Costco vs Walmart Dog Food: Budget Brand Comparison and Reviews (2025 Guide for Canadian Pet Owners)
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Kirkland Signature (Costco) consistently outperforms Walmart store brands in ingredient quality and safety.
- Canadian Walmart brands (Ol’ Roy/Great Value) cost less, but may compromise on protein content and use more fillers.
- Kirkland provides grain-free and breed-specific options; Walmart does not in Canada.
- Canadian dog food regulations require added safety compared to US formulations.
- Veterinarians generally recommend Kirkland for budget-conscious pet owners seeking balanced nutrition.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Value Dog Food Options in Canada
- At-a-Glance Comparison Table: Essential Facts
- Brand Overview and Manufacturer Details
- Nutritional Comparison: Ingredients and Quality Analysis
- Price Analysis: True Value Comparison for Canadian Shoppers
- Health and Safety: Recall History and Quality Control
- Canadian Pet Owner Experiences: Real Reviews and Outcomes
- Veterinary Perspective: Expert Analysis on Budget Brands
- Formulation Comparison for Different Dogs
- Buying Guide: Strategic Shopping Tips
- Common Questions Answered
Understanding Value Dog Food Options in Canada
Canadian pet owners spend an average of $1,200 annually on dog food, making cost a significant consideration in pet care budgets. With over 7.7 million dogs in Canadian households, many families seek economical yet nutritious options for their furry companions. Kirkland Signature (Costco) and Ol’ Roy/Great Value (Walmart) represent two widely available budget-friendly alternatives across Canada. These store brands promise value but differ considerably in quality, ingredients, and overall nutrition.
Understanding these differences helps determine whether saving money comes at the cost of your dog’s wellbeing. This comparison examines ingredients, nutrition, pricing, and safety records to help Canadian pet owners make informed decisions about these accessible options.
For readers seeking an even deeper look into nutritional needs for dogs in Canada, see this comprehensive nutrient-rich dog food guide.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table: Essential Facts
Before diving into detailed analysis, here’s a quick overview of how these budget brands compare in 2025:
| Feature | Kirkland Signature (Costco) | Ol’ Roy (Walmart) | Great Value (Walmart) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Price ($/kg) | $2.20-$2.60 | $1.10-$1.40 | $1.50-$1.80 |
| Protein Content | 23-26% | 18-21% | 21-24% |
| Primary Ingredients | Chicken, lamb, or salmon, whole grain | Corn, meat by-products, wheat | Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat |
| Manufacturer | Diamond Pet Foods | Mars Petcare | Private label manufacturers |
| Recall History | Limited (2012) | Multiple (2018, 2021) | None since launch |
| Canadian Availability | All Costco locations | All Walmart stores | Select Walmart locations |
Interested in learning if Kirkland dog food’s reputation aligns with its value pricing? Read the full Kirkland Dog Food Review here.
Brand Overview and Manufacturer Details
Kirkland Signature dog food is produced by Diamond Pet Foods exclusively for Costco. This partnership began in 1999, with products manufactured in facilities across North America, including one in Ontario serving Canadian customers. Diamond Pet Foods maintains quality control across production facilities, ensuring consistency in the Kirkland formulations.
Walmart’s Ol’ Roy, named after Sam Walton’s hunting dog, launched in 1983 and is manufactured by Mars Petcare, the world’s largest pet food company. Great Value dog food, part of Walmart’s broader store brand, entered the Canadian market in 2019. Both Walmart brands offer lower price points than Kirkland, with Ol’ Roy positioned as the most economical option.
If you’re curious how these budget brands compare to premium Canadian dog foods like Orijen, Acana, or Royal Canin, check out this brand comparison.
The Canadian formulations of these products sometimes differ from their American counterparts due to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations, particularly regarding preservatives and ingredient labelling.
Nutritional Comparison: Ingredients and Quality Analysis
Kirkland Signature dog food contains identified meat sources (chicken, lamb, or salmon) as primary ingredients, followed by whole grains like rice and barley. The protein ranges from 23-26%, with formulations containing probiotics, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine for joint health. The Canadian version contains no artificial colours or BHA/BHT preservatives, adhering to stricter CFIA standards.
See also the key benefits of natural ingredients in dog diets in this deep dive on natural dog food.
Ol’ Roy formulations list corn as the first ingredient, followed by meat by-products and wheat middles. Protein content ranges from 18-21%, with minimal nutritional additives. The Great Value line slightly improves on this with chicken by-product meal as the first ingredient (meaning higher protein at 21-24%), though it still relies heavily on corn and wheat fillers.
Uncertain about chicken by-product meal? Learn how it compares to other protein sources here.
For dogs with grain sensitivities, Kirkland offers grain-free options, while neither Walmart brand provides grain-free alternatives in Canadian stores as of 2025.
Wondering about the grain-free debate? Consult this science-based guide.
Price Analysis: True Value Comparison for Canadian Shoppers
Kirkland Signature ranges from $52.99-$64.99 for 20 kg bags in Canadian Costco stores ($2.20-$2.60/kg). Considering the $60-$120 annual Costco membership fee, the effective cost increases slightly for infrequent shoppers.
