Costco Dog Food???

[Mackenzie]

Hi, I’ll hopefully be getting a GSP puppy in a couple of months if everything works out. I’ve been doing a bunch of research on dog food and man there is a lot of information out there. We are frequent Costco shoppers and the Kirkland Signature Series for both puppies and mature and adult dogs have received some rave reviews. Some of these high end foods out there I’d have to refinance the house it’s crazy. I don’t want it to sound like I’m trying to cheap out on the dog food because that’s not the case. To me the quality, value and actually convenience I guess seems like a great option to me. Before I go this route I’d like to see if anyone uses this brand or if you have information on it that you could educate me on. Ty

This is my first post so hello to everyone.

[Sharon]

I don't feed that , but I had a look at it. Looks good to me. 28% protein looks good .... 17 % fat Be interested in what others think.

https://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signatu ... 43452.html

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein 28% Minimum
Crude Fat 17% Minimum
Crude Fiber 3% Maximum
Moisture 10% Maximum
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 0.05% Minimum
Calcium 1.2% Minimum
Phosphorus 1.0% Minimum
Zinc 225 mg/kg Minimum
Selenium 0.35 mg/kg Minimum
Vitamin E 250 IU/kg Minimum
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* 3.0% Minimum
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* 0.5% Minimum
Total Microorganisms* Not Less Than 1,000,000 CFU/lb
(Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus reuteri)

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.

Calorie Content
3,761 kcals/kg (390 kcals/cup) Calculated Metabolizable Energy

[reba]

Been feeding Costco Lamb and Rice to a number of different breeds, including GPS's, for many years.

My GSP's hunt months on end in the fall of every year.

Good stuff.

[birddogger2]

I don't feed it either, but it looks OK to me. It is most definitely NOT a cut rate feed, with those protein and fat levels. High levels of protein and fat do cost what they cost.

I did some checking and it appears that the product is made for Costco by Diamond Pet, which is a major pet food company. So you can be fairly sure the formula is a good one and the QC is up to snuff.

Try a bag and see how the youngster does on it. That is really the only way to know.

FWIW, I transition off puppy food fairly quickly. My dogs are usually eating an adult ration by the time they are 6 months old and I like something in the 30%protein/20% fat range.

RayG

[Dakotazeb]

kirkland dog food is made by Diamond. Whether that's good or bad you be the judge. Diamond has had a number of recalls in the past but a lot of people feed it. I'm not expressing an opinion, just stating the facts.

[slistoe]

Buddy of mine has fed all his dogs Kirkland for many years. Can't say his dogs were any worse off than mine.

[oldbeek]

About 6-7 years ago, they had a recall because of some product traced back to some other Diamond made products. My dog just stopped eating it at about the time the recall came out. But that was 6 yrs ago.

[JONOV]

Its a fine dog food.

One thing to consider about dog foods. Look at people that have a vested interest in the performance and appearance of their dogs, and own or handle multiple dogs. Breeders, Field Trialers, Pro-handlers in the show ring...You'll see a lot of Purina (because they support a lot of dog-sports,) Victor, some Diamond. I've known at least two or three breeders that feed the Costco brand food.

What you won't see is people that read a lot of blog posts or a website from a Dentist about dog food or Raw food fanatics. If those things made a big difference, they would be taking advantage of them en masse. But they aren't. Nor will you see them feeding a dog food that is specifically formulated for a lab (or Poodle or GSP.) Because they know that by and large, they're the same when it comes to their GI tract.

If your dog develops skin issues or GI issues, maybe then you look at an upmarket limited ingredient food. I have one friend wiht a dog that developed an ulcer and Merrick food seemed to greatly solve their problems. Its expensive but he only came to it as a recommendation from a GI Specialty vet.

[RyanDoolittle]

Fed the back to nature crap.and nearly lost my dog, a friend did loose his. He had people in lab suits picking up poop in his back yard for tests. After this I read reviews and there is a ton of them with sick dogs from the food.

I switched to PPP and havent looked back.

