Proper nutrition is essential for your dog’s health and happiness. It will fuel and promote its development, provide energy, repair and maintain tissues, and give him the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. It can be difficult to find the right food for your dog with all the different brands available. This article will help you make the right choice when shopping for your next dog food. It compares Kirkland and Pedigree.
Kirkland dog food is highly digestible and easily bioavailable. These foods are made from easily digestible meat meals and provide a high level of protein. Pedigree’s corn-based food blends, on the other hand, are more digestible and bioavailable.
This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Kirkland and Pedigree’s dog food brands. I will also compare the costs and ingredients of each product to help you choose the best one for your dog. Keep reading if you are having difficulty choosing between these two brands of dog food.
Similarities between Kirkland Dog Food and Pedigree Dog food
Before we get into the details of how these popular brands stack up against one another, it is important to understand some similarities between these two options.
Both Kirkland dog food and Pedigree are:
Dry food mixes that are high in protein. Accordingly, both have a high-protein base, typically chicken or meat, and are supplemented with some form of organic vegetables and rice for a good mix of flavor, carbohydrate, and vitamin content.Predominantly marketed as high-protein blends, despite having some rice or whole-grain option that acts as a carb source. Both brands offer a non-grain option for those who are concerned about total carbohydrate. While this content isn’t similar for both blends, the difference is rather insignificant.Produced in the United States. Kirkland dog food products are manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods. This company offers a wide range of premium dog food products. Recall history. Pedigree Signature and Kirkland blends have had recalls in the past. After an FDA investigation, the Kirkland dog food brand was recalled. Pedigree’s dog food brands have a recall history as well, with the most recent case occurring in 2014.
Let’s now look at the most popular products from each brand, starting with Kirkland dog foods.
Kirkland Dog Food Pros & Cons
ProsConsHigh protein contentRecall history from the FDA, most recent in October 2012Positioned to be a premium product at an affordable priceOnly six major products in its product range.
Six primary dry foods from the Kirkland dog food line were sold exclusively by Costco, a US-based wholesaler. Costco memberships might be required to purchase any products from the Kirkland food line. These products are available on Amazon.com in a variety of ways, though they might be more expensive and not always readily available.
These are the products that make up Kirkland’s dog food line:
Kirkland Signature Signature Adult Lamb, Rice, and VegetableKirkland Signed Adult Chicken, Rice, and VegetableKirkland Signature PuppyKirkland Small DogKirkland Signature Senior DogKirkland Healthy Weight
Kirkland Signature products are a premium pet food that is also affordable, making them a preferred choice.
It is also important to note that Costco is the largest retailer of this dog food but it doesn’t make it. It stocks it. Diamond Pet Foods is responsible for the manufacturing of Kirkland Signature dog food products and has facilities in the United States.
Kirkland Signature Adult Lamb Rice & Vegetable Dog Food
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Pros: Real lamb, rice, and vegetables
Information about nutrition
Crude protein – 23% minimumCrude fat – 14% minimumCrude fiber – 4% maximumMoisture – 10% maximum
Key Ingredients
Whole grain brown rice, lamb and ground white rice, lamb meal.
Kirkland’s premium dog food is rich in protein. Although it primarily contains crude protein, it also contains a high amount of crude fat and crude fibre.
Kirkland dog food meets all your dog’s nutritional requirements. This dog food is rich in protein thanks to real lamb and eggs. It also contains a lot of whole grain brown rice, which makes it a great source of carbohydrate. This blend is highly digestible and contains probiotics that will improve your dog’s digestion.
The following are other major selling points of this dog food:
It contains chondroitin, glucosamine, and vitamin E which promote joint health.
You can find this product at Costco. However, you might be able to purchase it online from Amazon. However, online retailers tend to be more expensive than Costco. This product was also recalled in 2012.
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken Rice & Vegetable Dog Food
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CvTD0AEwL._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food 40 lb.” Title=”Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken Rice and Vegetable Dogfood 40 lb. “>
ProsConsHigh protein contentRecall historyHighly-digestible carbohydrate sourceEnhanced with probioticsEnriched with fruits, herbs, and garden vegetablesContains glucosamine and chondroitinRich source of Vitamin E, selenium, and zincInfused with Omega fatty acids
Nutritional Information
Crude protein – 26% minimumCrude fat – 16% minimumCrude fiber – 4% maximumMoisture – 10% maximum
Key Ingredients
Chicken, whole grain brown rice. Egg product.
This dog food includes most of the same ingredients as the Kirkland Signature adult meat, rice, and vegetable. The main difference is that this dog food blend contains chicken and chicken meal. This product is specifically made for adult dogs. It contains a variety of nutrients that will meet adult dogs’ nutritional needs.
This blend is high in protein and highly digestible. Additional benefits include:
Infused with vegetables, herbs and fruits. Contains antioxidants from Vitamin E and selenium.
The blend contains omega acids to improve your dog’s immune system and give you a healthy looking coat. This blend is a good choice if you are looking for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate dog mix that is rich in essential vitamins & fatty acids.
This product is not widely available, as it is, just like other Kirkland products, only Costco sells it. This product was also recalled by the FDA in 2012.
Kirkland Signature Puppy
Pros and consHigh protein sourceRecall historyIncludes vital vitamins, DHA and selenium, as well as probioticsAvailable within a 20lb bagInfused in fruits and vegetables
Nutritional Information
Crude protein – 28% minimumCrude far – 17% minimumCrude fiber – 3% maximumMoisture – 10% maximum
Ingredients
Chicken meal, chicken, cracked barley, whole grain brown rice and fish meal.