Walmart’s Ol’ Roy costs $22.97-$28.99 for 20 kg ($1.10-$1.40/kg), while Great Value ranges from $34.97-$39.99 for 22 kg bags ($1.50-$1.80/kg). No membership is required for Walmart purchases.
Cost per serving calculations reveal Kirkland costs approximately $0.90-$1.20 daily for a 25 kg dog, while Ol’ Roy costs $0.60-$0.80 and Great Value $0.75-$0.95 daily. Prices vary across provinces, with higher costs in the Maritimes and Northern territories.
Looking for more affordable dog foods that still offer quality nutrition? See this round-up on best affordable dog foods in Canada.
Health and Safety: Recall History and Quality Control
Kirkland Signature experienced one significant recall in 2012 due to potential salmonella contamination. Since implementing enhanced safety measures, no further recalls have affected Canadian distribution.
Ol’ Roy has undergone multiple recalls, including a significant 2018 recall for pentobarbital contamination and a 2021 aflatoxin issue affecting Canadian stores. Great Value dog food has not experienced recalls since its Canadian introduction.
All three brands comply with CFIA regulations, though independent testing by Canadian veterinary laboratories shows Kirkland consistently meets or exceeds nutritional claims, while Walmart brands occasionally test below stated protein levels.
Canadian Pet Owner Experiences: Real Reviews and Outcomes
“My Lab thrives on Kirkland lamb formula. His coat shines and he maintains healthy weight, which was a struggle with previous foods,” reports Marie from Vancouver on RedFlagDeals.
Concerning Ol’ Roy, Tyler from Edmonton shares: “The price point is unbeatable, but we noticed inconsistent stool quality and our Border Collie developed skin issues after three months.”
Great Value receives mixed feedback: “It’s a middle-ground option that our Beagle tolerates well, though we supplement with fresh foods,” notes Samantha from Toronto on a pet forum.
Most Canadian reviews indicate Kirkland produces better digestion, coat condition, and energy levels, despite the higher price. Transitions from premium brands to Kirkland report fewer adverse effects than transitions to Walmart brands.
Veterinary Perspective: Expert Analysis on Budget Brands
“When comparing budget options, Kirkland provides substantially better nutrition than Walmart alternatives,” states Dr. Sharma, a Toronto veterinary nutritionist. “The identified meat protein sources and absence of artificial colours benefit long-term canine health.”
Canadian veterinarians typically recommend Kirkland over Walmart options for budget-conscious pet owners. “The additional $0.30-$0.40 per day for Kirkland often prevents health issues that could cost hundreds in veterinary care later,” explains Dr. Leblanc from Montreal Veterinary Hospital.
Read more about Omega-3, probiotics, and joint health supplementation in this dog food supplement guide.
Formulation Comparison for Different Dogs
Kirkland offers specialized formulations for puppies, adults, seniors, and weight management across Canada. Their puppy formula contains 28% protein, while senior formula provides 20% protein with increased glucosamine (1000 mg/kg).
Curious about optimal puppy or senior dog nutrition? See these full guides on puppy food and senior dog food.
Walmart’s options include basic puppy and adult formulations. Ol’ Roy puppy formula contains 22% protein, while their adult formula provides 18% protein with no specific senior or special needs options in Canadian stores.
Both Great Value and Kirkland offer large breed specific formulations, though Kirkland’s contains controlled calcium levels (1.0-1.4%) to support joint development in large breeds.
For more on why breed size-specific nutrition matters, read the large breed vs small breed dog food guide.
Buying Guide: Strategic Shopping Tips
- Watch for seasonal sales, typically occurring quarterly at both retailers. Costco’s spring sale (April-May) often features $7-10 discounts on Kirkland dog food.
- Combine dog food purchases with household essentials to maximize Costco membership value.
- For maximum freshness, purchase what your dog will consume within 45 days, as both brands’ preservative systems show diminishing effectiveness beyond this timeframe.
- Store opened bags in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent pest infestation.
- Consider splitting large bags with fellow dog owners to test new formulations before committing to 20+ kg purchases.
Common Questions Answered
Is Kirkland Signature dog food the same in US and Canada?
No. Canadian formulations contain no artificial colours and use natural preservatives to comply with stricter CFIA regulations. Ingredient ratios also differ slightly.
How safe is Ol’ Roy for long-term feeding?
While it meets minimum nutritional requirements, long-term feeding studies show dogs exclusively fed Ol’ Roy develop more coat, skin, and digestive issues compared to higher-quality foods.
Do warehouse store dog foods meet Canadian regulations?
Yes, all pet foods sold in Canada must meet CFIA standards for ingredient safety and nutritional minimums. However, these represent bare minimums, not optimal nutrition.
Are grain-free options better?
Not necessarily. Recent studies link grain-free diets to heart issues in some dogs. Unless your dog has confirmed grain allergies, moderate grain content provides valuable nutrients and fiber.
Does price equal quality in dog food?
Not always, but in comparing Kirkland vs Walmart brands, the moderate price increase correlates with significantly better ingredients and manufacturing consistency.
