Kirkland Dog Food Making Dogs Sick: Protecting Your Pet's Health

Kirkland dog food has been linked to various health issues in dogs. The high carbohydrate content in some Kirkland formulas has raised concerns about its potential impact on canine health.

Some pet owners have reported digestive issues in their dogs after switching to Kirkland dog food. According to the article, a common complaint is diarrhea, which can be a sign of an underlying issue with the food.

The use of fillers like corn and wheat in some Kirkland formulas has also been criticized. These ingredients can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause allergic reactions.

Many pet owners have successfully made the switch to alternative dog foods after noticing adverse reactions to Kirkland. By doing so, they've seen improvements in their dogs' overall health and well-being.

Intriguing read: Who Makes 4 Health Dog Food

Kirkland's dry dog foods are considered high risk due to excessive carbohydrates, which can lead to low protein levels and potentially cause obesity and changes to gut bacteria.

The average carbohydrates in Kirkland's dry foods is 40%, which is excessively high, and often results in low protein levels, averaging under 26%.

Kirkland's recipes have ingredient safety and quality concerns similar to other dog foods, including the use of starchy ingredients like peas and potatoes.

Only one of Kirkland's 13 recipes uses organic ingredients, which would improve the safety and quality of the food if all ingredients were organic and avoided GMOs and pesticide/herbicide residues.

Kirkland's recipes often contain glam ingredients like blueberries and kale, but these ingredients are listed after salt and are present in minuscule amounts, contributing little or no nutritional value to the dog.

Ingredient splitting is a technique used to move lower quality ingredients higher on the ingredient list, disguising their amount and making desirable ingredients like animal proteins appear more prominent.

Kirkland Dog Food has been involved in several recalls, including a 2012 voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Between 2005 and 2012, Diamond Pet Foods, which makes Kirkland Dog Food, was recalled multiple times due to contamination and quality control issues.

For another approach, see: Dog Food Safety

A 2018 CDC announcement linked Diamond Pet Foods production facility to Salmonella poisoning in 49 individuals, with no reported deaths.

Kirkland Dog Food has been involved in class action lawsuits alleging failure to disclose positive tests for toxic materials and heavy metals in their dog food.

A $2 million settlement was reached in a lawsuit alleging negligence following a Salmonella-related recall of many Diamond-manufactured pet food brands, including Kirkland Dog Food.

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Kirkland Dog Food Recalls have been a major concern for many pet owners. In 2012, Diamond Pet Foods, which makes Kirkland Dog Foods, had a massive recall due to potential Salmonella contamination. This recall affected numerous brands, including Kirkland Signature Dog Food.

Between April and May 2012, Diamond Pet Foods issued several voluntary recalls due to possible Salmonella contamination. The affected brands included Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Country Value, Canidae Pet Foods, Natural Balance, Premium Edge, Professional, 4Health, Taste of the Wild, and Solid Gold.

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In 2005, Diamond Pet Foods was recalled due to aflatoxin contamination in foods at their South Carolina facility. Over 100 dogs became ill or died due to aflatoxicosis. This incident highlights the importance of monitoring pet food recalls.

A link to Salmonella poisoning was announced by the CDC in July 2018, affecting 49 individuals from Diamond Pet Foods production facility in Gaston, South Carolina.

Here are some notable recalls related to pet food contamination:

If you're concerned about your pet's health, it's essential to stay informed about pet food recalls.

The Dog Food Advisor offers a FREE Dog Food Recall Alert Service by email to help you stay informed about potential recalls.

High levels of carbohydrates in dog food can lead to low levels of protein, which is a concern with Kirkland's dry recipes, averaging under 26% protein.

Dogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates, but starch is required for extrusion in dry dog foods, which can raise insulin and cause obesity and changes to the gut bacteria.

Kirkland's canned recipe scores better with low carbohydrates and less processing, but still lacks whole ingredients or vegetable matter beyond the first few ingredients.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Mixing Dry and Wet Food for Dogs

If your dog has become sick or has died you believe is linked to a pet food, report the issue to the FDA and your State Department of Agriculture.

It's crucial to save all pet food and not return it for a refund, as this evidence may be needed to investigate the cause of the illness.

Reporting the issue promptly can help identify any potential problems with the pet food and prevent others from experiencing the same issue.

To protect your dog, it's essential to stay informed about potential dog food recalls. The Dog Food Advisor offers a FREE Dog Food Recall Alert Service by email.

