BajaNomad - Costco dog food

Costco dog food

zoesterone - 3-26-2012 at 09:58 AM

Does anyone know if the Costco in Ensenada has Kirkland dog food? Thanks in advance.

DENNIS - 3-26-2012 at 10:07 AM

No...they don't. You don't see many Kirkland products down here. Also...you won't find many, if any, Equate products in WalMart here. It would just be unacceptable for the big stores to pass on a savings like that to the consumer and if the general buying public knew of the Costco and WalMart products that offer such discounts are being denied to them, it wouldn't go over too well........in my opinion. It shouldn't anyway.

Mula - 3-26-2012 at 10:09 AM

Here's the phone number to the Costco Ensenada Warehouse:
646-152-96-00

Might try calling them.

zoesterone - 3-26-2012 at 10:12 AM

Thanks, Dennis. Just trying to save a few hours in the border line and yes, my Sentri is underway. '0

Hook - 3-26-2012 at 10:14 AM

That's surprising if they dont, being so close to the border.

The one over here in Hermosillo has all three; the mature dog, the regular and the puppy mix.

DENNIS - 3-26-2012 at 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by zoesterone
Thanks, Dennis. Just trying to save a few hours in the border line and yes, my Sentri is underway. '0

Well...the money you will save by not taking the trip will more than cover the cost of Purina which most stores have........especially Smart and Final. They have the larger bags that I don't remember seeing at the other super-stores.
That's pretty much how I approach all of my shopping these days.

DENNIS - 3-26-2012 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
That's surprising if they dont, being so close to the border.

Maybe they do now, although there was a long period of time that they didn't so I quit looking. For sure, they don't have the other Kirkland pet products...canned food, biscuits, etc..

In the states, Kirkland is all over the store and big savings are available in the pharmacy section especially.
Not here.

Hook - 3-26-2012 at 10:28 AM

yeah, the pharmacies at Sams and Costco down here are no bargain.

zoesterone - 3-26-2012 at 01:18 PM

From another poster on another forum: . I just looked on Costco Mexicos web page and they have many Kirkland brand products. Vitamins,food,Coffee etc so I would assume they have dog kibble.

I'd never use Purina. Here is a rating of dog foods which I use when I purchase and many of you will be surprised:
http://www.littledebstoyaussie.com/id21.html

estebanis - 3-26-2012 at 02:31 PM

That is really good dog food. I have been feeding it to my Small Munsterlander Pointer for some time now. It is made by Diamond Foods for Costco...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Pet_Foods

[Edited on 3-26-2012 by estebanis]

Hook - 3-26-2012 at 03:35 PM

There is one other dog food that you can find down here that is pretty good. By good, I mean the corn filler level is very low. Chicken meat (not by-products) and egg are the sources of protein. Omega-3 and 6, vits and mins, of course.

It's Ganador Premium. Hecho en Mexico. We find it at Walmart down here.

Doing some recent research on dog food, I discovered that Mars, Inc. and Nestle dominate sales of dog food in Mexico.

zoesterone - 3-26-2012 at 03:43 PM

If I didn't have five dogs and could afford it, this is what I would buy.

Orijen Pet Foods

But since the Kirkland chicken and rice is rated A in a non-biased rating, that is what I use now.

The Diamond Food Company is Based in the U,S.

Gypsy Jan - 3-26-2012 at 04:20 PM

They have a Mexican corporation to import and sell their products.

You will not find their stuff in the mega stores;. they supply the small local groceries and graneros.

I called Diamond and the Mexican representative returned my call and he assured me that-the quality control was good.

/We have been feeding out dogs with this food for six years.

[Edited on 3-27-2012 by Gypsy Jan]

Paulina - 3-26-2012 at 06:17 PM

Dern and I were just wondering the same thing. We feed our dogs Kirkland brand healthy weight chicken and vegetables. Carter is allergic to corn, his doggy arm pits break out. We were hopeful that the Ensenada Costco carried it.

