Looking through the latest Diamond Naturals dog food reviews? You’ve come to the right place. In this review, I’ll tell you all the good and bad stuff about the Diamond Naturals brand as well as give a quick overview of other formulas.
Diamond pet food is an American brand devoted to providing pets with the best nutrition at the best possible price. As of now, the company encompasses five Diamond pet food brands that target the needs of canines at all life stages and various styles of life. The organization makes balanced and holistic nutrition for every dog. It believes in the affordable and quality canine food that is available for every pet parent.
Diamond also manufactures pet food for other companies like Taste of The Wild, some of the Solid Gold dry foods, 4Health-Tractor Supply grain-inclusive recipes only, and some more at their own facilities.
Who Makes Diamond Naturals Dog Food?
Diamond Pet Foods Inc. is owned by Schell & Kampeter Inc. The Diamond’s story started in 1970 when two brothers-in-law, Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter, started the pet food manufacturing business with a firm belief that our four-pawed friends deserve the best nutrition. They purchased the manufacturing facility in Meta, Missouri from a former milling company and started producing their own Diamond Naturals dog food.
Later, they equipped their Meta facility with state-of-the-art stuff that allowed them to expand the manufacturing capacity. Diamond also purchased plants in Lathrop, California (1999), Gaston, South Carolina (2003), Ripon, California (2012), and Dumas, Arkansas (2016) to meet the growing demand for Diamond pet food.
According to the company’s website, the Diamond pet food manufacturer follows stringent safety and quality protocols to ensure every batch of kibble or canned food meets the claimed quality standards. The company monitors and tests raw materials that enter the facility, the production environment, the manufacturing processes, and the final products.
As of now, the second generation of Schell and Kampeter families operate the Diamond company. It markets its products in 100 countries all over the world and is trusted by professional breeders, vets, trainers, and seasoned pet owners.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food Reviews
Is Diamond Naturals good dog food? You’ll find an answer to this question further. Meanwhile, I invite you to join me in the investigation of the Diamond Naturals dog food series.
So, what makes Diamond Naturals different from Diamond and other brands manufactured by this company? The Signature Naturals means that the recipes are formulated according to the dog’s dietary instincts, which means the mix of quality animal proteins and other functional ingredients. The formulas are also free of the controversial ingredients found in low-grade foods.
The Diamond Naturals recipes cover all dogs. There are recipes for adult small breed and giant canines, for puppies and active pets that need more energy than an ordinary pooch. No matter how old your dog is or what is the level of their activity, the Diamond Naturals canine recipes are formulated for uncompromising quality and performance. They provide pets with complete and holistic nutrition for every day. Every formula of the Diamond Naturals is made of high-quality ingredients, superfoods, antioxidant-rich fruit, fiber-packed vegetables, and probiotics for digestive health and immune support.
The Diamond Naturals dog food brand offers more than 20 recipes, both dry and canned. Let’s take a quick look at the most popular recipes before I proceed with a more detailed Diamond Naturals overview.
Diamond Naturals Senior Dry Dog Food
- Wholesome chicken is the first ingredient
- Balanced content of protein and fat for an aging canine
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Fortified with probiotics for gut health
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice Dry Dog Food
- Cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
- Functional ingredients and superfoods
- Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
- Free of grains for dogs with sensitivities
- Wholesome beef is the first ingredient
- Complex carbs for long-term energy
- Packed with superfoods for more nutritional value
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
- Made for dogs of all life stages
- Optimal levels of protein and fat to deliver enough energy
- Contains cage-free chicken and superfoods
Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
- Formulated for adult dogs
- Free of artificial flavors and by-products
- Contains probiotics and antioxidants
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Made for canines with sensitive skin in mind
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Limited ingredient grain-free recipe for dogs with food-related skin sensitivities
Diamond Naturals Senior Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Formulated to meet the needs of a senior dog. Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and grains. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joints.
As dogs age, they need special nutrition that targets their dietary needs and helps maintain their health. With that in mind, the company formulated Diamond Naturals senior dog food to help dogs stay as healthy as possible as they get older. Since aging canines are recommended to consume more protein to maintain lean muscle, this recipe contains 25% of crude protein. This protein level allows the pet to avoid the loss of muscle tissue. This recipe is enhanced with K9 Strain Probiotics, which include bacteria that maintain digestive and immune systems, assisting your pooch in sustaining an active lifestyle. An optimal level of glucosamine and chondroitin in this formula contributes to the joint's health of a pet. As mature canines need 20% fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight than adults, this recipe for senior canines has a beneficial amount of calories that is just right to fuel the pet without causing any weight issues.
