Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Kirkland Signature Dog Food (Costco)
Best ValueThe Farmer's Dog
Best Fresh Food DeliveryPrice
$35-$50 (40lb bag)
$2-$15/day (varies by dog size)
Summary
Costco's house brand punches well above its price tag, with real owners reporting healthy coats, good digestion, and significant savings over premium brands. Made by Diamond Pet Foods using quality ingredients.
Fresh, human-grade dog food delivered to your door in pre-portioned packs tailored to your dog's weight, age, and health goals. The top pick for owners who want to step up from kibble.
Pros
- Significantly cheaper than comparable premium brands
- Real owner reports of healthy coats, good energy, and solid digestion
- Salmon and sweet potato formula works well for dogs with food sensitivities
- Widely available at Costco with bulk savings
- Human-grade, restaurant-quality ingredients with no fillers or preservatives
- Pre-portioned meals tailored to your dog's specific size, age, and weight
- USDA-certified kitchens with strong food safety standards
- 50% off first order makes it easy to trial without full commitment
Cons
- Not WSAVA-compliant — less independent research backing than the big four
- Manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, which has had past recalls
- Requires Costco membership to purchase at best price
- Limited formula variety compared to major brands
- Significantly more expensive than kibble — costs can run $5-$15/day depending on dog size
- Requires freezer space and advance planning for deliveries
- Not WSAVA-evaluated in the same way as traditional kibble brands
- Subscription model can be difficult to pause or cancel
Our take
Kirkland is the sleeper pick here — real owners who switched from Blue Buffalo report zero downgrade in their dog's health, at half the cost. Hard to argue with that.
If budget isn't a concern and you want the closest thing to home-cooked meals for your dog, The Farmer's Dog is the clear winner in the fresh food delivery space.
Buy