Zignature Dog Food Reviews [2023 Update]: Best Limited Ingredient Food?

Meet Zignature Dog Food

Zignature Dog food is a limited ingredient dog food produced by Pets Global in North America. They use only premium ingredient formulas and are specifically intended for dogs with hard to satisfy allergies to a lot of ingredients in commercial dog foods.

They don’t use any cheap fillers or by-product meals and source all their ingredients in the US where they can. Each ingredient comes from only trusted sources.

If your dog has a history of severe allergies that are making it difficult to lock down nutrition, Zignature may offer some relief for your furry companion.

Let’s break down each recipe and find out how your pet may finally see some improvements in severe allergies with Zignature’s limited ingredient formulas.

Check out our detailed Zignature Dog Food Reviews below.

Zignature Quick Look

• Parent Company: Pets Global
• Founded in: 2010
• Made in: USA
• Made by: Tuffy’s/KLN Perham, Minnesota (dry), Performance Pet, South Dakota (wet)
• Available at:  Chewy.com, Amazon.com, Petsmart.com
• Types of Food: Dry, wet
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients?: Yes
• Recalled in Past?: No

Behind the Brand

Zignature began not too long ago in the search for clean kibble. The North American based company wanted to transform the kibble we feed our dogs, replacing cheap fillers and artificial ingredients with premium quality components to elevate what we think of as kibble. If you’re used to the cheap kibbles of big box stores, you may be pleasantly surprised.

The company prefers to think of itself as a pet health company rather than a pet food company. They believe that good health begins with nutrition and so the foundational aspect of pet health must be in feeding your pet correctly. They refuse to compromise quality in the name of profit and continually searches for the best ingredients.

There hasn’t been a recall for any of Zignature’s recipes and all of their recipes trend towards clean, low glycemic options with no known allergens or common food triggers.

 

They use only quality sources of protein and other ingredients for their kibble and aims to be the number one holistic pet food company in the nation.

Because of their unique protein blends, they offer consumers the chance to find a food that both satisfies allergy requirements and may even satisfy your picky puppy.

Zignature also uses ingredients from sources that have the least environmental impact. The duck comes from small farms in France, for example, while trout is responsibly raised in the Northwest United States. The company chooses these ingredients because a holistic approach to food and sustainability is best and they know that for some customers, this seals the deal.

They came on the scene in 2010 and haven’t experienced much negative press for the most part or recalls. This responsibility gives owners the reassurance that what they’re paying good money for gets them a truly premium product.

Zignature Dog Food Reviews

Reviewed Zignature Products

1. Zignature Kangaroo LID Formula
2. Zignature Guinea Fowl LID Formula
3. Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula
4. Zignature Select Cuts Trout & Salmon Meal Formula
5. Zignature Turkey Formula Small Bites
6. Zignature Duck LID Canned Formula

1. Zignature Kangaroo LID Formula

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

First 5 Ingredients: Kangaroo, Kangaroo Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil

Guaranteed analysis:

Kangaroo is an excellent alternative to other more well-known meats in the dog food market today. It’s considered to be the leanest type of red meat there is. The fat level in kangaroo meat is not only low, but it’s also unsaturated. In addition, kangaroo meat has high levels of zinc and iron.

If your pup is food sensitive to the more common types of meat, kangaroo meat will be a novel source of protein for him and most probably won’t trigger allergies. And if your pup is a low-energy canine or with a tendency towards obesity, a low-fat diet like this is what he needs.

The whole kangaroo meat is fully supported in protein content by the inclusion of kangaroo meal. Kangaroo meal, and any other kind of meal, is simply what’s left after most of the moisture from meat has been removed. It retains its nutrients but will weigh less and will now be more nutrient-dense compared to whole meats of the same weight.

Since this is a grain-free diet,the chickpeas, peas, and alfalfa meal are alternative sources of carbohydrates. They’re also rich in protein and provide good plant-based protein support to the kangaroo meat.

We’re liking the content of this recipe so far. You can also find flaxseed and sunflower oil here, but apart from those and the ones mentioned above, the rest of this limited ingredient recipe is mostly made up of added vitamins and minerals.

It does use peas in the first five ingredients, which may give some people pause. Some studies have shown a link between peas and an enlarged heart condition, possibly because of taurine levels.

If your dog is a breed at risk of an enlarged heart anyway, you may want to consider talking to your veterinarian before changing your dog’s current diet to Zignature.

2. Zignature Guinea Fowl LID Formula

Rating: 5/5

First 5 ingredients: Guinea Fowl, Guinea Fowl Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Flour

Guaranteed analysis:

Another novel and quite rare animal protein source in dog food, guinea fowl, leads the charge in this limited ingredient recipe. Guinea fowls carry a pheasant-like taste without the gamey flavor and are full of amino acids. It also carries more protein when compared to uncooked chicken but is lower in fat and sodium.

Just like with the other LID recipes, Zignature’s Guinea Fowl Formula has a meat meal as a second ingredient (made of guinea fowl too). This is to ensure that the protein content of the food is at a viable level to mirror a canine’s ancestral diet.

