9 out of 10 dog owners are feeding their dog the wrong food
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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Exceptional value proposition: Kirkland delivers premium-quality nutrition at $1.10-$1.35 per pound, roughly half the cost of comparable brands like Blue Buffalo or Hill’s Science Diet.
• Solid nutritional foundation: Features whole meat as first ingredient, 24-28% protein content, AAFCO compliance, and functional additives like probiotics and joint supplements for comprehensive nutrition.
• Manufacturing reliability: Produced by Diamond Pet Foods in FDA-registered facilities with clean recent safety record and no major recalls in the past decade.
• Batch consistency concerns: Recent user reports indicate potential quality variations between bags, with some dogs refusing previously accepted food or experiencing digestive upset.
• Limited specialty options: Best suited for healthy adult dogs without allergies or medical conditions; lacks therapeutic formulas, exotic proteins, and comprehensive allergy-friendly alternatives.
If you’ve ever walked through Costco’s pet aisle, you’ve probably noticed those massive bags of Kirkland dog food stacked high and priced low. It’s one of those brands that makes you pause and wonder: how can something this affordable actually be decent? The answer lies in smart sourcing, bulk distribution, and Costco’s ability to leverage scale without cutting corners where it counts. But before you load up your cart, let’s break down what’s really inside those bags and whether your dog will thrive on it.
Kirkland Signature isn’t just a dog food brand—it’s Costco’s private label powerhouse, launched back in 1995 and named after the Washington town where Costco’s headquarters once lived. The brand was the brainchild of co-founder Jim Sinegal, who wanted to offer members premium-quality products at warehouse prices. Dog food entered the lineup in the early 2000s, and it’s been a staple ever since.
What sets Kirkland apart is its manufacturing partnership with Diamond Pet Foods, one of the largest contract pet food producers in the U.S. Diamond operates FDA-registered facilities in Arkansas, California, Missouri, and South Carolina, all of which follow AAFCO guidelines and maintain internal quality assurance programs. This relationship gives Kirkland access to proven formulation expertise and established supply chains, which is a big reason the brand can deliver consistent quality at a fraction of the cost of boutique competitors.
Kirkland’s core philosophy is straightforward: quality goods at the lowest possible prices. There’s no flashy marketing, no celebrity endorsements, and no elaborate packaging. The brand positions itself as a no-nonsense option for everyday dog owners who want whole-meat proteins, balanced nutrition, and AAFCO compliance without paying for branding overhead. It’s not trying to be Orijen or Acana—it’s aiming for the sweet spot between mass-market kibble and premium specialty foods.
Reputation-wise, Kirkland has built a loyal following among Costco members. Long-term users frequently praise the brand for keeping their dogs healthy, energetic, and satisfied year after year. The brand’s reliability is bolstered by Costco’s famously generous return policy, which gives buyers confidence that they won’t be stuck with a product their dog refuses to eat. That said, transparency around ingredient sourcing and supply chain details remains limited, and the brand doesn’t publish detailed CSR reports or animal welfare policies specific to its pet food line.
Kirkland dog food leads with whole meat or meat meal as the first ingredient across most formulas, which is exactly what you want to see. The Super Premium Adult Chicken & Rice, for example, lists chicken as the top ingredient, followed by chicken meal—a concentrated protein source that provides more actual meat content per pound than fresh chicken alone. Lamb, egg, and fish varieties follow the same pattern, delivering animal-based protein up front rather than relying on plant fillers.
Protein percentages typically range from 24% to 28% on a dry-matter basis, which is competitive with mainstream brands and higher than many budget options. The Nature’s Domain grain-free line also uses named meat meals like salmon meal, turkey meal, and beef meal, all of which offer concentrated amino acids and good digestibility. These aren’t mystery proteins or generic “poultry” sources—they’re clearly identified, which adds a layer of transparency and quality assurance.
