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If you’ve been looking for grain-free dog food, you’ve probably come across Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain. It’s gotten a lot of attention for its high-quality, nutrient-dense recipes.
But, as any responsible dog owner would, I’m sure you wanted to start your own little investigation. After all, what goes into your furry friend’s tummy will significantly impact its overall health.
Continue reading this comprehensive Nature’s Domain dog food review to make an informed decision.
Rating
I give Nature's Domain dog food a 4.5 rating after considering its price, ingredients, varieties, nutritional qualities, and recalls.
I give Nature's Domain dog food a 4.5 rating after considering its price, ingredients, varieties, nutritional qualities, and recalls.*Find out more about our editorial & review standards
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Overview
Kirkland Signature is one of the most popular dog food brands on the market. I can see why, given the high-quality ingredients used in their products and how reasonably priced they are. It’s primarily sold at Costco but is also available on Amazon and Walmart.
Diamond Pet Foods created the Kirkland Signature in 1995 specifically for Costco when it decided to launch its private label brand.
The Nature’s Domain product line includes both dry and wet pet foods. They’ve made sure each recipe contains just the right amount of protein, carbs, and fat to provide a nutritious meal for your dog.
All varieties are grain-free, which is ideal if your canine suffers from grain allergies. It’s also comforting to know that Nature’s Domain dog foods adhere to the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
I believe it’s crucial to mention that foods labeled gluten-free and grain-free aren’t the same. Gluten describes the proteins found in grains but doesn’t cover all of them. If your canine is allergic to grains in general, you should always opt for grain-free formulas.
Is Nature’s Domain Dog Food Good?
Overall, Kirkland dog food is an excellent option for your furry friend. All of their products are nutritionally balanced and, more importantly, free of low-quality fillers like corn and soy.
Let’s go over some of the key ingredients in Nature’s Domain dog food to give you an idea of what’s in it. In general, their dog food formulas can include up to:
- 27% Crude protein
- 5% Crude fiber
- 16% Crude fat
The main sources of protein in each variety are meats such as chicken or salmon, as well as meat products like ocean fish meal. Carbohydrate sources vary but can include peas or sweet potatoes. For the fat content, they use ingredients like chicken liver, salmon oil, or canola oil.
Organic canola oil is one of the ingredients that spark controversy. Some argue it’s harmful because it’s processed and made from genetically modified crops. Whereas it’s been shown it has multiple health benefits for dogs due to its high concentration of omega fatty acids.
There are also several essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics included in Kirkland dog food to help boost your pooch’s immune system and digestive health.
We’ve listed the main benefits and drawbacks of Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain below so you can quickly review them:
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Both dry and wet dog food is available
- Comes in different dog food recipes suitable for all growth stages
- Provides sufficient nutrients to support a balanced diet
- Suitable for dogs following grain-free diets
- Doesn’t contain artificial flavorings or preservatives
- Has essential minerals and vitamins
- Contains multiple probiotics, like Active9, for healthy digestion
Cons
- Products are only available from a few places
- No types are available for restricted diets
- Contains ingredients with debatable nutritional value, like tomato pomace and canola oil
Types of Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Dog Food
Although the Nature’s Domain line isn’t broad, it does provide a decent selection. It offers six dry food varieties, including organic and puppy food, as well as two wet food options.
It’s important to note that Costco announced the discontinuation of Nature’s Domain Organic Chicken and Pea dry food formula in 2022. They did, however, state that it’ll be replaced by Nature’s Domain Organic Chicken and Ancient Grains formula.
Let’s take a closer look at the dry and canned food options that are currently available:
Dry Food
As of now, there are dry foods suitable for:
1. All-life Stages
There are three dry food types available suitable for all life stages. Sweet potatoes are the main complex carbohydrates in them, and the meat varies between:
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Beef
You can choose any of these recipes based on your dog’s preferences; one thing I know for sure is that huskies love salmon!
2. Small Breeds
If you have a small dog breed, such as the adorable Jackshund, you’ll need to buy small kibble dry food, and Nature’s Domain has that. Salmon and lentils are the two main ingredients in this type.
Although there’s no harm in small breeds eating adult dogs’ food, it’s not advised. Their tiny mouths will find it much more comfortable to chew on bite-sized food. If you have a fast eater, it can choke on large kibble.
3. Puppies
Nature’s Domain Puppy Chicken and Pea recipe will provide your furball with a well-rounded meal. This small kibble formula meets all of the nutritional needs that puppies require for healthy development.
It’s high in omega fatty acids, which will help your pup develop a shiny coat. It also contains vitamins that’ll help strengthen its immune system, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
Wet Food
The Nature’s Domain line includes two canned options for all life stages. The first is a non-organic stew with turkey and peas as the key ingredients. The second stew is organic, making it the more expensive option, and the main ingredients are chicken and vegetables.
I have to say that their wet food ticks all of the boxes for a healthy option. For example, it has a high moisture content, making it an excellent choice for pooches who don’t drink enough water. It also has a powerful aroma, ideal for canines with low appetite.
However, some customers commented on the non-organic variety, saying that there was a batch that had a runny texture rather than a puréed one.
Best of Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Products
There are three main varieties that dog owners love, and they are among the best sellers. I’ll list them below, along with detailed explanations of their nutritional value and ingredients.
1. Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal and Sweet Potato Dog Food
Starting off this list with one of the most commonly used types in the dry food category, Salmon Meal and Sweet Potato.
