• Kirkland Signature

Kirkland History & Origin

If you’re a Costco member, then you’re likely already familiar with the Kirkland brand.Kirkland is a Costco in-store brand and the food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods Inc. In 1995, Costco created the Kirkland Signature brand name and began applying it to all of its private label products. The brand is named after the city of Kirkland, Washington, where Costco’s headquarters was originally located.

Kirkland dog food is available at a lower price than many comparable dog foods because of Costco’s wholesale approach. It overall has a great reputation, although a particularly large recall in 2012 affected many of their products.

Unless you’re a Costco member, you may have trouble tracking this food down. It’s available on many online merchants’ websites, but the food sold there is often being offered by third parties and may not be as cost-effective as the stuff you buy in the store.

Where Is Kirkland Made?

Kirkland Signature dog food is made by Diamond Pet Foods, Inc, a family-owned company based in Missouri. Each Kirkland dry food formula is manufactured by Diamond in facilities across the United States.

Kirkland Dog Food Review

Kirkland Dog Food receives a high grade for its quality ingredients at a price that every one can afford.This brand is AAFCO approved, meaning their dog food meets the nutritional requirements for dogs of all life stages. 

Real meat is the first ingredient in many of their foods, and you won’t find a ton of cheap fillers or animal by-products. n Kirkland dog food, you will find common vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and tomato pomace. Proteins include the usual classics: beef, chicken, and occasionally salmon and fish meal.Kirkland dog food is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, ensuring a more natural diet for your pet.

They even have several grain-free options.The dog food is incredibly good and nutritious. Many pet owners have switched to it in the recent past and keep repurchasing because their dogs love it so much.  However, some downsides to this dog food are that they offer a limited selection which may prove difficult for dogs with specific diet restrictions. 

Where to Buy Kirkland Dog Food?

Costco (become a Costco member to get 3% super cash back  )

Walmart (up to 4% super cash back)

Amazon

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• Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo History & Origin

Blue Buffalo is one of the most popular brands of dog food on the market today. It was founded by Bill Bishop in 2003 in Wilton, CT, USA with the simple goal of providing quality food for dogs. The brand is named after Bishop’s dog, Blue, who died from cancer.The Bishop family adopted a young pup by the name of Blue, who was their loyal companion for many years until one fateful day that changed the course of their lives.Blue was diagnosed with cancer.After heroically battling the illness, Blue died, but the family never forgot their loyal pet and decided to create better dog food. They worked with veterinarians and nutrition experts to come up with natural formulas with complete and balanced nutrition.Blue Buffalo was the result. The food Bishop created was so high quality, it quickly became in demand by owners in similar situations. Word of mouth quickly spread, and in less than twenty years, the brand went from inception to becoming the top natural pet food brand in America.

In 2017, they recorded market sales of over $1 billion. In 2018, this led to an  $8 billion acquisition by General Mills, makers of Cheerios.The company has won several accolades over the years, including the Dog Food Advisor’s Award for Best Dry Dog Food Brand, Best Dog Food with Grain, and Best Senior Dog Food as recently as 2024, which demonstrates the industry’s confidence in them.

Where Is Blue Buffalo Made?

General Mills owns Blue Buffalo. This company creates all of its dog foods at two different facilities in the United States. These facilities are located in Joplin, Missouri, and Richmond, Indiana. However, they also outsource many of their products to other facilities across the United States.While they have direct control over the creation of many of their dog foods, they also outsource the production of others. Of course, this increases the chance of recalls—and it shows.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review

Blue Buffalo dog food is touted as a healthy and holistic brand. It contains high-quality ingredients without unnecessary additives. Complete and balanced, it contains all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy.

Blue Buffalo has several different lines of dog food and produces recipes for all life stages and special diets. You can find both dry and wet dog food with formulas that help with common health concerns, such as food allergies and weight management. Blue Buffalo also has a veterinary diet line that offers prescription food for dogs with more acute conditions and chronic illnesses.However, they’re not always as good as other foods in their premium price range.One significant issue is the discovery of animal by-products in some of its recipes.

 It’s also known to be a popular choice for picky eaters.Blue Buffalo excels in selling recipes that are easily digestible for dogs with sensitive stomachs.Blue Buffalo also has a good number of recipes that are grain-free and high-protein. 

Where to Buy Blue Buffalo Dog Food?

Blue Buffalo

PetSmart

Petco 

Chewy (4% super cash back)

Walmart (up to 4% super cash back)

• Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan History & Origin

Purina, initially named Purina Mills, was founded in 1894 by a man named William H. Danforth. He established an animal feed company that eventually specialized in domestic pet food. Over the years, after being renamed and passing hands, Purina was bought by Nestlé in 2001 for a whopping $10.3 billion.Purina has multiple sites for research and food production, with its HQ based in Missouri. They also have a dedicated animal health research center. What they discover in scientific research goes straight into their recipes. Purina’s ethos is to supply specialized.The brand is today one of the most well-known globally and is widely available in most countries.