On the grain-inclusive side, Kirkland uses brown rice, barley, and oats—whole grains that provide steady energy and fiber without the blood sugar spikes you’d see from corn or wheat. These are digestible, widely tolerated carbs that work well for most dogs. The Nature’s Domain grain-free formulas swap grains for sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils, which are popular alternatives but also worth watching if you’re concerned about the FDA’s ongoing investigation into grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
It’s worth noting that Kirkland’s grain-inclusive recipes tend to get more positive long-term feedback from owners, particularly for digestive consistency. If your dog doesn’t have a confirmed grain allergy, sticking with the grain-inclusive lines is a smart, science-backed choice.
Chicken fat is the primary fat source in most Kirkland formulas, preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) rather than synthetic preservatives like BHA or BHT. This is a clean, digestible fat that supports coat health, energy, and nutrient absorption. Some recipes also include flaxseed and fish oil, which contribute omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
One ingredient that draws mixed opinions is canola oil. While it’s a cost-effective source of omega-3s, some owners and nutritionists prefer animal-based fats or fish oil for better bioavailability. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re comparing Kirkland to brands that use exclusively animal fats.
Let’s talk about the stuff that raises eyebrows. Brewer’s yeast shows up in several Kirkland recipes as a B-vitamin source and flavor enhancer, but it’s also a common allergen for sensitive dogs. If your dog has yeast-related skin issues or ear infections, this could be a concern. Tomato pomace is another ingredient that divides opinion—it’s a byproduct of tomato processing that adds fiber, but critics argue it’s a cheap filler with minimal nutritional value.
Canola oil, as mentioned, isn’t harmful but isn’t ideal either. And while Kirkland avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, it does use natural flavors, which is a vague term that doesn’t tell you much about what’s actually in there. It’s not a red flag, but it’s not the transparency you’d get from a brand that lists every component.
Kirkland includes a solid lineup of functional ingredients. Active9 probiotics are added to support gut health and digestion, and chelated minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate) improve nutrient absorption. Senior formulas include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, and most recipes are fortified with vitamins A, C, and E for immune health and antioxidant protection.
These additions are thoughtful and practical, though dosages aren’t publicly disclosed. Without knowing exact amounts, it’s hard to say whether the joint supplements, for example, are at therapeutic levels or just marketing dust. Still, the inclusion of these ingredients at all is a positive sign compared to bare-bones budget brands.
| Price per pound | $1.10 – $1.35 |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Lamb, Salmon, Turkey, Beef |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes |
| Formula options | 2 product lines (Super Premium & Nature’s Domain) |
| Availability | Costco stores + Costco online (membership required) |
Kirkland dog food meets AAFCO nutritional adequacy standards across all life stages and formulas, which means it’s formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs, puppies, or seniors depending on the recipe. Protein content typically sits between 24% and 28%, fat between 14% and 17%, and fiber around 3% to 5%—numbers that align well with mainstream premium brands and exceed many budget options.
Caloric density hovers around 3,600 to 3,800 kcal per kilogram for most dry formulas, which is moderate and appropriate for active adult dogs. The Healthy Weight formula drops to around 3,100 kcal/kg with reduced fat (6.5%) to support weight management, though some owners report their dogs feel less satisfied on this recipe.
One thing Kirkland does well is maintaining a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which is important for bone health and especially critical for large-breed puppies. The ratios generally fall within the 1:1 to 1.5:1 range, which is safe and supports proper skeletal development. Omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios are less ideal—most Kirkland formulas lean heavily toward omega-6, with omega-3 levels often below 0.5%. This isn’t uncommon in the price range, but it’s worth supplementing with fish oil if your dog has skin or coat issues.
Digestibility data isn’t publicly available, but user reports and stool quality feedback suggest Kirkland is reasonably digestible for most dogs. Smaller, firmer stools are frequently mentioned in positive reviews, which indicates efficient nutrient absorption. That said, some dogs experience gas or loose stools during the transition period, so a gradual switch is recommended.