KEY FEATURES:
- Caloric content: 318 kcal per cup
- Crude protein: 25.0% min
- Crude fat: 11.0% min
- Crude fiber: 3.00% min
- Moisture: 10.00% max
- Key ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, ground white rice, egg, oatmeal, rice bran, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
- Supports the mature dog with a perfect blend of nutrients
- Backed with prebiotics for the digestive system
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Senior
- Weight: 6 oz. / 6 lb. / 18 lb. / 35 lb.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Nourishing formula for senior dogs
- Optimal protein and fat levels
- Probiotics and fiber for better digestion
- Glucosamine and chondroitin to support joints
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Might lead to stomach issues
- Some picky eaters won’t approve
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Specially formulated for large breeds. Packed with nutrients to support the canine’s health. Glucosamine and chondroitin maintain the dog’s joints. Enhanced with Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and glossy coat.
This Diamond Naturals large breed dog food with chicken & rice for giant breeds is specially formulated to deliver the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to large and giant dogs’ bodies through a well-thought-out recipe. This formula is packed with proteins, fats, fiber, and moderate amounts of carbs to ensure your canine gets energy for an active lifestyle. The Diamond Naturals dog food chicken and rice is made of wholesome cage-free chicken, which is followed by chicken meal. These are quality sources of protein and are present in this recipe at the optimal level to ensure lean muscle maintenance. The formula is enhanced with grains, superfoods, and supplements, so it makes a complete and balanced holistic diet your pet truly deserves.
KEY FEATURES:
- Caloric content: 327 kcal per cup
- Crude protein: 23.0% min
- Crude fat: 13.0% min
- Crude fiber: 3.50% min
- Moisture: 10.00% max
- Key ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, rice bran, grain sorghum, dried yeast, chicken fat, and more.
- Packed with grains, but free of corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives
- Supports joint health with the optimal level of glucosamine and chondroitin
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: Large breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 6 oz. / 40 lb.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Nutrient-packed recipe for large canines
- Probiotics and fiber for better digestion and healthier immune system
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Free of controversial ingredients
- Backed with superfoods for better performance
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Some canines don’t like the flavor
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Limited ingredients for a dog with sensitivities. Free of chicken and grains. Packed with functional fruit and vegetables. Includes complex carbs for day-long activity.
According to consumer reports, this Diamond Naturals grain free dog food is an excellent choice for those canines that have grains, chicken, or some other type of food intolerance. It helps fight skin rashes and allergies that stemmed from nutrition. This recipe contains beef as the first ingredient, and also has lamb meal to enrich the dog’s diet with the right amount of proteins. It doesn’t contain chicken, which is a common allergen in dogs. The formula is free of grains, which might be hard to break down. To compensate for the lack of grains and the energy they might deliver, the recipe includes a variety of fruit and vegetables, namely sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, blueberries, raspberries, and more, which are great sources of plant proteins, carbs, fiber, antioxidants, and organic vitamins.
KEY FEATURES:
- Caloric content: 335 kcal per cup
- Crude protein: 24.0% min
- Crude fat: 14.0% min
- Crude fiber: 5.00% min
- Moisture: 10.00% max
- Key ingredients: beef, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, pea flour, canola oil, tomato pomace, flaxseed, fish meal, and more.
- Free of grains, so suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
- Packed with fruit and vegetables with great nutritional value
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: All life stages
- Weight: 6 oz. / 5 lb. / 14 lb. / 28 lb.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Is made of wholesome pasture-raised beef
- Doesn’t have grains, fillers, or by-products
- Includes functional plants
- Helps solve digestive issues
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Might taste strange for the dog
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Enhanced animal protein and fat content to provide an active dog with enough energy. Real chicken and wholesome superfoods. Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint maintenance.
The Diamond Naturals extreme athlete dog food is a high energy formula meant to provide your hard-working canine with energy to deal with daily heavy loads. Compared to other recipes, this one contains more animal proteins and fats to ensure the pooch gets enough energy through high-quality ingredients. 91% of proteins are derived from chicken and eggs, and only 9% come from plants. As sporting or working canines have a greater load on their joints, this recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin to prevent joint issues or alleviate existing joint pain. Probiotics, antioxidants, and supplements contribute to the overall well-being of the four-pawed friend, maintaining digestive and immune systems, as well as targeting other organs.
