Who Makes Kirkland Cat Food In 2024? (All You Need To Know)
If you‘ve browsed the pet food aisles at Costco, you‘ve likely spotted the retailer‘s signature Kirkland brand cat food bags. With impressive bulk sizes at budget prices, it tempts many shoppers. But who manufactures this private label cat food? And is it a healthy choice for your feline companion? This 2023 guide reveals all you need to know about who makes Kirkland cat food and whether it meets your cat‘s nutritional needs.
Diamond Pet Foods: The Manufacturer Behind Kirkland
Kirkland Signature cat food formulas are produced by Diamond Pet Foods for Costco wholesale warehouses. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Meta, Missouri, Diamond Pet Foods makes dog and cat food for brands like Taste of the Wild, Diamond Naturals, Diamond Care, and 4Health.
As one of the largest pet food makers in the U.S., Diamond has extensive experience researching, developing, and manufacturing both economy and premium recipes. They operate four state-of-the-art production facilities across the country to produce various private label pet foods.
The 2012 Recall and Safety Improvements
In 2012, Diamond was forced to recall Kirkland and other branded products due to potential salmonella contamination in its South Carolina plant.
The FDA inspected Diamond‘s facilities and found issues like:
- Lack of handwashing/sanitizing stations near production areas
- Food buildup on equipment and infrastructure damage
- Use of duct tape and cardboard to repair machinery
These lapses created conditions for bacteria like salmonella to spread between products made on shared equipment.
Since revamping sanitation protocols and fixing facilities after the recall, Diamond has kept Kirkland‘s ingredients and products contaminant-free. Kirkland cat food has faced no recalls from 2013-2023 – indicating heightened safety standards now in place.
Nutritional Analysis: How Good Is Kirkland Cat Food?
I analyzed Kirkland Signature‘s 2023 cat food formulas against competitor brands like Iams, Purina ONE, and Blue Buffalo on key nutritional criteria:
Ingredient Quality
Kirkland cat recipes feature real, whole protein sources like fresh chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal as the first ingredients. They‘re grain-inclusive with nutrients from rice, barley and peas. Though they do contain some plant proteins, Kirkland avoids lower-quality filler ingredients that simply provide calories without nutrition.
According to veterinarian Dr. Chyrle Bonk DVM, Kirkland‘s ingredients are "much better than the average grocery store cat food."
Guaranteed Analysis Comparison
| Brand | Protein | Fat | Fiber | Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland | 36% | 16% | 5.5% | 10% |
| Iams ProActive | 33% | 16% | 4.3% | 10% |
| Blue Wilderness | 41% | 15% | 6% | 10% |
Kirkland provides above-average protein and fiber compared to Iams. Yet some grain-free brands like Blue Wilderness still analyze higher in meat-based proteins.
Veterinary Recommendations
In reviews from veterinarians and pet nutritionists, Kirkland receives recommendations as an affordable option offering satisfactory nutritional value for most healthy cats.
Dr. Tori Countner DVM states, "Kirkland cat food offers similar nutritional adequacy to name brands for much less cost over time."
Where To Buy Kirkland Cat Food in 2024
In 2024, the only place to buy authentic Kirkland Signature cat food is from Costco‘s warehouse stores or on Costco.com. An active Costco membership is required to shop there.
As pet supplies have become a $7 billion category for Costco, they‘ve expanded in-store displays and options of Kirkland pet foods. You can find Kirkland cat food year-round at your local warehouse.
Some third-party vendors also resell Kirkland cat food online via Amazon, eBay, and other marketplaces. But prices are usually marked up over 20% higher than Costco‘s direct prices for members.
2023 Kirkland Cat Food Formulas
Three dry cat food recipes make up Kirkland Signature‘s offerings for felines as we enter 2023:
Maintenance Chicken & Rice Formula
With fresh chicken and brewers rice, this formula provides complete daily nutrition for adult cats. It contains antioxidants for a healthy immune system too.
Nature‘s Domain Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
This grain-free salmon recipe delivers more omega fatty acids for skin/coat health. It has probiotics for digestive regularity as well. With 38% protein it can suit kittens to seniors.
Healthy Weight Indoor Formula
With 30% less fat than Kirkland‘s maintenance formula, this food promotes lean muscles. It has L-Carnitine to help burn fat. The fiber-rich recipe assists with hairball control too.
I recommend the Healthy Weight formula for less active indoor adult cats prone to weight gain. The Chicken & Rice mix makes an affordable option for kittens to seniors. And the Nature‘s Domain salmon recipe offers a grain-free upgrade with enhanced skin benefits.
Conclusion: Who Should Buy Kirkland Cat Food?
At the end of the day, Kirkland Signature cat food offers a viable option for feline companions – as long as you know what its limitations or strengths are. Made by a major manufacturer in Diamond Pet Foods, Kirkland provides complete daily nutrition for healthy cats at very wallet-friendly prices.
It may not be the highest protein or meat-focused brand, yet Kirkland avoids dubious filler ingredients. I suggest Kirkland for pet owners prioritizing affordability and those with cats lacking special dietary needs. For breeders, rescues, and multi-cat households on a tight budget, it can warrant consideration as well.
Hopefully this 2023 guide has shed light on the company behind Kirkland cat food along with its objective merits and drawbacks. Always discuss mixing any new pet food into your feline‘s diet with your veterinarian first.