Nutrient Content
Crude Protein | 27% Minimum | ||
Crude Fat | 15% Minimum | ||
Crude Fiber | 4% Maximum | ||
Moisture | 10% Maximum | ||
Zinc | 150 mg/kg Minimum | ||
Selenium | 0.5 mg/kg Minimum | ||
Vitamin E | 180 IU/kg Minimum | ||
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* | 2.6% Minimum | ||
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* | 0.4% Minimum |
Ingredients List: Salmon, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, fish meal, flaxseed, canola oil, dried beet pulp, salmon oil, natural flavor, blueberries, raspberries, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.
Ingredients Analysis
This formula’s ingredients are suitable for canines of all ages. I like how it contains several natural protein sources that’ll give your buddy enough energy to stay active throughout the day.
The protein sources in this recipe, like the salmon meal, ocean fish, and peas, promote healthy hair growth, muscle development, and the production of new skin cells.
Sweet potatoes not only give canine food a sweet taste, but they also work wonders for their health. It’s a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which, when consumed regularly, reduces the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.
Given the amount of omega fatty acids and flaxseed in this formula, you should expect your dog to have healthy skin and a glossy coat. They’ve also included iron proteinate and ferrous sulfate, both of which help with red cell reproduction and oxygenation.
Antioxidants are essential to ensure your dog has a robust immune system, and this nature’s domain recipe has plenty of them. Selenium, zinc, and vitamin E are a few examples. They’ve been shown to improve dogs’ cognitive function.
If your buddy has digestive issues, there are several ingredients present that can help. For example, dried chicory root, a natural prebiotic fiber, aids in maintaining the healthy bacteria in your pooch’s intestines needed for effective digestion.
2. Nature’s Domain Turkey and Pea Stew Canned Dog Food
Moving on to the top canned food selection, the Turkey and Pea Stew recipe.
Nutrient Content
Crude Protein | 8% Minimum | ||
Crude Fat | 5% Minimum | ||
Crude Fiber | 1% Maximum | ||
Moisture | 82% Maximum |
Ingredients List: Turkey, turkey broth, vegetable broth, dried egg product, peas, agar-agar, potassium chloride, natural flavor, spinach, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, choline chloride, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement.
Ingredients Analysis
You can get this recipe for your dog at any stage of development. The main meat and protein source is turkey, which is accompanied by two types of broths: turkey and vegetable.
Broths are the primary moisture contributors in wet dog food. However, the benefits of turkey bone broth extend beyond that, as it’s a great way of obtaining minerals, healthy fats, and iron.
This recipe also contains dried egg product, which is a good source of protein. However, the overall protein concentration of this formula is quite low.
Peas play a major role in this meal’s carbohydrate and fiber content. Aside from being a safe gelling agent, agar-agar also adds fiber to the recipe. To boost the nutritional value, several fruits and veggies are included, supplying the meal with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
3. Nature’s Domain Puppy Formula Chicken and Pea Dog Food
Wrapping up this list with one of the pup owners’ favorites, which is Nature’s Domain Chicken and Pea.
Nutrient Content
Crude Protein | 27% Minimum | ||
Crude Fat | 15% Minimum | ||
Crude Fiber | 4.5% Maximum | ||
Moisture | 10% Maximum | ||
Zinc | 150 mg/kg Minimum | ||
Selenium | 0.35 mg/kg Minimum | ||
Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg Minimum | ||
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* | 2.8% Minimum | ||
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* | 0.5% Minimum |
Ingredients List: Chicken, chicken meal, peas, fava beans, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, egg product, flaxseed, tomato pomace, salmon oil, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, blueberries, raspberries, vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, vitamin B1, potassium iodide, copper sulfate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin B2, vitamin D supplement, folic acid.
Ingredients Analysis
This recipe’s protein content is perfect for a puppy’s growth. It’s mostly derived from the chicken and chicken meal added to this formula. Peas, fava beans, and sweet potatoes are some of the main carbohydrate sources.
Like all of this brand’s dog food formulas, this one is densely packed with all the essential nutrients required to build a healthy immune and digestive system.
If there’s one drawback to this recipe, it’s the addition of tomato pomace. This ingredient can be nutritious and beneficial to canines, or it can be completely ineffective. It all depends on the quality of the source used by manufacturers to repurpose this byproduct.
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Recalls – multiple Recalls
Checking the history of recalls for dog food brands reveals much about their viability. Diamond Pet Foods publishes a strict safety system for pet food production on its website. Yet, it has had multiple products recalled over the years.
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain was one of the products recalled in 2012. It all started when multiple samples of Diamond’s own pet food tested positive for salmonella, prompting an extensive investigation.
All pet food brands manufactured at Diamond’s plant in Gaston, South Carolina, including Kirkland Signature, were recalled.
Customer Reviews
We’ve gathered some genuine user feedback to give you an idea of what they think of Nature’s Domain dog food; take a look:
Customer Review 1:
Customer Review 2:
Customer Review 3:
Customer Review 4:
Final Thoughts
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain did a terrific job with this grain-free, healthy dog food. Normally, when I find premium grain-free pet foods, I expect a hefty price tag, but not with this one, which is something I appreciate.
All of their recipes are carefully developed to keep your buddy nourished and energized. And based on the countless reviews we’ve read, dogs love their taste!