Here is our Costco Kirkland Dog Food Review.
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Your furry best friend deserves the best that life has to offer. And what’s better than giving it the best nutrition? Like the rest of the family, your canine member needs the right nutrition to ensure optimal health and performance.
It’s thus your duty as a loving parent to determine your dog’s specific needs and identify the kind of food that will satisfactorily meet them. You should find out the components of your dog’s food and if it’s what it needs. With the right kind of food, your dog can live a happy, healthy, and long life. I’m sure this is what you want, right?
However, picking the best food from the product-flooded market is not easy. It can be extremely overwhelming to choose from the wide variety of products and brands available. This, plus untruthful marketing gimmicks and conflicting information on the internet, further complicates the process.
So, how do you select the best nutrition for your furry pal amidst this confusion?
Well, if this sounds like you, you are in the right place.
To gauge the suitability of any dog food properly, you’ll need an honest source of information. And that’s what we exactly deliver. To make it easier for you, we analyze different brands in terms of ingredients quality, availability, variety, safety, and cost to give you a truthful review and enable you to make a sound judgment.
In this article, we delve deep into the Costco Kirkland dog food to help you gauge if it’s what your dog needs. We will touch on who owns the brand, where and who produces the food, any recalls it may have had, and some of its top products.
Want to find out more?
Come with us and find out if this is what your dog needs.
Ready?
Let’s go.
About Costco Kirkland Dog Food
Costco Kirkland dog food is a private-label dog food brand owned by a US-based large retailer: Costco. This brand offers high-quality nutrition made with wholesome ingredients like real meat, vegetables, and fruits sourced responsibly. It offers life-stage formulas that cater to the needs of puppies, adults, and seniors. It also has recipes for small breeds as well as weight management formulas.
Who Owns Costco Kirkland dog food?
Costco Kirkland dog food is owned by Costco. However, the food is produced by Diamond Pet Food Inc, a large and popular US-based dog food manufacturer owned by Schell and Kampeter. Diamond has plants in Meta, Missouri, Gaston, South Carolina; and Lathrop, California.
What are the Sub-brands of Costco Kirkland Dog Food?
Costco Kirkland comes in two sub-brands as follows:
- Kirkland Signature: This is a grain-inclusive line that includes formulas for all life stages, including recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors. It also has specialized formulas for small breeds and weight management. This line has six recipes, all made with fresh chicken, apart from just one made with lamb and rice.
- Kirkland Natures Domain: This consists of five dry formulas and two wet food formulas, all grain-free. These formulas come in different flavors, including chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, and lamb.
What is the Nutritional Profile of Costco Kirkland Dog Foods?
Having a look at a food’s nutritional profile is crucial in helping you assess its capability to meet your dog’s needs as adequately as possible. The ingredient list is a useful indicator of the nutritional adequacy of any food.
Generally, carbohydrates, proteins, and fat are the most important dietary components that make up the nutritional profile of dog food. This is what the nutritional profile of Costco Kirkland dog food looks like:
Carbohydrate Value of Costco Kirkland Dog Food
Carbohydrates give dogs the energy they need to fuel their activity. Carbohydrates are broken down in the body and converted into sugar, which translates to calories dogs need to thrive. Kirkland dog food uses grains such as corn, soy, wheat, and potatoes, as well as whole grains like oats and brown rice, as sources of carbohydrates. The brand has an above-average carbohydrate content of 48%.
Protein Value of Costco Kirkland Dog Food
Proteins are essential for healthy muscles and tissues and for boosting dogs’ performance. Proteins supply dogs’ amino acids to build, repair, and maintain healthy cells, tissues, ligaments, and muscles. Costco Kirkland dog food boasts 29% protein content above AAFCO’s minimum requirement for dog food.
