zignature salmon canned dog food
Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: March 28, 2024
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Which Zignature Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?
Zignature canned dog food receives the Advisors top rating of 5 stars.
The Zignature product line includes the 11 limited ingredient canned dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis
Zignature Lamb Formula was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Zignature Lamb Formula
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Lamb, lamb broth, lamb liver, peas, peas, dicalcium phosphorus, chickpeas, alfalfa meal, agar-agar, potassium chloride, salt, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid), sunflower oil, choline chloride, calcium carbonate, minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, ethylenediamine dihydriodide), dl-methionine, marine microalgae oil, l-carnitine
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1.2%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 7% | 7% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 32% | 30% | 31% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 24% | 53% | 23% |
Ingredient Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is lamb. Lamb is considered the clean flesh derived from slaughtered lamb and associated with skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.1
Lamb is naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
The second ingredient is lamb broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food, they are a common addition component in many canned products.
The third ingredient is lamb liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The fourth ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.
However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
The fifth ingredient lists dicalcium phosphate, likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement.
The sixth ingredient is chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. Like peas, bean and lentils, chickpea is a nutritious member of the fiber-rich legume (or pulse) family of vegetables.
However, chickpeas contain about 22% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The seventh ingredient is alfalfa meal. Although alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), it can be less common to find it in a dog food recipe.
The eighth ingredient is agar agar, a natural vegetable gelatin derived from the cell walls of certain species of red algae. Agar is rich in fiber and is used in wet pet foods as a gelling agent.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Zignature product.
With 4 notable exceptions
First, this recipe includes alfalfa meal. Although alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), this hay-family item is more commonly associated with horse feeds.
Next, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.
In addition, this food includes chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
And lastly, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Zignature canned dog food looks like an above-average wet product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 32%, a fat level of 30% and estimated carbohydrates of about 31%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 41% and a mean fat level of 30%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 21% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 74%.
Which means this Zignature product line contains
Near-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical wet dog food.
Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas, chickpeas and alfalfa meal, this looks like the profile of a wet product containing a significant amount of meat.
Our Rating of Zignature Dog Food
Zignature is a grain-free, limited ingredient canned dog food using a significant amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.
Enthusiastically recommended.
Zignature Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Zignature through April.
No recalls noted.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
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More Zignature Brand Reviews
The following Zignature dog food reviews are also posted on this website:
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A Final Word
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Zignature Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
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Zignature Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Written by: Keri-Beth ClurReview Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give Zignature dog food a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Inspired by their own dog, Ziggy, Zignature, was founded to feed dogs with food sensitivities to reduce itchiness and digestive issues and provide them with a more comfortable and safe life. The brand continues to focus on animal welfare with the help of animal nutritionists and food scientists. Together, they create limited ingredient formulas that contain novelty meat protein as the main ingredient and use low glycemic carbohydrates, removing common food allergens while giving your dogs the nutrients they need.
Produced by a family-owned business in the United States, Zignature is widely accessible and trusted by many customers that are looking for high-quality, premium dog food for their pets. However, this food comes at a high price and may fall beyond your budget. Continue reading to discover Zignature for yourself, and you can decide if this food is worth its pricewe think it is.
At a Glance: The Best Zignature Dog Food Recipes
Zignature Dog Food Reviewed
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Who Makes Zignature and Where Is It Produced?
Zignature is made by Global Pets, Inc., which is based in California and is also the manufacturer of Fussie Cat, Inception Pet Foods, and Essence Pet Foods. They make dry cat and dog food as well as canned food. They are a family-owned business and play a huge part in the manufacturing, sourcing, and processing surrounding their brands with the help of nutritionists and food scientists. They care about animal welfare and claim to place quality over profit.
Zignature is a relatively new brand, having only been founded in2010. Their products are made in the United States in Brainerd and Perham, Minnesota, as well as Mitchell, South Dakota. They source some of their high-quality ingredients from France, New Zealand, and Australia, but their pork, turkey, salmon, trout, whitefish, and catfish are sourced locally. You can find their products locally at most retailer specialty stores and online on Chewy and Amazon.