KEY FEATURES:
- Caloric content: 470 kcal per cup
- Crude protein: 32.0% min
- Crude fat: 25.0% min
- Crude fiber: 4.00% min
- Moisture: 10.00% max
- Key ingredients: chicken meal, chicken, ground white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), cracked pearled barley, egg product, and more.
- A calorie-dense formula for active and working dogs
- Rich in animal proteins and fats
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 6 oz. / 40 lb.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Chicken meal and chicken are the key ingredients
- Free of by-products, preservatives, fillers
- Supports digestive and immune systems, as well as joint health
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Some dogs just don’t appreciate the taste
- The bag size variety is limited
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Supports canines at all life stages. Packed with nutrients to bring enough energy through meals. Free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, by-products, or fillers.
This Diamond Naturals dry dog food will work great for breeders or other households with multiple dogs of different ages. It’s suitable for puppies, adult canines, and senior dogs that do not require a special diet. This recipe has chicken and chicken meal as the primary ingredients. The formula also contains functional grains with low gluten content like whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, which are easily digested by pets. You’ll also find a wide range of fruit and vegetables, which deliver an array of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins so that your furry buddy gets all they need for proper development and growth.
KEY FEATURES:
- Caloric content: 368 kcal per cup
- Crude protein: 26.0% min
- Crude fat: 16.0% min
- Crude fiber: 2.50% min
- Moisture: 10.00% max
- Key ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat, grain sorghum, dried yeast, dried beet pulp, egg product, and more.
- A balanced recipe for canines of all ages and breeds
- Supports digestion due to the use of prebiotics
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: All life stages
- Weight: 6 oz. / 40 lb.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Chicken meal and chicken are the key ingredients
- Formulated for canines of all life stages
- Packed with superfoods, functional fruit and vegetables
- Small kibble size
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Not suitable for canines with grain or chicken intolerance
Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Formulated to meet the needs of adult canines. Plentiful of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Optimal levels of selenium and vitamin E for immune system and fertility.
Diamond Naturals dog food lamb and rice is a sound feeding solution for an adult canine. This recipe is made of lamb meal as the only animal protein source and is then enhanced with grains, veggies, and fruit. It’s free of wheat, soy, corn, and other fillers, but contains low-gluten and gluten-free grains that are a great source of carbs. Superfoods like blueberries, pumpkin, kelp, and others enrich the recipe with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants to contribute to the overall well-being of the canine.
KEY FEATURES:
- Caloric content: 332 kcal per cup
- Crude protein: 23.0% min
- Crude fat: 14.0% min
- Crude fiber: 4.00% min
- Moisture: 10.00% max
- Key ingredients: lamb meal, ground white rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum, egg product, dried yeast, rice bran, chicken fat, millet, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, and more.
- A balanced recipe for canines of all ages and breeds
- Supports digestion due to the use of prebiotics
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 6 oz. / 6 lb. / 20 lb. / 40 lb.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Lamb meal is the only animal protein source
- Functional ingredients and no fillers
- Enriched with prebiotics for gut health
- Packed with fatty acids for healthy skin and a beautiful coat
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- The amount of animal protein might be not enough for the dog
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
A limited ingredient formula with one protein source and no grains. Wild-caught salmon is the first ingredient. Great amino acid profile for healthy skin and glossy coat.
Diamond Naturals skin & coat formula all life stages grain-free dry dog food is a healthy formula that is suitable for canines with food-related skin sensitivities. As this recipe is free of grains, chicken, beef, lamb (which might be the reason for allergic rashes and skin itching), it helps pooches with some food intolerance live a happy and healthy life. Wild-caught salmon and fish meal are the only sources of fish proteins. The protein level is enhanced with plant proteins that come from peas, peas flour, and potatoes. Guaranteed probiotics, superfoods packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and added supplements complete the nutritional profile of this recipe and make it a worthy dietary solution for canines with problematic skin.
