make it difficult for you to decide on which one is the best choice for your pet.

The most important factor when it comes to wild cat food is nutritional value and purity in terms of the amount of potentially harmful additives added to the product. While many companies boast about how safe and healthy their cat food products are, the reality is that they contain lots of harmful ingredients. To cut down on all of the confusion, this guide will help you determine which cat food brand is best for your furry feline.

Two of the top cat food brands are Diamond Naturals and Taste of The Wild, both of these brands offer high-quality cat food selections specially crafted with your cat’s health in mind. Diamond Naturals and Taste of The Wild provide a wide array of high-quality cat foods that will preserve and strengthen the health of your cat. Both companies provide a vast selection of cat food products geared towards specific health and vitality benefits. If you want to ensure optimal health for your cat, continue reading this guide to find out about all of the important facts that you need to know.

Spoiler alert… Diamond Naturals won this comparison by a considerable margin, the sheer amount of cat food products and treats offered by Diamond Naturals is astonishing. Diamond Naturals offers cat food products for both adult cats and kittens. They also provide an array of canned and dry cat foods that come in different flavors and substance types. Diamond Naturals is great for those who are serious about sustaining the health of the feline companion.

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A Look at Diamond Naturals

Diamond Naturals pet food has long been touted as one of the leading pet food providers on the market. Over the years, Diamond Naturals has faced many controversies pertaining to the safety and health content of their food products, however, that has not deterred them from continuing their journey to produce high-quality pet foods that people can trust.

Diamond Naturals pet food produces a wide variety of cat food options that are formulated to support the digestive system of your cat. Below, we’re going to provide a detailed breakdown of Diamond Naturals cat food products so that you can make the right decision on which product is best for your cat.

About the Company: Diamond Naturals

Diamond Naturals was founded in 1970 by brothers in law Richard Kampeter and Gary Schell. The brothers had the vision to make a company that would provide premium pet food products for animals of all types. Diamond Naturals basis it’s company core values on the motto that high-quality pet food should be affordable and easily accessible. Today, the Diamond Naturals pet food company has created a reality out of their vision and dominates a large sector of the pet food market as a whole.

Before they became a pet food giant, Gary and Richard purchased a milling company that was located in Meta, Missouri. From that building, the two brothers would form the Diamond Naturals company that we all know and love today.

Richard and Gary totally renovated the milling factory and installed new modern equipment that allowed them to increase their production rate and quantity. From the small milling factory in Meta, Missouri Diamond Naturals would expand its production reach into various parts of the U.S. from 1999 all the way up until 2016. In 1999, Diamond Naturals purchased a production plant in Lathrop, California and in 2003 they purchased a production facility in Gaston, South Carolina.

In 2012 the company further expanded its production capacity with the purchase of another plant in Ripon, California. And one of their latest purchases was a production plant located in Dumas, Arkansas which was bought in 2016. Diamond Naturals products are trusted by thousands of pet owners in various states across the U.S. and on an international level.

A Look at Company Ethics: Diamond Naturals Recalls & Controversies

Diamond Naturals has made a name for themselves as being one of the most trusted pet food brands on the market. However, this wasn’t always the case for the company as over the years they’ve faced many lawsuits and controversies surrounding their products. One thing is for certain however and that’s the fact that Diamond Naturals has used their struggles and controversies as springboards to becoming a better company each day.

Recalls

In April 2012 Diamond Naturals pet food company faced a recall issued by the FDA in relation to a variety of their dog food related products. This wasn’t the first time that the company had faced legal issues, however, in December of 2005, the FDA issued a recall for Diamond Pet food products that were being exclusively manufactured in Gaston, South Carolina. This recall was due to a possible aflatoxin contaminant that was found present in the factory during a routine inspection.

In May 2012, Diamond Naturals pet food faced a recall for all varieties and sizes of their pet food products due to potential salmonella contamination. In March 2013, Diamond Naturals faced another recall for their 6-pound bags of Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula due to low levels of thiamine.

Diamond Naturals pet food undergoes an annual audit by NSF International as a way to ensure that their manufacturing, production, and quality standards meet those that are acceptable for the public to consume. Even with all of these regulatory safeguards set in place, Diamond Naturals has faced a lot of recalls over the history of the company.

No person is perfect and when it comes to a large company like Diamond Naturals pet food, it can be tough keeping an eye on every micro activity happening at their plants across the country. Many of these controversies and recalls were the results of negligence on the part of individuals rather than the company as a whole.

That’s why you shouldn’t let these past mistakes interfere with your ability to provide quality cat food products to your precious feline.

Lawsuits

Aside from recalls, Diamond Naturals pet food products have rarely come under legal scrutiny in terms of lawsuits. However, as recent as 2018 a class action lawsuit was filed against Diamond Naturals for potential heavy metal contamination. The lawsuit alleges that Diamond Naturals pet food products contain an undisclosed amount of toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and an array of other potentially harmful materials.

The lawsuit was filed in California and alleges that the Diamond Pet Foods company is falsely representing the quality of their pet food products. The lawsuit also alleges negligence on the part of Diamond Pet Foods due to the fact that there are no disclaimers listed on their products to alert pet owners of the potential danger of their pet food products.

The lawsuit also alleges that the Diamond Naturals pet food company has failed to inform pet owners that these toxins have the potential to build-up in the bodies of pets over time. The lawsuit is still ongoing so we will just have to wait and see what the final ruling is on the subject matter.

Controversies

Aside from the various recalls the company has faced, Diamond Naturals has rarely faced controversies outside of those allegations. While some people have come out in the past to discredit the value and quality of their pet food products, none of these controversies impacted the company to such as degree where their operational standards have been interrupted.

Diamond Naturals Manufacturing & Sourcing

When buying pet food, it’s important to know where the product is produced and manufactured. This will allow you to ensure that you’re giving your cat a quality food product that is beneficial to their health and not the other way around. Diamond Naturals pet food company produces all of its products in the United States and all manufacturing is done in-house. This essentially means that there are no third-party influences or companies who are involved with the manufacturing process besides Diamond Naturals.

Diamond Naturals sources their cat food ingredients from local farms and produce vendors who provide them with high-quality vegetables, real meat, fruits, and more. Being that their products are sourced and manufactured in the United States, you can rest assured that all of their ingredients meet quality control standards and federally regulated guidelines. All of their products are manufactured in the U.S. also being that they have multiple factories located throughout Arkansans, Missouri, and California.

Diamond Naturals Cat Food Types

Diamond Naturals offers three distinctive cat food product lines, they are as follows:

Diamond Cat Food
Diamond Naturals Cat Food
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free

Diamond Cat Food

The Diamond cat food line of products are geared towards maintaining great health for your cats. The Diamond cat food line of products contain antioxidants, skin support, highly digestible protein sources, and nutrient-rich foods for adult cats.

Diamond Naturals

The Diamond Naturals cat food product line consists of a variety of meat and formula options designed to provide your cat with high-quality additive free cat food. The Diamond Naturals line of cat food products is designed for adult cats who have very active lives. The Diamond Naturals product line contains enhanced vitamin support and probiotic fibers that promote digestive, brain, and vision development. They offer both dry food and wet food options to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free

The Diamond Naturals Grain-Free product line consists of grain-free cat food products that are designed to provide direct nutrients to your feline friend. The Diamond Naturals cat food product line has a primary focus on providing nutritional cat food products that are free from grains.

Diamond Naturals Cat Food: Top Selling Product

Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula

The Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula contains high-quality sources of protein and fat that are formulated to assist the development and productivity levels of your adult cat.

The Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula can also be fed to small kittens and pregnant or nursing cats to aid in the development of fetal tissue and vital functions. Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula contains salmon oil which is a great source of DHA. DHA supports brain and vision development in adult cats and kittens making it one of the most beneficial proteins available.

Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula is a high-protein mix that contains high amounts of beneficial fats which promote nutritional value so your cat can maintain high levels of power and energy. Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula also contains an array of vegetables and essential vitamins to help support and sustain the health of vital organs and functionality in your cat.

Top 15 Ingredients: Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula

This section will list the 15 most beneficial ingredients contained within Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula so you can get a closer view into its health benefits.