The formulation is perfect for pooches with food sensitivities for its hypoallergenic protein option coupled with low-glycemic peas to provide the healthy carbs every balanced dog food needs. Chickpeas and pea flour provide the dietary fiber to support a healthy digestive function.

Since this is a limited ingredient diet designed for dogs who are often sensitive to food or have digestive issues, there are no soy, wheat, dairy, corn, or chicken and chicken by-products included. It’s also completely free from potatoes and grains.

What it does have is flaxseed for its omega-3 fatty acid content (supports healthy skin and coat); sunflower oil for its omega-6 fatty acid levels (supports the reproductive and immune systems); L-Carnitine for maintaining lean muscle mass and breaking down fat; and plenty of supplemental vitamins and minerals.

The high calorie content may give some pause. It certainly is not the best option for dogs that need to maintain a certain weight. However, for dogs that are highly active or do not need to watch the pounds, this recipe is an excellent one overall.

3. Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula

Rating: 5/5

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon, Lamb Meal, Duck Meal

Guaranteed analysis:

The Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula takes its protein content from several sources of animal meat to give dogs of all ages and breeds a rich and meaty meal.

This multi-meat recipe combines different sustainably-sourced ingredients with a spectrum of vitamins and minerals for a well-rounded food that your pet will thrive on.

The animal meats are all premium cuts that come from sources around the world, such as the American Midwest for the turkey, France for the duck, New Zealand for the lamb, and the Northwest for the salmon.

Dogs that are food-sensitive might do well with these ingredients that aren’t as common as food allergens like beef or chicken. There are no potentially troublesome ingredients here.

Although there are multiple sources of protein, this Zignature recipe has limited ingredients. It contains just a few products for their dietary fiber and carb content (chickpeas, peas, chickpeas flour, pea flour, alfalfa meal, and flaxseed) and some for their fat and fatty acid levels (sunflower oil and salmon oil).

The rest are made up of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, heart-friendly omega fatty acids, and a natural preservative in the form of mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E).

The caloric content may be a little higher than average at 415kcal per cup. But the high protein content, which can help dogs burn fat, balances the food a bit.

This would be the ideal food to feed your growing puppies, lactating or gestating dogs, performance or working dogs, and seniors.

4. Zignature Select Cuts Trout & Salmon Meal Formula

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Trout, Salmon Meal, Oats, Millet, Natural Flavors

Guaranteed analysis:

The Zignature Select Cuts range features wholesome recipes that are grain-inclusive, legume-free, and with the first two ingredients consisting of animal or fish protein.

In this recipe, we have oats from Alberta, Canada; millet grown by local farmers in the Northern Midwestern USA and Canada; and trout from the waters of Idaho. To ensure that all ingredients are of premium quality and are safe to eat, Zignature made sure to source them from non-GMO farms.

Designed for adult pooches, the Select Cuts Trout & Salmon Meal Formula is nutritionally complete and conforms to the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO for all life stages.

Since fish is considered a relatively novel protein source, not many dogs have been found to be allergic to them. For this reason, having trout and salmon meal as the primary source of animal protein is an excellent choice for dogs that are very food-sensitive.

The oats and millet both provide a healthy source of carbohydrates for dogs and are easier to digest than some other types of grains. The sunflower meal adds a large dose of vitamin E, iron, and copper to your dog’s diet, while the sunflower oil has sufficient levels of omega-6 fatty acids but a lower saturated fat content.

There aren’t many ingredients here. For all purposes, this recipe can still be called a limited ingredient one. There are only about 6 main ingredients (as mentioned above), while the rest are made up of vitamins, minerals, natural flavors, and a natural preservative.

It’s a nicely balanced recipe (and one that doesn’t have too many calories) that will support your dog’s overall well-being.

5. Zignature Turkey Formula Small Bites

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Pea Protein

Guaranteed analysis:

Small Bites is a Zignature range designed specifically for small and extra small breed dogs of all ages. The kibbles are made in a small size to make eating and chewier easier for little pups, and the nutritional content is a little bit higher than average to reflect the fast metabolism of small dogs.

The recipe begins with turkey and turkey meal (a dehydrated form of turkey). While turkey is not as unique as other Zignature meats, it is still not as common as the usual beef and chicken that dog foods usually contain. Plus, turkey is rich in protein, phosphorus, and riboflavin. It is also quite leaner and has slightly fewer calories compared to chicken.

This formula is also grain-free, so it makes use of alternatives to provide the carbohydrates and fiber that every doggie diet needs. The chickpeas, peas, and flaxseed provide the carbs, while the dried beet pulp lends the meal most of its fiber content.

Since every meal must also contain fat, there’s sunflower oil to the rescue. Sunflower oil is 100% fat, contains vitamin E, is rich in monounsaturated fat that can be beneficial to heart health, and can improve the palatability and taste of food.

Because it is still a limited ingredient diet, the recipe is quite short. The rest of the ingredients aren’t food products but rather supplemental nutrition to help your li’l pets reach the full nutrition that the AAFCO has established for small breed dogs.