From a macronutrient perspective, Kirkland is solid. It’s not pushing the boundaries of high-protein, low-carb formulations like some boutique brands, but it’s also not loading dogs up with cheap grains and fillers. It’s a middle-ground approach that works well for healthy, moderately active dogs without special dietary needs.
Kirkland shines for healthy adult dogs with no major sensitivities or medical conditions. If you’ve got a medium to large breed that’s moderately active, the Super Premium Adult Chicken & Rice is a straightforward, affordable choice that delivers balanced nutrition without unnecessary extras. Multi-dog households benefit especially from the bulk sizing and lower cost per serving.
The Small Dog Chicken formula works well for smaller breeds thanks to its smaller kibble size and slightly higher caloric density, making it easier for little mouths to chew and digest. Puppies can thrive on the Puppy Chicken & Rice, which offers 28% protein and 17% fat to support growth and development, along with DHA for brain and eye health.
For senior dogs, the Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg formula is a smart pick. It maintains solid protein at 27% while reducing fat to 10%, and includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Older dogs with slowing metabolisms and creaky joints often do well on this formula, and the price makes it accessible for long-term feeding.
If your dog has a confirmed grain sensitivity (not just a trend-driven preference), the Nature’s Domain grain-free line offers salmon, turkey, and beef options with sweet potato and peas as carb sources. These formulas are cleaner than many grain-free competitors and still come in at a lower price point.
Kirkland isn’t the right fit for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities. The ingredient lists include common allergens like chicken, grains, and brewer’s yeast, and there are no limited-ingredient or novel-protein options. If your dog has confirmed allergies to poultry or grains, you’ll need to look elsewhere—brands like Solid Gold offer more targeted formulas for sensitive stomachs and allergy-prone dogs. Check out our Dog food from Solid Gold review for a closer look at those options.
Dogs with medical conditions requiring prescription diets—like kidney disease, pancreatitis, or urinary issues—won’t find what they need in Kirkland’s lineup. There are no veterinary therapeutic formulas, so you’ll need a specialized brand recommended by your vet.
The grain-free Nature’s Domain line should be approached with caution for breeds predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy, including Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Cocker Spaniels. The FDA’s ongoing investigation into grain-free diets and heart health hasn’t definitively proven causation, but the correlation is strong enough that many vets now recommend grain-inclusive diets unless there’s a confirmed medical reason to avoid grains.
Finally, if you have a very picky eater, Kirkland can be hit or miss. While many dogs love it, there’s a subset of reviews from owners whose dogs refused to eat it or lost interest after a few weeks. The flavor variety is limited compared to brands with rotating proteins and exotic meats, so if your dog gets bored easily, you might find yourself switching formulas more often than you’d like.
Palatability is where Kirkland gets mixed reviews, though the majority lean positive. Most dogs seem to enjoy the food right out of the gate, with owners reporting enthusiastic eating and clean bowls. The chicken-based formulas tend to be the most universally accepted, while lamb and salmon varieties get slightly more mixed feedback—some dogs love them, others turn up their noses.
Kirkland’s kibble has a moderate aroma—not overpoweringly meaty like some high-end brands, but also not bland or chemical-smelling. The texture is firm and crunchy, which helps with dental health and gives dogs something to work on. Smaller kibble sizes in the Small Dog and Puppy formulas make those recipes easier to chew for little mouths and young teeth.
Where things get tricky is with batch consistency. A recurring complaint in recent reviews is that dogs who previously loved Kirkland suddenly refused to eat it, or that new bags smelled different or caused digestive upset. While there’s no confirmed formula change, these reports suggest possible batch-to-batch variation in ingredient quality or freshness. It’s not a widespread issue, but it’s frequent enough to warrant attention.
If you’re switching to Kirkland, plan for a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days, mixing increasing amounts with your current food. This gives your dog’s digestive system time to adjust and reduces the risk of stomach upset. And if your dog refuses to eat after a few days, Costco’s return policy has your back—you can return opened bags for a full refund, no questions asked.