P>*)))>{

DENNIS - 3-26-2012 at 06:35 PM

I guess I'm gonna have to go up there and check it out. Problem is, just going in there to look at the dog food selection will cost me somewhere between one and two hundred dollars. :lol:

Paulina - 3-26-2012 at 07:34 PM

Thank you Dennis, taking one for the Nomad dog team.

Regarding that $100-200 hit, that happens to us too. We have the "no cart" rule; we can only buy what we can carry out. It gets tough to stick to that when we need enough dog food to last a summer in Baja.

P>*)))>{

DENNIS - 3-26-2012 at 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
It gets tough to stick to that when we need enough dog food to last a summer in Baja.

P>*)))>{

Yeah....with Carter, I would think you'd need a forklift. :lol:

Hook - 3-26-2012 at 08:49 PM

Just go there REAL hungry, Dennis. You'll be headed for the pizza or the kosher dogs real quick.

DENNIS - 3-27-2012 at 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Just go there REAL hungry, Dennis. You'll be headed for the pizza or the kosher dogs real quick.

Actually.....the Dog has to be wrapped in a slice of Pepperoni Pizza to get full benefit of the trip to Costco.

Lessee now.......only 2 HRS---47 MINS to go.

Gawwwdamm...life is good.

Bob and Susan - 3-27-2012 at 06:33 AM

"kirkland" is the private lable for costco
the product inside could be anything...ands could change from time to time

costco contracts with "name brand" manufactures to package products as "kirkland"

"equate" is walmarts private lable

"branding" is very impt in marketing

"lexus" is only a toyota
"infinity" is only a nissan

people define products by their name

SFandH - 3-27-2012 at 06:38 AM

I may have missed it in this thread. But for those of you who live near a Costco, Comercial Mexicana, or Walmart in Baja, what kind of dry dog food do you buy?

Thanks

Fernweh - 3-27-2012 at 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by estebanis
That is really good dog food. I have been feeding it to my Small Munsterlander Pointer for some time now. It is made by Diamond Foods for Costco...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Pet_Foods

[Edited on 3-26-2012 by estebanis]

Nice Estebanis,

I used to have a small Muensterlaender......

Now I'm always buying the cheapest dog food I can find. When I ask my dog if she wants to have dinner, she still performs the dinner-dance every time.
She's is eleven years old, still pulling her weight and most people think she still a puppy.

Bob and Susan - 3-27-2012 at 06:45 AM

we get purina and mainstay here in mulege but
you need to remember its mexican food

i talked to a trucker that hauls the stuff...
its manufactured and hauled from the mainland

my guess is alot of "kirkland brand" is a repackaged mexican brand

i'm waiting for bottled "kirkland coke"
then i'll report : )

Hook - 3-27-2012 at 06:47 AM

SF and H, anyone who lives near a Costco and has done research on the quality of dog food will be buying the Kirkland brand, IF THEY CAN AFFORD IT. As I recall, it's about 50-60% more expensive in Mexico than in the US. I would contend that IF you can afford to own a pet, then you ought to be able to afford decent food for it/them.

As mentioned earlier, the Ganador Premium is a decent alternative and is less expensive. That is at Walmarts over here.

estebanis - 3-27-2012 at 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fernweh

Quote:

HIJACK!!!

Have you been involved with Southern California NAVHDA? Bodo started it a long time ago. I am very involved with that group.
Esteban

zoesterone - 3-27-2012 at 08:17 AM

Yes Kirkland IS Costco's private brand but the manufacturer is known and remains the same, which is Diamond mfg. The ingredients in the chicken and rice are about as good as it gets unless you grill Rover up a rib eye with a side of mixed veggies. '-)

DENNIS - 3-27-2012 at 08:30 AM

Originally posted by Fernweh

Now...there's a real gas saver....and a good looking pooch.

Quote:

[Edited on 3-27-2012 by DENNIS]

mes1952 - 3-27-2012 at 08:36 AM

The Mexican Costcos are very different from the U.S. That's why if you go to the Costco in San Diego you'll find many Mexicans there as there is a difference in the quality and price of merchandise. Same goes for Walmart. One thing you discover quickly when you move to Mexico that all American brand stores are usually more expensive with less quality merchandise.

