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Primal vs Kirkland Signature

Primal vs. Kirkland Signature

In this comparison article for Primal vs Kirkland Signature, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Primal 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 Primal comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Primal Review Page or Kirkland Signature Review Page.

Guaranteed Analysis: Kirkland Signature vs. Primal

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.

Primal Dog Food vs. Kirkland Signature Dog Food

Dry Dog FoodPrimalKirkland Signature
Crude Protein48.0%27.5%
Crude Fat26.7%15.3%
Crude Fiber4.6%5.4%
Wet/Canned Dog FoodPrimalKirkland Signature
Crude Protein49.5%44.4%
Crude Fat28.4%27.8%
Crude Fiber5.3%5.6%

Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food

Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.

On average, Primal dry dog food recipes contain 20.48% more protein than Kirkland Signature recipes. Clearly, there is a significant difference between the protein content of Kirkland Signature and Primal. For wet dog foods, Primal provides more protein (about 5.07% more).


Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food

Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.

When you look at the average percentages of crude fat for dry dog food, it's clear that Primal provides significantly more fat. On average, Primal guarantees about 11.44% more protein than Kirkland Signature. For wet dog foods, Primal and Kirkland Signature provide roughly the same amount of fat.


As you can see, Primal and Kirkland Signature guarantee a similar amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet dog food, Kirkland Signature and Primal also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.

Primal Cat Food vs. Kirkland Signature Cat Food

Dry Cat FoodPrimalKirkland Signature
Crude Protein50.1%34.8%
Crude Fat24.0%15.9%
Crude Fiber4.8%5.9%

Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food

Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.

The comparison table above shows that Primal dry cat foods provide significantly more protein than Kirkland Signature. More specifically, Primal guarantees at least 15.33% more protein.


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):

  • Help transport nutrients across cell membranes
  • Fats produce metabolites, which help control inflammation
  • Maintain healthy blood pressure
  • Slow the growth of yeast infections
  • Fats improve the taste/texture of food.

Primal dry cat foods clearly provides more fat than Kirkland Signature. In fact, the difference between the fat content is roughly 8.11%, which is a significant amount.


Primal and Kirkland Signature both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.

Primal Pet Food Ingredients vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food Ingredients

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Kirkland Signature.

Canola Oil
Pea Protein
Tomato Pomace
Powdered Cellulose
Organic Canola Meal
Organic Pea Protein
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Organic Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

Product Safety: Recall History of Primal & Kirkland Signature?

Primal has been recalled 2 times.

  • March 13, 2015: low thiamine level
  • Dec. 22, 2017: incorrect bone grind size

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 Primal Pet Foods

You can purchase Primal pet foods from the following stores:


15 Recipes In-Stock Today

20 Recipes In-Stock Today

15 Recipes In-Stock Today

14 Recipes In-Stock Today

Where To Buy Kirkland Signature Pet Foods

You can purchase Kirkland Signature pet food products from these retailers:


Type Of Pet Foods Available

ProductPrimalKirkland Signature
Dry Dog FoodNone12 Recipes
Wet Dog FoodNone1 Recipes
Dog Treats6 TreatsNone
Dry Cat FoodNone3 Recipes
Wet Cat FoodNoneNone
Cat TreatsNoneNone

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