Chicken Fat
Ground White Rice
Chicken Meal
Salmon Oil
Spinach
Chia Seed
Blueberries
Kale
Pumpkin
Oranges
Dried Kelp
Coconut
Carrots
Papaya
Taurine

These ingredients combine to create a powerful cat food mix that delivers quality sources of protein and energy for your feline. When selecting a cat food product, ingredients are an essential factor in determining whether or not the product is healthy for your cat.

Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula contains various sources of protein, healthy fat, and vegetables to provide lasting and all-around support for your cat to live a healthy life. Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula also contains essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B1, and vitamin B12 to support a productive lifestyle for your cat.

Nutritional Breakdown

Crude Protein- 40% Minimum
Crude Fat- 20% Minimum
Crude Fiber- 3% Maximum
Moisture- 10% Maximum
Zinc- 150mg/kg Minimum
DHA- 0.05% Minimum
Vitamin A- 15,000 IU/kg Minimum
Taurine- 0.1% Minimum
Omega-6 Fatty Acids- 3% Minimum
Vitamin E- 150 IU/kg Minimum
Selenium- 0.3 mg/kg Minimum

Pros

High fiber content which supports digestive health for your cat.
Real meat and fat to promote a healthy lifestyle for your cat while giving them the energy needed to stay productive.
Contains valuable probiotics or (good bacteria) which promote immune health and general well-being.
Essential vitamins and nutrients that help the growth of your cat while sustaining their health.

Cons

Formula primarily supports health for active fully-grown cats and is not recommended for all ages.
Moisture content is quite low and does not fully support hydration for your cat.
Contains plant fiber and protein which lessens the overall health potency this product could provide if it was made from strictly animal protein.

Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula is a well formulated and contains a powerful mix of protein, nutrition, and vitamins to support a healthy life for your cat. While there are some modifications that could be made to the formula in order to increase its nutritional value, Diamond Naturals Active Cat Chicken Meal & Rice Formula provides a solid nutritional base for active cats of all breeds.

A Look at Taste of The Wild

Taste of The Wild is a family owned pet food manufacturer who prides itself on providing high-quality pet foods for animals of all types. Taste of The Wild puts an emphasis on the health standards and production quality of their pet food products which has made them one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Taste of The Wild pet foods contains high amounts of protein and nutritional value to promote a healthy lifestyle for your cat.

About the Company: Taste of The Wild

Taste of The Wild has been in business for 8+yrs and till this very day, they are family owned and operated. Taste of The Wild was started by a family of pet owners who care about the safety and health of animals as they themselves own several pets. Taste of The Wild produces pet foods that are compatible with the natural diet standards of cats to provide them with the complete support that they need to stay productive and healthy.

Taste of The Wild produces a wide array of cat food products that vary in terms of their protein content and nutrition value. Taste of The Wild products are made in the USA to promote a sustainable and quality-controlled product that pet owners can rely on.

A Look at Company Ethics: Taste of The Wild

Taste of The Wild has a fairly clean record in terms of lawsuits and controversies however in 2018 they faced some serious legal issues. Although the company is facing some legal issues, this still hasn’t stopped them from producing quality pet food products that owners around the world love feeding to their cats.

Recalls

Taste of the wild has a pretty clean track record when it comes to the number of recalls that their pet food products have faced. In May 2012, the FDA issues a recall for all sizes of Taste of The Wild dry cat and dog pet foods due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall was quickly taken care of them by the company and until this very day Taste of The Wild has yet to face another recall on any of their pet food-related products.

Lawsuits

In 2018 Taste of The Wild faced major criticism and a class action lawsuit stating that their line of dog food products contained undisclosed amounts of pesticides and heavy metals. The lawsuit alleges that at least one known victim of their products died in direct correlation with the unsafe product materials found in their dog food line. The lawsuit also suggests that the company is engaging in false advertising practices to promote their products as being something that they are not.

This claim goes alongside the lawsuit which was filed against the company in reference to the dangerous amounts of unknown substances contained within their pet food products which could have last effects on animals. The lawsuit also suggests that these harmful materials can build up in the body of your pet leading to potential cancer, heart problems, nerve damage, and intestinal problems just to name a few.

