As a savvy shopper and retail industry analyst, I‘m always on the lookout for high-quality products at affordable prices. And when it comes to buying supplies for my furry friends, I apply that same level of scrutiny and cost-consciousness. That‘s why Kirkland Signature Dental Chews from Costco have long been on my radar as a go-to option for supporting my dogs‘ oral hygiene.
But as much as I appreciate the value and effectiveness of Kirkland chews, I‘ve always wondered about their origins. Who is the manufacturer behind these green, toothbrush-shaped treats that have earned the loyalty of so many pet owners? It‘s a question that I know many of my fellow Costco shoppers have pondered as well.
So I decided to put on my investigative hat and do a deep dive into the mystery of who makes Kirkland dental chews. I scoured ingredient lists, analyzed supply chain clues, and even reached out to industry insiders for their takes. What I uncovered was a fascinating web of business relationships, educated guesses, and lingering questions.
Following the Costco Crumbs
First, some background on Costco‘s private label operation. The Kirkland Signature brand, introduced in 1995, now encompasses nearly 400 products across virtually every category – from groceries and housewares to clothing and cleaning supplies. By working directly with manufacturers to cut out the middleman and leveraging its immense buying power, Costco is able to offer Kirkland Signature products at prices that are typically 20% lower than comparable national brands.
However, Costco is notoriously tight-lipped about who those manufacturing partners are. In the company‘s annual report, CFO Richard Galanti states: "We have to be a little opaque about some of the things we do… We don‘t talk about who is making this stuff for us." This air of secrecy helps Costco maintain its competitive edge and bargaining position with suppliers.
Over the years, intrepid journalists and curious consumers have managed to uncover the identities of some Kirkland Signature suppliers. For instance, we now know that Starbucks produces Kirkland Signature coffee, Perrigo manufactures Kirkland Signature infant formula, and Kimberly-Clark makes Kirkland Signature diapers. These revelations often come to light through recalls, insider leaks, or simply by comparing product specifications.
So what breadcrumbs can we follow to trace Kirkland dental chews back to their source? Let‘s start by looking at where the chews are made. According to the packaging, Kirkland Signature Dental Chews are produced in facilities in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. This provides some clues about Costco‘s global supply chain and potential manufacturing partners with operations in those countries.
The Case for Greenies
One of the most popular theories is that Mars Petcare, the maker of Greenies dental chews, is the secret producer behind Kirkland chews. It‘s not hard to see why many consumers have jumped to this conclusion. From the shape and color to the ingredient list and marketing claims, Kirkland dental chews are a dead ringer for Greenies.
Here‘s a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Kirkland Signature Dental Chews | Greenies Dental Chews |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Toothbrush-shaped with nubs and ridges | Toothbrush-shaped with nubs and ridges |
| Color | Green | Green |
| Key Ingredients | Wheat starch, glycerin, gelatin, sodium tripolyphosphate | Wheat starch, glycerin, gelatin, sodium tripolyphosphate |
| Protein Source | Chicken/chicken meal | Chicken/chicken meal |
| Claimed Benefits | Fights plaque/tartar, freshens breath | Fights plaque/tartar, freshens breath |
| Sizes | 5-15 lbs, 15-35 lbs, 35-50 lbs, 50+ lbs | 5-15 lbs, 15-25 lbs, 25-50 lbs, 50+ lbs |
The similarities are striking, right down to the package sizing. And it turns out that Mars Petcare does have production facilities in some of the same locations listed on the Kirkland chews packaging. The company‘s website notes that its U.S. operations include sites in Kansas City, Missouri and Columbus, Ohio, while it also has a presence in Brazil.
So it‘s certainly conceivable that Mars is producing a private label version of Greenies for Costco, allowing them to sell the product at a lower price point without cannibalizing their core brand. A 2011 Forbes article quotes a Mars Petcare executive acknowledging that "private label is part of our portfolio" in the pet food space.
However, without official confirmation from Costco or Mars, we can‘t definitively say that Greenies are the basis for Kirkland chews. And there are a few subtle differences between the products, such as the use of "dried chicken" in Kirkland chews vs. "natural chicken flavor" in Greenies, that suggest the formulas are not completely identical.
Other Potential Players
It‘s entirely possible that another major pet products company is behind Kirkland dental chews. Purina and Pedigree, for instance, both offer their own lines of dental chews and have manufacturing footprints in the U.S. and Brazil. However, the formulations and appearances of their products are more distinct from the Kirkland version compared to Greenies.
There‘s also a possibility that Costco has contracted with a smaller, lesser-known manufacturer that specializes in private label production for the pet category. Private label suppliers like Simmons Pet Food, Red Collar Pet Foods, and Alphia are likely equipped to produce dental chews, but tend to fly under the radar and may be more willing to stay mum about their client relationships.
