In this comparison article for Under The Sun vs Kirkland Signature, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Under The Sun 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 Under The Sun comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Under The Sun Review Page or Kirkland Signature Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Kirkland Signature vs. Under The Sun
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.
Under The Sun Dog Food vs. Kirkland Signature Dog Food
Dry Dog Food
Under The Sun
Kirkland Signature
Crude Protein
27.5%
27.5%
Crude Fat
12.1%
15.3%
Crude Fiber
4.6%
5.4%
Wet/Canned Dog Food
Under The Sun
Kirkland Signature
Crude Protein
41.1%
44.4%
Crude Fat
24.5%
27.8%
Crude Fiber
6.1%
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.
As you can see, Under The Sun and Kirkland Signature guarantee a similar amount of crude protein. For wet dog foods, Kirkland Signature typically provides a little more protein (about 3.38% 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.
If you look at the average percentages of crude fat, you'll notice that Kirkland Signature typically guarantees 3.21% more fat. This is a fairly small difference between Kirkland Signature and Under The Sun, but still worth mentioning. In addition, Kirkland Signature wet dog foods also provide more fat than Under The Sun wet foods.
Under The Sun and Kirkland Signature both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet dog food, Under The Sun and Kirkland Signature also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Under The Sun Pet Food Ingredients vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food Ingredients
Under The Sun and Kirkland Signature both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
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.
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.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Kirkland Signature.
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 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 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.
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 Under The Sun.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex
Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex
Menadione sodium bisulfate 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."
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 Under The Sun & Kirkland Signature?
According to our records, neither brand has issued any product recalls. Therefore, consumers have no reason to question the safety of Under The Sun or Kirkland Signature pet food products.
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 Under The Sun Pet Foods
You can purchase Under The Sun pet foods from the following stores:
4 Recipes In-Stock Today
4 Recipes In-Stock Today
4 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
Product
Under The Sun
Kirkland Signature
Dry Dog Food
7 Recipes
12 Recipes
Wet Dog Food
8 Recipes
1 Recipes
Dog Treats
None
None
Dry Cat Food
None
3 Recipes
Wet Cat Food
9 Recipes
None
Cat Treats
None
None
Top Rated Under The Sun Recipes
Dog Food
Under The Sun Grain Free Recipe Made With Real Lamb