Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand offers a range of dry dog foods that have earned a strong reputation for quality and affordability. This review delves into the Kirkland Signature dry product line, analyzing its recipes, ingredients, and nutritional content to determine its standing in the market. The overall assessment indicates that Kirkland Signature dry dog foods are highly recommended, with most recipes achieving a 5-star rating.
Our Verdict
Costco Kirkland Signature dry product range is made up of six recipes with ratings varying from 3 to 5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 5 stars.
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Kirkland Signature Adult Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula | 5 | M |
| Costco Kirkland Signature Small Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula | 5 | M |
| Costco Kirkland Signature Adult Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula | 4 | M |
| Costco Kirkland Signature Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula | 5 | M |
| Costco Kirkland Signature Puppy Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula | 5 | A |
| Costco Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Dog Formula With Chicken & Vegetables | 3 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
We selected Costco Kirkland Signature Adult Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Costco Kirkland Signature Adult Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
- Protein: 28.9%
- Fat: 17.8%
- Carbs: 45.3%
Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, dried beet pulp, potatoes, fish meal, flaxseed, natural flavor, dried yeast, millet, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, carrots, peas, dried kelp, apples, cranberries, rosemary extract, parsley flakes, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, chondroitin sulfate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4%
Red denotes any controversial items
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| Guaranteed Analysis |
| Dry Matter Basis |
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Ingredients Analysis
The primary ingredient in this recipe is chicken, which provides a high-quality source of protein rich in essential amino acids. Following chicken is chicken meal, a concentrated protein source, and whole grain brown rice and cracked pearled barley, which are digestible carbohydrates. Chicken fat is included as a source of omega-6 fatty acids.
The recipe also contains egg product, a highly digestible protein, and beet pulp, a source of fiber beneficial for intestinal health. Potatoes offer a gluten-free carbohydrate source. Fish meal contributes additional protein, although the specific type of fish is not detailed.
Notable inclusions further down the ingredient list include flaxseed, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and dried yeast, which can offer nutritional benefits but may be a concern for dogs with sensitivities. Peas provide carbohydrates and fiber, and chicory root acts as a prebiotic, supporting digestive health. The inclusion of chelated minerals indicates a focus on bioavailability and absorption. However, the presence of sodium selenite is noted as a less preferred form of selenium.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients, Costco Kirkland Signature Adult Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula appears to be an above-average dry product. The dry matter protein content is 29%, fat is 18%, and carbohydrates are approximately 45%. Across the entire Kirkland brand range, the average protein content is 28% and the average fat content is 15%, suggesting an overall carbohydrate content of around 49%. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 53%. These figures indicate that the Kirkland product line offers near-average protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels when compared to other kibbles on the market.
Kirkland Dog Food Recall History
The following list includes dog food recalls related to Kirkland up to January 2026. For a comprehensive list of all dog food recalls since 2009, please refer to the provided link.
Our Rating of Kirkland Dog Food
Costco’s Kirkland Signature is a high-quality, affordable dry dog food that includes grains. Each recipe features chicken or lamb as the main ingredient and offers a variety of options designed for dogs of different ages and sizes. It is certainly worthy of the overall 5 stars it has earned in our review.
Please note that certain recipes may receive slightly different ratings based on an estimation of their total meat content and fat-to-protein ratios.
Highly Recommended
Compare Kirkland Dog Food
Consider how Kirkland dog food compares to other highly recommended brands.
Sources
,: Association of American Feed Control Officials
A Final Word
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