Purina Pro Plan is the premium line of Purina foods which made its first appearance in 1986.These products feature the most advanced nutritional considerations of any Purina line.Purina Pro Plan takes credit for being the first dog food brand to ever incorporate real meat as the first ingredient in their products. Another reason that attributes to this brand’s popularity entails their invention of grain-free,sports performance formulas. 

Where Is Purina Pro Plan Made?

According to Purina, 99% of all Pro Plan recipes are made in the U.S.A. The company sources the majority of its ingredients from American suppliers. In addition, Purina also owns and operates 100% of its production facilities, too.They have multiple sites for research and production, including a dedicated animal health research center. What they learn there is implemented into their recipes. 

Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review

Purina Pro Plan sells many kinds of dog food with advanced nutrition for all stages of life. Buyers can choose from a range of formulas, some that suit most dogs and others tailored to need specific needs.You can find a wide variety of specialized formulas, such as healthy digestion, hypoallergenic recipes, and high-performance food.Whether they have a sensitive disposition, or they need more cognitive support as they age, chances are there’s a Pro Plan recipe that’s ideal for them.Purina Pro Plan also has some prescription veterinary diets, including hydrolyzed and gastroenteric dog food. It also has a couple of supplements to further enhance your dog’s food.

It is on the expensive side compared to other premium dog food brands, but it does meet high health standards. It is AAFCO certified as nutritious for all life stages. Their foods do include meat by-products—these are processed leftovers of meat that’s been prepared for human consumption. These can include bones, organs, and other less desirable parts of the carcass, and some pet owners prefer to avoid them.

Where To Buy Purina Pro Plan Dog Food?

Purina.com

PetSmart

Petco 

Chewy (4% super cash back)

Walmart (up to 4% super cash back)

PetFlow (up to 10% cash back)

Kirkland vs. Blue Buffalo vs. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food: Comparison Side by Side

1. Type of Dog Foods

2. Nutritional Value

According to the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) , each pet food package must have labels with a guaranteed analysis of the nutrient content. In each recipe, the minimum content of raw protein and raw fat should be noted, as well as the maximum content of raw fiber and moisture.Here, I compare the most important nutrients that our pets need.

Kirkland (average)

Blue Buffalo (average)

Purina Pro Plan (average)

• Crude Protein: Protein is an extremely important part of your dog's diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.The minimum protein intake for an adult dog is approximately 18%.
  

• Crude Fat: Fat is another essential compound for dogs as it delivers energy and fat-soluble vitamins as well promoting good blood pressure and a healthy and strong body. The average adult dog needs a minimum of 5% fat in their diet to stay healthy.
  

• Crude Fiber: Higher fiber content can assist to satiate a dog’s appetite keeping them feeling fuller for longer as it is an easier way to bulk out food without adding calories. Fiber is also an aid to digestion and keeps your dog’s bowel movements regular and healthy. Fiber in the gut assists with the breakdown of food and allows the body to absorb more of the nutrients and vitamins.

3. Food Ingredients

Kirkland - Kirkland dog food is made with high-quality ingredients, including real meat as the first ingredient, followed by whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Kirkland, Costco’s private label, offers Nature’s Domain as their grain-free line and Signature as their grain-inclusive line. Their formulas contain high-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, or salmon as the primary ingredient.Kirkland dog food is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, ensuring a more natural diet for your pet.

Blue Buffalo - Blue Buffalo prides itself on using all-natural, high-quality ingredients in its dog food. Real meat is also the first ingredient, and the brand avoids using corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives. Blue Buffalo uses their exclusive “LifeSource Bits” – a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – to support a dog’s overall health.Their recipes are formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to produce foods that the owners would be happy to feed to their own families.

They also have Chicken free recipes which many brands do not offer.Most formulas also add various vegetables, fruits,  probiotics, and dried tomato cakes. Each of their formulas is enriched with added vitamins. They also include recognizable fats, such as chicken fat. It is an excellent source of fatty acids.Unlike other companies, Blue Buffalo does not use ambiguous language when describing the ingredients in its products.

Purina Pro Plan - Purina Pro nearly always lists real meat as the first ingredient, but this isn’t the case in all of their recipes. But because they are based their recipes on scientific research, some formulas use other ingredients first. Many of their formulas also use corn, wheat, and soy. Generally, their protein contents are high, and they use healthy omega fats, probiotics for gut health, and a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements for strong immunity.

One feature of their diets that some pet owners do not approve of includes their use of meat byproduct meals. However, Purina Pro claims that these byproducts are made using only organ tissue, all of which are packed with beneficial nutrients. If this is truly the case, this should not impact their reputation of only offering high quality diets.Overall, the ingredients they use are quality and dictated by science. 

4. Variety and Special Needs

Kirkland - Kirkland offers a limited range of formulas compared to Purina Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo.However, they do cater to different life stages and have options for grain-free and grain-inclusive diets.There are also options for dogs with specific dietary needs or sensitivities.