[Mackenzie]

Thanks for all of the replies. So from all of your post it seems to be pretty good. I’m posting a link here to Costco to see which type I should switch to once she’s off the puppy food. I’d also like to see if you think it will be a good choice to feed her throughout her life. I’m not sure if I go to the Mature bad or Adult? I’d king of just like to make one switch and be done with it and it keep switching it up on her. They also sell the Natures Domain which is grain free, but the protein is pretty low on that and from what I’ve read you want a higher protein food I believe

https://www.costco.com/dog-food.html?br ... re%2522%7C

[Yellow Dog1]

I have been feeding my almost 14 year old Labrador Retriever Diamond High Energy for about 7 years with no issues. Costco is made by Diamond and my daughter has been feeding her Lab, Costco chicken/rice blend for 3 years now with no issue. My two UK labs are fed Native #3 have done extremely well on it and they do not like the Diamond High Energy kibble. You may have to experiment a bit.

[JONOV]

Thanks for all of the replies. So from all of your post it seems to be pretty good. I’m posting a link here to Costco to see which type I should switch to once she’s off the puppy food. I’d also like to see if you think it will be a good choice to feed her throughout her life. I’m not sure if I go to the Mature bad or Adult? I’d king of just like to make one switch and be done with it and it keep switching it up on her. They also sell the Natures Domain which is grain free, but the protein is pretty low on that and from what I’ve read you want a higher protein food I believe

https://www.costco.com/dog-food.html?br ... re%2522%7C

I'd go with the Adult Formula Chicken and Rice. Don't get scared off by the Grain. I think a lot of the grain concern is manufactured in our own minds. Especially when one considers, objectively, "Who said that Peas are good and Corn is Bad?"

Its a good food to feed her long term. But recognize if she has issues (GI or skin types) you might need to look at something different.

[slistoe]

Thanks for all of the replies. So from all of your post it seems to be pretty good. I’m posting a link here to Costco to see which type I should switch to once she’s off the puppy food. I’d also like to see if you think it will be a good choice to feed her throughout her life. I’m not sure if I go to the Mature bad or Adult? I’d king of just like to make one switch and be done with it and it keep switching it up on her. They also sell the Natures Domain which is grain free, but the protein is pretty low on that and from what I’ve read you want a higher protein food I believe

https://www.costco.com/dog-food.html?br ... re%2522%7C

Just my opinion, but if you care for your dog and want it to perform to its best in the field I would steer way clear of anything "grain free".

[ezzy333]

Thanks for all of the replies. So from all of your post it seems to be pretty good. I’m posting a link here to Costco to see which type I should switch to once she’s off the puppy food. I’d also like to see if you think it will be a good choice to feed her throughout her life. I’m not sure if I go to the Mature bad or Adult? I’d king of just like to make one switch and be done with it and it keep switching it up on her. They also sell the Natures Domain which is grain free, but the protein is pretty low on that and from what I’ve read you want a higher protein food I believe

https://www.costco.com/dog-food.html?br ... re%2522%7C

Just my opinion, but if you care for your dog and want it to perform to its best in the field I would steer way clear of anything "grain free".

Agreed

[Yellow Dog1]

Thanks for all of the replies. So from all of your post it seems to be pretty good. I’m posting a link here to Costco to see which type I should switch to once she’s off the puppy food. I’d also like to see if you think it will be a good choice to feed her throughout her life. I’m not sure if I go to the Mature bad or Adult? I’d king of just like to make one switch and be done with it and it keep switching it up on her. They also sell the Natures Domain which is grain free, but the protein is pretty low on that and from what I’ve read you want a higher protein food I believe

https://www.costco.com/dog-food.html?br ... re%2522%7C

Just my opinion, but if you care for your dog and want it to perform to its best in the field I would steer way clear of anything "grain free".

Really depends on the dog and in some instances breed. I have had remarkable experience with working dogs on raw meat, fat and vitamin supplements. I have had some dogs do generally well on kibble that contained grain but ran out of gas early on in the field. Dogs need fat for extended periods work and grain diets do not fit that particular need. Grain diets bloat and will add weight but do not provide energy like a heavy fat diet would.I would recommend a minimum 30/20 if your working your dog year round and adjust feeding ration as required.I have personally had great success with Native # 3, 30/20 that contains rice not corn.Even better is the Native #4 which is higher in fat.

