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Small Formula Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food
Kirkland Signature

Small Formula Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food

Dog · Dry Adult Small

This is a dry kibble formulated for adult small-breed dogs, with chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources and whole grains like brown rice and barley for energy. It includes added prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion, plus omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. The smaller kibble size is designed to be easier for small mouths to pick up and chew.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

This food is a solid, balanced option for healthy adult small-breed dogs. It offers moderate protein and fat levels, uses chicken as the primary protein, and relies on digestible grains like brown rice and barley for energy. It should suit many small dogs who do well on a traditional chicken-and-grain formula and benefit from added digestive and skin/coat support.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Probiotic Support Sensitive Stomach Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken and chicken meal provide concentrated animal protein as the first ingredients.
  • Whole grain brown rice and barley offer steady energy and fiber rather than empty fillers.
  • Added probiotics and prebiotic fibers can help support a healthy digestive tract.
  • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are included to support skin and coat health.

Considerations

  • Chicken and egg are common allergens, so this formula isn’t ideal for dogs sensitive to those proteins.
  • The calorie density is fairly high, so portion control is important for small dogs prone to weight gain.
  • Peas appear mid-list; while not dominant, owners of breeds at higher heart risk may prefer diets with fewer legumes.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, dried beet pulp, peas, fish meal, flaxseed, natural flavor, dried yeast, millet, dried chicory root, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, carrots, dried kelp, apples, cranberries, rosemary extract, parsley flakes, taurine, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, L-Carnitine, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
04
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
View ingredient
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
27.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3754
kcal / Kg
362
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size Small
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Kirkland Signature Small Formula Chicken & Vegetable Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Kirkland Signature is the Costco private-label brand. Its pet food range covers dry and wet dog and cat foods, including the grain-inclusive Super Premium line and the grain-free Nature's Domain line, offering premium-style formulas at value pricing. Production is outsourced to Diamond Pet Foods.

Price tier $$

Manufacturer

Company name Costco Wholesale Corporation
Founded 1983
Headquarters Issaquah, Washington, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country USA
Manufacturing oversight

Costco does not manufacture Kirkland Signature pet food itself; it controls the formulation and outsources production. Kirkland Signature dog and cat foods are manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Kirkland Signature Small Formula Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Small Formula Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food
Kirkland Signature · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Kirkland Signature ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Kirkland Signature. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.