Which Type of Dog Is Zignature Best Suited For?
Zignature has a variety of recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. They all contain meat, poultry, or fish as the main ingredient in each of their tasty recipes. Each recipe has a different animal protein which can change up their diet and keep even picky eaters eager for their next meal. Some of the animal proteins used are turkey, trout and salmon, pork, duck, whitefish, lamb, catfish, venison, and kangaroo.
Due to their limited ingredients, this brand is excellent for dogs that suffer from sensitive stomachs and food allergies. Dog food with limited ingredients helps sensitive dogs by cutting out potential food allergens and aids in gentler digestion. Most of their recipes are free from beef, chicken, and potato. These high-quality recipes fuel your dog with all the nutritional goodness they need and leave out all the fillers. Zignature provides both grain-free and grain-inclusive options within their lines of dog food and is suitable for most types of dogs.
Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?
Zignature is a premium dog food, which naturally comes at a high price. Unfortunately, Zignature may not be the best option for pet owners on a budget. The good news is that there are many great dog foods that are suitable for dogs with allergies on the market that can be purchased at a more affordable price. Some great options are:
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
The Zignature recipes all boast a decent amount of named animal protein that make up the first two ingredients, the first natural and the second a high-quality meat meal. Most of the meats used are lean and low in fat but high in nutrients, providing your dog with good protein and essential amino acids. They also contain vitamins, minerals, and omega-fatty acids.
The next two ingredients are generally types of legumes, typically chickpeas and peas. Legumes are high in protein and contribute to the overall protein content in each recipe. They are high in fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals but should be avoided in large quantities. Unfortunately, large quantities of legumes in dog food have a potential link to heart disease in dogs and are under investigation by theFDA.
Another ingredient that makes it on the primary ingredient list is sunflower oil. Although not as good of an option as canola or flaxseed oil, it is high in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals that keep your dogs skin and coat hydrated and looking its best.
Limited Ingredients
A recipe with only a few ingredients doesnt necessarily classify it as a limited-ingredient dog food. It needs to be free of certain ingredients that cause problems to allergic dogs and high-quality novel proteins and carbohydrates. Dogs cant be allergic to ingredients theyve nevereaten before, and, therefore, Zignature uses less common meats in most of their recipes that are easy to digest.
Most dog foods use chicken and potatoes in their recipes, so Zignature stays away from both ingredients and offers a variety of different ingredients instead, like kangaroo and venison, while still providing your pup with all the nutrients and flavor they need.
They also stay away from wheat, corn, eggs, soy, and gluten which also tend to cause upset stomachs in allergy-prone dogs.
Few Fruits and Vegetables
A wider range of fruits and vegetables could be a nice addition to the Zignature recipes as theyre quite limited, but that goes in line with Zignatures brand objectiveto keep the ingredients limited. However, a few whole fruits and vegetables will provide more nutrients than a few supplements. But it does contain chelated minerals that are easier to absorb.
Variety
Zignature has a good variety of dog food products and flavors. They have their limited ingredient line, as well as their Select Cuts and Small Bites lines. Their limited ingredients line has similar nutrient profiles, which allows you to swap between flavors without a long transition period, which will keep your dog interested and excited for mealtime.
Price
Of course, like many high-quality dog foods, Zignature isnt cheap. Your dog will receive nutritionally complete and balanced premium food, but you should be aware of the cost before getting too excited. However, many dog owners are willing to pay the price for a healthy dog, free from uncomfortable triggers due to the allergens in their food. Also, Zignature has so much faith in their product that they offer a100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to return the food for a refund if your dog doesnt eat it.
A Quick Look at Zignature Dog Food
Pros
- Family-owned business
- Animal protein is the main ingredient in all their recipes
- High-quality ingredients
- Large variety of novel proteins
- Various dog food lines
- Limited ingredients that are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities
- You can send it back for a refund if your dog wont eat it
Cons
- Pricey
- Contains a large number of legumes
- Could do with more fruits and vegetables
Recall History
All of Zignatures loyal customersand potential new onescan feel safe knowing that their products have never been recalled. Although the brand is still relatively new, a clear recall history is an indication of good research, well-balanced nutrients, and tight food safety measures within the business.