The lawsuit is still ongoing so until a final verdict is reached Taste of The Wild will have to prove that their products do in fact contain the high-quality ingredients that they promote.

Controversies

Aside from the previously mentioned recalls and lawsuits, Taste of The Wild has been able to maintain a pristine reputation. The company has barely faced any severely damaging controversies or mishaps that have stained the reputation of the brand. Taste of The Wild continues to produce quality sourced and manufactured pet food products for dogs and cats alike.

Taste of The Wild Manufacturing & Sourcing

Taste of The Wild cat food is sourced from private vendors in which the company has established lasting relationships with. Many of their vendors are locally owned and operated facilities who produce the various meat and vegetable content that go into Taste of The Wild pet food products. Taste of The Wild has five manufacturing plants where they formulate and package their pet food products. All Taste of The Wild pet food products is manufactured and produced in the united states to ensure quality standards and optimal nutritional value.

Taste of The Wild has five manufacturing facilities located throughout the united states. They have two manufacturing plants in California, one in Missouri, one in South Carolina, and one in Arkansas. All of these facilities follow federal and local food safety and health regulations to ensure that Taste of The Wild pet food products provides exceptional value to your cat.

Taste of The Wild Cat Food Types

Taste of The Wild offers four distinctive cat food products, they are as follows:

Canyon River Feline Formula

The Canyon River Feline Formula contains mostly fish protein and is grain-free promoting a healthy and no-additive food product that boosts the health of your cat. The Canyon River Feline Formula contains antioxidants and is formulated to promote an efficient digestive system whilst reducing the number of carbohydrates your cat intakes. Canyon River feline formula is a wet food option only.

Canyon River Feline Recipe

The Canyon River Feline Recipe is a specially crafted cat food that contains only fish protein. The Canyon River Feline Recipe also contains high amounts of omega fats and taurine to promote a sustainable immune system and maximum protein intake for your cat. Canyon River Feline Recipe is a dry food option only.

Rocky Mountain Feline Formula

The Rocky Mountain Feline Formula was designed to either be a compliment to other formulas or simply a stand-alone diet option. The Rocky Mountain Feline Formula contains a combination of animal protein and low carbohydrate to promote a healthy balance for your feline and it’s dietary needs. Rocky Mountain Feline Formula is a dry food option only.

Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe

The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is formulated with nearly half of the contents being protein. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe contains a mix of fish and vegetable protein in addition to probiotics to support a healthy immune system and maximum vitality for your cat. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe also contains antioxidants and an essential omega fatty acids blend which helps to sustain the overall vital functions of your cat on a long-term basis. Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is a wet food option only.

Taste of The Wild Cat Food: Best Selling Product

Taste of The Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe

The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is a grain free product that is formulated with 42% of its contents being strictly protein. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe was created with all stages of life in mind making it the perfect cat food option for cats of all ages and sizes. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe blend contains an array of antioxidants including zinc and vitamin E which supports a healthy immune system and a non-bacterial friendly environment for your cat. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is crafted using a special omega fatty acids blend that helps to promote and sustain healthy skin for your cat.

The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is made using specific strains of probiotics which help to manage and sustain a healthy digestive system for your cat. These strain-specific probiotics also support a strong immune system for your cat so that it can stay protected against potentially harmful strains of bacteria and viruses. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is truly a comprehensive diet plan that supports all areas of growth and well-being for your feline friend.

Top 15 Ingredients: Taste of The Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe

Below, you will find a list of the top 15 most beneficial ingredients contained within the Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe that provide the most health benefits to your cat.

Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Chicken Fat
Chicken Meal
Roasted Venison
Smoked Salmon
Dried Chicory Root
Ocean Fish Meal
Pea Protein
Blueberries
Raspberries
Tomatoes
Biotin
Yucca Schidigera Extract
Taurine

The ingredients contained in the Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe are a powerful blend of vitamins, meat protein, and vegetable extracts which support the vital functions of your cat on an everyday basis. All of these ingredients are sourced from trusted local providers who maintain a high level of quality and nutritional value to ensure that the Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is safe for your cats to consume.

