Is Kirkland Cat Food Good? – A Complete Review for Cat Owners

If you’re a pet parent shopping at Costco, you’ve probably noticed Kirkland Signature Cat Food on the shelves. Known for offering quality products at affordable prices, Kirkland has developed a loyal customer base—but is their cat food actually good for your feline friend?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Kirkland cat food: what’s in it, who makes it, how it compares to other brands, and whether it’s a healthy option for your cat.

What Is Kirkland Cat Food?

Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private-label brand, offering everything from groceries to pet products. Kirkland Signature Cat Food comes in both dry formulas for adult cats and kittens, often labeled under names like:

Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Food
Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Formula
Kirkland Signature Kitten Formula

Who Makes Kirkland Cat Food?

Kirkland cat food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a well-known company that also produces food for several other pet brands, including Taste of the Wild and 4Health.

Diamond operates multiple production facilities in the U.S. and is known for producing affordable pet food with decent ingredient quality.

Ingredients Breakdown: What’s Inside Kirkland Cat Food?

Let’s look at what makes up a typical Kirkland dry cat food formula, like the Super Premium Maintenance Cat Food.

✅ Key Ingredients

Chicken and chicken meal – High-quality animal protein
Whole grain brown rice and barley – Carbohydrate sources
Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) – Provides essential fatty acids
Egg product – Additional protein
Dried beet pulp – A source of fiber for digestion

✅ Nutritional Benefits

includes fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 for healthy skin and coats.
enhanced with taurine, a cat-essential amino acid
Includes prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support
Meets all life stages’ AAFCO nutritional profiles.

🚫 Potential Concerns

Contains grains, which some cat owners prefer to avoid (though they’re not harmful unless your cat has sensitivities)
Fewer novel or exotic ingredients compared to premium brands
Not available in wet food varieties

Is Kirkland Cat Food Healthy?

Overall, yes—Kirkland cat food is considered a healthy, budget-friendly option for many cats. Here’s why:

✔️ Pros:

High-quality protein as the first ingredient
No artificial colors or preservatives
Good balance of essential nutrients
Affordable for multi-cat households
Made by a reputable manufacturer (Diamond Pet Foods)

❌ Cons:

Limited variety (mostly dry food options)
Not grain-free (could be a downside for cats with grain allergies)
Occasional recalls in the past (related to Diamond Pet Foods, not Kirkland specifically)

What Do Cat Owners Say?

User reviews are generally positive. Many cat owners report that their cats enjoy the taste and stay healthy on the Kirkland diet. It’s often praised for being a great value—providing premium-like nutrition at a warehouse-store price.

However, some sensitive cats might not tolerate the grain content or specific ingredients, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s reaction when switching.

Final Verdict: Is Kirkland Cat Food Good?

Yes, Kirkland cat food is a solid choice for most cats, especially if you’re looking for a balance between quality and affordability. It may not have all the variety or premium ingredients of higher-end brands, but it provides reliable nutrition and is made by a trusted manufacturer.

If your cat is healthy, has no special dietary needs, and enjoys Kirkland food, there’s no reason not to keep it on the menu.

Tips for Switching to Kirkland Cat Food

If you’re transitioning your cat to Kirkland food:

Mix gradually with your cat’s current food over 7–10 days.
Watch for signs of digestive upset or food intolerance.
Always have fresh water available, especially when serving dry food.

Healthy Cat Diet