This is where Kirkland truly excels. At roughly $1.10 to $1.30 per pound for the Super Premium lines and around $1.20 to $1.35 for Nature’s Domain, Kirkland undercuts nearly every competitor in the premium and mid-tier segments. Compare that to Purina Pro Plan at $1.65/lb, Blue Buffalo at $2.10/lb, or Hill’s Science Diet at $1.95/lb, and the savings are significant—especially if you’re feeding large dogs or multiple dogs.
For a 60-pound dog eating roughly 3 cups per day, you’re looking at a daily feeding cost of about $1.20 to $1.50, depending on the formula. That’s less than half what you’d spend on many boutique brands, and you’re still getting named meat proteins, whole grains or quality carb alternatives, and AAFCO-compliant nutrition.
The trade-off is that you won’t get the exotic proteins, organic certifications, or cutting-edge supplements you’d find in ultra-premium brands. But for the average healthy dog, those extras often aren’t necessary. Kirkland delivers solid, science-backed nutrition without the markup that comes from fancy marketing and boutique branding.
Bulk sizing is another advantage. The 40-pound bags mean fewer trips to the store and lower per-serving costs, though you’ll need storage space and a way to keep the food fresh once opened. Investing in an airtight container is a smart move to prevent oxidation and maintain palatability.
One caveat: Kirkland is only available at Costco or through Costco’s website, so you’ll need a membership to access it. If you’re already a Costco member, that’s no issue. If you’re not, factor in the annual membership fee ($60 for Gold Star, $120 for Executive) when calculating your savings. For most households feeding one or more dogs, the membership pays for itself quickly.
Kirkland dog food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods in FDA-registered facilities across the U.S., including Arkansas, California, Missouri, and South Carolina. Diamond is one of the largest contract pet food manufacturers in the country, producing food for dozens of brands, and it follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and AAFCO guidelines.
Quality control measures include microbiological and nutritional testing, though specific details about testing frequency, batch traceability, and third-party audits aren’t publicly disclosed. This lack of transparency is a common critique of private-label brands—you’re trusting the manufacturer’s internal processes without independent verification.
Kirkland has a clean recent safety record, with no major recalls in the past decade. The March 2025 recall for select lots due to potential contamination was handled swiftly and affected only a limited number of products, with no widespread reports of illness. Diamond’s broader recall history includes a significant 2012 salmonella contamination event, but Kirkland-specific products weren’t implicated, and the company has since strengthened its protocols.
Ingredient sourcing is another gray area. While most proteins and grains are U.S.-sourced, some ingredients—particularly vitamins and minerals—may come from international suppliers, including China. This isn’t unusual in the pet food industry, but it’s a transparency gap that leaves some owners uneasy. Kirkland and Diamond don’t publish detailed sourcing maps or supplier lists, so you’re taking some of this on faith.
Kirkland’s sustainability efforts are largely unknown because the brand doesn’t publish dedicated CSR reports or environmental impact statements for its pet food line. Costco as a whole has made commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve supply chain sustainability, but how those initiatives trickle down to Kirkland dog food specifically isn’t clear.
Packaging is functional but not eco-friendly. The heavy-duty plastic-lined bags are durable and protect the food well, but they’re not widely recyclable. If environmental impact is a priority for you, this is a limitation worth noting. Some premium brands have moved to compostable or recyclable packaging, but Kirkland hasn’t followed suit yet.
On the ethics front, there’s no public information about animal welfare standards for ingredient sourcing or whether Kirkland participates in programs like cage-free poultry or sustainably sourced fish. The brand also doesn’t disclose its stance on animal testing, though there’s no indication that feeding trials involve invasive or harmful procedures.
This lack of transparency doesn’t necessarily mean Kirkland is doing anything wrong—it’s more that the brand simply doesn’t prioritize marketing these aspects. If sustainability and ethical sourcing are dealbreakers for you, brands like The Farmer’s Dog or Ollie offer more detailed information and stronger commitments in these areas. You can read more about those options in our The Farmer’s Dog review.