KEY FEATURES:
- Caloric content: 337 kcal per cup
- Crude protein: 24.0% min
- Crude fat: 14.0% min
- Crude fiber: 5.00% min
- Moisture: 10.00% max
- Key ingredients: salmon, fish meal, potatoes, lentils, peas, pea flour, canola oil, dried yeast, flaxseed, tomato pomace, and more.
- A sound solution for pets with food-related skin sensitivities
- A grain-free recipe with limited ingredients
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: All life stages
- Weight: Weight: 6 oz. / 15 lb. / 30 lb.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Only fish proteins with real wild-caught salmon
- Suitable for dogs with skin issues derived from the improper nutrition
- Packed with superfoods, functional fruit and vegetables
- Free of grains and other hard-to-digest ingredients
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Some vets report that grain-free recipes cause heart issues
The Diamond brand
The Diamond brand includes budget-friendly recipes for canines. These formulas will help your pet stay active and healthy on one of these affordable diets. But note that the price of the products from this brand is reduced due to the use of not-so-desirable ingredients like by-product meal, corn, wheat, and others. You won’t find real meat in these recipes. This makes Diamond an average low-budget canine’s food brand.
The Diamond products include:
- Diamond HI-ENERGY
- Diamond MAINTENANCE
- Diamond ORIGINAL
- Diamond PERFORMANCE
- Diamond PREMIUM ADULT
- Diamond PUPPY
The second brand is called Naturals Diamond dog food. I already spent a lot of time explaining the pros and cons of this brand, so let’s jump to the third one - Diamond Care.
The Diamond Care Brand
Diamond Care products are made with the pets’ needs in mind. This brand was created with an aim of making specialized diets affordable for everyone so that every pet owner could prolong the lifespan of their furry companions. These are grain-free recipes for adult dogs that address a specific health condition. For instance, if your pet needs renal support, you’ll find a recipe here. The Diamond Care brand lineup includes:
- Diamond Care Rx Renal Formula
- Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Formula
- Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula
- Diamond Care Weight Management Formula
The Diamond PRO89 Brand
The Diamond PRO89 brand is specially created for canines that work at the peak of their performance. There is only one nutrient-dense recipe that includes pork, beef, and ancient grains as a source of proteins. It is fortified with amino acids to boost the dog's performance and enhance stamina.
The Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Brand
And, finally, Diamond Naturals Grain-Free brand is made of some of the best ingredients without any grains. These recipes have meat as the first ingredient, which is then complemented with meat meal, peas, sweet potatoes, and other sources of nutrients. This brand will do for canines that have food sensitivities because of the limited ingredient profile. The recipes include:
- Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Formula with Cage-Free Chicken and Sweet Potato
- Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Formula with Pasture-Raised Beef and Sweet Potato
- Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Formula with Wild-Caught Whitefish and Sweet Potato
The Diamond dry food is an absolute company’s favorite since almost all the recipes are made in the kibble formula. Only a few canned recipes are available for sale.
Diamond Dry Dog Food
There’s plenty of Diamond dry dog food for customers to choose from. The company offers recipes for overweight dogs, extreme athletes, senior canines, or pets with food sensitivities.
The flavor variety will excite you with the huge assortment. There are both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes, so you are free to choose the formula that would work for your pet best. Grain-based food comes with beef and rice, salmon and rice, lamb and rice, chicken and rice, and some other tastes. Grain-free formulas are available in a limited selection of flavors, but you are still offered food options with chicken, beef, and whitefish with sweet potatoes.
Diamond Wet Dog Food
In comparison to a dry recipe variety, Diamond Naturals canned dog food lineup is somewhat limited. Only one brand - Diamond Naturals - contains three wet recipes.
- Diamond Naturals Beef Dinner
- Diamond Naturals Chicken Dinner
- Diamond Naturals Lamb Dinner
All the formulas come in the paté texture. Meat is blended with vegetables, fruit, meat and fish meal, and supplements to make a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.
Diamond Naturals Ingredient Analysis
Diamond Naturals dog food ingredients make a good impression at first glance. These are high-grade products that are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and other essentials. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients and see what’s their purpose in this dog food.
All the recipes contain real meat (chicken, beef, lamb) as the first ingredient. The protein level is increased with meat meal, which contains three times more protein than real meat. Protein is required to build or maintain a muscle system. It also improves the immune system and provides the canine with energy.
All grain-inclusive recipes have whole brown rice, which metabolizes slowly and becomes a steady supply of energy for the pet.