Fat Value of Costco Kirkland Dog Food
Fats are not only essential for keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy and supple but also helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, minimizing inflammations, building stronger cell membranes, and improving brain health. The average fat level of Kirkland dog food is about 16%. This brand’s main sources of fats are chicken fat, canola oil, and fish oil.
What are the Best Costco Kirkland Recipes and Flavors?
Costco Kirkland offers various recipes and formulas that come in different flavors. You can choose from flavors of chicken, lamb, salmon, fish, turkey, and beef. These recipes are available in both wet and dry forms, as well as grain-inclusive and grain-free options.
These are some of the best Costco Kirkland recipes:
- Life stage formulas: These include recipes for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. These are formulated to cater to the specific needs of dogs at different life stages.
- Small breed formulas: These recipes are crafted to address the unique needs of small dogs.
- Weight management: This is formulated with lower calories and fats to help dogs maintain a healthy weight.
What Makes Costco Kirkland Dog Food Unique?
Various things make Costco Kirkland dog food stand out from other competing brands. These include:
- Affordability: While Costco Kirkland dog food utilizes premium quality ingredients, this dog food remains affordable compared to other brands in the same class. It focuses on providing quality nutrition at a low cost.
- Wholesome nutrition: This brand includes whole ingredients, including real animal protein, vegetables, and fruits, for wholesome nutrition that supports overall growth in dogs.
- Variety of recipes: Costco Kirkland offers a wide variety of recipes. It has formulas for puppies, adult, senior, and small breed dogs. It also has a weight management recipe.
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive options: The brand formulates grain-inclusive and grain-free formulas to cater to the needs of different dogs. The grain-free formulas are great for dogs with grain sensitivities.
- Includes Active 9 probiotics: All Kirkland formulas are enhanced with a special blend of probiotics to aid digestion and support gut health.
- Contains fruits and vegetables: The brand includes fresh fruits and vegetables as good sources of antioxidants that support overall body wellness.
- Provides organic products: Kirkland offers a whole line of organic food. These formulas fall under the brand’s Nature’s Domain Line. besides being free from corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, these products include organic certified proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
What are the individual Dog Food Recipes from Costco Kirkland Dog Food Brand?
These are some of the top recipes from Costco Kirkland:
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Dog Food Recipe
Designed to meet the dietary needs of dogs at all life stages, this meal combines salmon and sweet potatoes for nutrient-loaded and highly flavorful nutrition. The meal features salmon meal as the top ingredient plus an ocean fish meal for high-quality proteins and good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
This salmon recipe adds dried chicory roots for natural sources of prebiotics and probiotics to keep your dog’s gut at its best. Complex sources of carbohydrates and fiber, including sweet potatoes, potatoes, and potato fiber are included to supply sustained energy and aid digestion.
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Whole Dried Potatoes, Whole Dried Peas, Tapioca, and Salmon Oil
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 10% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Dogs of all breeds and life stages
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-free, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: All life stages
- Best for: Sensitive digestion
- Price: $50.99 for a 30-lb bag
Benefits
- Contains a blend of omega-fatty acids from fish and plant-based sources to promote skin and coat health
- Includes dried chicory roots for natural sources of prebiotics that support a healthy digestive system.
- Made with guaranteed levels of selenium and vitamin E for an antioxidant-rich blend to combat oxidative damage, boost immunity, and support whole body health.
- It’s completely grain-free and hence suitable for dogs with grain allergies.
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Turkey Meal and Sweet Potato Dog
This grain-free recipe is designed to provide adequate protein and sufficient energy levels that your dog needs for optimal growth at every stage. The meal features a turkey meal as the first ingredient for high-quality proteins that help healthy muscles. Sweet potatoes are added to this meal as complex sources of carbohydrates for sustained energy.
For fat sources, this meal includes canola oil and flaxseed oil as a good source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. Other minerals and vitamins are also added for a nutritionally complete meal that supports dogs’ overall health and vitality.
