Kirkland Cat Food offers an affordable option for cat owners, but is it truly the best choice for your feline’s health? FOODS.EDU.VN delves into a comprehensive Kirkland cat food review, examining ingredient quality, product variety, and more. Discover if this Costco favorite delivers the quality and value your cat deserves. Explore alternative premium cat food options, healthy cat food ingredients, and find the perfect diet for your pet on FOODS.EDU.VN.
1. What Makes Kirkland Cat Food Stand Out?
Kirkland Signature, Costco’s private-label brand introduced in 1995, has gained a reputation for delivering affordable products that rival name-brand equivalents. Bon Appetit even lauded it as “the best store brand there ever was.” But how does Kirkland cat food measure up when scrutinized based on what truly matters for your feline companion?
2. How Does FOODS.EDU.VN Evaluate Kirkland Cat Food?
FOODS.EDU.VN assesses Kirkland cat food based on the Cats.com standard, evaluating species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s a breakdown of its ratings:
Ratings
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Overall, Kirkland cat food receives a 34 out of 50, or a C grade. But what does this mean for your cat’s diet? Let’s delve deeper into each category.
3. What Research Backs FOODS.EDU.VN’s Kirkland Cat Food Review?
The comprehensive review conducted by FOODS.EDU.VN involved hours of meticulous research into Kirkland cat food, including its recall history, manufacturing processes, ingredient quality, and customer feedback. This research was complemented by hands-on testing with feline companions to provide a well-rounded evaluation.
4. Who Manufactures Kirkland Cat Food And Where Are The Ingredients Sourced?
Costco, operating as a membership-only warehouse club and the fifth-largest retailer globally as of 2022, sources its products from around the world. However, Kirkland Signature cat foods are manufactured in the United States by Diamond Pet Foods in five facilities. Diamond Pet Foods also produces food for other brands, including Taste of the Wild, 4health, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
5. What Is The Kirkland Cat Food Recall History?
Yes, Kirkland Signature cat food was recalled in the spring of 2012 due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall was part of a larger recall by Diamond Pet Foods after a salmonella outbreak at its manufacturing facility in Gaston, South Carolina. An FDA investigation following the outbreak revealed that Diamond Pet Foods had not taken “all reasonable precautions” to ensure product safety.
Notably, this wasn’t the first time Diamond’s Gaston plant faced FDA scrutiny. An earlier inspection revealed the plant had produced dog food with excessive aflatoxin levels and lacked procedures to prevent aflatoxin contamination. Despite this recall and Diamond’s past safety issues, Kirkland Signature has maintained a consistent safety record in the decade since.
6. What Types Of Cat Food Does Kirkland Offer?
Kirkland Signature provides a limited selection of both dry and wet cat food options. The dry cat foods are available in bulk bags ranging from 18 to 25 pounds, depending on the recipe. The wet cat food comes in 3-ounce or 3.5-ounce cans, sold in variety packs of 40 or 45 trays.
The Kirkland Signature cat food product line includes:
- 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
- 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
All Kirkland Signature cat foods feature animal protein as the first ingredient. The wet cat food formulas and the Nature’s Domain dry food recipe are all grain-free, while the other two dry foods rely on rice and other carbohydrates.
7. How Did Cats React To Kirkland Cat Food During Testing?
While Kirkland cat food may not be perfect, particularly due to its moisture-depleted, carbohydrate-heavy, and relatively low-protein recipes, it is a decent option compared to other similarly priced products. Kirkland offers better ingredient quality without the potentially harmful additives found in other budget foods.
The wet foods seem comparable to well-known brands like Iams and Diamond. Because these foods don’t contain meat by-products, corn, wheat, or soy ingredients, however, they’re a little higher in quality than store brands like Aldi’s Heart to Tail.
8. Kirkland Signature Top Recipes Reviewed In Detail
Below are detailed reviews of Kirkland Signature’s top cat food recipes, highlighting their ingredients, pros, and cons:
8.1. Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula
This affordable kibble is formulated for all life stages, making it suitable for kittens and adult cats. Chicken and chicken meal are the primary ingredients, offering essential amino acids. Whole-grain brown rice and ground white rice help bind the kibble, while chicken fat serves as the main fat source. It also contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis to support digestion and overall health.