Reviews of the 3 Best Zignature Dog Food Recipes
Weve mentioned Zignatures wide variety throughout this review, but now is the time to discuss a few of their popular options to help you decide which option would best suit your furry friend.
1. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food
Free of corn, wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy, theZignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Foodis a healthy choice for dogs that suffer from common food allergies. This recipes main ingredient is turkey, which is farm-raised in America. Its low in fat but provides your dog with Riboflavin and Phosphorus, which help with digestion and organ function. This recipe has a high crude protein content of 32% and a crude fat content of 15%.
Turkey meal, chickpeas, peas, and sunflower oil are listed next. These ingredients provide your dog with the protein they need as well as the omega fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Other than these limited ingredients, you wont find any other fruits and vegetables in this recipe.
Pros
- High in protein
- Free from common allergens
- High-quality turkey and turkey meal
- Nutritionally balanced and complete
Cons
- Peas are the only vegetable
2. Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Trout & Salmon
For a fishier flavor, consider theZignature Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Trout & Salmon Meal Dry Dog Food, with boasts trout as its main ingredient and salmon meal as its second. Both fish proteins are from the USA and are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Most dogs love the strong odor this food emits, but it may not suit pickier eaters. This recipe contains a crude protein content of 31% and a crude fat content of 14%.
It also contains Alfalfa meal which is excellent for reducing gas in dogs, aiding in digestion and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Once again, this limited ingredient recipes sole vegetable is peas. However, legumes do provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and carbohydrates to fuel their bodies.
Pros
- High in omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin
- High in protein
- Uses wild, fresh fish
- High-quality ingredients
- Limited ingredients
Cons
- The fishy odor may be overwhelming for picky eaters
- Peas are the only vegetable
3. Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Grain-Free Dog Food
If one source of protein isnt enough for your pooch, considerZignatures multi-protein recipe, which includes turkey, turkey meal, salmon, lamb meal, duck meal, and dehydrated alfalfa meal. This variety is impressive, to say the least, and tops the range of many competing dog food brands.
With so many high-quality protein sources, its no surprise that the recipes crude protein content is high at 32%. It also has a fairly high crude fat and fiber content, making it a great option for active dogs but not overweight dogs needing to lose a few pounds. This dog food is nutritionally balanced and packed with omega fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients such as riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and phosphorus. And, of course, this premium option comes at a high price.
Pros
- Contains a variety of proteins
- High-quality ingredients
- High in protein
- Good for active dogs
- Nutritionally balanced
Cons
- Not a great option for overweight dogs
- Expensive
What Other Users Are Saying
You cant go wrong with hearing the informative thoughts and opinions of others on the product youre considering buying. Weve listed some of the most helpful sites with reviews discussing Zignature and how the product impacted their dogs.
- HerePup Zignature is rated highly on Herepup, with customers describing the product as the best dog food because of its high quality and large variety that is easily switchable between variants.
- Chewy Customers on Chewy have described Zignature as a lifesaver for converting their once highly ill dogs to happy and healthy ones with plenty of energy. Many customers claim that once they tried Zignature, their hunt for the perfect food was over, and they have kept their dogs on the brand for many years, switching between flavors for variety.
- Amazon As pet owners ourselves, we love to read through Amazon reviews from customers who have already purchased the dog food were reviewing. You can read them for yourself by clicking here.
Wrapping Up
If youve got an allergic dog that seems to react to just about all dog foods, consider transitioning them onto Zignatures limited ingredient line. Many customers have been pleased to observe their once sick dogs become healthy with improved digestion and no more itchiness since changing to this dog food brand. Zignature has many flavors to switch between, and the ingredients are of high quality. Made in the United States, this wholesome brand is family-owned and has strict food safety measures, which has resulted in no product recalls.
However, with the limited fruit and vegetables, high quantity of legumes, and price point, its not ideal for every type of dog and budget. But, in contrast to all the goodness packed inside, its hard to go wrong with Zignature.