Bob H - 3-27-2012 at 08:55 AM

Quote:

I have been feeding my dog Hall's Science Diet for years. But, after reading the information on Kirkland/Diamond dog food I might just switch. Hall's comes in 35 lb bags @ about $38 a bag from Petco. I will head over to Costco today to see what the difference in price is. The Kirkland product comes in 40 lb bags.

J.P. - 3-27-2012 at 09:04 AM

Quote:

I have been to the Science Dite plant in Bowling Green Ky. many times when I was Trucking. You would hope The food you eat would be prepared in as STERIL CONDITIONS as their Product is. :yes:

mes1952 - 3-27-2012 at 09:20 AM

If you know how to read the product label on any dog food bag, you will discover that many of those foods including Science Diet contain CORN which is indigestible for a dog so it is a waste of $$$ and that food is expensive considering it is a low quality food.
Any dog food that does not contain MEAT AS THE FIRST INGREDIENT is wasting your $$$ and that crappy food comes out in large poop.
So Kirkland is certainly by far better quality than Science Diet and all the other low quality food such as Purina, Pedigree, etc. which contain CORN as the first ingredient which is a cheap low digestable protein.
FYI...I've been in the pet food business for 5+ years in the U.S.

zoesterone - 3-27-2012 at 12:05 PM

I agree and I have been in the animal care business for more years than that and researched until my eyes hurt. Kirkland in the U.S. Costco is about $27 for a large bag and has decent ingredients; especially the chicken and rice. Decent price for one of the better foods and for me, worth the drive across the border as I agree with Hook, feed your dog the best that you are able.

Hook - 3-27-2012 at 01:54 PM

Where's Dennis with the dog food poop? OK, bad choice of words.

He's probably still chowing on the pizza wrapped dogs.............

DENNIS - 3-27-2012 at 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Where's Dennis with the dog food poop? OK, bad choice of words.

He's probably still chowing on the pizza wrapped dogs.............

Had to put off the exploratory til mañana. It's a banking issue.

Gawwwwd...I just got a big pang of hunger.

Woooosh - 3-27-2012 at 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH
I may have missed it in this thread. But for those of you who live near a Costco, Comercial Mexicana, or Walmart in Baja, what kind of dry dog food do you buy?

Thanks

We use "Iams ProActive Health Large Breed Weight Control" (corn meal and chicken formula) From PetsMart or PetCo for our Labs. They get plenty of seafood for extra calcium on the beach. They are all adult dogs and we "open feed" them (dry kibble available all the time) so the lower fat content works for us. Two of our labs our allergic to Lamb which leaves out a lot of the better rated kibble options.

[Edited on 3-27-2012 by Woooosh]

Cypress - 3-27-2012 at 02:36 PM

Dogs can eat just about anything. Have had a couple that loved fish heads, they'd eat as many bluegill heads as you could feed 'em. They were very healthy. Table scraps of any description, they thrived on 'em. Some dogs, on the other hand, like their owners, are more delicate and require a special diet.

Woooosh - 3-27-2012 at 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mes1952
If you know how to read the product label on any dog food bag, you will discover that many of those foods including Science Diet contain CORN which is indigestible for a dog so it is a waste of $$$ and that food is expensive considering it is a low quality food.
Any dog food that does not contain MEAT AS THE FIRST INGREDIENT is wasting your $$$ and that crappy food comes out in large poop.
So Kirkland is certainly by far better quality than Science Diet and all the other low quality food such as Purina, Pedigree, etc. which contain CORN as the first ingredient which is a cheap low digestable protein.
FYI...I've been in the pet food business for 5+ years in the U.S.

I agree. Even so, it's not what I feed my dogs. I know that what you posted is true, and I still don't follow it. (hmmm) I've tried other "meat first" ingredient kibble options- with mixed gastric results within the dog pack. We don't feed our dogs people food or scraps- the street dogs get those. I don't think it's that bad for dogs in moderation, but we don't want five big dogs begging and pestering people for food.