[slistoe]

Thanks for all of the replies. So from all of your post it seems to be pretty good. I’m posting a link here to Costco to see which type I should switch to once she’s off the puppy food. I’d also like to see if you think it will be a good choice to feed her throughout her life. I’m not sure if I go to the Mature bad or Adult? I’d king of just like to make one switch and be done with it and it keep switching it up on her. They also sell the Natures Domain which is grain free, but the protein is pretty low on that and from what I’ve read you want a higher protein food I believe

https://www.costco.com/dog-food.html?br ... re%2522%7C

Just my opinion, but if you care for your dog and want it to perform to its best in the field I would steer way clear of anything "grain free".

Really depends on the dog and in some instances breed. I have had remarkable experience with working dogs on raw meat, fat and vitamin supplements. I have had some dogs do generally well on kibble that contained grain but ran out of gas early on in the field. Dogs need fat for extended periods work and grain diets do not fit that particular need. Grain diets bloat and will add weight but do not provide energy like a heavy fat diet would.I would recommend a minimum 30/20 if your working your dog year round and adjust feeding ration as required.I have personally had great success with Native # 3, 30/20 that contains rice not corn.Even better is the Native #4 which is higher in fat.

Steering clear of "grain free" does not equate to feeding a grain diet. If you are working your dogs hard a 30/20 ration is a necessity IMO, and it is better if you can get one based on chicken and chicken by-products with corn rather than rice - the dogs had more bottom on corn than rice. Not many manufacturers are willing to face the misinformation marketing with corn in their product these days though.

[Urban_Redneck]

I would supplement with Omega3 fish oil capsules, the Omegas oxidize quickly in kibble. Omega 3 counteracts the inflammatory properties of Omega 6. Stay away from food with rice or soy.

[Mackenzie]

Well I just got great news today. The breeder called me today and the dog had her puppies on Thursday and everyone is doing excellent. She had a total of seven puppies and we are number seven on the list. So we are not sure if we’ll end up with a male or female it really doesn’t matter that much to us. He feeds the puppy and all of his dogs Purina Pro Plan Sport. Do you think it would be best to keep the puppy on Purina or would it be ok to switch to the Costco puppy?

Does everything I post always need to get approved by a moderator first before it post? Just curious if that’s the case and if so how long does that last? Ty

[averageguy]

I would supplement with Omega3 fish oil capsules, the Omegas oxidize quickly in kibble. Omega 3 counteracts the inflammatory properties of Omega 6. Stay away from food with rice or soy.

Why stay away from Rice?

Not arguing, just looking to learn.

[Sharon]

Well I just got great news today. The breeder called me today and the dog had her puppies on Thursday and everyone is doing excellent. She had a total of seven puppies and we are number seven on the list. So we are not sure if we’ll end up with a male or female it really doesn’t matter that much to us. He feeds the puppy and all of his dogs Purina Pro Plan Sport. Do you think it would be best to keep the puppy on Purina or would it be ok to switch to the Costco puppy?

Does everything I post always need to get approved by a moderator first before it post? Just curious if that’s the case and if so how long does that last? Ty

5 posts and you are free. ( This is to keep a spammer/advertiser from swamping the forum. ) Of course if you are a p.i.t.a , we check all posts. )

I wouldn't switch right away as the pup will be stressed enough leaving his/her Mom. Give it a week or two before switching and remember not to just switch . Go with 1: 3 and the 2: 3 for a week or two.

[slistoe]

Well I just got great news today. The breeder called me today and the dog had her puppies on Thursday and everyone is doing excellent. She had a total of seven puppies and we are number seven on the list. So we are not sure if we’ll end up with a male or female it really doesn’t matter that much to us. He feeds the puppy and all of his dogs Purina Pro Plan Sport. Do you think it would be best to keep the puppy on Purina or would it be ok to switch to the Costco puppy?

Does everything I post always need to get approved by a moderator first before it post? Just curious if that’s the case and if so how long does that last? Ty

5 posts and you are free. ( This is to keep a spammer/advertiser from swamping the forum. ) Of course if you are a p.i.t.a , we check all posts. )

I wouldn't switch right away as the pup will be stressed enough leaving his/her Mom. Give it a week or two before switching and remember not to just switch . Go with 1: 3 and the 2: 3 for a week or two.

