Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food Review 2023 Recalls, Pros & Cons

 Introduction

If you are a dog owner, then you know that keeping your furry friend healthy is of utmost importance. One way to do this is by feeding them the best food possible. In this blog post, we will be reviewing Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food. We’ll deep dive into the company’s history, talk about where the food is made, explore the ingredients, and weigh the pros and cons of feeding your pet this brand. We’ll also explore any recalls or problems with the company you deserve to know about as a responsible consumer. Let’s get right to it!

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The Kirkland Dog Food Recipe

Rating Image Product Details

Winner

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula

DHA for puppy brain development

High quality protein as the first ingredient

Easily digestible egg proteins

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Kirkland Dog Food Reviewed

About Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food Products

Who Makes Kirkland and Where Is It Produced?

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food is made by Costco and has been around for over a decade. The food is manufactured in the United States, specifically in Ohio, California, and South Carolina. According to the company’s website, all of their ingredients are sourced from North America as well. The brand was started with the idea of providing high-quality food at a lower cost than other premium pet foods on the market.

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula (Chicken & Rice)

Which Types of Dog Is Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food Best Suited For?

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food is best suited for puppies of all breeds, especially those that need to gain weight. The food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies and contains DHA for healthy brain development.

Which Types of Dogs Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula is only intended for puppies. It is not suitable for adult dogs because it doesn’t contain the right nutritional requirements that adult dogs need to stay healthy. For adult dogs, we recommend the Kirkland Signature Natural Formula Adult Dog Food.

Recall History

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food has been recalled three times in the past for different reasons. The first recall was in 2012 for excessive vitamin D levels which can be toxic to puppies. The second recall was in 2015 for metal contamination. And most recently, the food was recalled in 2017 for potential salmonella contamination. While a recall can happen any time at even the best-run companies, Kirkland seems to be a repeat offender. It’s worth noting that each problem that caused a recall was dealt with promptly by the company. Still, some dogs were sick or injured.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

Now let’s talk about what’s actually in this food. The first ingredient is chicken, followed by chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and white rice. Overall, these ingredients seem pretty solid. Chicken is always a good source of protein for dogs and the whole grain brown rice provides some essential nutrients and fiber.

Great Dane Puppy Eating

Image Credit: Rick’s Photography, Shutterstock

The first few ingredients in Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food are:

Chicken

Chicken meal

Whole grain brown rice

Cracked pearled barley

Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)

    Flaxseed

Overall, the food seems to be high in protein and low in carbs which is ideal for growing puppies. It also contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat development.

There are a few potential problem ingredients in the food as well.

Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken protein and it’s not always clear where the chickens Costco sources their chicken meal from are raised.

Cracked pearled barley is a grain that some dogs may be allergic to.

    Chicken fat is a controversial ingredient because it is high in saturated fat which can lead to weight gain and other health problems down the road.

Ingredients Analysis

Crude Protein: 28%

Crude Fat: 17%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Vitamin E: 250 IU/kg

Calories: 390 / cup

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Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Food Review

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula (Chicken & Rice)

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Now that we’ve explored the history, ingredients, and recalls of Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of feeding your pet this brand.

Some pros include that the food is high in protein, low in carbs, and contains omega fatty acids. The food is also made in the USA with ingredients sourced from North America. And finally, it is a more affordable option than some of the other premium puppy foods on the market.

On the flip side, there are some cons to consider as well. First off, chicken meal is a controversial ingredient because it’s not always clear where the chickens are raised. The food also contains cracked pearled barley which some dogs may be allergic to. And finally, chicken fat is high in saturated fat which can lead to weight gain and other health problems down the road. To recap:

Pros

DHA for puppy brain development

High-quality protein as the first ingredient

Easily digestible egg proteins

    Small size kibble shape is suitable for all-sized puppies

Cons

Contains chicken, which is a common allergen in dogs

Lack of transparency about where chickens come from

Used chicken fat

    Contains some low-quality ingredients, fillers, byproducts, and other additives.

Tips for Choosing the Right Puppy Food

Now that you know a little more about Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food, here are some tips for choosing the right food for your puppy.

Consider your puppy’s individual needs. If your puppy is active and has a lot of energy, you’ll want to choose a food that is high in protein and fat. If your puppy is more laid back, you’ll want to choose a food that is lower in calories.

Second, take into account any allergies or sensitivities your puppy may have. If your puppy is allergic to chicken, you’ll want to avoid foods that contain chicken or chicken meal. And finally, consider your budget. Puppy food can be expensive, so it’s important to find a food that fits into your budget. Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food is a more affordable option than some of the other premium puppy foods on the market.

Puppy Food FAQs

Still have questions about feeding your puppy? Here are some answers to the most common questions about puppy food.

How much should I feed my puppy?

The amount of food you feed your puppy will depend on a few factors, including their age, activity level, and weight. Puppy food is typically higher in calories than adult dog food, so you’ll want to feed your puppy smaller amounts more often.

When can I switch my puppy to adult dog food?

Most puppies can be switched to adult dog food around one year of age. However, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first to ensure that your pup is ready for the switch.

Are by-products bad for my dog?

There is no simple answer to this question. Some byproducts, such as meat meal, are high in protein and can be beneficial for dogs. However, other byproducts, such as chicken fat, can be high in saturated fat and may not be the best choice for all dogs. In many cases, by-products are healthy and nutritious. They also make pet food more affordable and better for the environment while also reducing waste in the animal industry.

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The Bottom Line

So, what’s the verdict? Overall, Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food seems like a decent option for pet owners on a budget. However, there are some potential concerns with the ingredients that you should be aware of before making a decision. If you’re unsure if the ingredients in Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food are for you, it never hurts to pop in to your vet’s office for a chat about your dog’s specific and individual nutrition needs.