[Edited on 3-27-2012 by Woooosh]

Question for Dog Food Experts

Gypsy Jan - 3-27-2012 at 03:11 PM

We have seven dogs, all 100 lbs or more.

Our elderly German Shepherd is ALLERGIC TO MEAT (U.S. lab analysis). He got so ill that his hips were failing and he had severe skin and ear infection problems. He got so sick that we had to amputate part of his tail because he chewed it down to the bone.

Now he is fed Diamond dog food (orange bag) and has gained weight, and doesn't fall/slip on the stairs and his ears are clean and sweet smelling.

He still craves meat and tries to steal from the others, but I trick him by soaking a few nuggets in the meat soup I make for the other dogs and give him cooked veggies to bulk up his bowl

One of the main ingredients in the Diamond dog food mixture is corn, but it does not seem to impair him at all.

This is not a fancy, premium label, highly advertised dog food, but it has saved his life.

OK, I said it was a question, I guess maybe that it should be phrased as a discussion.

[Edited on 3-27-2012 by Gypsy Jan]

Woooosh - 3-27-2012 at 04:43 PM

Some of my dogs are allergic to the Costco Lamb and Rice formula (Eukanuba line too). As Jan discusses, picking one right dog food for a pack is a little trickier. We would test new kibble by gradually increasing the proportion of the new food with the old- over the course of a week/40 pound bag. My neighbor uses "Old Roy" (Rosarito WalMart) for his labs. The local graneros carry smaller bags of Eukanuba, Iams and Puppy Chow at times (the granero across from Calimax/Office Depot).

Bob and Susan - 3-27-2012 at 06:16 PM

you guys are comparing apples to oranges

remember the Kirkland brand in mexico may be different than the kirkland brand from the USA

a new ford is WAY different
a GE fridge is way different

things are NOT the same here all the time

dont assume it is

What Wooosh Said

Gypsy Jan - 3-27-2012 at 07:01 PM

There is a disconnect between someone's ignorance and about what works.

rob - 3-28-2012 at 08:39 AM

We have been feeding our rottens Sportman's Choice High Protein (Sam's Club) for 3 years - but after reading this thread yesterday, instead of trusting the Mexico City admen who designed the package, actually looked at the label.

About the 4th ingredient there was a mention of "harina de carne" (meat flour?) - but the first three were all grain, first item was - corn.

I think the one remaining reason we bother with Sam's Club (which is otherwise pretty worthless down here) has gone.

J.P. - 3-28-2012 at 09:02 AM

For way over 25 years I have been told by Vet's some of which were very good friends also. that Science Diet was the best,Now I read just the opposite.and the only reason they state is that Hills donates huge amounts of money to the education of Vets??????????????? I think I will stick with the Vets Recomendation. In my Uneducated opinion Most Animal food is manufactured for VANITY APPEAL anyway If you knew what really was in it you wouldnt feed it your animals :wow:

[Edited on 3-28-2012 by J.P.]

J.P. - 3-28-2012 at 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob
We have been feeding our rottens Sportman's Choice High Protein (Sam's Club) for 3 years - but after reading this thread yesterday, instead of trusting the Mexico City admen who designed the package, actually looked at the label.

About the 4th ingredient there was a mention of "harina de carne" (meat flour?) - but the first three were all grain, first item was - corn.

I think the one remaining reason we bother with Sam's Club (which is otherwise pretty worthless down here) has gone.

HARINA DE CARNE/ MEAT FLOUR
I have been to a place where they make Meat Flour They had to move a Bloated up Dead Hog out of the way so I could get to the dock with my truck I ask the person in charge if that was what they was going to put in my trailer and he said yes so I went home empty.