However, the food is low in protein, low in moisture, and high in carbohydrates, making it less species-appropriate.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 30%
- Crude Fat: 20%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 33.33%
- Fat: 22.22%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 41.11%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 25.96%
- Fat: 42.03%
- Carbs: 32.01%
Pros:
- Features named cuts of meat rather than vaguely-named meals or animal by-products
- Contains guaranteed levels of probiotics
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Affordable
Cons:
- High in carbohydrates
- Low moisture content
- Low in protein
8.2. Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe
Nature’s Domain is Kirkland’s grain-free line, using sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes instead of rice and grains. Like other Kirkland cat foods, it contains probiotics. Chicory root serves as a prebiotic fiber source.
Salmon meal and ocean fish meal are the first two ingredients, followed by peas and potatoes. Canola oil is the primary fat source, which is less bioavailable than animal-sourced fat.
This food has high protein, moderate fat, and high carbohydrate content. With lots of starch, some plant-sourced protein, and canola oil in lieu of animal-derived fats, it isn’t very species-appropriate. It looks a little bit worse than the food in the Maintenance Cat blend.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Potatoes, Pea Protein.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 14%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 35.56%
- Fat: 15.56%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 45.56%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 29.91%
- Fat: 31.78%
- Carbs: 38.32%
Pros:
- Relatively high-quality kibble for cats who like fish
- One of the best economical dry foods
- Contains probiotics
Cons:
- Contains canola oil instead of animal-sourced fat
- High carbohydrate content
8.3. Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula
This recipe is marketed for indoor cats, promising to help your cat lose weight while keeping hairballs under control. The food contains chicken meal as its first ingredient, followed by ground white rice, peas, powdered cellulose, and potato protein. It contains chicken fat as its main fat source, along with natural flavor and a small amount of fish meal.
In addition to synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, the food contains dried chicory root as a source of prebiotic fiber and two species of probiotic bacteria. It also offers boosted levels of L-carnitine, an amino acid that helps to convert fat into energy.
This food has high protein, low fat, and low calorie recipe that prioritizes weight management. It’s significantly lower in calories than most dry foods and offers plenty of fiber. While it might help your cat to lose weight, it’s not the most nutritious food you can give them.
With more carbohydrate matter than protein, this food is not a species-appropriate choice and not the best choice for your carnivore.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Fish Meal.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Potato Protein
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 9%
- Crude Fiber: 10%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 35.56%
- Fat: 10%
- Fiber: 11.11%
- Carbs: 43.33%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 34.46%
- Fat: 23.54%
- Carbs: 42%
Pros:
- May be a good choice for cats who need to lose weight
- Contains guaranteed levels of beneficial bacteria
- Contains species-appropriate animal fat instead of plant-derived oils
Cons:
- Very high in carbohydrate matter
- Low fat content isn’t ideal for every cat
8.4. Kirkland Signature Turkey Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food
This grain-free turkey recipe pate starts off strong with fresh turkey as the first ingredient, followed by three more animal-based ingredients. Poultry broth provides flavor and moisture, while poultry liver and hearts supply supplemental protein and essential nutrients. Poultry organs are rich in protein and nutrients but it’s difficult to gauge their quality and safety because the source isn’t specifically named.
Natural flavor is generally just hydrolyzed protein, but unfortunately, the source isn’t usually listed. Locust bean gum, xanthan gum, and carrageenan are used to improve the texture and consistency of wet foods, but they can be hard on a kitty’s tummy. Gums, including carrageenan, have been known to cause gas, diarrhea, and intestinal inflammation in some cats. Carrageenan gum in cat food is particularly controversial, though claims that it may be carcinogenic have not been proven.
Fortunately, this wet food recipe doesn’t contain a significant number of added plant ingredients. Both flaxseed meal and canola oil provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, though I’d prefer to see them come from an animal-based source like salmon oil.
Overall, this wet food has high protein content and high fat. According to the guaranteed analysis, its carbohydrate content looks high, but we were unable to get more accurate information. From the ingredient list, though, it looks like a lower-carb food.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Dried Egg Product.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Carrageenan, Canola Oil.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 4.5%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 80%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 40%
- Fat: 22.5%
- Fiber: 7.5%
- Carbs: 30%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 32.09%
- Fat: 43.84%
- Carbs: 24.07%
Pros:
- Fresh turkey is the main ingredient
- Rich in moisture to support hydration and digestion
- Comes with two other flavors in a variety pack
- Fairly high protein and fat content
Cons:
- Contains vaguely named poultry ingredients
- Relies primarily on plant-based fats
- Contains carrageenan and gum thickeners
9. What Do Customers Say About Kirkland Signature Cat Food?
The Maintenance Cat Chicken and Rice cat food has over 2,000 reviews and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Costco.com. Most reviewers commend the price and quality combination. However, because Kirkland Signature’s wet cat food was recently released, availability is limited and so are the reviews.
