In this comparison article for Castor & Pollux vs Kirkland Signature, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Castor & Pollux and Kirkland Signature, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Kirkland Signature vs Castor & Pollux comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Castor & Pollux Review Page or Kirkland Signature Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Kirkland Signature vs. Castor & Pollux
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Castor & Pollux Dog Food vs. Kirkland Signature Dog Food
Dry Dog Food
Castor & Pollux
Kirkland Signature
Crude Protein
32.6%
27.5%
Crude Fat
17.1%
15.3%
Crude Fiber
4.2%
5.4%
Wet/Canned Dog Food
Castor & Pollux
Kirkland Signature
Crude Protein
39.9%
44.4%
Crude Fat
23.5%
27.8%
Crude Fiber
6.5%
5.6%
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your dog's diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
Our analysis shows that Castor & Pollux guarantees 5.08% more protein than Kirkland Signature dry dog food recipes. In addition, Kirkland Signature wet dog foods also provide more protein than Castor & Pollux wet foods.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog's body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.
Kirkland Signature and Castor & Pollux both provide roughly the same amount of crude fat. For wet dog foods, Kirkland Signature provides more fat (about 4.32% more).
There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands. With regards to wet dog food, Castor & Pollux and Kirkland Signature also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Castor & Pollux Cat Food vs. Kirkland Signature Cat Food
Dry Cat Food
Castor & Pollux
Kirkland Signature
Crude Protein
38.2%
34.8%
Crude Fat
15.7%
15.9%
Crude Fiber
4.0%
5.9%
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your cat's diet. Without sufficient protein, cats can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
According to our data, Castor & Pollux guarantees 3.39% more protein than Kirkland Signature. Although this difference is relatively small, it's still a notable difference.
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):
Fats help with the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Reduce inflammation associated with arthritis
Slow the growth of yeast infections
Prevent or reduce the likelihood of certain heart problems.
Aid in the development of the retina and visual cortex.
Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fat.
As you can see, Castor & Pollux and Kirkland Signature guarantee a similar amount of crude fiber.
Castor & Pollux Pet Food Ingredients vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food Ingredients
Castor & Pollux and Kirkland Signature both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Pea Protein
Pea Protein
Pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Tomato Pomace
Tomato Pomace
Tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Powdered Cellulose
Powdered Cellulose
Powdered cellulose is produced from minuscule pieces of wood pulp and plant fibers. Other than its fiber content, powdered cellulose lacks any nutritional contribution.
Organic Pea Protein
Organic Pea Protein
Organic pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Castor & Pollux.
Garlic
Garlic
Garlic in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Caramel
Caramel
Caramel is a widely used natural food colorant. The concentrated form of caramel is typically listed as caramel color and has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Garlic Powder
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Organic Caramel Color
Organic Caramel Color
Organic caramel color is a concentrated form of caramel, a natural food colorant. Caramel color has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel color is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Organic Garlic Powder
Organic Garlic Powder
Organic garlic powder in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Pea Protein Concentrate
Pea Protein Concentrate
Pea protein concentrate is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein concentrate is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid)
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid)
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Kirkland Signature.
Canola Oil
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Organic Canola Meal
Organic Canola Meal
Organic canola meal is a high protein by-product of canola oil production. This ingredient is marked controversial because it may be derived from genetically modified rapeseed, which is associated with multiple adverse health affects.
Organic Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Organic Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Organic canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Castor & Pollux.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."
Product Safety: Recall History of Castor & Pollux & Kirkland Signature?
Castor & Pollux has been recalled once.
May 23, 2018: elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone
According to our records, Kirkland Signature has never been recalled.
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Castor & Pollux Pet Foods
You can purchase Castor & Pollux pet foods from the following stores:
46 Recipes In-Stock Today
10 Recipes In-Stock Today
35 Recipes In-Stock Today
Where To Buy Kirkland Signature Pet Foods
You can purchase Kirkland Signature pet food products from these retailers: