Costco Kirkland Signature Dry Dog Food Review

Choosing the right dry dog food can be a daunting task for any pet owner, given the vast array of options available. Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand has consistently garnered attention for its combination of quality and affordability. This review delves into the Kirkland Signature dry dog food range, analyzing its ingredients, nutritional content, and overall value to help you make an informed decision for your canine companion.

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. This consistent high rating suggests a reliable product line that caters to various dietary needs and life stages of dogs.

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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.

Recipe and Label Analysis

For a detailed examination, Costco Kirkland Signature Adult Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula was chosen to represent the entire product line.

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.

Estimated Fiber (dry matter content): 4%

Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredients Deep Dive

The primary ingredient in this recipe is chicken. This is a whole, unprocessed source of protein, providing essential amino acids crucial for canine health.

Following chicken is chicken meal, a concentrated source of protein derived from chicken, containing significantly more protein by weight than fresh chicken.

Brown rice and barley are the next ingredients, serving as sources of complex carbohydrates and fiber. While they provide energy, their overall nutritional contribution to a dog’s diet is considered moderate beyond calories and fiber.

Chicken fat is a valuable source of omega-6 fatty acids, essential for skin and coat health. Despite its unappetizing name, it’s a quality ingredient.

The inclusion of egg product offers a highly digestible and biologically valuable protein source. However, the quality can vary.

Beet pulp is a fiber-rich ingredient that supports digestive health, although it’s sometimes viewed controversially as a filler. Its inclusion in reasonable amounts is generally acceptable for promoting intestinal health and blood sugar regulation.

Potatoes provide a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates.

Fish meal is another protein concentrate, but its anonymous source means the specific nutritional profile of the fish used is unknown, which is a slight drawback.

Other notable ingredients include:

• Flaxseed: An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for overall health when ground.
• Dried yeast: Offers protein and nutrients, and while some believe it repels fleas or supports immunity, others link it to allergies. If your dog is not allergic, it’s a nutritious additive.
• Peas: A good source of carbohydrates and natural fiber.
• Chicory root: Contains inulin, a prebiotic that promotes healthy gut bacteria.
• Chelated minerals: Minerals chemically bound to protein for enhanced absorption, indicating a higher quality formulation.

Conversely, sodium selenite is noted as a controversial and potentially less nutritious form of selenium compared to selenium yeast.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredient list, the Costco Kirkland Signature Adult Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula appears to be an above-average dry dog food.

The estimated nutrient content on a dry matter basis shows protein at 29%, fat at 18%, and carbohydrates around 45%. The overall product line averages 28% protein and 15% fat, suggesting approximately 49% carbohydrates. This positions the Kirkland brand as having near-average protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels compared to other kibbles on the market. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 53%.

Kirkland Dog Food Recall History

As of January 2026, there have been no recalls reported for Kirkland dog food products. For a comprehensive history of dog food recalls, consult resources like DogFoodAdvisor’s recall list.

Our Rating of Kirkland Dog Food

Costco’s Kirkland Signature dry dog food, particularly the chicken and rice formulas, stands out as a high-quality, affordable option that includes grains. With key ingredients like chicken or lamb and a variety of formulations for different life stages, it’s a product line that merits its 5-star rating. While specific recipes might be adjusted slightly in rating based on meat content and fat-to-protein ratios, the overall brand offers excellent value and nutrition for dogs.

Highly Recommended

Sources

(#fn-1),(#fn-2): Association of American Feed Control Officials.