costco salmon dog food review

Kirkland Natures Domain Dog Food Review (Dry)

The Kirkland Signature Natures Domain product line includes the 6 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Natures Domain Turkey and Sweet Potato was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is turkey meal. Turkey meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh turkey.

The second ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

The third ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The fourth ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient is canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.

In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a dog than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.

The sixth ingredient is tomato pomace. Tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.

Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.

Just the same, theres probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.

The seventh ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

After the natural flavor, we find salmon oil, which is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, salmon oil should be considered a commendable addition.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Kirkland product.

With 3 notable exceptions

First, chicory root is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.

Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.

Next, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, this food includes chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Kirkland Signature Natures Domain Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 27%, a fat level of 16% and estimated carbohydrates of about 50%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 29% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 47% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

Near-average protein. Near-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas and flaxseed in this recipe, and the legumes contained in other recipes, this still looks like the profile of a dry dog food containing a notable amount of meat.

Kirkland Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Kirkland through April 2024.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of Kirkland Grain Free and Grain Inclusive Dog Food

Kirkland Signature Natures Domain is a grain-free and grain-inclusive dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.

Kirkland Signature Natures Domain Small Breed Salmon & Lentil Dog Food

Salmon, salmon meal, lentils, chickpeas, peas, pea flour, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), fava beans, sweet potatoes, tomato pomace, flaxseed, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, salmon oil, ginger, psyllium seed husk, salt, DL-methionine, choline chloride, taurine, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, 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, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid

Costco Kirkland Dog Food Review (Dry)

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

The Costco Kirkland product line includes the 6 dry dog foods listed below.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this recipe is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The third item is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The next ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The sixth ingredient is egg product, an unspecified (wet or dry?) form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries from eggs that failed to hatch.

In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

The seventh ingredient is beet pulp, which is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

The next ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The ninth ingredient is fish meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.¹

Unfortunately, this particular item is anonymous. Because various fish contain different types of fats, we would have preferred to have known the source species.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other inclusions.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Costco product.

With 6 notable exceptions

First, flaxseed is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Next, brewers yeast can be a controversial item. Although its a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.

Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.

Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.

In addition, a vocal minority insists that yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is a claim weve not been able to scientifically verify.

In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.

Whats more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

This recipe includes peas, which are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

In addition, chicory root is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.

Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.

Next, sodium selenite is a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Kirkland Signature Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 29%, a fat level of 18% and estimated carbohydrates of about 45%.

As a group, this Kirkland brand features an average protein content of 28% and a mean fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 49% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.

Which means this Kirkland product line contains

Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to other kibbles.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the flaxseed, peas and brewers yeast, this looks like the profile of a dry dog food containing a significant amount of meat.

Kirkland Signature Natures Domain Dog Food Review

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Kirkland Signature Natures Domain Dog Food Review

Kirkland Signature Natures Domain Dog Food Review

Website	Costco
Available from	CostCo

Kirkland Signature Natures Domain is a Costco brand but its actually made by Diamond pet foods who make Taste of the Wild. Theyre a big company and produce decent foods, so its nice to see this available in Australia for a very reasonable price. Its also available from FairDinks.com.au for those who dont live near a Costco store (i.e. the whole of WA).

The main ingredient is salmon meal which will be the main source of protein in the food, although peas and ocean fish mealwill contribute to this as well. Its nice to see a decent fish meal as the main ingredient, which is the makings of a decent food.

Sweet potatoes are the second ingredient, with more potato as the 4th ingredient. Potato isnt a bad inclusion although it does make this food potato-heavy with a protein percentage of 24%. Its only a minor gripe. which is counteracted by the amount of fruits, veggies, vitamins, and minerals in the food. We also find flaxseed which is a nice inclusion for healthy skin and coat.

All in all this is a nice, well-balanced food for a good price. Recommended.

Further Ingredients Analysis

In regard to some of the comments on this page Ive decided to give a breakdown of the vitamins and minerals included in Kirkland Signature Natures Domain to clarify the reason theyre included:

• Iron Proteinate An excellent (and expensive) source of iron for red blood cell reproduction.
• Zinc Proteinate An excellent souce of zinc, which protects against free radicals. Its essential to insulin formation and the immune system.
• Zinc Sulphate A standard source of zinc (see above).
• Copper Proteinate An excellent source of copper, which aids bone development and enchances iron absorbtion.
• Copper Sulphate A standard source of copper (see above).
• Ferrous Sulphate Promotes oxygen-rich blood and helps the immune system.
• Potassium Iodide Potassium balances acid and alkaline levels.
• Thiamine Mononitrate Aids nervous system and mental temperament (vitamin B-1).
• Manganese Proteinate The best souce of manganese for strong bones, enzyme activators, and immune system.
• Manganese Oxide & Sulfate Additional sources of manganese (see above).
• Ascorbic Acid Provides vitamin C, anti-oxidant, and immune system. This isnt the best source as it can be harsh on the stomach.
• Vitamin A Essential for the immune system, bones, eyes, and reduces the risk of cancer.
• Biotin Good for a healthy skin and coat.
• Niacin Good for digestion, nerves, and skin.
• Calcium Pantothenate Supports adrenal activity.
• Sodium Selenite An anti-oxident that protects from free radicals and heavy metals, as well as aiding the immune system.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (vitamin B6) Stimulates the immune system and protein metabolism as well as aiding red blood cell production.
• Vitamin B12 Aids immune response.
• Riboflavin Improves energy as well as fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
• Folic Acid Aids blood building and DNA synthesis.

Ingredients

Salmon meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, ocean fish meal, potato fiber, pea protein, natural flavor, flaxseed, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

PROS

• Decent ingredient selections
• Well priced