The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is also grain free, so you don’t have to worry about digestive issues arising from feeding your cat this product. The all-natural ingredients that make up the Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe are combined with species-specific probiotics which support a healthy immune system for your cat all year round.

Nutritional Breakdown

Crude Protein- 42% Minimum
Crude Fat- 18% Minimum
Crude Fiber- 3% Minimum
Moisture- 10% Maximum
Zinc- 120mg/kg Minimum
Selenium- 0.3mg/kg Minimum
Vitamin E- 150 IU/kg Minimum
Taurine- 0.15% Minimum
Omega-6 Fatty Acids- 2.8% Minimum
Omega-3 Fatty Acids- 0.3% Minimum
Total Microorganisms- not less than 80,000,000 CFU/lb

Pros

Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe contains natural probiotics which support the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe contains 42% of pure protein value which is higher than practically any other cat food on the market.
Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe contains majority fish protein which is an optimal source of energy for felines in particular.
Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe can be fed to cats of all ages making it one of the most versatile cat foods available.
Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is made using natural antioxidants that reduce bacterial infection and the presence of other potentially harmful substances.
Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe contains a lot of essential amino acids that help in maintaining a healthy heart and eye function for your cat.

Cons

Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe comes in a bag and there is no can option available.
Cannot be mixed or added to other feeding options due to protein levels and fiber content.
High protein content leaves out other essential vitamins which are beneficial for particular areas of the body.

Taste of The Wild’s Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is a powerful combination of essential protein needs and dietary fibers which help to keep your cat running at optimal performance. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe is a complete solution for all of your cat’s vital health necessities. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe has one of the highest protein concentrations found in cat food products on the market making it one of the leaders in the space. The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe takes into account every aspect of your cat’s health including immune and heart function.

Conclusion

Both Taste of The Wild and Diamond Naturals produces high-quality cat food that is great for maintaining and sustaining the health of your pet. Diamond Naturals cat food products place an emphasis on specific areas of health such as productivity and energy levels. While this isn’t a massive turnoff, their competitors like Taste of The Wild provide more holistically centered food options that address all of your cat’s needs in one formula.

With that being said, Taste of The Wild isn’t a saint either, their cat food products tend to provide overwhelming support for your cat which can lead to potential issues like too much of anything isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Taste of The Wild also has very limited options when it comes to their cat food products which can make finding the right feed choice for your cat a challenge. Taste of The Wild typically has higher levels of fat to protein concentration which can potentially cause health issues for your cat down the line if you choose to use this product as their main feeding source.

Both companies manufacture their pet food products in the United States so quality assurance won’t be an issue. Diamond Naturals has an advantage on Taste of The Wild due to their truly natural cat food options and their extreme dedication to providing versatile options in a market that rarely sees innovation.

When looking at both companies side by side, Diamond Naturals is the clear winner of this comparison for several reasons. The main reason is that their pet food products provide a more balanced and well-researched formula selections that help to promote cat health in various aspects of their life. Diamond Naturals also has an advantage on Taste of The Wild due to the sheer number of years that they’ve been in business and the end results show that experience wins every time.

Diamond Naturals cat food products come in specially designed formulas that are created with your cat’s age, size, and activity levels in mind. These selections allow you to make a more informed and accurate decision when it comes to buying a cat food product that your cat will not only enjoy however one that will provide true lasting benefits to your feline throughout the span of their lifetime.

Diamond Naturals is the clear winner in this battle for a variety of reasons and their products have stood the test of time against many competitors who have tried to take them out of their position. Diamond Naturals is the clear winner when it comes to buying high-quality cat food that offers reliable support for a variety of their critical everyday functions. When you want a high-quality, well sourced, all-natural cat food to give your precious feline, Diamond Naturals is the best option to choose.

You can find Diamond Naturals products in a wide range of pet stores and online retailers who carry the brand. Make sure your cat has the vital nutrients and all around health support that they need by feeding them a trusted brand in Diamond Naturals!

Don’t forget to check out our Extensive Cat Food Buying Guide: How to Buy Cat Food!