Brand Review Kirkland
Kirkland Signature, Costco’s renowned private-label brand launched in 1995, has become synonymous with quality and affordability, extending its reach to a range of budget-friendly pet foods. Garnering praise for offering products that rival or surpass name brands, Kirkland Signature has even been lauded by Bon Appetit as “the best store brand there ever was.”[2]
If you’re a cat owner contemplating a switch to Kirkland Cat Food, you’re likely seeking assurance of both quality and value. This Kirkland cat food review dives deep into Costco’s popular brand to help you determine if it truly delivers on its promise for your feline companion.
Cats.com’s Rating Standard: Kirkland Cat Food Evaluated
At Cats.com, we employ a rigorous standard to assess cat foods, and Kirkland cat food was put to the test across five crucial categories: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Kirkland measured up in each area.
Ratings Breakdown:
- Species-Appropriateness: 6/10
- Ingredient Quality: 8/10
- Product Variety: 6/10
- Customer Experience: 8/10
- Recall History: 6/10
Overall Cats.com Score: 6.8/10
Final Grade: C (34 out of 50)
Kirkland cat food achieves an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, translating to a grade of C. Let’s explore the specifics behind this rating.
Why You Can Trust Cats.com’s Kirkland Cat Food Review
Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula
To provide a thorough and reliable Kirkland cat food review, significant research was conducted, encompassing the brand’s recall history, manufacturing processes, ingredient quality, and customer feedback. Beyond online research, practical testing was also performed.
A personal purchase of Kirkland Signature dry cat food and a variety pack of wet food cans was made at full retail price. These products were then tested with two feline companions, Wessie and Forest, to observe real-world palatability and acceptance.
Kirkland Cat Food: Sourcing and Manufacturing Insights
Costco, operating as a membership-based warehouse club, stands as the fifth-largest global retailer as of 2022. Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, near Seattle, Costco boasts over 850 stores worldwide in 2023.
While Costco’s sourcing is global, Kirkland Signature cat foods are proudly manufactured in the United States using a mix of domestic and imported ingredients.
The manufacturing of Kirkland Signature cat food is entrusted to Diamond Pet Foods, operating five facilities across the USA. Diamond Pet Foods is a well-known manufacturer in the pet food industry, also producing for brands like Taste of the Wild, 4health, and Chicken Soup for the Soul, among many others.
Kirkland Cat Food Recall History: What You Need to Know
Yes, Kirkland Signature cat food has experienced a recall. In the spring of 2012, a recall was issued due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall was not isolated to Kirkland; Diamond Pet Foods initiated recalls across numerous brands following a salmonella outbreak at their Gaston, South Carolina manufacturing facility. Subsequently, the FDA conducted a week-long investigation, revealing that Diamond Pet Foods had not taken “all reasonable precautions” to ensure product safety.
This was not the first instance of FDA scrutiny for Diamond’s Gaston plant. An earlier inspection found the plant had produced dog food with excessive aflatoxin levels and lacked preventative procedures against aflatoxin contamination.
Despite one recall and the manufacturer’s past quality control issues, Kirkland Signature has maintained a generally consistent safety record. Notably, Kirkland cat food has not been subject to any recalls in over a decade as of this review.
Kirkland Cat Food Product Range: Exploring the Options
Kirkland Cat Food Products
Kirkland Signature offers a focused selection of both dry and wet cat food formulas. Dry food options are available in bulk sizes, typically 18, 20, or 25-pound bags depending on the recipe. Kirkland Signature wet cat food comes in smaller 3-ounce or 3.5-ounce cans, sold in variety packs of 40 or 45 trays.
The current Kirkland Signature cat food product lineup includes:
Dry Cat Food:
- Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Food
- Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Food
- Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula Dry Food
Wet Cat 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 key feature across the Kirkland Signature cat food range is the inclusion of animal protein as the primary ingredient. The wet food recipes are entirely grain-free, as is the Nature’s Domain dry food recipe. However, the other dry food formulas do incorporate rice and other carbohydrates as significant components.
Palatability Test: What Did Our Cats Think of Kirkland Cat Food?
Kirkland cat food, while not flawless, presents a valuable option, particularly considering its price point. Like many dry foods, Kirkland’s dry recipes are lower in moisture, higher in carbohydrates, and moderate in protein compared to a cat’s natural diet.
However, when weighed against other similarly priced brands like Kindfull and Pretty Please, Kirkland stands out favorably. It distinguishes itself with superior ingredient quality and avoids potentially questionable additives often found in other budget-friendly cat foods.