Grain-free recipes use sweet potatoes, peas, and pea flour that are packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. They are also a source of complex carbohydrates, which provide the canine with energy throughout the whole day.
However, there are some questionable ingredients. In fact, they do not pose any threat to the dog’s health if used wisely, but I do not know what is their exact amount in the recipes. For example, salt enhances the flavor of the food, but it can lead to heart issues if overused.
Fish meal is another questionable ingredient. There’s nothing bad in fish meal, but not all fish are created equal, so it would make sense to specify what type of fish they use.
Diamond Naturals Guaranteed Analysis
The ratio of nutrients in Diamond Naturals varies depending on the recipe.
An average Diamond Naturals recipe contains 25% protein, 15% fat, and 3.5 % fiber. This is considered to be a standard for a common adult dog with an average activity level.
Puppy and high-performance recipes have a slightly different nutrient composition. Since puppies and active dogs need more energy for growth or performing their daily tasks, the protein and fat levels are increased. For example, the protein content reaches 32% and the crude fat level hits 22% (compared to 15%).
On the contrary, the Diamond Naturals light formula has significantly lower protein and fat levels (18% and 6% correspondingly).
I would recommend reading the Diamond Naturals dog food feeding guide first if you are just switching to this brand or trying another formula. As the nutrient ratio might vary, your canine might need a different amount of food to stay healthy and avoid overeating or undernutrition.
Diamond Naturals Recall History
Diamond Naturals food has been recalled several times over the years of the company’s existence.
The first Diamond dog food recall happened in December 2005 and affected all dog and puppy recipes of the Diamond brand manufactured in the Gaston facility due to the possible aflatoxin contamination. This is a toxic mold by-product that attacks corn under certain conditions. A string of pet deaths and illnesses was linked to pet food produced in this manufacturing facility.
Another Diamond Naturals dog food recall took place in April/May 2012 and was related to the recipes produced in the same facility in Gaston. Actually, there were four sequential recalls that affected food produced by this company. Food samples manufactured by this plant were tested positive for salmonella, so Diamond, Diamond Naturals, and some other brands were recalled.
The last Diamond Naturals recall was connected with the kitten formula and was carried due to low thiamine level. So, one recipe was recalled in March 2013.
Conclusion
Is Diamond Naturals a good dog food? This is above-average dog food proudly made in the USA. The Diamond company offers several brands, and Diamond Naturals is the most popular and generally available lineup.
It can be hardly rated with some of the super-premium dog food brands, but it looks like a decent choice for a common dog and a dog owner with an average budget.
Diamond Naturals uses real meat and meat meal as the core ingredients in their recipes. They also add grains in grain-inclusive recipes (like whole brown rice) and replace them with peas and sweet potatoes for grain-free options. These formulas are spiced up with fruit and vegetables that enhance the nutritional value of this food. No wheat, soy, corn, by-products, or fillers have been found in the Diamond Naturals recipes, which is a great advantage.
However, there are some doubts about the actual amount of meat and its correlation to plant ingredients. Even though meat and meat meals are always the first on the list, the plant content is also high. The dog’s stomachs are accustomed to eating vegetables and fruit, but let’s face it. They are carnivores and should consume more meat than plants.
At the end of this Diamond Naturals dog food review, I would say that I would recommend going for Diamond Naturals dog food because this is a decent brand for an affordable price.
FAQs
Diamond Naturals dog food is an above-average brand that manufactures some decent food at a reasonable price. There are no controversial or red-flag ingredients in the recipes. The company uses real meat and meat or fish meal as the first two ingredients (with meat first), which are then followed by superfoods and supplements.
Diamond Naturals and other food by their brands are manufactured in their own facilities located all over the USA. As of now, the company owns five manufacturing plants and produces pet food for other companies as well.
There’s a line of Diamond Naturals grain-free recipes that include three formulas: chicken, beef, and lamb with sweet potatoes.
All Diamond Naturals are packed with superfoods and supplements that promote healthy skin. The brand has also formulated the Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat recipe suitable for canines with skin sensitivities. It’s a grain-free formula made with salmon and fish meal, so it avoids common allergens that lead to skin itching.
There’s no exact information about field testing, but the Diamond company assures that it follows the strictest quality and safety protocols at all stages of the manufacturing process, from checking the quality of ingredients that enter the facility to testing the final product before it’s packed.