zignature trout and salmon dog food
Zignature Dog Food Review (2024)
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customer feedback on Zignature Dog Food across various platforms presents a predominantly positive picture. Many pet owners report significant improvements in their dogs health after switching to Zignature, particularly praising the brand for its effectiveness in managing food sensitivities and allergies.
Reviews frequently highlight reductions in skin irritations, digestive problems, and other allergy-related symptoms, attributing these health improvements to Zignatures limited ingredient and hypoallergenic formulas. The variety of unique protein sources available is also a point of satisfaction, allowing owners to tailor their dogs diet to avoid common allergens effectively.
However, as with any product, not all feedback is universally positive. A minority of reviews express disappointment, noting that some dogs did not take well to the taste of certain formulas or did not show the expected health improvements. These instances underscore the individual nature of dietary needs and preferences among dogs, emphasizing the importance of finding a diet that aligns with each pets specific requirements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Limited Ingredient Diets: Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or special dietary needs.
- Unique Protein Sources: Offers a range of novel proteins, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions.
- Grain-Free Formulas: Caters to dogs with grain sensitivities and aligns with a more natural, ancestral diet.
- Nutritional Quality: High-quality ingredients ensure a balanced diet, supporting overall health and well-being.
Cons:
- Price Point: Premium pricing may be a barrier for some pet owners.
- Palatability: Some dogs may find certain formulas less appealing, posing challenges for picky eaters.
- Limited Availability: While widely available online and in specialty stores, some locations may have a limited selection.
Comparison with Competitors
Comparing Zignature Dog Food to similar premium brands such as Acana, Orijen, and The Honest Kitchen reveals both commonalities and distinctions. Like Zignature, these brands emphasize high-quality ingredients, grain-free options, and nutritional integrity.
However, Zignature sets itself apart with its unique approach to limited ingredient diets and the use of novel proteins, catering specifically to dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. In terms of pricing, Zignature is competitive within the premium segment, offering comparable value given its specialized dietary focus.
While brands like Orijen and Acana prioritize biologically appropriate diets with a broader range of ingredients, Zignatures simpler formulas can be particularly advantageous for dogs with specific health concerns. The Honest Kitchen, offering dehydrated whole foods, presents an alternative for those seeking minimally processed options, yet Zignatures dry and wet food lines provide a more conventional feeding approach with the added benefit of catering to sensitive diets.
Expert Opinions and Overall Score
Zignature Dog Food Score: 8.5/10
Veterinarians and animal nutrition experts often recommend Zignature Dog Food for pets with allergies or food sensitivities, citing its limited ingredient approach and selection of novel proteins as key factors in its effectiveness. Experts appreciate the brands commitment to quality and its avoidance of common allergens, making it a valuable option for managing diet-related health issues.
Given the specific needs it addresses, the expert consensus on Zignature is largely positive, with the brand frequently recommended for its hypoallergenic properties. However, experts also advise that pet owners consult with a veterinarian to ensure that Zignatures formulas meet the individual nutritional requirements of their dogs, particularly for those with complex health issues.
Overall, Zignature Dog Food earns a score of 8.5 out of 10 for its specialized focus on hypoallergenic diets, quality ingredients, and the positive health outcomes reported by many pet owners. This score reflects the brands success in catering to a niche market within the pet food industry, offering substantial benefits for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Conclusion
Zignature Dog Food presents a compelling option for pet owners seeking specialized nutrition solutions for their dogs, particularly those with allergies or food sensitivities. The brands commitment to limited ingredient, hypoallergenic formulas, combined with the use of high-quality and novel proteins, positions Zignature as a leader in this niche market.
While the premium price point and potential palatability issues for some dogs are considerations, the overall value offered by Zignatureevidenced by positive customer feedback and expert endorsementsmakes it a worthwhile choice for many. As with any dietary change, consultation with a veterinary professional is crucial to ensure that Zignature meets the specific nutritional needs of individual pets, optimizing the benefits of this specialized dog food brand.
Zignature Dog Food Review (Dry)
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Which Zignature Dry Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?
Zignature Dog Food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 4 stars.
The Zignature Dog Food product line includes the 17 dry 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 Turkey 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 Turkey Formula
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Turkey, turkey meal, chickpeas, peas, flaxseed, natural flavor, turkey fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dicalcium phosphate, salt, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacinamide, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin), taurine, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, potassium chloride, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, manganese proteinate, calcium iodate), marine microalgae oil, mixed tocopherols (preservative), l-carnitine, rosemary extract, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtillis fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 32% | 15% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 36% | 16% | 40% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 31% | 34% | 35% |
Ingredient Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is turkey. Although it is a quality item, raw turkey contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.
After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
The second ingredient is turkey meal. Turkey meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh turkey.
The third ingredient includes chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. Like peas, beans and lentils, the 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 fourth ingredient lists 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 is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
After the natural flavor, we find turkey fat. Turkey fat is obtained from rendering turkey, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Turkey fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, turkey fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The eighth ingredient is dicalcium phosphate, likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement.
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, 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.
Next, we find dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
In addition, 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.
And lastly, 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.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Zignature Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 36%, a fat level of 16% and estimated carbohydrates of about 40%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 33% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 44% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Which means this Zignature product line contains
Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas, chickpeas and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.
Our Rating of Zignature Dog Food
Zignature is a grain-free dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.
Highly 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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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.