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, and Canola Oil
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
- Calories: 336 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Dogs of all breeds and life stages
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-free, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: All life stages
- Best for: Overall health
- Price: $51.99 for a 35-lb bag
Benefits
- Provides optimal nutrition for dogs at all life stages
- Features turkey meal as the primary source of easily digestible proteins to help build lean muscles
- Has a healthy balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote skin health and a shiny coat
- Added probiotics help support healthy digestion and help your dog maintain an active lifestyle.
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Beef & Sweet Potato Dog Food
Formulated for dogs of all life stages, this recipe boasts 24% protein and 14% fat levels with only a single protein source to manage allergies. It features a beef meal as the first ingredient for high-quality proteins to build and maintain healthy muscles.
Better still, this formula is crafted without filler ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat, making it suitable even for pups with very sensitive tummies. The meal includes sweet potatoes for a rich source of carbohydrates for sustained energy, thus helping your dog remain active. Antioxidants, omega fats, vitamins, and minerals are also added for balanced nutrition that supports overall health.
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Lentils, Garbanzo beans, and Peas.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% Max.
- Calories: 398 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Dogs of all breeds and life stages
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-free, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: All life stages
- Best for: Sensitive digestion, Overall health
- Price: $49.99 for a 35-lb bag
Benefits
- Completely free from fillers like corn, soy, or wheat hence ideal for sensitive tummies
- Includes healthy sources of antioxidants that help your dog fight free radicals, improve immunity, and slow down the aging process
- Improves digestion with added prebiotics and probiotics from natural sources
- Contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that aid in keeping the skin healthy and the coat glossy
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Lamb, Rice, and Vegetable Dog Food
Treat your furry friend with not only delightful but well-rounded nutrition with this lamb and rice recipe. The recipe presents a nutritionally complete and well-balanced meal for all adult dogs with real lamb, lamb meal, and whole-grain brown rice as the top ingredients.
While lamb and lamb meals are good sources of high-quality protein, brown rice is easy to digest and forms an excellent carbohydrate source. This recipe s further enhanced with garden vegetables, fruits, herbs, and other ingredients necessary for supporting your dog’s overall wellbeing.
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, and Rice Bran.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
- Calories: 373 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Adult dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-inclusive No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Gastrointestinal health, Overall health, skin and coat health
- Price: $49.99 for a 40-lb bag
Benefits
- Made with easily digestible, high-quality proteins from lamb and egg products to help your dog maintain a healthy muscle mass
- Enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints
- Loaded with essential omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote a glossy, healthy coat and a strong immune system
- Packed with antioxidants including vitamin E, zinc, and selenium to support overall body health
- Added probiotics support gastrointestinal health
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Dog Food
Formulated for medium and large-breed adult dogs, this recipe features an excellent protein blend of chicken and egg products plus wholesome brown rice for easily digestible dog nutrition. Garden vegetables, including potatoes and dried beet pulp, are added for a highly nutritious and completely balanced meal with everything your dog needs to thrive.
What’s more, this premium kibble utilizes healthy sources of fat from chicken fat and flaxseed for omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote your dog’s skin and coat health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also added to support joint health.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, and Chicken Fat.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
- Calories: 393 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Medium and Large breed dogs
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Nutritionally complete meal designed to cater to the needs of medium and large breed dogs
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-inclusive, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Healthy digestion, Joint health, skin, and coat health.
- Price: $49.99 for a 40-lb bag
Benefits
- Nutritionally complete and balanced nutrition for medium and large breed dogs
- Packed with Omega 3 fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat
- Crafted with ideal proteins from chicken and egg products to help build, repair, and maintain healthy muscles
- Fortified with natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine to help rebuild cartilage and protect joints
Costco Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Puppy Dog Food
Featuring fresh chicken as the first ingredient, this is a perfectly balanced meal that’s specially designed to cater to the needs of growing dogs. Besides the chicken, the recipe boasts other healthy ingredients like chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, and Cracked pearl barley for a protein-packed and fiber-rich food that supports your dog’s overall health.