One potential clue emerged in 2021, when Costco issued a limited recall of Kirkland Signature Dental Chews sold in Canada due to potential plastic contamination. The recall notice listed Nutra Bite Inc. as the manufacturer. However, it‘s unclear if Nutra Bite actually produced the chews or simply served as a distributor in the supply chain. The company did not respond to my request for comment.
To further complicate matters, it‘s possible that Costco actually works with multiple suppliers for Kirkland dental chews, depending on the region. This would help to insulate the company from supply chain disruptions and allow it to shift production as needed to meet demand. So the manufacturer behind the Kirkland chews in your local warehouse might be different from the one supplying Costco‘s online inventory.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Putting sourcing questions aside for a moment, let‘s examine more closely what Kirkland dental chews are actually made of and how they work to promote oral hygiene. The first few ingredients listed are wheat starch, glycerin, gelatin, and water – all of which contribute to the chewy texture and make the product appealing to dogs.
The chews also contain an array of supplemental ingredients like calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, zinc sulfate, and dried chicken or chicken meal. Chicken digest (a palatant) and a "natural chicken flavor" are also listed.
From a dental health perspective, the key active ingredient is sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). STPP is a chelating agent that binds to calcium in saliva, preventing it from calcifying and forming tartar on teeth. In a 2017 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, a dental chew containing 1.6% STPP was shown to significantly reduce tartar accumulation compared to a control chew without STPP.
Of course, the mechanical scraping action of the chew also plays a role in its teeth-cleaning abilities. As the dog gnaws on the ridged, toothbrush-like surface, plaque and debris are physically removed from the teeth. One small study found that dogs who were given a dental chew daily for two weeks had a 35% reduction in plaque and a 56% reduction in tartar compared to dogs who did not receive the chews.
It‘s worth noting that dental chews are not without controversy in the veterinary community. Some animal health experts argue that many dental chew claims are overblown and that the products may pose risks like gastrointestinal blockages or tooth fractures if not used properly. As with any edible chew, it‘s crucial to select the right size for your dog, supervise them closely, and discontinue use if any adverse effects are noted.
Getting the Most Bang for Your Bark
So how can Costco shoppers get the most value and benefit out of Kirkland Signature Dental Chews? The key is to use them strategically as part of a comprehensive dental care plan.
Most veterinary dentists recommend giving dental chews no more than a few times per week, in conjunction with daily tooth brushing. Dr. Stephen Riback, a board-certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon, advises: "While dental treats can be beneficial, they should not be viewed as a substitute for regular brushing, and professional cleanings when necessary. The gold standard for maintaining your pet‘s oral health is still daily brushing."
When selecting a bag of Kirkland chews, be sure to choose the right size for your dog based on their weight. Giving a chew that is too small can present a choking hazard, while a chew that is too large may be difficult for your dog to consume and less effective at cleaning teeth. Kirkland chews are available in four sizes:
- Mini (5-15 lbs)
- Regular (15-35 lbs)
- Large (35-50 lbs)
- X-Large (50+ lbs)
Another tip is to rotate dental chews with other types of oral hygiene products to keep things interesting for your dog and target different aspects of dental health. For example, you might use a Kirkland dental chew one day, a dental water additive the next day, and a tooth brushing session the third day.
The Bottom Line
After all my digging and analysis, I have to admit that the identity of Kirkland Signature Dental Chews‘ manufacturer remains somewhat of a mystery. While the physical similarities to Greenies are undeniable, there are enough question marks that I can‘t definitively confirm Mars Petcare as the maker. And without more transparency from Costco, we may never know for certain who is producing this popular dental chew.
However, I feel confident in saying that Kirkland dental chews offer excellent value for the price and can be a beneficial addition to your dog‘s oral care routine when used appropriately. At around $0.75 per chew (based on Costco‘s regular price for the 72-count bag), they are significantly less expensive than Greenies and other premium dental chew brands while still delivering similar ingredients and physical properties.
If you‘re willing to buy in bulk and have the storage space, stocking up on Kirkland dental chews at Costco is a smart way to save money without compromising your pet‘s dental health. Of course, you‘ll need a Costco membership to access these savings. For those without a membership, it may be worth asking a friend or family member with a Costco card to add a bag of Kirkland chews to their next haul.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to establish a consistent dental hygiene routine for your dog that combines professional care, at-home brushing, and adjunctive products like chews. If you have any concerns about your dog‘s dental health or chewing habits, don‘t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
As a consumer advocate and retail industry watcher, I‘m pleased that Costco has leveraged its clout and procurement savvy to offer a high-quality, affordable dental chew option under the Kirkland Signature label. While I may not have cracked the case on which company is producing them, I‘m confident that these chews are a smart buy for pet owners looking to level up their canine companion‘s oral care.
