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Essence vs Kirkland Signature

Essence vs. Kirkland Signature

In this comparison article for Essence vs Kirkland Signature, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Essence and Kirkland Signature, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.

Throughout this Kirkland Signature vs Essence comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Essence Review Page or Kirkland Signature Review Page.

Guaranteed Analysis: Kirkland Signature vs. Essence

According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.

All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.

Essence Dog Food vs. Kirkland Signature Dog Food

Dry Dog FoodEssenceKirkland Signature
Crude Protein40.9%27.5%
Crude Fat19.3%15.3%
Crude Fiber5.7%5.4%
Wet/Canned Dog FoodEssenceKirkland Signature
Crude Protein46.2%44.4%
Crude Fat32.6%27.8%
Crude Fiber6.0%5.6%

Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food

Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.

The comparison table above shows that Essence dry dog foods provide significantly more protein than Kirkland Signature. More specifically, Essence guarantees at least 13.35% more protein. For wet dog foods, Essence and Kirkland Signature provide roughly the same amount of protein.


Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food

Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog's body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.

There is a relatively large difference between the fat content of Essence and Kirkland Signature. On average, Kirkland Signature dry dog food recipes contain 4.04% less fat than Essence recipes. In addition, Essence wet dog foods also provide more fat than Kirkland Signature wet foods.


There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands. With regards to wet dog food, Essence and Kirkland Signature also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.

Essence Cat Food vs. Kirkland Signature Cat Food

Dry Cat FoodEssenceKirkland Signature
Crude Protein44.1%34.8%
Crude Fat18.5%15.9%
Crude Fiber4.8%5.9%

Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food

Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.

Essence dry cat foods clearly provides more protein than Kirkland Signature. In fact, the difference between the protein content is roughly 9.26%, which is a significant amount.


Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food

There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):

  • Fats help with the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
  • Reduce inflammation associated with arthritis
  • Slow the growth of yeast infections
  • Prevent or reduce the likelihood of certain heart problems.
  • Aid in the development of the retina and visual cortex.

There is a small difference between the fat content of Essence and Kirkland Signature. We can see that Essence guarantees about 2.59% more fat than Kirkland Signature.


Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.

Essence Pet Food Ingredients vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food Ingredients

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Kirkland Signature.

Canola Oil
Pea Protein
Tomato Pomace
Powdered Cellulose
Organic Canola Meal
Organic Pea Protein
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Organic Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

Product Safety: Recall History of Essence & Kirkland Signature?

According to our records, neither brand has issued any product recalls. Therefore, consumers have no reason to question the safety of Essence or Kirkland Signature pet food products.


Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!

Where To Buy Essence Pet Foods

You can purchase Essence pet foods from the following stores:


12 Recipes In-Stock Today

13 Recipes In-Stock Today

Where To Buy Kirkland Signature Pet Foods

You can purchase Kirkland Signature pet food products from these retailers:


Type Of Pet Foods Available

ProductEssenceKirkland Signature
Dry Dog Food6 Recipes12 Recipes
Wet Dog Food6 Recipes1 Recipes
Dog TreatsNoneNone
Dry Cat Food3 Recipes3 Recipes
Wet Cat Food3 RecipesNone
Cat TreatsNoneNone

Top Rated Essence Recipes

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Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Dogs
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Original Air & Gamefowl Recipe For Dogs (Canned)
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Original Air & Gamefowl Recipe For Cats
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Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Cats (Canned)
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Top Rated Kirkland Signature Recipes

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(Costco) Super Premium Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula For Adult Dogs
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(Costco) Super Premium Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula For Puppies
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(Costco) Nature's Domain Turkey & Pea Stew For Dogs
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(Costco) Nature's Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe Cat Food
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