Additionally, this recipe is enhanced with salmon oil for an excellent source of DHA and omega 3 fatty acids to promote brain and eye development as well as maintain a shiny coat. The food comes in a small and easy-to-chew kibble suitable for little puppies.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, and Egg Product.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.
- Calories: 390 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Puppies of all breeds
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition designed with DHA and omega fatty acids for puppies of all breeds
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-inclusive, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: Puppy
- Best for: Optimal growth, brain, and eye development
- Price: $36.99 for a 35-lb bag
Benefits
- Added with salmon oil for DHA and omega 3 fatty acids to support healthy brain and eye development
- Enriched with antioxidants including vitamin E, zinc, and selenium to boost your pup’s immunity and support overall wellbeing
- Includes probiotics to support healthy digestion and an active lifestyle
- Made with chicken and egg products for easily digestible proteins to build healthy muscles.
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Small Breed Salmon & Lentil
Specially crafted for minute dogs, this recipe presents a nutrient-dense food that supports optimal health. The food features a protein-rich salmon, lentil blend, and other beneficial nutrients to support your small dog’s higher metabolism.
With various digestion-friendly ingredients, including dried chicory root and psyllium seed husks, this formula is gentle on the stomach and hence suitable for sensitive dogs. Like all other Kirkland recipes, the food is enhanced with probiotic support to support healthy digestion.
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Lentils, Chickpeas, and Peas.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calories: 338 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small breed dogs
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition formulated in small kibble size to suit the needs of small breed dogs.
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-free, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: All life stages
- Best for: Sensitive digestion, Overall health
- Price: $36.99 for a 20-lb bag
Benefits
- Features real salmon as the primary source of easily digestible proteins to help build lean muscles
- Added probiotics and prebiotic fiber from psyllium seed husk and dried chicory root to enhance digestion
- Designed in small-sized kibble perfect for small mouths, making it easy for them to pick and chew
- Contains a blend of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to help your dog maintain a shiny and healthy coat as well as support strong immunity
Kirkland Signature Mature Formula Chicken, Rice, and Egg Dog Food
Aging dogs have unique dietary needs that need to be met via proper nutrition. Given their lower activity levels, their energy and calorie needs are low; hence their food should consider this. The Kirkland chicken, rice, and egg formula are specifically crafted with proper protein and fat balance to meet the unique needs of senior dogs.
The food features chicken, chicken meal, and egg products as the primary sources of protein to keep your old dog’s muscles strong and provide a healthy dose of an energy boost. This meal is enhanced with chondroitin and glucosamine to support your dog’s joints.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Egg product, and Oatmeal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.
- Calories: 330 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Senior dogs of all breeds
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition formulated with ideal protein and fat amounts for mature dogs of all breeds.
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, Grain-free, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: Senior
- Best for: Joint support, healthy digestion
- Price: $49.99 for a 40-lb bag
Benefits
- Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints
- Crafted with easily digestible proteins including chicken, chicken meal, and egg product to help build healthy muscles
- Enhanced with probiotics for optimal digestive health
- Enriched with real garden vegetables and fruits for a healthy dose of antioxidants to boost immunity and support overall body wellness
- Loaded with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a glamorous coat
Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Formula Chicken & Vegetable Dog Food
This meal is formulated with fewer calories and optimal fat and fiber levels to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. The food is made with fresh chicken as the first ingredient and added with vegetables, fruits, minerals, and vitamins for a completely balanced meal that supports overall health.
Besides being fiber-packed, this food also includes probiotics to aid digestion and keep your dog’s gut in optimal condition. Further, glucosamine and chondroitin are added to the meal to support healthy joints.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, and Millet
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 20% min, Crude Fat 6% min, Crude Fiber 13% Max.
