What dog food is comparable to IAMS
Cheaper Iams Alternatives
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Cheaper Iams Alternatives
According to our research, there are many pet food brands that are similar to Iams. In this article, you'll find multiple brands that offer comparable ingredients and maintain similar levels of macronutrients.
In addition, most of the brands listed in this article are less expensive alternatives. In fact, our research indicates that the recipes offered by these Iams substitutes could potentially save you 10% or more on average.
If youd like to continue feeding Iams, consider using our price comparison or coupon section to save money on your next purchase.
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Dog Food Similar To Iams Dry Dog Food
Diamond offers comparable dry dog food recipes at an average cost of $1.65 per pound. On average, Diamond dry dog food is 13.24% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all dry dog foods manufactured by Diamond, we've computed an average of 1.07 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. These averages are less than those computed for Iams (0 harmful, 3.59 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | Diamond |
Crude Protein | |
28.1% | 27.6% |
Crude Fat | |
14.9% | 16.7% |
Price Per Pound | |
$1.90 | $1.65 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.00116 | $0.00101 |
Avg. Harmful | |
0 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
3.59 | 1.07 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock Diamond Dry Dog Foods.
SPORTMiX offers comparable dry dog food recipes at an average cost of $1.13 per pound. On average, SPORTMiX dry dog food is 40.60% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all dry dog foods manufactured by SPORTMiX, we've computed an average of 2.47 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. These averages are less than those computed for Iams (0 harmful, 3.59 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | SPORTMiX |
Crude Protein | |
28.1% | 26.9% |
Crude Fat | |
14.9% | 16.8% |
Price Per Pound | |
$1.90 | $1.13 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.00116 | $0.00072 |
Avg. Harmful | |
0 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
3.59 | 2.47 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock SPORTMiX Dry Dog Foods.
True Acre offers comparable dry dog food recipes at an average cost of $1.66 per pound. On average, True Acre dry dog food is 12.55% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all dry dog foods manufactured by True Acre, we've computed an average of 2.50 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. These averages are less than those computed for Iams (0 harmful, 3.59 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | True Acre |
Crude Protein | |
28.1% | 27.3% |
Crude Fat | |
14.9% | 14.8% |
Price Per Pound | |
$1.90 | $1.66 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.00116 | $0.00104 |
Avg. Harmful | |
0 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
3.59 | 2.50 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock True Acre Dry Dog Foods.
Dog Food Similar To Iams Wet Dog Food
Purina One offers comparable wet dog food recipes at an average cost of $2.34 per pound. On average, Purina One wet dog food is 18.91% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all wet dog foods manufactured by Purina One, we've computed an average of 2.12 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. Although the optimal average number of controversial ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (1.38 harmful, 2.38 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | Purina One |
Crude Protein | |
40.9% | 45.6% |
Crude Fat | |
23.4% | 26.0% |
Price Per Pound | |
$2.89 | $2.34 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.00672 | $0.00466 |
Avg. Harmful | |
1.38 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
2.38 | 2.12 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock Purina One Wet Dog Foods.
Cat Food Similar To Iams Dry Cat Food
SPORTMiX offers comparable dry cat food recipes at an average cost of $1.37 per pound. On average, SPORTMiX dry cat food is 45.33% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all dry cat foods manufactured by SPORTMiX, we've computed an average of 2.33 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. Although the optimal average number of controversial ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (0 harmful, 4.50 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | SPORTMiX |
Crude Protein | |
35.7% | 34.1% |
Crude Fat | |
16.4% | 12.6% |
Price Per Pound | |
$2.51 | $1.37 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.00150 | $0.00085 |
Avg. Harmful | |
0 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
4.50 | 2.33 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock SPORTMiX Dry Cat Foods.
