Kirkland Signature (Costco) Super Premium Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula For Puppies Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Kirkland Signature (Costco) Super Premium Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula For Puppies

According to our data, this Kirkland Signature recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Kirkland Signature (Costco) Super Premium Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula For Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Kirkland Signature (Costco) Super Premium Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula For Puppies, we'll examine all 51 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Whole grain brown rice is a nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates, providing your dog with sustained energy and essential nutrients for optimal health.

  4. Cracked pearled barley is a wholesome, easily digestible grain that provides your dog with essential nutrients, fiber, and energy. It supports healthy digestion, maintains stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to overall health and vitality.

  5. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  6. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  7. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

  8. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

  9. Fish meal is a highly digestible protein source for dogs, providing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. It supports skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

  10. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  11. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  12. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  13. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  14. Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides essential nutrients like magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, promoting your dog's heart health and bone health.

  15. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  16. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  17. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  18. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  19. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  20. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  21. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  22. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  23. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  24. Parsley flakes are a natural herb that can help freshen your dog's breath and provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health and well-being.

  25. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

  26. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  27. Dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health.

  28. Dried lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product is a probiotic that helps support your dog's digestive health by maintaining a balanced gut flora. It can also promote a healthy immune system and may help alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or constipation.

  29. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  30. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  31. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  32. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  33. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  34. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  35. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  36. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

  37. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  38. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  39. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  40. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  41. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  42. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  43. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  44. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  45. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  46. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  47. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  48. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  49. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  50. Vitamin D Supplement is crucial for your dog's health. It helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone formation and nerve function.

  51. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 28.00%: The high protein content in this puppy food is likely contributed by the chicken and chicken meal listed as the first two ingredients. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken where the water has been removed, which means it has a higher protein content by weight compared to fresh chicken. The fish meal and egg product are also significant sources of protein. These animal-based ingredients are high-quality sources of amino acids that are essential for the growth and development of puppies.

Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content is provided by the chicken fat, which is a high-energy, digestible fat source preserved with mixed tocopherols. Chicken fat is rich in essential fatty acids that are important for the health of a puppy's skin and coat. Additionally, the salmon oil, which is a source of DHA, contributes not only to the fat content but also provides omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for cognitive and visual development.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: The fiber in this puppy food comes from plant-based ingredients such as dried beet pulp, potatoes, and flaxseed. Fiber is important for digestive health, and while these ingredients provide the necessary fiber content, they also ensure that it remains at a moderate level (not exceeding 3%) to avoid digestive issues and to maintain a balanced nutrient absorption.

Calories of 3761.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The high-calorie count is reflective of the energy needs of growing puppies. The chicken fat and oils, along with carbohydrates from whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and potatoes, contribute to the overall caloric density of the food, providing sustained energy for active puppies.