Help! I Want to Change My Puppy’s Dog Food! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Cher is a 9-month-old female Shih Tzu puppy. She is presently eating Royal Canin puppy food wet and dry. I am considering transitioning her to Diamond Natural small-breed adult dry food. My thought is that the Diamond Natural brand is less expensive and seems to have similar ingredients. I am asking for your advice on this Diamond Naturals brand vs Royal Canin. Thank you in advance for your advice.“ – Alan
Quick Info about Cher
Hi Alan.
That is an important and very fair question, because many pet parents wonder whether the difference between brands reflects science or simply marketing power. Larger companies like Royal Canin invest in feeding trials, employ veterinary nutrition professionals, and evaluate how dogs perform on their diets over time rather than relying only on calculated nutrient profiles. That level of testing and quality control requires significant financial resources, which is why it is more common among large manufacturers. At the same time, it is important to recognize that much of the research in the pet food industry is company-funded, so while it provides useful information about safety, digestibility, and performance, it is not the same as independent clinical research.
Smaller or mid-size brands, including Diamond Naturals, typically formulate diets to meet established nutrient standards using laboratory analysis and formulation software. This approach is acceptable and meets regulatory requirements, and many dogs maintain good health on these foods. A helpful way to explain this to pet parents is to think of two medications that meet safety standards. One has more internal testing behind it, while the other is developed to meet the required specifications with less in-house clinical evaluation. Both can work, and neither approach automatically guarantees superior long-term health outcomes for every dog.
From a broader nutritional perspective, it is also helpful to step back and see the bigger picture. Both Royal Canin and Diamond Naturals are extruded kibble, or canned wet food, meaning they are highly processed and rely on synthetic nutrients to replace what is lost during manufacturing. If the goal is to move beyond comparing brands within the same processing category, a meaningful improvement in nutritional quality comes from reducing processing altogether. Complete and balanced, gently cooked, fresh diets provide nutrients in a more natural and bioavailable form, more like whole meals than packaged cereal, and commercially prepared options make this approach practical while avoiding the nutritional imbalances that often occur with home-cooked recipes. Ultimately, the most important measure of any diet is the dog’s overall health, body condition, digestion, and long-term well-being.
Regards,
Dr. Paola