At the shelter where I work, we’re always testing different foods to see what works best for the dogs in our care. We recently tried Kirkland’s Super Premium Adult Chicken & Rice with a three-year-old mixed-breed named Jasper—a lanky, energetic guy with a bit of hound and maybe some Lab in the mix. Jasper came to us with a sensitive stomach and a tendency to get gassy on certain foods, so we were curious to see how he’d handle a mid-range kibble like Kirkland.
The switch went smoothly. We transitioned him over about a week, mixing Kirkland with his previous food, and he didn’t skip a beat. Jasper’s always been a decent eater, not picky but not super enthusiastic either, and he approached the Kirkland with the same steady interest he shows most meals. No wild excitement, but no refusal either—just solid, consistent eating.
What stood out after a couple of weeks was his stool quality. Jasper’s stools firmed up noticeably, and the volume was smaller, which made cleanup easier and suggested he was digesting the food well. The gas that had been an issue with his previous food also decreased, which was a relief for everyone in the kennel area. His coat didn’t undergo any dramatic transformation, but it stayed shiny and healthy-looking, which is all you can really ask for.
Energy-wise, Jasper remained his usual self—playful during walks, calm in his kennel, no noticeable dip or spike. He maintained a healthy weight without any adjustments to portion size, and he seemed satisfied after meals without begging or scavenging for extras. It was, in short, exactly what you’d hope for: no drama, just steady, reliable nutrition.
The only minor hiccup came when we opened a new bag. Jasper hesitated at first, sniffing the kibble a bit longer than usual before eating. It made me wonder if there was a slight batch variation in smell or texture, but he adjusted within a day and went back to his normal routine. It wasn’t enough to cause concern, but it did make me more aware of the consistency questions some owners have raised in reviews.
Real-world feedback on Kirkland dog food is overwhelmingly positive, with average ratings hovering around 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5 across platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and DogFoodAdvisor. Long-term users frequently praise the brand for keeping their dogs healthy, energetic, and satisfied year after year, often mentioning that they’ve fed multiple dogs over decades without issues.
Common themes in positive reviews include improved coat shine, firm stools, steady energy, and healthy weight maintenance. Many owners note that their dogs transitioned easily to Kirkland and showed visible improvements in digestion and skin health within a few weeks. The value proposition is a recurring highlight—owners appreciate getting premium-quality nutrition without the premium price tag.
On the flip side, negative reviews tend to cluster around a few specific issues. Palatability complaints are the most common, with some dogs refusing to eat Kirkland or losing interest after a few weeks. Digestive upset—loose stools, gas, or vomiting—is another recurring concern, particularly during the transition period or after opening new bags. A subset of owners also reports allergic reactions, including itching, ear infections, and skin irritation, often linked to chicken or grains.
Recent reviews from 2024 and 2025 show a slight uptick in complaints about batch inconsistency. Owners mention that their dogs suddenly refused food they’d previously loved, or that new bags smelled different or caused digestive issues. While these reports aren’t widespread, they’re frequent enough to suggest possible quality control variations.
Despite these concerns, Costco’s return policy provides a safety net. Owners consistently mention being able to return opened bags for a full refund if their dog doesn’t tolerate the food, which reduces the financial risk of trying Kirkland.
When you stack Kirkland against other brands in its price range and quality tier, it holds up surprisingly well. Compared to Purina Pro Plan, Kirkland offers similar protein levels (24–28% vs. 26–30%) and named meat proteins, but at roughly $0.50 to $0.60 less per pound. Pro Plan has a wider variety of specialized formulas—sensitive skin and stomach, sport performance, cognitive support—but if your dog doesn’t need those extras, Kirkland delivers comparable nutrition for less money.