Tiny Tiger offers comparable dry cat food recipes at an average cost of $1.40 per pound. On average, Tiny Tiger dry cat food is 44.13% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all dry cat foods manufactured by Tiny Tiger, we've computed an average of 4.50 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. Although the optimal average number of controversial ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (0 harmful, 4.50 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | Tiny Tiger |
Crude Protein | |
35.7% | 36.9% |
Crude Fat | |
16.4% | 13.1% |
Price Per Pound | |
$2.51 | $1.40 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.00150 | $0.00087 |
Avg. Harmful | |
0 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
4.50 | 4.50 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock Tiny Tiger Dry Cat Foods.
Cat Food Similar To Iams Wet Cat Food
American Journey offers comparable wet cat food recipes at an average cost of $5.66 per pound. On average, American Journey wet cat food is 30.78% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all wet cat foods manufactured by American Journey, we've computed an average of 0.13 harmful ingredients and 0.09 controversial ingredients. Although the optimal average number of harmful and controversial ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (1 harmful, 0.77 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | American Journey |
Crude Protein | |
46.7% | 52.9% |
Crude Fat | |
21.8% | 20.8% |
Price Per Pound | |
$8.17 | $5.66 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.01772 | $0.01265 |
Avg. Harmful | |
1 | 0.13 |
Avg. Controversial | |
0.77 | 0.09 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock American Journey Wet Cat Foods.
B.F.F. Best Feline Friend offers comparable wet cat food recipes at an average cost of $6.82 per pound. On average, B.F.F. Best Feline Friend wet cat food is 16.55% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all wet cat foods manufactured by B.F.F. Best Feline Friend, we've computed an average of 0.75 harmful ingredients and zero controversial ingredients. Although the optimal average number of harmful ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (1 harmful, 0.77 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | B.F.F. Best Feline Friend |
Crude Protein | |
46.7% | 57.4% |
Crude Fat | |
21.8% | 15.3% |
Price Per Pound | |
$8.17 | $6.82 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.01772 | $0.01742 |
Avg. Harmful | |
1 | 0.75 |
Avg. Controversial | |
0.77 | 0 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock B.F.F. Best Feline Friend Wet Cat Foods.
Diamond offers comparable wet cat food recipes at an average cost of $3.81 per pound. On average, Diamond wet cat food is 53.42% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all wet cat foods manufactured by Diamond, we've computed an average of 0.67 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. Although the optimal average number of controversial ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (1 harmful, 0.77 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | Diamond |
Crude Protein | |
46.7% | 44.7% |
Crude Fat | |
21.8% | 22.0% |
Price Per Pound | |
$8.17 | $3.81 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.01772 | $0.00734 |
Avg. Harmful | |
1 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
0.77 | 0.67 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock Diamond Wet Cat Foods.
Earthborn Holistic offers comparable wet cat food recipes at an average cost of $7.01 per pound. On average, Earthborn Holistic wet cat food is 14.20% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all wet cat foods manufactured by Earthborn Holistic, we've computed an average of 0.69 harmful ingredients and zero controversial ingredients. Although the optimal average number of harmful ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (1 harmful, 0.77 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | Earthborn Holistic |
Crude Protein | |
46.7% | 63.0% |
Crude Fat | |
21.8% | 11.3% |
Price Per Pound | |
$8.17 | $7.01 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.01772 | $0.01866 |
Avg. Harmful | |
1 | 0.69 |
Avg. Controversial | |
0.77 | 0 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock Earthborn Holistic Wet Cat Foods.
Evolve offers comparable wet cat food recipes at an average cost of $6.48 per pound. On average, Evolve wet cat food is 20.71% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all wet cat foods manufactured by Evolve, we've computed an average of 0.82 controversial ingredients and zero harmful ingredients. Although the optimal average number of controversial ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (1 harmful, 0.77 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | Evolve |
Crude Protein | |
46.7% | 50.2% |
Crude Fat | |
21.8% | 23.6% |
Price Per Pound | |
$8.17 | $6.48 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.01772 | $0.01497 |
Avg. Harmful | |
1 | 0 |
Avg. Controversial | |
0.77 | 0.82 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock Evolve Wet Cat Foods.
Health Extension offers comparable wet cat food recipes at an average cost of $6.57 per pound. On average, Health Extension wet cat food is 19.58% cheaper than Iams.