Blue Buffalo - Blue Buffalo has a more extensive range of dog food formulas, catering to various life stages, breed sizes, and dietary requirements. Their product lines include the “Life Protection Formula,” “Wilderness,” “Basics,” and “Freedom” – each with specific benefits and tailored nutrition.

Purina Pro Plan - Purina Pro Plan offers a much wider variety of options, catering to different life stages, breed sizes, and dietary needs, including sensitive skin and stomach, weight management, and sport performance. They also have a veterinary diet line for dogs with specific health issues.

5. Price

Kirkland - Kirkland is known for its competitive pricing, making it an affordable option for many pet owners. The price per pound varies depending on the formula and bag size but is generally lower than Purina Pro Plan or Blue Buffalo.

Blue Buffalo - Blue Buffalo is considered a premium dog food brand and is generally more expensive than Kirkland. However, the brand often offers discounts and promotions, so it’s possible to find deals on their products. While the price may be higher, some pet owners prefer Blue Buffalo due to its comprehensive product variety and the inclusion of LifeSource Bits.

Purina Pro Plan - While Purina Pro Plan is priced higher than Kirkland, it is still considered a reasonably-priced premium dog food. 

6. Recall History

Kirkland has been recalled 2 times:

In 2007, Kirkland Signature Super Premium Canned Food was recalled when it was discovered to contain melamine, an organic compound that is known to cause kidney failure. Many brands were affected in this recall, however, so the issue was not specific to Kirkland.

There were also some Kirkland Signature dog foods recalled in 2012 due to salmonella. Overall, though, Kirkland has had relatively few issues with tainted food.

Blue Buffalo has been recalled 7 times:

• April 2007: Rice protein was contaminated with melamine

• October 2010: elevated levels of Vitamin D

• November 2015: Potential Salmonella contamination with chew bones

• May 2016: excessive moisture and mold

• February 2017: aluminum contamination

• March 2017:  issue with the foil packaging

• March 2017: elevated levels of the naturally occurring hormone

In 2014 Purina filed a claim against Blue Buffalo for false advertising. They discovered poultry by-product meal ingredients in their recipes, despite Blue Buffalo claiming to never to use by-products. After investigation Blue Buffalo admitted that this was true, blaming their supplier, and they corrected the issues.

Purina Pro Plan has been recalled once:

• March 9, 2016: Incorrect Vitamins and Minerals

Conclusion: Which Is The Best Dog Food Brand?

In conclusion, Kirkland Dog Food,  Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan are reputable brands that offer quality ingredients and well-balanced nutrition for your pet.Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your dog’s individual requirements, preferences, and your budget. 

If you prioritize affordability and are a Costco member, Kirkland may be the better choice for you. It is a low-cost food that has great ingredients, a good brand history, and optimal nutrition. However, it’s also a lot more limited in availability and selection. If your dog needs a specialized diet, higher protein content, or other accommodations Blue Buffalo or Purina Pro Plan may be better.

Blue Buffalo provides a better nutritional profile and offers a broader range of products, making it better suited to dogs with specific preferences or health conditions.However, Blue Buffalo could be very expensive. 

Purina Pro Plan offers so many more recipes that can meet your dog’s specific needs. If your dog isn’t a fan of a particular recipe, you can try switching to a different flavor that has the same special diet. This brand also makes the search for the right dog food a much easier process.

When trying a new dog food, always switch your dog over gradually to avoid stomach upset. 

The Popular Dog Food of Each Brand

Kirkland Signature Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula Dry Dog Food

Available Sizes: 40lb

Price: $64.99

Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula is designed to meet all of the nutritional needs of your special pet. With real lamb as the main ingredient, this formula is rich in both protein and natural flavor. This formula is enhanced with probiotics for optimal digestive health and enriched with garden vegetables, fruits and herbs.It features whole-grain carbohydrates, providing many dogs with excellent digestibility. The main source of fat in this product is chicken fat. While it may not sound appetizing to you, chicken fat is highly nutritious for dogs and a concentrated source of energy. 

The third ingredient in this Kirkland signature adult formula is whole grain brown rice, followed by ground white rice and rice bran. Rice is highly digestible for most dogs, but because it is a grain, it may cause problems for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Available Sizes: 5lb, 15lb, 30lb

Price: $14.98 - $64.98

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula was created for the holistic health and well-being of adult dogs. All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients. This Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients for a healthy meal your dog will love.

Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Available Sizes: 6lb, 18lb, 35lb, 47lb

Price: $19.88 - $89.98

With real beef as the first ingredient and rice, this high-protein dog food doesn't compromise on nutrition or flavor, creating enjoyable mealtimes for your canine pal. This tasty recipe combines hard kibble with tender shredded bites for a unique texture dogs love. Providing 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs, this wholesome adult dog food offers an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to help your dog maintain an ideal body condition, no matter what adventures his day brings.

Whole corn is included in the recipe, which may be difficult for some dogs to digest. But fish meal offers a natural source of glucosamine to support joint health. As with most Purina Pro Plan recipes, live probiotics and prebiotic fiber are added to this food for digestive support and overall immune health. 

【Read More】

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