As a private-label brand of Costco, Kirkland Signature has established a reputation for offering high-quality products at affordable prices since its introduction in 1995. This includes a selection of pet foods, with their cat food line aiming to provide good value for cat owners. This review delves into Kirkland cat food, examining its species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, customer experience, and recall history to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your feline companion.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Kirkland on Key Factors
At Cats.com, we evaluate pet food brands based on five critical areas: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, customer experience, and recall history. Kirkland cat food received the following scores:
- Species-Appropriateness: 6/10
- Ingredient Quality: 8/10
- Product Variety: 6/10
- Customer Experience: 8/10
- Recall History: 6/10
Overall Score: 6.8/10 (C Grade)
While Kirkland cat food earns a respectable overall score, it’s important to understand the nuances behind these ratings.
Understanding Kirkland’s Sourcing and Manufacturing
Kirkland Signature cat food is manufactured in the United States by Diamond Pet Foods, a company that also produces food for several other well-known pet food brands. Diamond operates five manufacturing facilities across the U.S., utilizing both domestic and imported ingredients for Kirkland Signature products. Costco, a global warehouse club, ensures that its private-label brand maintains a standard of quality comparable to or exceeding that of name-brand products.
Kirkland Cat Food Recalls: A Look Back
Kirkland Signature cat food has been subject to a recall in the past. In the spring of 2012, a recall was issued due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall also involved other brands manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, stemming from an outbreak at one of their facilities. The FDA’s subsequent investigation highlighted concerns regarding safety and quality control. However, it’s important to note that Kirkland cat food has not been recalled in over a decade, and appears to be a consistent and safe brand for feline consumption.
Kirkland’s Cat Food Offerings
Kirkland Signature offers a curated selection of both dry and wet cat food options. Their dry foods are typically sold in large bags, ranging from 18 to 25 pounds, while wet foods come in 3-ounce or 3.5-ounce cans, often sold in variety packs of 40 or 45.
The current Kirkland Signature cat food lineup includes:
- Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Food
- Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Food (Grain-Free)
- Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula Dry Food
- Kirkland Signature Chicken Recipe Pâté Wet Cat Food
- Kirkland Signature Turkey Recipe Pâté Wet Cat Food
- Kirkland Signature Salmon Recipe Pâté Wet Cat Food
- Kirkland Signature Chicken Recipe Chunks in Gravy Wet Cat Food
- Kirkland Signature Salmon Recipe Chunks in Gravy Wet Cat Food
A common thread across all Kirkland Signature cat foods is the inclusion of animal protein as the primary ingredient. Notably, their Nature’s Domain dry food and all their wet food recipes are grain-free.
Test Cat Feedback on Kirkland Cat Food
When testing Kirkland cat food with our feline panel, we observed a mixed but generally positive reception. While dry food recipes, like many others on the market, tend to be moisture-depleted and higher in carbohydrates, Kirkland stands out for its ingredient quality, especially when compared to other budget-friendly options. The brand avoids potentially harmful additives commonly found in other inexpensive foods.
The wet food varieties, being newer to the market, are comparable to established brands like Iams and Diamond. Their absence of meat by-products, corn, wheat, or soy ingredients positions them as a higher-quality choice compared to some other store brands.
Top Kirkland Signature Cat Food Recipes Reviewed
Here’s a closer look at some of Kirkland’s top recipes:
#1 Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula (Dry)
This popular and affordable kibble is formulated for all life stages. Its primary ingredients include chicken and chicken meal, providing essential amino acids. Chicken fat serves as a beneficial animal-derived fat source. The formula also includes probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis to support digestion.
- Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat.
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
- Pros: Features named meats, contains probiotics, free of artificial additives, very affordable.
- Cons: High in carbohydrates, low in moisture and protein, not ideal for obligate carnivores.
#2 Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe (Dry)
As part of Kirkland’s grain-free line, this recipe uses sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes as binders instead of grains. It features salmon meal and ocean fish meal as primary protein sources and includes probiotics and chicory root for digestive health.
- Ingredients We Liked: Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal.
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Potatoes, Pea Protein.
- Pros: Good economical option for fish-loving cats, contains probiotics.
- Cons: Uses canola oil instead of animal-sourced fat, high carbohydrate content.
#3 Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula (Dry)
Marketed for indoor cats needing weight management and hairball control, this formula features chicken meal as the first ingredient. It includes chicken fat for fat content and dried chicory root for prebiotic fiber. It also contains boosted L-carnitine to aid fat metabolism.
- Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Fish Meal.
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Potato Protein.
- Pros: Potentially beneficial for weight management, contains beneficial bacteria, uses animal fat.
- Cons: Very high in carbohydrates, lower fat content may not suit all cats.
#4 Kirkland Signature Turkey Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food (Wet)
This grain-free turkey pâté begins with fresh turkey, followed by other poultry-based ingredients like liver and hearts, which are rich in nutrients. It uses gums like locust bean gum and carrageenan as thickeners, which can be problematic for some cats. While it contains flaxseed meal and canola oil for omega-3 fatty acids, an animal-based source like salmon oil would be preferred.
- Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Dried Egg Product.
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Carrageenan, Canola Oil.
- Pros: Moisture-rich, includes turkey as a primary ingredient, offered in variety packs.
- Cons: Contains vaguely named poultry ingredients, relies on plant-based fats, includes potentially irritating gums.
Customer Experiences with Kirkland Cat Food
Kirkland Signature cat food generally receives positive feedback from customers, particularly on Costco.com. The Maintenance Cat Chicken and Rice formula, for instance, boasts over 2,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers frequently praise the balance of price and quality, with many noting their cats’ improved health and coat condition. The convenience of purchasing in bulk is also a significant advantage.
Some negative reviews mention that their cats refuse to eat certain formulas, a common occurrence with picky eaters. While a few anecdotal reports link Kirkland foods to digestive upset, there’s no substantial evidence to support these claims. The large package sizes are occasionally cited as a downside, being difficult to store or manage for some owners.
The Cost of Kirkland Signature Cat Food
Kirkland cat food is exceptionally budget-friendly. Dry food options typically range from $0.09 to $0.13 per ounce when purchased directly from Costco. Wet food variety packs average around $0.22 per ounce. For a typical 10-lb cat, a daily diet of Kirkland dry food can cost between $0.16 to $0.25, while a wet food diet is estimated between $1.50 and $1.85 daily. This pricing positions Kirkland among the most affordable cat food brands available, comparable to Diamond Cat Food and Friskies.
Is Kirkland Cat Food a Good Choice?
Kirkland Signature cat food presents a compelling option for owners seeking high-quality nutrition without a high price tag. While its dry formulas may be higher in carbohydrates and lower in moisture than ideal for a carnivore, they offer superior ingredient quality compared to many other budget brands. The wet food options appear to be on par with reputable brands and are a good choice for those looking to avoid common allergens and fillers.
Where to Purchase Kirkland Signature Cat Food
Kirkland Signature cat food is most readily available at Costco stores and on the Costco website. A Costco membership is required for purchase. Some Kirkland cat food products can also be found on Amazon and Walmart, though availability and pricing may vary, and these sellers may not be officially licensed by Costco.