Kirkland’s wet foods, being more recent additions to the lineup, are still under longer-term evaluation. Initial impressions suggest they are comparable in quality to established brands such as Iams and Diamond. Notably, these wet foods are formulated without meat by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, positioning them a step above some store brands like Aldi’s Heart to Tail in terms of ingredient selection.
Kirkland Signature Cat Food: Top Recipes Reviewed in Detail
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula | Dry | Chicken | 115 kcal/oz | $0.09 per oz | C+ |
| Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe | Dry | Salmon Meal | 102 kcal/oz | $0.13 per oz | C+ |
| Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula | Dry | Chicken Meal | 88 kcal/oz | $0.10 per oz | D+ |
| Kirkland Signature Turkey Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food | Wet | Turkey | 28 kcal/oz | $0.22 per oz | B+ |
#1: Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula – Detailed Review
Kirkland Maintenance Cat Food
$41.25 At Amazon $36.99 At Costco
This widely-accepted kibble is known for its affordability and broad appeal to cats. Formulated for all life stages, it’s nutritionally complete for kittens through senior cats. Chicken and chicken meal are the primary protein sources, providing essential amino acids for feline health.
Following the chicken ingredients, the recipe includes whole-grain brown rice and ground white rice, which act as binders for kibble structure and texture. Chicken fat serves as the primary fat source, offering more benefits for cats compared to plant-based oils.
Beyond essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, this formula contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis, probiotic bacteria that may support digestive health.
Nutritionally, this food is characterized by moderate protein and fat levels with a higher carbohydrate content. It avoids undesirable ingredients like animal by-products, ambiguous meat sources, plant by-products, and artificial additives. While offering exceptional value, it’s important to note that its lower protein, higher carbohydrate, and low moisture profile don’t perfectly align with a cat’s carnivorous nutritional needs.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Sodium Bisulfate, Salmon Oil (A Source of DHA), Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, 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, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin a Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Pros:
- Features clearly named meat sources.
- Contains guaranteed probiotics for digestive support.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Highly affordable cat food option.
Cons:
- Relatively high in carbohydrates.
- Low moisture content typical of dry food.
- Lower protein content compared to some premium brands.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 30%
- Crude Fat: 20%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
#2: Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe – Detailed Review
Kirkland Nature’s Domain Salmon Cat Food
Nature’s Domain is Kirkland’s grain-free pet food line, utilizing sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes instead of grains like rice for carbohydrate content and binding. Like other Kirkland cat foods, it includes guaranteed probiotics and chicory root as a prebiotic fiber source for gut health.
This salmon-based recipe lists salmon meal and ocean fish meal as the primary ingredients, followed by peas and potatoes. Canola oil is the main fat source, which is less biologically available for cats compared to animal-derived fats.
This formula is higher in protein and carbohydrates with moderate fat. However, the significant starch content, some plant-based protein, and canola oil make it less species-appropriate than the Maintenance Chicken & Rice formula.
Ingredients:
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (A Source of DHA), Dl-Methionine, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Blueberries, Raspberries, Tomatoes, Dried Chicory Root, 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, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin a Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Pros:
- Good quality fish-based kibble option.
- Economical grain-free dry food choice.
- Contains probiotics for digestive and overall health benefits.
Cons:
- Uses canola oil instead of animal-sourced fat.
- High carbohydrate content.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 14%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
#3: Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula – Detailed Review
Kirkland Healthy Weight Indoor Cat Food
$52.49 At Amazon $32.99 At Costco
Marketed for indoor cats and weight management, this formula aims to help cats lose weight and control hairballs. Chicken meal is the primary ingredient, followed by rice, peas, cellulose, and potato protein. Chicken fat is the main fat source, with added natural flavor and fish meal.
It includes prebiotics, probiotics, and boosted L-carnitine to aid fat metabolism. This recipe is lower in calories and fat, and higher in fiber, designed for weight loss. However, it is less species-appropriate due to a higher carbohydrate content than protein.
Ingredients:
Chicken Meal, Ground White Rice, Peas, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Potato Protein, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Sodium Bisulfate, Fish Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, L-Carnitine, 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, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin a Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite,| Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Pros:
- Potentially beneficial for overweight cats.
- Contains probiotics for gut health.
- Uses animal-sourced fat.
Cons:
- Very high in carbohydrates.
- Low fat content may not suit all cats.