This product is rich in protein and suitable for pregnant women, puppies, and nursing mothers. The main ingredient is fresh chicken. It’s combined with egg proteins makes this product easy to digest and pleasant for dogs.
These are just a few of the major selling points of this product:
Salmon oil is a rich source for DHA, which aids in brain development.
This blend is worth looking into if you are looking for a way to provide nutrition for your puppy. This blend, unlike the other products discussed, was not recalled in 2012.
Kirkland Signature Healthy weight
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412fEFvfK9L._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Kirkland Signature Natural Formula Dog Food – Multiple Age – Multiple Sizes (Puppy – Chicken, Rice and Vegetable, 20 Pound)” title=”Kirkland Signature Natural Formula Dog Food – Multiple Age – Multiple Sizes (Puppy – Chicken, Rice and Vegetable, 20 Pound)”>
ProsConsInfused With Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, and Active probioticsRecall historyHighly protein sourceIncludes antioxidantsHealthy weight formula with only 275 calories per mugHigh fiber content
Nutritional Information
Crude protein – 20% minimumCrude far – 6% minimumCrude fiber – 13% maximumMoisture – 10% maximum
Ingredients
Brown rice, chicken meal and millet.
This formula is designed to help pets who are more likely to gain weight. This low-calorie, high-fat blend is designed to help you control your pet’s calories. It also contains whole grains, fresh poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These are some of the key selling points:
Contains antioxidants.Contains Omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and strong immunity.Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.Calorie light formula.Contains probiotics.
This blend is only sold by Costco. To ensure that you have constant access to this product, you may need a Costco member card.
The Pedigree Dog Food Advantages and Disadvantages
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mfCa8-A5L._SL500_.jpg” alt=”PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble, 46.8 lb.Bag” title=”PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble, 46.8 lb.Bag”>
ProsConsists of 12 dry dog food products (almost twice as many as Kirkland). Recall history (2009)High fiber ContentPredominantly made of corn, which is low in nutritional value for dogs. Infused with vitaminsLow digestibilityRich source 6 fatty acids
Pedigree is an American dry pet food brand that offers 12 products. This brand is manufactured by Mars, an American company. It primarily features corn, which is a rich, but affordable, carbohydrate. This is actually one of the main downsides to these products. Corn, other than being a source for energy for dogs, doesn’t rank highly in dog food.
These products also contain meat and bone meal as the second main ingredient. This is essentially a protein source. The Kirkland products have a high level of digestibility. However, meat and bone meal don’t digest as well as other sources like chicken meal and fish meal.
Let’s get into the details about some of these popular dog mixes.
Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mfCa8-A5L._SL500_.jpg” alt=”PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble, 46.8 lb.Bag” title=”PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble, 46.8 lb.Bag”>
ProsConsContains glucosamine and chondroitinLow digestibilityContains Omega-6 fatty acidsBased on cornRich in Vitamin ERecall historyMade in the United StatesNo artificial flavors or added sugarsCrunchy kibble for healthy teeth
Ingredients
Meat and bone meal; ground whole grain corn; soybean meal; dried plain beet pulp; brewers Rice, chlorine chloride. Omega 6 fatty acids, animal fats, potassium chloride. Chicken by-product meal. Natural flavor.
Pedigree dog food, a premium blend, should meet all your dog’s nutritional needs. These products have a lot of weaknesses, especially when compared with Kirkland Signature blends.
Corn is one example of a controversial base food when it comes to dog nutrition. Meat and bone meal are also often criticised for their low digestibility. Soybean, on the other hand is low bioavailability.
However, there are some strengths to this product, such as the following:
Available on Amazon and other ecommerce sites.
This product has a lot of strengths. It’s easily available at many retailers which makes it more attractive from an availability standpoint. It’s also free to use anywhere without a membership card. These Pedigree blends look almost identical to the Kirkland Signature blends.
Pedigree Puppy Protection and Growth Chicken & Vegetable Flavor
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yBsaA4ZQL._SL500_.jpg” alt=”PEDIGREE Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food Chicken & Vegetable Flavor, 36 lb. Bag” title=”PEDIGREE Puppy Grow & Protection Dry Food Chicken & Vegetable Flavor 36 lb. Bag”>
ProsConsContains DHA for better cognitive developmentSpecifically formulated for puppiesContains antioxidants, vitamins and mineralsContains a whole grain corn baseFeatures high-quality protein to promote growthContains soybean meal which is low in bioavailabilityLow in fructoseHas calcium and phosphorous for healthy teeth and bonesNo added sugars
Ingredients
Ground whole grain wheat, ground whole wheat corn, poultry byproduct meal, animal fats, brewer’s rice, natural flavors, soybean meal and salt, brewer’s dried yeast, wheat.
This product is specifically made for dogs and contains high levels of fiber for muscle development, high carbohydrates to support active lifestyles, and Omega 6 fatty acid for cognitive development.
This product has the same problem as other products in this product range. It has a base made up of both ground wheat and corn, as well as soybeans. You would expect a product that is geared toward greater muscle development to have more protein sources. However, the blend is still higher than expected in carbs.
Last Thoughts
Concerning which brand is better, I prefer the Kirkland pet foods brand to the Pedigree brand.
Kirkland products are also rich in essential vitamins and fatty acid, which make them a great choice for dogs with a wide range of developmental needs. They also provide a variety of fruits and vegetables that will help your dog develop better cognitive skills, joint health, and immunity. It is important to remember that these products may only be available to Costco members.