Blue Buffalo markets itself as a premium natural brand with “LifeSource Bits” (kibble with added antioxidants and vitamins), but it’s also significantly more expensive at around $2.10 per pound. Ingredient quality is similar to Kirkland, with whole meats and no by-products, but you’re paying for branding and marketing. If you value the Blue Buffalo philosophy and can afford it, it’s a solid choice. If you’re budget-conscious, Kirkland gives you most of the same benefits without the markup.
Hill’s Science Diet is often vet-recommended and offers therapeutic formulas for specific health conditions, but its everyday adult formulas are pricier ($1.95/lb) and sometimes lower in protein than Kirkland. For healthy dogs, Kirkland’s nutritional profile is more robust, and the cost savings are substantial.
In the grain-free segment, Taste of the Wild is a common comparison. Both are manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, which means they share production facilities and quality control processes. Taste of the Wild is slightly higher in protein (30–32%) and uses more exotic proteins like bison and venison, but it’s also more expensive. Kirkland’s Nature’s Domain line offers a middle ground—grain-free with solid protein levels and a lower price.
Against ultra-premium brands like Orijen or Acana, Kirkland doesn’t compete on protein density (35–40%+), ingredient diversity, or exotic meats. But it’s also half the price. If your dog thrives on high-protein, biologically appropriate diets, Orijen is worth the investment. If your dog does fine on moderate protein and you want to save money, Kirkland is a smarter pick.
Kirkland dog food is best suited for healthy adult dogs with no major sensitivities or medical conditions. If you’ve got a medium to large breed that’s moderately active and not prone to allergies, Kirkland’s Super Premium Adult Chicken & Rice or Lamb formulas will serve you well. These recipes provide balanced nutrition, solid protein levels, and digestible ingredients at a price that makes long-term feeding sustainable.
For puppies, the Puppy Chicken & Rice formula offers the higher protein (28%) and fat (17%) content needed for growth, along with DHA for brain and eye development. It’s a smart choice for medium to large breed puppies, though giant breed owners should consult their vet about calcium and phosphorus levels to ensure safe skeletal development.
Senior dogs can benefit from the Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg formula, which maintains protein at 27% while reducing fat to 10% and adding glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Older dogs with slowing metabolisms and mobility issues often do well on this recipe, and the lower price makes it accessible for long-term feeding.
For small breeds, the Small Dog Chicken formula features smaller kibble and slightly higher caloric density, making it easier to chew and digest. Small dogs with higher metabolic rates benefit from the concentrated nutrition, and the price per serving is still lower than most specialty small-breed formulas.
If your dog has a confirmed grain sensitivity, the Nature’s Domain grain-free line offers salmon, turkey, and beef options with sweet potato and peas. These formulas work well for dogs with mild sensitivities, though they should be approached with caution for breeds predisposed to DCM.
Kirkland is not suitable for dogs with severe food allergies, medical conditions requiring prescription diets, or very picky eaters who need high palatability and flavor variety. It’s also not ideal if you’re looking for exotic proteins, organic ingredients, or cutting-edge functional supplements. For those needs, you’ll want to explore specialized brands with more targeted formulations.
Yes, Kirkland dog food is good—very good, in fact, for what it is. It’s not trying to be the most innovative or exotic brand on the market, and it’s not positioning itself as a veterinary therapeutic option. What it does is deliver solid, science-backed nutrition with recognizable ingredients at a price that makes premium feeding accessible to a much wider audience. For healthy dogs with no special dietary needs, Kirkland is one of the smartest choices you can make.
The ingredient lists are straightforward and clean, with whole meat or meat meal leading the way, digestible carbs like brown rice and sweet potato, and functional additives like probiotics and joint supplements. Protein levels are competitive, fat content is appropriate, and AAFCO compliance ensures the food meets basic nutritional standards. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s competent and consistent, which is exactly what most dogs need.
Where Kirkland really shines is value. At $1.10 to $1.35 per pound, you’re getting nutrition that rivals brands costing twice as much. For multi-dog households, large breeds, or anyone on a budget, that savings adds up quickly without forcing you to compromise on quality. The bulk sizing and Costco’s return policy further reduce risk, making it easy to try and easy to walk away from if it doesn’t work out.