You should also be aware that some dog foods, like Kirkland, have had a history of recalls due to potential contamination. In 2012, Diamond Pet Foods, which makes Kirkland Dog Foods, issued a voluntary recall due to possible Salmonella contamination.

If your pet has become sick or has died, it's crucial to report the issue to the FDA and your State Department of Agriculture. Save all pet food – don't return it for a refund, as this can be useful evidence.

Kirkland's recipes have some concerning ingredients, such as high levels of carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and changes in gut bacteria. On average, Kirkland's dry foods contain 40% carbohydrates, which is excessively high.

Here are some common signs of a pet food recall:

If you suspect your pet's food is contaminated, don't hesitate to report the issue and save the food as evidence.

Kirkland dog food has been linked to several ingredient concerns that may be making dogs sick. Excessive carbohydrate content is a major issue, with some recipes averaging 40% carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and negatively impact gut balance.

High levels of added vitamins and minerals are also a concern, as they often come from poor quality or overly processed ingredients. This can result in excessive amounts of certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and copper.

Some recipes contain added amino acids, which can be a sign of cheap, lower quality ingredients. Plant proteins are often used as a substitute for animal protein, but they are less digestible and contain a narrower range of amino acids.

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Here are some specific concerns about ingredient safety in Kirkland dog food:

These ingredient concerns may contribute to the health problems experienced by dogs eating Kirkland dog food.

High carbohydrate levels in dog food can be a concern, with some recipes averaging 40% carbohydrates. This can lead to excessive starch consumption, increasing insulin levels and potentially causing obesity and gut imbalance.

Excessive added vitamins and minerals can be a sign of poor quality or overly processed ingredients. Ideally, these nutrients should come from whole food sources, not vitamin premixes.

Added amino acids can be a marker of cheap, lower quality ingredients, as they're often used to compensate for the lack of complete protein from animal sources.

Plant protein is often used as a less expensive substitute for animal protein, but it's less digestible and contains fewer amino acids. You want to see animal sources in your dog's food.

Related reading: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs

Unnamed animal ingredients, such as fish meal made from any type of fish, can be a sign of low quality. Dogs need named species of fish for optimal nutrition.

Cellulose, a low quality, insoluble fiber made from wood pulp, is often used to firm stools and add bulk to dog food. Dogs don't need fiber unless it's fermentable fiber that supports gut health.

Ultra-processed dog foods can be a concern due to significant losses of enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients during processing.

High pesticide/herbicide residue is a significant issue in some dog foods. Peas, oatmeal, and barley (unless organic) are crops that are spray-dried with Roundup, leaving them with more glyphosate/herbicide residue than other crops.

Genetically modified (GMO) ingredients are also a concern in some dog foods. Potatoes are a known GMO crop used in some recipes, and there are limited safety studies on genetically modified and Roundup Ready crops.

Natural flavor is often added to processed foods to make them more palatable, but it can be either MSG or animal digest, both of which have limited safety studies.

High pesticide/herbicide residue is also a problem in some dog foods. Peas and legumes (unless organic) are crops that are spray-dried with Roundup, leaving them with more glyphosate/herbicide residue than other crops.

GMO ingredients are found in some dog foods, including potatoes and canola. These ingredients have limited safety studies and are lacking in nutrients compared to non-GMO foods.

Some dog foods are highly processed, which can cause significant losses of active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients. This can be a concern due to the potential link to higher mortality rates in many species.

Here are some common ingredients to watch out for:

Canned foods can be a concern due to the heating process, which can cause significant losses of active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients.

Many pet owners have reported that their dogs have fallen ill after consuming Kirkland dog food, with some even requiring hospitalization.

The recall of Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Food by Costco in 2018 was a major red flag, as it was due to the presence of pentobarbital, a toxic substance that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in dogs.

Some owners have reported that their dogs experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, such as bloody stools and vomiting, after eating Kirkland dog food.

The FDA has received numerous reports of adverse reactions to Kirkland dog food, including kidney failure and seizures.

Pet owners who have switched to alternative dog food brands have reported significant improvements in their pets' health, with many dogs recovering from their illnesses.

The high levels of by-products and fillers in Kirkland dog food have been identified as potential contributors to the health issues experienced by dogs who eat it.

Many owners have expressed frustration and disappointment with the lack of transparency and accountability from Kirkland and Costco regarding the safety of their dog food.