Positive Reviews:
One reviewer stated, “I have 11 cats (shh, I know). Because of the addition of the last 5 ferals I needed an economical replacement. I found it in this food, they all switched without an issue and seem to like it just fine.” – Pamela, Kirkland Signature Maintenance Dry Cat Food on Costco.com, March 16, 2025
Another shared, “I have 13 indoor/outdoor cats. They used to eat Friskies by the boatload, costing a fortune. Garbage in is garbage out, so the litter box was a full time job. At switching to Maintenance Cat there is less food consumption, less garbage coming out. The cats are in excellent health and have fur like mink. Everyone is a winner.” – Bargainfool, Kirkland Signature Maintenance Dry Cat Food on Costco.com, March 6, 2025
These reviews highlight customer satisfaction with the price and convenience, along with reported improvements in cat health and reduced litter box odor.
Negative Reviews:
On the other hand, a reviewer mentioned, “Our Turkish Angorra who only eats dry cat food did not like it and would not eat it. Order, price and delivery proces was excellent.” – 1111, Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Cat Food on Costco.com, March 9, 2025
Another stated, “Made my cat really sick had diarrhea and threw up for 4 days got rid of it.” – No public name, Kirkland Signature Cat Food on Costco.com, June 2025
While some complaints about Kirkland formulas causing illness exist, the consensus suggests these claims lack substantial evidence. Common concerns revolve around the high carbohydrate content and the bulky packaging.
10. What Is The Cost Of Kirkland Signature Cat Food?
Kirkland dry cat food ranges from $0.09 to $0.13 per ounce when purchased on the Costco website or in-store. Wet cat foods are sold in variety packs, costing around $0.22 per ounce.
Feeding a 10-lb cat Kirkland Signature dry food costs between $0.16 to $0.25 per day, while a wet food diet is more expensive, ranging from $1.50 to $1.85 per day.
These prices position Kirkland cat food among the most affordable brands, similar to Diamond Cat Food and Friskies.
Kirkland Signature Cat Food Pricing
| Product Name | Food Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula | Dry | $0.09 per oz |
| Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe | Dry | $0.13 per oz |
| Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula | Dry | $0.10 per oz |
| Kirkland Signature Turkey Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food | Wet | $0.22 per oz |
11. Is Kirkland Cat Food A Good Choice Overall For Your Cat?
Kirkland cat food has some drawbacks, such as being moisture-depleted, carbohydrate-heavy, and relatively low in protein. However, it offers superior ingredient quality compared to similarly priced products such as Kindfull and Pretty Please, without the potentially harmful additives found in other budget foods.
The newly released wet foods seem comparable to brands like Iams and Diamond, with higher quality due to the absence of meat by-products, corn, wheat, or soy ingredients compared to store brands like Aldi’s Heart to Tail.
12. Where Can You Purchase Kirkland Signature Cat Food?
Kirkland Signature cat food is primarily available in Costco stores and on their website, requiring a Costco membership. Alternatively, some Kirkland cat foods can be purchased on Amazon.com and Walmart.com, but availability may be limited, prices may be higher, and sellers may not be licensed by Costco.
13. FAQ: Addressing Your Questions About Kirkland Cat Food
13.1. Is Kirkland cat food safe for all cat breeds?
Kirkland cat food is generally safe, but individual sensitivities may vary. Monitor your cat for any adverse reactions.
13.2. Can Kirkland cat food help with my cat’s weight management?
The Healthy Weight Indoor Adult Cat Formula is designed for weight management, but consult your vet for personalized advice.
13.3. Does Kirkland cat food contain artificial additives?
Kirkland cat food is free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it a healthier choice.
13.4. Is Kirkland cat food suitable for kittens?
The Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula is formulated for all life stages, including kittens.
13.5. How does Kirkland cat food compare to other brands in terms of quality?
Kirkland offers better ingredient quality than other similarly priced options, without harmful additives.
13.6. Where can I find the latest Kirkland cat food recall information?
Check the FDA website and pet food review sites for up-to-date recall information.
13.7. How do I transition my cat to Kirkland cat food?
Gradually mix Kirkland cat food with your cat’s current food over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
13.8. What are the main ingredients in Kirkland cat food?
The main ingredients vary by recipe, but typically include chicken, salmon, and rice.
13.9. Is Kirkland cat food grain-free?
The Nature’s Domain Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is grain-free.
13.10. How can I store Kirkland cat food properly?
Store dry food in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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