The downsides are real but manageable. Batch inconsistency is a concern that’s cropped up in recent reviews, and the lack of transparency around ingredient sourcing and quality control leaves some questions unanswered. Palatability is hit or miss for picky eaters, and the limited variety means dogs who get bored easily might lose interest over time. And if your dog has severe allergies or requires a prescription diet, Kirkland simply isn’t equipped to help.
Would I buy this for my dog? Absolutely, if I had a healthy adult dog with no sensitivities. The combination of quality ingredients, solid nutrition, and unbeatable value makes it a no-brainer for everyday feeding. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with the caveat that they should monitor their dog during the transition and be prepared to switch if palatability or digestion becomes an issue. Honestly, for most dogs, Kirkland is a reliable, affordable option that delivers on its promises without the hype or markup you’d get from boutique brands. It’s not perfect, but it’s very, very good for the price.
Yes, Kirkland dog food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, one of the largest contract pet food producers in the U.S. Diamond also manufactures Taste of the Wild and several other well-known brands. This partnership gives Kirkland access to proven formulation expertise and established supply chains, which helps explain how they can deliver quality nutrition at such competitive prices.
Yes, Kirkland dog food is only available at Costco warehouses or through Costco’s website, so you’ll need a membership to purchase it. The annual membership fee is $60 for Gold Star or $120 for Executive. For most households feeding one or more dogs, the membership typically pays for itself quickly through the savings on pet food and other purchases.
Recent reviews from 2024 and 2025 show an uptick in complaints about batch inconsistency. Some owners report that their dogs refused food they previously loved, or that new bags smelled different. While these reports aren’t widespread, they suggest possible batch-to-batch variation in ingredient quality or freshness. The good news is Costco’s generous return policy allows you to return opened bags for a full refund if your dog won’t eat the food.
The FDA is investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), particularly in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Cocker Spaniels. While causation hasn’t been definitively proven, many veterinarians now recommend grain-inclusive diets unless there’s a confirmed medical reason to avoid grains. Kirkland’s grain-inclusive formulas tend to get more positive long-term feedback from owners anyway.
Kirkland offers similar ingredient quality and protein levels to these premium brands but at roughly $0.50 to $0.60 less per pound. You’re getting comparable nutrition without paying for extensive marketing and branding. The main trade-off is that Kirkland has fewer specialized formulas—no sensitive stomach varieties or prescription options—but for healthy dogs, the nutritional profiles are very similar.
Yes, Kirkland offers life stage-specific formulas. The Puppy Chicken & Rice provides 28% protein and 17% fat for growing dogs, plus DHA for brain development. The Mature Dog formula maintains 27% protein while reducing fat to 10% and includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Both meet AAFCO standards for their respective life stages.
Always transition gradually over 7 to 10 days, mixing increasing amounts of Kirkland with your current food. Some dogs experience gas or loose stools during transitions, which is normal. However, if digestive issues persist after the transition period, the food may not be right for your dog. Costco will accept returns on opened bags, so you’re not stuck with food your dog can’t tolerate.
Most proteins and grains in Kirkland dog food are U.S.-sourced, but some ingredients—particularly vitamins and minerals—may come from international suppliers, including China. This isn’t unusual in the pet food industry, but Kirkland and Diamond don’t publish detailed sourcing information, so complete transparency isn’t available.
Kirkland isn’t recommended for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities. The formulas contain common allergens like chicken, grains, and brewer’s yeast, and there are no limited-ingredient or novel-protein options. If your dog has confirmed allergies to poultry or grains, you’ll need a specialized brand with more targeted formulas.
Once opened, dry dog food should be used within 6 to 8 weeks for optimal freshness and nutritional value. Store the food in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and maintain palatability. The original bag isn’t resealable, so investing in a good storage container is recommended, especially with Kirkland’s large 40-pound bags.
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