- Includes plant-based protein sources.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 9%
- Crude Fiber: 10%
- Moisture: 10%
#4: Kirkland Signature Turkey Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food – Detailed Review
Kirkland Pate Wet Cat Food
This grain-free pate recipe starts with turkey, followed by poultry broth, liver, and hearts. Poultry organs provide nutrients, though the source isn’t specified.
It contains natural flavor (hydrolyzed protein), and gums (locust bean, xanthan, carrageenan) for texture. Carrageenan is a controversial ingredient that may cause digestive issues in some cats.
While it includes plant-based omega-3s from flaxseed and canola oil, animal-based sources like salmon oil would be preferable. Overall, it’s high in protein and fat, and appears lower in carbohydrates based on the ingredient list, despite a higher calculated carbohydrate percentage from guaranteed analysis.
Ingredients:
Turkey, Poultry Broth, Poultry Liver, Poultry Hearts, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Flaxseed Meal, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Taurine, Canola Oil, Magnesium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Xanthan Gum, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Biotin.
Pros:
- Real turkey is the first ingredient.
- High moisture content for hydration.
- Available in a variety pack.
- Good protein and fat levels.
Cons:
- Vague poultry ingredients.
- Plant-based fats are primary omega-3 source.
- Contains carrageenan and gums.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 4.5%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 80%
Customer Reviews of Kirkland Signature Cat Food: What Are Cat Owners Saying?
Kirkland Signature cat food generally receives positive feedback from customers. On Costco.com, the Maintenance Cat Chicken and Rice formula boasts over 2,000 reviews with a 4.7-star average, highlighting customer satisfaction with its price and quality.
Wet food reviews are limited due to the recent release, but customer anticipation is high for Kirkland Signature wet cat food.
Positive Reviews (Examples from Costco.com):
- Sarah: “My cats have always stayed healthy on this food. Amazing price, clean ingredients compared to most.”
- Laha42: “We have both of our older cats on this food and have been buying it for many, many years. They seem to digest it easily and it maintains their health. It’s a great price, as expected, from Costco.”
Customers appreciate the affordability, bulk buying convenience, and report positive health outcomes for their cats, including improved digestion and reduced litter box odor.
Negative Reviews (Examples from Costco.com):
- Logan: “I had my cat on this food for over nine months because she was overweight when I adopted her. I fed her less than the instructions and she only lost one pound. The vet said she’s still very overweight. I recently switched to an all-wet food, low-carb diet, and that seems to be way healthier. Her poops also barely stink now.”
- Julia: “I bought this a month ago. As I was feeding my cats one morning, I realized there was a huge piece of [plastic cling] wrap in the bag… I’m so glad I found it when I did and my cats weren’t harmed, but I am so mad at the quality of this product.”
Some negative feedback includes concerns about weight management effectiveness with the Healthy Weight formula and isolated incidents of foreign objects in food bags. A recurring wish among reviewers is for lower carbohydrate content in the dry food options. The bulk size of Kirkland dry food (25-pound bags) is also a concern for storage and freshness for some customers.
Kirkland Cat Food Cost Breakdown: Budget-Friendly or Not?
Kirkland dry cat food is priced between $0.09 and $0.13 per ounce when purchased at Costco stores or online. Kirkland wet cat food, sold in variety packs, averages around $0.22 per ounce.
Daily feeding costs for a 10-lb cat on Kirkland dry food range from $0.16 to $0.25, while a wet food diet costs approximately $1.50 to $1.85 per day. This positions Kirkland cat food as one of the most affordable cat food brands available, comparable in price to brands like Diamond Cat Food and Friskies.
Final Verdict: Is Kirkland Signature Cat Food a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Kirkland cat food, while not perfect, offers a compelling balance of quality and affordability. Like many dry cat foods, its dry formulas are relatively high in carbohydrates and lower in moisture, though ingredient quality surpasses similarly priced brands like Kindfull and Pretty Please.
The newer Kirkland wet foods appear to be on par with reputable brands like Iams and Diamond, and offer a slight edge over store brands like Aldi’s Heart to Tail by excluding meat by-products, corn, wheat, and soy.
Where to Buy Kirkland Signature Cat Food
Kirkland Signature cat food is primarily available at Costco warehouses and Costco’s website, requiring a Costco membership for purchase.
For those without a membership, some Kirkland cat food products can be found on Amazon.com and Walmart.com, although availability may be inconsistent, prices may be higher, and seller authenticity may vary.
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