- Calories: 275 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Overweight dogs of all breeds
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Formulated with optimal levels of fat and fiber to help dogs maintain an ideal weight
- Type of product: Dry food, Non-GMO, No Corn, No soy
- Life stage: All life stages
- Best for: weight management
- Price: $46.99 for a 40-lb bag
Benefits
- Low-calorie food is designed with optimal fat and fiber to support dogs’ healthy weight.
- Has added glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health
- Crafted with real ingredients like real chicken, fruits, and vegetables for optimal nutrition that supports whole body health
- Contains probiotics for healthy digestion and improved gastrointestinal health
- Added essential omega fatty acids, including omega 3 & 6, to enhance healthy skin and glossy coat.
Customer Reviews
Costco Kirkland dog food has positive and negative reviews like any other dog food brand. This is what some of its consumers had to say about this dog food:
Positive
‘’The dogs love it and the brand has enough different flavors to mix it up for them. One of the healthier dog food brands as well for a comparable price to other dog food brands. We have been buying this food for years’’.
Customer review
‘’We switched our German Shepherds to Kirkland primarily because of the cost. They are now eating Kirkland’s Mature dog. We were worried that they might not like it, but it has extra glucosamine which helps their joints, and they seem to like it better than their previous kibble. Bonus! They’re happy, we’re happy!’’
Customer review
Negative
‘’My puppy was switched to this food and within 2 weeks of feeding him this food he developed blepharitis which only cleared up after he was switched foods. I will never feed my pets Costco food anymore’’.
Customer review
Costco Kirkland Dog Food Recalls
Kirkland claims to follow strict testing protocols in its production process, including ingredient sourcing and packaging. Despite its efforts, this dog food has had a few recalls in the past as follows:
- March 2007: The brand recalled cans of its signature super Premium canned food with best-by dates between 21/08/2008 to 15/04/2009. This was a part of a wide recall involving various brands due to melamine contamination in vegetable proteins used in making the foods.
- May 2012: FDA recalled some Kirkland Signature products due to potential salmonella contamination. This included Super Premium Adult Dog Food, some Super Premium cat foods, as well as Nature’s Domain recipe.
What is the quality of ingredients in Costco Kirkland dog food?
Costco Kirkland uses high-quality, natural ingredients in all its products and does not include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It also uses organic ingredients in its Nature’s Domain line. All the ingredients in this dog food are 100% human-grade, GMO- free, and hormone-free. It uses real animal proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, and tons of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Do Costco Kirkland dog food products include chicken?
Yes, Costco Kirkland dog food includes chicken as the primary ingredient in some recipes. It also uses chicken meal and chicken liver for enhanced protein levels in its formulas. This is because chicken is a good source of easily digestible proteins that help build lean muscle mass. However, chicken is also a major cause of allergies in dogs.
Are Costco Kirkland dog foods produced from slaughterhouse waste?
No, this dog food brand does not include any slaughterhouse waste, which consists of animal remains after all the meat has been removed. This can include beaks, horns, skin, hooves, and other undesirable parts. The brand only uses high-quality ingredients like real meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Discussion of Most Important Ingredients – Good and Bad
Costco Kirkland uses healthy ingredients in its foods. Check out some of the good ingredients that this brand includes:
- Salmon and Salmon meal: Besides being an excellent source of high-quality protein, this is also a great source of omega-3 fats that help in improving skin health, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Salmon is especially great for dogs that are allergic to beef or chicken meat. Costco Kirkland also includes salmon meals as a source of concentrated proteins.
- Chicken: Chicken meat is highly nutritious and provides a good source of easily digestible proteins, fats, and other nutrients, including omega fatty acids. It’s packed with essential amino acids to help build healthy muscle mass.
- Chicken meal: Chicken meal provides a concentrated protein source. It’s made from chicken meat that has had its moisture removed. Meat meals generally contain up to four times the proteins meats have and thus form a good source of nutrients.