Considering all wet cat foods manufactured by Health Extension, we've computed an average of 0.69 harmful ingredients and 0.38 controversial ingredients. Although the optimal average number of harmful and controversial ingredients is zero, these values are still lower than those computed for Iams (1 harmful, 0.77 controversial).
If you'd like to read a detailed comparison and see an overview of all harmful and controversial ingredients, click here.
Iams | Health Extension |
Crude Protein | |
46.7% | 53.8% |
Crude Fat | |
21.8% | 21.4% |
Price Per Pound | |
$8.17 | $6.57 |
Price Per kcal | |
$0.01772 | $0.01359 |
Avg. Harmful | |
1 | 0.69 |
Avg. Controversial | |
0.77 | 0.38 |
Here is an up-to-date list of retailers who currently stock Health Extension Wet Cat Foods.
Iams vs. Kirkland Signature
Iams vs. Kirkland Signature
In this comparison article for Iams vs Kirkland Signature, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Iams and Kirkland Signature, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Kirkland Signature vs Iams comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Iams Review Page or Kirkland Signature Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Kirkland Signature vs. Iams
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Iams Dog Food vs. Kirkland Signature Dog Food
Dry Dog Food | Iams | Kirkland Signature |
Crude Protein | 27.6% | 27.5% |
Crude Fat | 14.9% | 15.3% |
Crude Fiber | 5.2% | 5.4% |
Wet/Canned Dog Food | Iams | Kirkland Signature |
Crude Protein | 40.9% | 44.4% |
Crude Fat | 23.4% | 27.8% |
Crude Fiber | 5.4% | 5.6% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
As you can see, Kirkland Signature and Iams guarantee a similar amount of crude protein. For wet dog foods, Kirkland Signature typically provides a little more protein (about 3.56% more).
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.
Iams and Kirkland Signature both provide roughly the same amount of crude fat. For wet dog foods, Kirkland Signature provides more fat (about 4.41% more).
There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands. With regards to wet dog food, Kirkland Signature and Iams also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Iams Cat Food vs. Kirkland Signature Cat Food
Dry Cat Food | Iams | Kirkland Signature |
Crude Protein | 35.7% | 34.8% |
Crude Fat | 15.9% | 15.9% |
Crude Fiber | 4.6% | 5.9% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.
Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude protein.
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):
- Help transport nutrients across cell membranes
- Fats produce metabolites, which help control inflammation
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Fats improve the taste/texture of food.
Iams Pet Food Ingredients vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food Ingredients
Iams and Kirkland Signature both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Canola OilCanola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Pea ProteinPea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Powdered CellulosePowdered cellulose is produced from minuscule pieces of wood pulp and plant fibers. Other than its fiber content, powdered cellulose lacks any nutritional contribution.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Iams.
LiverLiver is a controversial ingredient because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous animal ingredients are typically very low quality and may contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!
CaramelCaramel is a widely used natural food colorant. The concentrated form of caramel is typically listed as caramel color and has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Beet PulpBeet pulp is the by-product which remains once sugar has been extracted from sugar beets. The primary contribution of beet pulp is dietary fiber.
We'd also like to note that beet pulp is fairly controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that beet pulp can promote intestinal health and regulate blood sugar. However, opponents claim that beet pulp is an inexpensive filler.
Corn MealCorn meal is another name for ground corn. Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.
Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.
In regards to digestibility, the claims of "highly digestible" are only true if corn is processed into a meal or flour and subsequently cooked. In regards to the protein contribution, we must note that corn is a plant based protein which does not contain all of the necessary amino acids required by pets to sustain life. Therefore substituting corn for meat is an unsuitable substitution and actually degrades the overall protein quality of the product.
Finally, we'll discuss the claims about vitamins and minerals in corn. Although corn does provide many vitamins and minerals, it not necessarily an exceptional ingredient in this regards. There are many other ingredients which are more complete and biologically appropriate. Therefore the usage of corn as the primary ingredient in pet food should certainly warrant further questioning.
Corn GritsCorn grits are made from ground corn. Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.
Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.