As Sharon says, transition the pup if you are switching feeds and you will reduce the risk of the pup reacting adversely to the new food ration. We always buy some of the smaller bags of puppy food and send one home with each new owner - then they can have time to switch the pup over if they want.

[JONOV]

Well I just got great news today. The breeder called me today and the dog had her puppies on Thursday and everyone is doing excellent. She had a total of seven puppies and we are number seven on the list. So we are not sure if we’ll end up with a male or female it really doesn’t matter that much to us. He feeds the puppy and all of his dogs Purina Pro Plan Sport. Do you think it would be best to keep the puppy on Purina or would it be ok to switch to the Costco puppy?

Does everything I post always need to get approved by a moderator first before it post? Just curious if that’s the case and if so how long does that last? Ty

Initially I'd have it on PPP. No need to introduce any stressors to the dog and Purina isn't expensive anyway if she doesn't send you away with some. Think of it this way, the dog is already not potty trained and if an inside dog WILL crap in the house a few times as a young puppy. Why invite the possibility of giving it the runs during the first days you have the pup.

After a few days start introducing it to the new food in the ratios prescribed above.

[Mackenzie]

I went to my local Costco this weekend. They did not carry the puppy signature type that I mentioned in my first post. They may carry it but it wasn’t there this weekend. They only had the grain free type. I’m not going grain free after all the negative stuff I read about grain free and heart related issues. So like mentioned in the last post I’ll probably end up using the Purina for now. I don’t want to worry about they have it one weekend then not again when I need it.

They did have a great deal on the 40 lbs Kirkland Signature Adult brand. Here it is in Costco.com for $40 something, but in Costco it was $28.99. Seems like a pretty good deal to me

https://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signatu ... 43454.html

[Urban_Redneck]

I would supplement with Omega3 fish oil capsules, the Omegas oxidize quickly in kibble. Omega 3 counteracts the inflammatory properties of Omega 6. Stay away from food with rice or soy.

Why stay away from Rice?

Not arguing, just looking to learn.

Rice is high on the glycemic index and offers virtually zero nutrients

[averageguy]

I would supplement with Omega3 fish oil capsules, the Omegas oxidize quickly in kibble. Omega 3 counteracts the inflammatory properties of Omega 6. Stay away from food with rice or soy.

Why stay away from Rice?

Not arguing, just looking to learn.

Rice is high on the glycemic index and offers virtually zero nutrients

Thank You.

Nothing is more conflicted and confusing that dog food discussions it seems. PPP has Salmon and Rice 30/20 formula and I have fed it at times is why I asked. Purina claims rice can be a good source of nutrition (carbs).

I just let my dogs condition be the tell of the tape as I have never been able to discern truth from fiction in all the polar opposite claims that exist on the subject of dog foods.

[JONOV]

Why stay away from Rice?

Not arguing, just looking to learn.

Rice is high on the glycemic index and offers virtually zero nutrients

Thank You.

Nothing is more conflicted and confusing that dog food discussions it seems. PPP has Salmon and Rice 30/20 formula and I have fed it at times is why I asked. Purina claims rice can be a good source of nutrition (carbs).

I just let my dogs condition be the tell of the tape as I have never been able to discern truth from fiction in all the polar opposite claims that exist on the subject of dog foods.

Its also worth noting that the practical aspects of dogfood making play in as well. Meaning, in addition to making a food that's 30% protein, 20% fat, etc, they have to make a food that stays together in kibble form, that doesn't spoil, that dogs will eat, etc...That's hard to do without something that adds starch. If it isn't Rice or Corn it usually ends up being Peas or Sweet Potatoes.

[Urban_Redneck]

Rice is high on the glycemic index and offers virtually zero nutrients

Thank You.

Nothing is more conflicted and confusing that dog food discussions it seems. PPP has Salmon and Rice 30/20 formula and I have fed it at times is why I asked. Purina claims rice can be a good source of nutrition (carbs).