- Brown rice: This is an excellent source of natural fiber plus multiple minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. Brown rice is easier to digest compared to other common grains.
- Cracked pearled barley: It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber plus minerals such as manganese and magnesium. It also aids in blood sugar level control as it’s hard to digest.
- Egg product: This is made from egg whites and egg yolks and provides a rich source of easily digestible proteins as well as fatty acids.
- Chicken fat: This is packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Fish Meal: This is another source of concentrated proteins that are loaded with omega fatty acids.
Controversial ingredients
Although this brand uses high-quality ingredients, it also includes some controversial ingredients. These include
- Beet Pulp: While this is a good source of fiber, beet pulp, in very large amounts, can cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Canola oil: This is linked to cardiovascular problems in dogs.
- Brewer’s dried yeast: This causes adverse reactions in dogs with sensitivities or allergies
- Tomato pomace: Although it adds fiber to dog food, it’s believed to cause diarrhea in some dogs. Pomace consists of processed tomato skins and seeds used to make ketchup.
Costco Kirkland Dog food Advantages: What We Like About It.
There is so much to love about Costco Kirkland dog food. These are some of the things we like about this brand:
- Excellent Ingredients: Costco Kirkland uses above-average ingredients, including real meat, fruits, and vegetables. It does not include artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Real meat product is the first ingredient in all its recipes.
- Provides a balanced diet: Besides protein being the primary ingredient for Kirkland dog food, this brand also includes fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for a nutritionally complete diet that dogs need to thrive.
- Organic ingredients: This brand offers a full line of formulas; Nature’s Domain, is made with organic ingredients. These ingredients are free from any fertilizers, chemicals, pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics thus offering fresh nutrition.
- Variety of flavors and recipes: Kirkland has a wide variety of products to choose from. You can choose from the available flavors including chicken, turkey, salmon, beef, and lamb. They also have formulas for different life stages, health conditions, and breeds.
- Includes fresh fruits and vegetables: This brand crafts its recipes, including fresh fruits and vegetables. These are loaded with antioxidants that support the overall well-being of dogs.
- Affordability: Given the quality of ingredients, this food offers good value for its price. Costco Kirkland dog food aims at providing quality nutrition at affordable prices thus, it’s cheaper compared to other premium dog foods in the same class.
Costco Kirkland Dog Food Disadvantages: What We Don’t Like About It
These are some of the things we don’t like about Costco Kirkland dog food:
- Recall history: The brand has recalled some of its products in the past which negatively affects its reputation.
- Not accessible: This dog food is only available at Costco making it very hard to find. You won’t find this dog food in local pet stores.
- Controversial ingredients: Kirkland includes some undesirable ingredients like canola oil, beet pulp, and even grains like corn and wheat which are common allergens in dog food.
Is Costco Kirkland good food dog brand?
Yes, Costco Kirkland is a good dog food brand as it utilizes high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients in all its products. It includes real animal meat protein as the first ingredient, plus wholesome vegetables and fruits.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food good for dog skin?
Yes, all of Kirkland’s food includes essential omega fats from sources like chicken fat, salmon oil, flaxseed, and canola oil. These are essential in maintaining skin health, making this brand a good choice for dogs with skin issues.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food good for itchy skin?
Yes, besides including essential omega fatty acids in its products, Costco Kirkland offers grain-free formulas crafted for dogs with grain sensitivities. Grains are a major cause of itchy skin in dogs.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food good for puppies?
Yes, Costco Kirkland is good for puppies. The brand offers many puppy-specific recipes designed to cater to the needs of puppies of different sizes and breeds. It also lacks artificial flavors and preservatives that may harm a puppy’s delicate system.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food good for older dogs?
Yes, the brand offers some formulas specially designed to cater to the needs of aging dogs. These formulas include supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health and lots of fiber and probiotics to aid digestion.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food healthy for dog growth?