El Camote - 3-28-2012 at 10:42 AM

Julie Jane Cortez de Baja has spent her life on Kirkland brand dog food. The mature dog version contains glucosamine and chondroitin - great for her arthritic spine. She's 14 1/2 years old and doing great. Well, other than being half blind and deaf.

smaller.JPG - 47kB

COSTCO Ensenada

bajaguy - 3-28-2012 at 02:54 PM

Kirkland Super Premium
Chicken, Rice, Vegtables
18.1KG, 369 Pesos

Kirkland Super Premium
Mature Dog
Chicken, Rice, Eggs
18.1 KG, 379 Pesos

Kirkland Super Premium
Puppy
Chicken, Rice, Vegtables
9.09 KG, 189 Pesos

Sorry, did not have time to read the content of these mixes

Hook - 3-28-2012 at 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Kirkland Super Premium
Chicken, Rice, Vegtables
18.1KG, 369 Pesos

Kirkland Super Premium
Mature Dog
Chicken, Rice, Eggs
18.1 KG, 379 Pesos

Kirkland Super Premium
Puppy
Chicken, Rice, Vegtables
9.09 KG, 189 Pesos

Sorry, did not have time to read the content of these mixes

I have. THEY ARE IDENTICAL TO THE FOOD SOLD IN THE US, despite the insinuations by some. :rolleyes:

Bob and Susan - 3-28-2012 at 04:58 PM

hook...take a picture of the labels and post it here

someone in the states take a pic of the simular package up there
and post it here

lets compare apples to apples

lets do a REAL test :yes:

Woooosh - 3-28-2012 at 06:16 PM

Really? You think Kirkland, A CostCo house brand out of Washington, makes a substandard Kirkland dog kibble product for export to Mexico? Why not just send an e-mail to the CostCo Connection magazine and ask them? Maybe they'll send you a bottle of shopping-cart handle sanitizer.

CostCo has been aggressively expanding the range of items it re-brands as Kirkland Signature Products. Kirkland Products are high volume, high quality and high profit. I doubt they would dilute the brand. jmbestguess

Bob and Susan - 3-28-2012 at 06:25 PM

woosh...you think the dog food is exported just because it branded "kirkland"???

mexico costco is a different company from costco usa

maybe you should conduct this test

Paulina - 3-28-2012 at 08:44 PM

Hook - 3-28-2012 at 10:10 PM

It will be a while before I have another bag. Ours goes immediately into a big Rubbermaid tote. We bought ours only a couple weeks ago. Someone else will have to "prove" it to Bob.

Not to say that they might have changed their source in Mexico since I checked the ingredients a while back. But at the time, it was the same. Probably two years ago.

Woooosh - 3-28-2012 at 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
woosh...you think the dog food is exported just because it branded "kirkland"???
mexico costco is a different company from costco usa
maybe you should conduct this test

In this case, yes. ( I sent an e-mail, no test)

They are pretty picky about the Kirkland Signature house brand. Celebrate international export quality- it's a good thing!

http://www.brandculture.com/blog/2009/03/the-one-brand-break...

Hook - 3-28-2012 at 11:26 PM

Interesting read. I always knew their Signature line was high quality. Just didnt realize how committed they are to keeping it that way.

Some one alluded to it earlier in the thread.....there is a world of difference between the quality of products at Costco and Sam's.

Bob and Susan - 3-29-2012 at 06:39 AM

that bag came from the usa
mexican bags ALWAYS have spanish on them
so they do import dog food

as for quailty statements...all for the public and sales
people like to feed their "loved ones" the BEST!!!

actually purina packages ALOT of costco animal-food too
we have a friend that manages a display-wearhouse
in orange county ca for purina which is part of nestle foods

they show big stores like costco
how to display their products based upon sales forcasting
most "bang for the buck" kind of thing

an interesting place

zoesterone - 3-29-2012 at 08:50 AM

Interesting that a simple dog food question would be such a popular topic. It is because of the list of ingredients and in what order, that gives them a bad rating. ( not as one poster said about Science Diet donating money to vets) The link I gave for the dog food ratings on a previous post, is an independent study and to read the whole reason behind it, you can go to the site. Yes, I would love to buy the good with first ingredients salmon, bison and liver, but it is so pricey, and with a rating of A for the Kirkland Chicken and Rice, I will stick to that. Thanks for all your suggestions, information and love of your animal!!