In regards to digestibility, the claims of "highly digestible" are only true if corn is processed into a meal or flour and subsequently cooked. In regards to the protein contribution, we must note that corn is a plant based protein which does not contain all of the necessary amino acids required by pets to sustain life. Therefore substituting corn for meat is an unsuitable substitution and actually degrades the overall protein quality of the product.
Finally, we'll discuss the claims about vitamins and minerals in corn. Although corn does provide many vitamins and minerals, it not necessarily an exceptional ingredient in this regards. There are many other ingredients which are more complete and biologically appropriate. Therefore the usage of corn as the primary ingredient in pet food should certainly warrant further questioning.
Iron OxideIron oxide is an FDA approved natural food coloring agent. It's commonly found in rusting metal and provides a reddish-brown color.
We believe food colorants are unnecessary ingredients in pet food. Other than potential harm, food colorants do not provide any nutritional value. These type of ingredients are used only to make the food look appealing to humans.
Fish DigestFish digest is the result of undecomposed fish tissue after hydrolysis, a chemical reaction. It is typically used as flavoring to improve taste. Fish digest is considered by many as an undesirable low-quality ingredient.
Ground CornGround corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.
Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.
In regards to digestibility, the claims of "highly digestible" are only true if corn is processed into a meal or flour and subsequently cooked. In regards to the protein contribution, we must note that corn is a plant based protein which does not contain all of the necessary amino acids required by pets to sustain life. Therefore substituting corn for meat is an unsuitable substitution and actually degrades the overall protein quality of the product.
Finally, we'll discuss the claims about vitamins and minerals in corn. Although corn does provide many vitamins and minerals, it not necessarily an exceptional ingredient in this regards. There are many other ingredients which are more complete and biologically appropriate. Therefore the usage of corn as the primary ingredient in pet food should certainly warrant further questioning.
Brewers RiceBrewer's rice is the small fragments of rice kernel that are separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. The fragments do not contain the same nutrition profile of the whole kernel and therefore brewer's rice is a lower quality grain. Brewer's rice is typically regarded as an inexpensive and low quality filler.
Wheat GlutenWheat gluten is the main protein of wheat. Although wheat gluten is mostly protein, wheat gluten is considered controversial because it significantly boosts the protein content of the product. This is undesirable because plant based protein does not provide the same amino acid profile as meat based protein.
Caramel ColorCaramel color is a concentrated form of caramel, a natural food colorant. Caramel color has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel color is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Vegetable OilSpecific vegetable oils are typically positive ingredients; however, this ingredient does not specify which vegetable(s) were used to produce the oil.
Without this information, it is impossible for us to make any specific statements. With any fat source, it is important to know the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio, a property which cannot be determined with this ingredient. Thus, we have marked vegetable oil as a controversial ingredient.
Feeding OatmealAccording to AAFCO, feeding oatmeal "is obtained in the manufacture of rolled oat groats or rolled oats". It contains "broken oat groats, oat groat chips, and floury portions of the oat groats." In other words, feeding oatmeal is an inexpensive by-products of rolled oat processing.
Poultry GibletsPoultry giblets includes the heart, liver, gizzards, and other internal organs of poultry. Organs are nutritiously dense ingredients which provide high quality protein and fat. However, this particular ingredient is considered an anonymous meat ingredient because the type of poultry is not specified. In order words, "named" giblets such as chicken giblets or turkey giblets are preferred over poultry giblets.
Corn Gluten MealCorn gluten meal is a by-product from the production of various corn products (corn starch, corn syrup, etc). It's very high in protein (nearly 60% protein) and therefore can significant boost the protein content of the product. Because plant based proteins such as corn gluten meal are inferior to meat based proteins (lack many essential amino acids), they are not suitable substitutes.
Meat By-ProductsBy-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.
This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.
Chicken By-ProductsBy-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, chicken by-products contain nearly all parts of the chicken which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.
Like other meat by-products, chicken by-products are considered controversial, mainly because they are inexpensive ingredients which consumers have equated with slaughterhouse waste. However, manufactures and many experts claim that animal by-products are unjustly criticized. Proponents state that "named" by-products, such as chicken by-products, supply many important nutrients required by pets.