I just let my dogs condition be the tell of the tape as I have never been able to discern truth from fiction in all the polar opposite claims that exist on the subject of dog foods.

Its also worth noting that the practical aspects of dogfood making play in as well. Meaning, in addition to making a food that's 30% protein, 20% fat, etc, they have to make a food that stays together in kibble form, that doesn't spoil, that dogs will eat, etc...That's hard to do without something that adds starch. If it isn't Rice or Corn it usually ends up being Peas or Sweet Potatoes.

While it gives ezzy heartburn whenever it comes up... You are right, starches are part of kibble because it's impossible to make kibble without them, period, full stop.

I feed a balanced raw diet, no carbs except the occasional pizza crust.

[oregon woodsmoke]

.Why stay away from Rice? ........

Rice is fine. It's carbs and dogs can burn carbs for energy. Some of the other grains have more variety in the nutrients they carry. Corn is nutrition dense and contains more fat than other grains. Wheat is strong in the B vitamins. Different grains are good for different nutrients. But rice is fine for carbs. You don't feed straight rice, you feed other things with it and add calories with the rice.

I don't buy kibble and my dogs get brown rice in some of their food. It's not causing any problems. But they aren't eating meals of nothing but rice.

[DonF]

My thought's on the dog food discussion's are that for the most part all the stuff about my food is better than your's is it's just a scam. I've fed Nutro Max in the past and it's good food but just to expensive for me. Only food I ever fed that was a total failure was some stuff by American Nutrition in Utah. For me clearly the best food I ever fed was Biscuit by Kennel Ration. I've done Purina feed. Pedigree for a long time and fooled with a few other's. Any difference in the dog's from one to another I couldn't notice. The girl friend feed's her dog's American Nutrition at $45 for 30#! What a waste. One of the most important point's of dog food is if the dog will eat it. Best food there was Biscuit. When we changed the dog's over to it, they all picked out the Biscuit and left the rest. Biggest difference I saw is it was baked food with no oil to get the dog's to eat it! That greasy stuff you feel on your hands if you stick them down in a bag of food is oil sprayed on as a flavor enhance'r. Cost is a big factor for me, always has been. Never had so much income I didn't have to worry about cost of anything, still don't. I feed Old Roy High Proformance these days, dog's eat it and do well. Seem's to me that every recall on dog food in my memory has been with one of the super premium foods, has to say something. So if your dog eats the food you get, maintain's well on it and you can afford it, go for it. Probably won't hurt your dog's and you'll feel better about it!

[darko2]

I read about raw dog food, that its much better to feed my dog in this way.
I Also found this typo of food: Dehydrated raw dog food from this company: https://gorocketo.com/
Have anybody of you guys try this out? Maybe know difference between it or any recommendations?
P.s my dog is French bulldog

[slistoe]

I read about raw dog food, that its much better to feed my dog in this way.
I Also found this typo of food: Dehydrated raw dog food from this company: https://gorocketo.com/
Have anybody of you guys try this out? Maybe know difference between it or any recommendations?
P.s my dog is French bulldog

If you really think that raw is the way to go have at 'er. Personally I will stick with quality kibble.

[DonF]

Little bit of info you folks may not know. Purina Dog Chow has been around almost 100 yrs and don't know of it ever being recalled and millions of dogs have done well on it. The most important requirement of any dog food you use is the dog has to eat it! Think I already mentioned it, I've only ran into one food the dogs didn't do well on that was out of American Nutrition. I've fed a lot of different food over the years and pretty much all of them worked well. One stand out was Biscuit but I think it's gone now.

[RayGubernat]

I read about raw dog food, that its much better to feed my dog in this way.
I Also found this typo of food: Dehydrated raw dog food from this company: https://gorocketo.com/
Have anybody of you guys try this out? Maybe know difference between it or any recommendations?
P.s my dog is French bulldog

If you have one dog it is really no problem to feed it any way you see fit. As long as they get the nutrition they need for their age and the amount of exercise they do, what does it matter where they get it from. Your dog is a companion dog, I assume, so given that, your biggest concern is probably going to be keeping the weight off. Sooo, limiting carbs would probaly make sense in your case.

