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It is no secret that Americans love their dogs. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association, 68% of US households include a pet—and that number is only growing.
With so many people making pets a part of their families, it is no wonder the pet industry is worth billions of dollars annually. And while there are a lot of different ways to spend your pet-related dollars, one of the most important (and most expensive) is on food.
When it comes to dog food, there are a lot of choices out there. For those who shop at member supermarkets, two of the most popular brands are Kirkland and Members Mark. So, which is better?
A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Kirkland
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Our Favorite
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Kirkland Salmon and Sweet Potato |
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Kirkland Turkey Dog Food |
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CHECK PRICE |
Comparing Members Mark to Kirkland was no easy task. These two brands are similar in many ways; cost, quality, and availability all match up fairly equally. Overall, Kirkland inches forward past Members Mark based on the larger range, higher quality ingredients, and larger proportion of animal-based ingredients.
We particularly liked their two most highly rated products, both from the “Nature’s Domain” range: Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato and Turkey & Sweet Potato.
About Members Mark Dog Food
Range
Members Mark has a limited range of products. While this might be enough for some people, we prefer brands that offer a little more choice. They have no life stage or breed-specific recipes, so if your pooch needs a little extra help in one area or another, you might have to look elsewhere.
Availability
Members Mark is the own brand of Sam’s Club, a membership-only store. Purchasing through Sam’s Club is the only authorized place to purchase this dog food, but some food can be resold through Amazon. For reliable and steady sourcing of Members Mark, consider becoming a Sam’s Club member.
Production
Members Mark dog food is produced in the US. But, it is not clear in their marketing where production takes place. Many grocery store brands, such as this one, tend to outsource production to third parties. This means tracking the sourcing of ingredients and production of the food is difficult.
What We Liked
- Both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes
- Bulk bags for cost-saving
- High protein and well-balanced nutrition
The Drawbacks
- A small range of dog foods
- Not many age, size, or breed-specific choices
About Kirkland
Range
Kirkland has a more impressive range. This means that whatever your pup’s needs, there’s a good chance Kirkland has a recipe to suit. Not only do they have dry kibble, but they also have a range of wet foods.
Availability
Kirkland dog food availability is much the same as Members Mark, except it belongs to a different membership-only store, Costco. Again, this is the only authorized place to purchase Kirkland dog food without purchasing resold and unreliable products from places such as Amazon. It can be purchased and delivered from Costco’s online store or in-person at Costco locations.
Production
Just like Members Mark, Kirkland dog food is also manufactured in the US. However, tracking production seemed to be easier and more transparent with this brand as production is outsourced to Diamond Pet Foods, which also produces popular brands such as Taste of the Wild and 4Health.
The 3 Most Popular Members Mark Dog Food Recipes
1. Member’s Mark Exceed Dog Food, Chicken & Rice
Member’s Mark Exceed Chicken & Rice Dog Food is a high-quality food perfect for active dogs. The chicken is the first ingredient, and there are no added fillers or artificial preservatives. This food also contains added probiotics to help support your dog’s digestive health. However, it is important to note that this food is not suitable for sensitive stomachs. If your dog has any sensitivities, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before feeding them this food.
- No added fillers or artificial preservatives
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Added probiotics
- Not suitable for sensitive stomachs
2. Member’s Mark Exceed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Wild-Caught Salmon & Peas
Member’s Mark Exceed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Wild-Caught Salmon & Peas is a high-quality food that is perfect for dogs who are sensitive to grains. Salmon is the first ingredient, and there are no by-products or fillers in the food. This makes it a healthy and nutritious option for your pup. However, the food is extra costly if purchased through Amazon. So, if you’re looking to save some money, you may want to consider a Sam’s Club membership!
- Grain-free diet
- No by-products
- Salmon as the first ingredient
- Extra costly if purchased through Amazon
3. Member’s Mark Exceed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken & Rice
If you’re looking for high-protein dry food to support your puppy’s growth and development, Member’s Mark Exceed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken & Rice may be a good option.