Dried Tomato PomaceDried tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Dried Meat By-ProductsBy-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, dried meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.
This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as dried meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.
Chicken By-Product MealChicken by-product meal is produced by cooking chicken by-products using a process called rendering. By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, chicken by-products contain nearly all parts of chickens which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.
Like other meat by-products, chicken by-products are considered controversial, mainly because they are inexpensive ingredients which consumers have equated with slaughterhouse waste. However, manufactures and many experts claim that animal by-products are unjustly criticized. Proponents state that "named" by-products, such as chicken by-products, supply many important nutrients required by pets.
Ground Whole Grain CornGround whole grain corn contains the entire corn kernel (the germ, bran, and endosperm). Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.
Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.
In regards to digestibility, the claims of "highly digestible" are only true if corn is processed into a meal or flour and subsequently cooked. In regards to the protein contribution, we must note that corn is a plant based protein which does not contain all of the necessary amino acids required by pets to sustain life. Therefore substituting corn for meat is an unsuitable substitution and actually degrades the overall protein quality of the product.
Finally, we'll discuss the claims about vitamins and minerals in corn. Although corn does provide many vitamins and minerals, it not necessarily an exceptional ingredient in this regards. There are many other ingredients which are more complete and biologically appropriate. Therefore the usage of corn as the primary ingredient in pet food should certainly warrant further questioning.
Poultry By-Product MealPoultry by-product meal is a controversial ingredient because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous ingredients such as poultry by-product meal are typically low-quality ingredients in comparison to named protein by-product meals (e.g. chicken by-product meal, turkey by-product meal, duck by-product meal).
Animal Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats.
Poultry Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)Poultry fat is a by-product of poultry tissue rendering. Poultry fat is a controversial ingredient because the specific protein is not specified. Such ingredients are typically low-quality in comparison to named poultry fats (e.g. chicken fat, turkey fat).
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Kirkland Signature.
Tomato PomaceTomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Organic Canola MealOrganic canola meal is a high protein by-product of canola oil production. This ingredient is marked controversial because it may be derived from genetically modified rapeseed, which is associated with multiple adverse health affects.
Organic Pea ProteinOrganic pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Organic Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)Organic canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Iams.
Blue 2Blue 2 is an artificial dye which can increase the likelihood of tumors according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Like other dyes, blue 2 does not provide any nutritional value.
Red 40Red 40 is the most widely used artificial dye in consumer goods. Studies have shown that red 40 may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice, cause allergy-like reactions and trigger hyperactivity in children.
Yellow 5Yellow 5 is an artificial dye which may be contaminated with several cancer-causing chemicals. Like other dyes, yellow 5 does not provide any nutritional value.
Yellow 6Yellow 6 is an artificial food dye which may be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals. According to the Center For Science In The Public Interest, yellow 6 can cause adrenal tumors in animals.
Added ColorThe ingredient "added color" is ambiguous and may include various artificial dyes. Most artificial dyes have been linked to various chronic diseases.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite ComplexMenadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."
Product Safety: Recall History of Iams & Kirkland Signature?
Iams has been recalled 2 times.
- Aug. 14, 2013: Salmonella
- July 30, 2010: Salmonella
According to our records, Kirkland Signature has never been recalled.
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Where To Buy Iams Pet Foods
You can purchase Iams pet foods from the following stores:
33 Recipes In-Stock Today
15 Recipes In-Stock Today
24 Recipes In-Stock Today
Where To Buy Kirkland Signature Pet Foods
You can purchase Kirkland Signature pet food products from these retailers:
Type Of Pet Foods Available
Product | Iams | Kirkland Signature |
Dry Dog Food | 24 Recipes | 12 Recipes |
Wet Dog Food | 8 Recipes | 1 Recipes |
Dog Treats | None | None |
Dry Cat Food | 13 Recipes | 3 Recipes |
Wet Cat Food | 13 Recipes | None |
Cat Treats | 2 Treats | None |
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