SCORE: 7.5/10
BRAND OVERVIEW
- Brand: Kirkland Signature (Costco private label)
- Manufactured by: Diamond Pet Foods (one of the largest US pet food manufacturers)
- AU availability: Costco Australia stores (limited locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra)
- Price range: ~$10–13/kg (Costco membership required)
- Product range: Dry adult and puppy formulas
WSAVA COMPLIANCE
- WSAVA FRAMEWORK SCORE: 3/4 (via Diamond Pet Foods)
- Q1: Diamond Pet Foods employs veterinary nutritionists
- Q2: AAFCO tested — feeding trials documented for some formulas
- Q3: Diamond owns its own manufacturing facilities
- Q4: History — Diamond had a major recall in 2012 (Salmonella) and 2005 (aflatoxin). Since then, significantly improved QC protocols. No recent incidents.
Ingredient Analysis
FLAGSHIP: Kirkland Signature Adult Formula (Chicken, Rice & Vegetable)
Ingredients: Chicken (21%), Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Chicken Fat, Pea Fibre, Egg, Fish Meal, Tomato Pomace, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed…
STRENGTHS:
- Named chicken first
- Brown rice (lower GI than white rice)
- Fish meal for omega-3
- Flaxseed for additional omega-3
- No artificial colours or preservatives
- Competitive protein percentage (26% DM)
- Remarkably good ingredients for the price
CONCERNS:
- Diamond recall history (resolved, but worth noting)
- Limited Australian availability (Costco only)
- Grain-inclusive but some Kirkland formulas are grain-free (DCM consideration for those)
What Australian Dog Owners Say
“Kirkland is the best kept secret in dog food. Diamond manufacture, premium ingredients, Costco price.” — multiple threads
“Been feeding Kirkland Adult for 5 years. Vet says my Lab is in excellent condition. Pay less than I would for Advance.”
“The only downside is driving to Costco. Would buy more if it was online.”
Reddit consensus (r/dogs, r/AusDogs) is consistently positive:
VERDICT
KIRKLAND IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR:
- Costco members — genuine premium-quality food at mid-range price
- Large breed owners where per-kg cost matters
- Budget-conscious owners who want better than supermarket brands
KIRKLAND IS NOT IDEAL FOR:
- Non-Costco members (membership cost offsets some savings)
- Remote areas without Costco access
- Owners with strict Australian-made preference (US manufactured)
VERDICT: For Costco members, Kirkland is one of the best value-for-quality dog foods available in Australia. The ingredient list compares favourably to foods costing 30–40% more.
FAQ
Who makes Kirkland dog food?
Kirkland Signature pet food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the US. Diamond also makes Taste of the Wild and their own Diamond brand.
Is Kirkland dog food available in Australia?
Yes — at Australian Costco warehouses (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra). Not available online or at non-Costco retailers. Costco membership (approximately $65/year) is required to purchase.