My experiences hae been similar to DonF's in terms of using various kibble brands. Of the dozen or so brands I have fed over the years, I only had one that a couple of my dogs(had six at the time) started to have skin type reactions to, so I switched off that brand. My dogs are field and performance dogs, so they need a different ration than your dog will, especially when they are working hard. When a dog is running hard three days a week, you need to really pour the nutrients to the dog or they turn into skeletons.

If I had only one dog...I'd probably feed it Purina Pro Plan Performance and not worry about it. Purina,in its various corporate forms(used to be Ralston Purina) had always been at the forefront of animal nutrition and has invested heavily in animal research to find the best balance of ingredients and nutrition for their various animl feeds. They have real live, honest to goodnes research facilities, with kennels, stables and feed lots for the dogs, cats, horses, goats, cattle and other animals they make feeds for.

Most companies that market dogfood don't spend a dime on animal feed research. Many don't even have their own manufactuing facility. They contract with a feed producer and hire marketing types. They might actually hire an animal nutritionist to oversee the formulations...or not. Mostly they spend their money on advertising and distribution.

RayG

[polmaise]

Is Mackenzie still here ?

[Sharon]

Good question. That's why I ask members to check the date on the original post, and not post unless the original poster has brought his/her post/question up to date.... 6 months old is too old. ( Although , when you get an excellent answer like Ray's there is still lots you can learn.)

[polmaise]

Very True .
"Most companies that market dogfood don't spend a dime on animal feed research. Many don't even have their own manufactuing facility. They contract with a feed producer and hire marketing types. They might actually hire an animal nutritionist to oversee the formulations...or not. Mostly they spend their money on advertising and distribution. RayG"

[art hubbard]

What do you all feel is better Salmon and rice or Chicken And rice? or does it make any difference?

[slistoe]

What do you all feel is better Salmon and rice or Chicken And rice? or does it make any difference?

There would be no reason to pay any extra for salmon. If they are the same price then I would say your only choice would be to try each on for 2 months in your dog and see if there is a noticeable difference in performance etc. from the dog.

[Garrison]

What do you all feel is better Salmon and rice or Chicken And rice? or does it make any difference?

If referring to Costco’s Natures Domain, I wouldn’t feed any of it to a moderately athletic dog. 24/14 is not ideal for a dog that gets worked.

Also, many other “salmon and rice” feeds have an awful lot of chicken products in them. Salmon is a good source of protein and fat, but so are a lot of other animal products. You have to ask yourself, is the salmon included for the dog’s benefit or the owner’s wallet? Chicken and corn have proven to work for the best dogs in competition year after year. I imagine there is good reason for that.

Garrison

[BlessedGirl]

What do you all feel is better Salmon and rice or Chicken And rice? or does it make any difference?

If referring to Costco’s Natures Domain, I wouldn’t feed any of it to a moderately athletic dog. 24/14 is not ideal for a dog that gets worked.

Also, many other “salmon and rice” feeds have an awful lot of chicken products in them. Salmon is a good source of protein and fat, but so are a lot of other animal products. You have to ask yourself, is the salmon included for the dog’s benefit or the owner’s wallet? Chicken and corn have proven to work for the best dogs in competition year after year. I imagine there is good reason for that.

Garrison

I feed Costco's Nature's Domain Organic to my dogs and they do great on it even though it's not ideal ratio of protein to fat (22/12). Both have lots of energy. Don't think it's the "ideal" for my dogs though. The fat content especially is a lot lower than I prefer, so I'll probably switch them to something that'll meet the needs better. The other farm dogs get Nature's Domain conventional and they've done well on that too.

[art hubbard]

I'm talking about PPP food. Salmon& Rice vs Chicken & Rice.

[Garrison]

Seems like there is more difference in packaging size and price, than nutrient profile.

E38EA98C-3266-495F-9759-73083BB3DD18.jpeg

12DEB7FC-72F1-492A-A1EC-6DDECFC3402B.jpeg

[art hubbard]

Thanks Garrison. Don't see any difference in nutrition. I've been feeding the Salmon but it's hard to find, so I think I'll change over to the Chicken.