Yes, Kirkland dog food is healthy for a dog’s growth as it’s formulated with the right amounts of all the necessary nutrients that dogs need for optimal growth. The food is balanced with appropriate levels of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food expensive?
No, while this brand uses high-quality ingredients, its products are quite affordable compared to other brands of the same caliber. The brand provides high-quality nutrition for dogs at affordable prices.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food AAFCO approved?
Yes, all Costco’s dog food recipes and formulas are formulated to meet or exceed all AAFCO standards. The brand adheres to all nutritional and safety requirements set by AAFCO.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food grain free?
Costco Kirkland offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes to cater to the needs of different dogs. Its grain-free options do not include grains like corn, soy, or wheat, making them suitable for dogs that have grain allergies.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food high energy for dog food?
Yes, this brand includes a significant amount of carbohydrates from grains as well as complex sources such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and lentils. It also has above-average protein levels making it high-energy dog food.
Is Costco Kirkland dog food produced in the USA?
Yes, Costco Kirkland is produced by a US-based pet food manufacturer, Diamond Pet Foods Inc. Diamond is owned by Schell and Kampeter and has branches in South Carolina, Missouri, and California.
Where to buy Costco Kirkland dog food products in the USA?
Costco Kirkland dog food is distributed solely by Costco, a large US-based pet food distributor. Some formulas can also be found on Amazon.
How is the Costco Kirkland dog food shipment speed?
This brand comes with a good shipment speed. Depending on your location, expect to receive your order within 2-5 days after ordering.
Comparable Brands
While Kirkland dog food is a good brand that offers quality nutrition, it may not be suitable for all dogs. If this dog food is not for you for various reasons, these are other comparable brands that you can check out:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Blue Buffalo is a popular dog food brand that was founded in 2002. The brand of a wide variety of nutrient-packed formulas for different dogs that are made utilizing only the finest natural ingredients. Its formulas are further enhanced with LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants.
Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula is similar to Kirkland’s Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable formula. It includes wholesome grains, vegetables, fruits, glucosamine, and chondroitin but has lower protein and fat levels compared to Kirkland.
Pro
- Includes Lifesource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants to support overall health
- Made with only natural ingredients
- Free from artificial colors or preservatives
- Does not contain animal by-products
Con
- It’s quite expensive
- It has a past recall history
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages
Founded in 1970, Diamond dog food is a family-owned pet food company that provides high-quality, nutrient-rich food designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages. The brand offers recipes for dogs of different sizes, breeds, and activity levels.
Diamond dog food offers wet foods, dry foods, and grain-inclusive and grain-free alternatives, all made from state-of-the-art facilities across the US. Additionally, the brand conducts regular onsite quality product testing to ensure the safety of its products.
Pro
- Uses only high-quality ingredients in all recipes
- No fillers, soy, corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Offers a wide range of products to choose from.
- Adherence to AAFCO standards
Cons
- It has a past recall history
- Uses some undesirable ingredients
Kindfull
Kindful is a private label dog food brand owned by Target. Launched in 2021, pet nutritionists and veterinarians formulate this dog food to provide whole-rounded nutrition for dogs at different life stages. The brand offers several recipes and formulas that come in both wet and dry forms. Kindful utilizes healthy ingredients like high-quality meat proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other sustainably sourced nutrients.
Pros
- Does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Real meat is the primary ingredient
- Free from fillers such as corn, soy, or wheat
- It’s affordable
Con
- No grain-free options
Final Word
Costco Kirkland dog food is a good choice if you are looking for high-quality nutrition without denting your pockets. The brand uses premium quality ingredients, including real meat products, fruits, and vegetables, for a nutritionally complete diet that supports overall health. None of its formulas contain troublesome ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Kirkland also offers a wide variety of formulas to choose from, including both wet and dry foods. It also has both grain-free and grain-inclusive options. The brand stands out as it provides certified organic foods, which are not very common among other brands. We therefore highly recommend this dog food.