The recipe is designed to provide all the nutrients your puppy needs for a healthy start in life. However, there is only one flavor option for the puppy recipe, so if your pup is picky, this may not be the best food for them.
Overall, Member’s Mark Exceed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken & Rice is a good choice if you’re looking for a nutritious food to support your puppy’s growth.
- High protein
- Designed to support growth and development
- Only one flavor option for the puppy recipe
The 3 Most Popular Kirkland Dog Food Recipes
1. Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Turkey Dog Food
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Turkey Dog Food is a grain-free formula that is designed for all life stages. The food contains both pre and probiotics to aid in healthy digestion.
One of the advantages of this food is that it is suitable for all life stages, from puppies to senior dogs. The food also contains both pre and probiotics, which help to promote healthy digestion.
However, not all dogs do well on a grain-free diet. If your dog has any sensitivities or allergies, you should speak to your veterinarian before switching foods.
- Grain-free formula
- For all life stages
- Both pre and probiotics aid in healthy digestion
- Not all dogs do well on a grain-free diet
2. Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Dog Food
For dog parents looking for high-quality, healthy food for their allergic pups, Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Dog Food is a great option.
The key ingredients are salmon meal and sweet potatoes, which are both unlikely to cause allergies in dogs. Salmon is also a great source of healthy fats, making it ideal for dogs who need a little extra energy. However, some dogs may not be fans of the seafood taste, so it’s worth doing a quick taste test before committing to this food.
- Ideal for dogs with allergies to common proteins
- Salmon is a source of high-quality, healthy fats
- Seafood taste is not to all dogs’ liking
3. Kirkland Signature Dog Food Healthy Weight (Chicken & Vegetable)
Kirkland Signature Dog Food Healthy Weight is a formula that has been designed with weight management in mind. It is lower in calories than many other recipes, making it a good option for dogs that are trying to slim down.
However, it is not suitable for active dogs or those that have high energy requirements, as they will likely find this food too energy-restrictive.
- Designed with dogs’ weight management in mind
- Lower calories than many other recipes
- Not suitable for active dogs or those that have high energy requirements
Recall History of Members Mark and Kirkland
Our research found that Members Mark is currently a recall-free brand.
On the other hand, Kirkland has a slight history. Way back in 2012, Diamond pet foods recalled a handful of products due to salmonella contamination. While no fatalities occurred, a few pets were affected and a couple were hospitalized.
The recall also affected multiple other brands that source their production to Diamond Pet Foods.
Members Mark vs Kirkland Comparison
Now that we’ve looked at each food brand separately, it is time for a showdown! Both these brands are very similar in many ways, but there are a few key differences that may make one more suitable for your pup than the other.
Ingredient Quality
Both brands use high-quality, natural ingredients in their recipes. However, Kirkland does have a slightly higher proportion of meat in their foods, which some dogs may prefer.
Selection
When it comes to selection, Kirkland has a wider range of recipes than Members Mark. This includes foods for specific needs, such as grain-free and weight-management formulas.
For those looking for just a good, basic kibble, this won’t be a swaying issue, but if your dog needs a little extra help in a specific area, Kirkland may be the better choice.
Price
Price is always an important consideration when choosing dog food. In this respect, Members Mark has a slight advantage over Kirkland, as their foods are generally a few dollars cheaper per bag.
However, both brands are the cheapest at their respective membership-only stores. When purchasing from secondary suppliers such as Amazon, the price is significantly higher.
Summary
So, which is the better food brand: Members Mark or Kirkland?
The answer may depend on your individual dog’s needs. For those looking for a good all-rounder, Members Mark could be the way to go, thanks to their slightly cheaper prices. If you have a dog with specific dietary requirements, Kirkland may be a better option, as they have a wider range of recipes.
Ultimately, both brands use high-quality ingredients and are comparable in terms of nutrition. So, whichever you choose, you can rest assured your dog is getting a good meal.
We personally liked Kirkland just a touch better due to the slightly higher meat content in their foods and the greater selection of recipes. But at the end of the day, your dog will be happy with either!