Kirkland in Baja

bajaguy - 3-29-2012 at 01:01 PM

Checked the Ensenada COSTCO today...........

The ingredients label is in Spanish, however the bags say......

Made by Diamond Pet Foods, Meta, MO

Imported by Importadora Panamex, Huixqulican, MX

Diamond Mexico:

http://www.diamondpet.com.mx/sys/Default1.asp

Diamond distributors in Baja:

http://www.diamondpet.com.mx/sys/distribuidores.asp

[Edited on 3-29-2012 by bajaguy]

Cypress - 3-29-2012 at 01:26 PM

Umpteen generations of dogs thrived on table scraps and other unmentionables. Now they've got to have special diets? Have had packs of hounds for hunting deer and hogs, also a few that were great friends/companions. Believe me, they were very healthy, had to be. Would eat anything. The biggest problem with a dogs diet is it's owner. :biggrin:

Table scraps vs quality dog food

bajaguy - 3-29-2012 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Umpteen generations of dogs thrived on table scraps and other unmentionables. Now they've got to have special diets? Have had packs of hounds for hunting deer and hogs, also a few that were great friends/companions. Believe me, they were very healthy, had to be. Would eat anything. The biggest problem with a dogs diet is it's owner. :biggrin:

Have had several Labrador Retrievers in the family, the ones we DID NOT feed table scraps were healthier, and did not beg for food.........I'm sticking with a quality premium dog food, switching from Iams Lamb & Rice to Kirkland.

Cypress - 3-29-2012 at 02:33 PM

bajaguy, It's good to know that you've had several Labs in your family. If you'd fed all of 'em scraps etc. they would have been much happier. How would you like to eat the same gruel day after day, year after year? :?:

bajaguy - 3-29-2012 at 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
bajaguy, It's good to know that you've had several Labs in your family. If you'd fed all of 'em scraps etc. they would have been much happier. How would you like to eat the same gruel day after day, year after year? :?:

I did, it was called C-rations, then it was "improved" to MRE's.....

Never had any of my Labs turn down any type of a meal........even the same stuff, day after day..........although I have one that is fond of another COSTCO product........the Choco-Flan :lol:

Cypress - 3-29-2012 at 03:15 PM

C-rations. Year after year? A can of Spam or two would have set you free. :yes:

Bob and Susan - 3-29-2012 at 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Checked the Ensenada COSTCO today...........

The ingredients label is in Spanish, however the bags say......

Made by Diamond Pet Foods, Meta, MO

Imported by Importadora Panamex, Huixqulican, MX

Diamond Mexico:

http://www.diamondpet.com.mx/sys/Default1.asp

Diamond distributors in Baja:

http://www.diamondpet.com.mx/sys/distribuidores.asp

so bajaguy where is the picture???? like hook

Hook - 3-29-2012 at 04:37 PM

"Like Hook" What?

I'm not dropping everything and driving an hour and a half to try and satisfy your usual specious assumptions on this site.

Heck, what do you care? You dont live within 6-7 hours of a Costco.

Bob and Susan - 3-30-2012 at 06:24 AM

i wont shop at a store i have to pay a fee to shop at

anyway i think costco is a marketing gimmik

who in the hell need two HUGE bottles of katchup
or 10 pounds of hard candy anyway

there is only 2 of us

and our dogs have lived longer in mexico than in the state now
so they are mexicans : )
they get mexican dog food...they are happy with that

edit...sorry hook i thought you posted the pictures

paulina how come your bag of dog food is in english but the other costco dog food is in spanish???
is yours usa food?

see...pictures to tell us something
gets rid of all the bs

[Edited on 3-30-2012 by Bob and Susan]

No Photo

bajaguy - 3-30-2012 at 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Quote:

so bajaguy where is the picture???? like hook

I told you what is says, I don't need to post a photo.

Since you don't shop at COSTCO, it's a moot point for you anyway.