6. Zignature Duck LID Canned Formula

Rating: 5/5

First 5 ingredients: Duck, Duck Broth, Peas, Duck Meal, Chickpeas

Guaranteed analysis:

Zignature specializes in creating hypoallergenic and low-glycemic meals that are ideal for pups that are picky eaters or with many sensitivities. Every recipe the brand creates is free of the usual top allergens in pups, such as corn, chicken, soy, wheat, or potatoes. It also tries to make each formula short to keep it as simple as possible.

All of Zignature’s recipes have short and limited ingredients, but its wet food line has an even shorter read for remarkably clean recipes. For this specific formula, your dog will enjoy premium and globally-sourced food as the farm-raised duck that leads it comes all the way from Western France.

Duck is a novel protein that hosts a veritable army of powerful nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Together, these nutrients help improve a canine’s energy levels, build a stronger immune system, support improved kidney and heart functions, and provide better cognitive function in senior pups.

Because it's wet food, the second ingredient is duck broth. This lends the meal its 78% moisture, which is excellent for hydrating dogs who are not fond of water. The third (peas) and fifth (chickpeas) ingredients provide the carbohydrates that will act as one source of energy for your furry friend.

If you check the label, the recipe also lists down sun-cured alfalfa meal and agar-agar. Sun-cured means that the alfalfa has been dried out (and is free of molds). It has an exceptional nutritional value because the herb is one of the richest sources of vitamins A, B12, C, D, and E. It also contains considerable amounts of protein and trace minerals.

The agar-agar is simply a safe alternative to carrageenan in gelling food together. It gives wet food a consistent texture. Even though it’s placed in the food mainly for consistency, agar-agar also has the benefit of containing calcium, folate, manganese, fiber, and iron.

Overall, we find this recipe a wholesome one that combines all the necessary nutrition pets need for a completely balanced and well-rounded meal.

What Types of Dog Food Does Zignature Offer?

Zignature’s dry kibbles are limited ingredient and use clean, while protein sources with plenty of options. They’ve banned all chicken products, a not well known but still widespread allergen, but you still have plenty of protein sources including some exotic ones for dogs with more uncommon allergies.

Zignature’s foods are designed to be the first step in your dog’s overall health. By eliminating common food allergens, including chicken, your dog’s system can begin to heal. Your dog may experience less sickness and better stools as digestion continues to improve.

Foods are available in wet and dry options. They’re formulated for all life stages so you won’t find specific life stage formulas. Instead, you can choose a kibble for dogs who ware able to chew kibbles and softer, wet foods that could be more suitable to puppies or seniors. They also have a small bites option more suited to small breeds.

Wet Food

Multi-Protein

• Zssential

Limited Ingredient

• Turkey
• Kangaroo
• Duck
• Goat
• Guinea Fowl
• Pork
• Lamb
• Trout & Salmon
• Salmon
• Whitefish
• Catfish
• Venison

Dry Food

Limited Ingredient

• Kangaroo
• Turkey
• Lamb
• Trout & Salmon Meal
• Duck
• Pork
• Salmon
• Catfish
• Whitefish
• Venison
• Goat
• Guinea Fowl

Multi-Protein

• Zssential
• Zssential Small Bites

Small Bites

• Turkey
• Kangaroo
• Trout & Salmon
• Lamb

Select Cuts

• Lamb & Lamb Meal
• Trout & Salmon Meal
• Turkey

Zignature Recall History

Zignature hasn’t had a recall yet, which is partly a testament to their foods and recipes and partly that they haven’t been in business that long.

As the company gets older, things tend to happen, and accidents may occur. At this point in the game, their record is completely clean.

Customer Reviews

People typically like Zignature and are pleased with how their previously difficult dogs respond to the formula. If you’ve struggled with allergies for a number of years, it could be a real relief to find something that doesn’t make those allergies worse.

 

What do people like and dislike about Zignature dog food?

Customers like that Zignature offers truly limited ingredient options for their dogs and that it isn’t just one or two recipes either. With more than enough choices, you should be able to find something that eases your pet's allergies while also being something they actually like. No more forcing them to eat something just because it’s your only limited ingredient option.

It’s on the expensive side although, for many of you, money isn’t the issue. If you’re on a tight budget, it could push your comfort level a bit. However, for dogs that can’t seem to settle digestion, it could be money well spent.

Also, some studies have come out recently about using peas and legumes in dog food. There’s a possible link now between dog foods with these ingredients and a condition called Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. It could be correlation, not causation, but talk to your vet about Zignature before switching.

Positive

• “Our Dog is 8 years old and has had food allergies forever. We narrowed down his protein source to be Venison only. He eats a mixture of Purina HA and this Venison. Dues to Venison shortages the previous brand went out of business recently, and we SWITCHED to Zingnature. OMG, in 8 years I have never seen my dog eat ANYTHING with so much joy and gusto. He runs downstairs to eat breakfast now. With the other venison, we had to hand feed our dog. Amazing food. And he is happy healthy, high energy etc. I cannot recommend this more highly !” – Rufus, chewy.com

Negative

• “I fed this food for almost two years before learning about dietary DCM. Unfortunately, Zignature is one of the worst offenders for dogs testing low in blood taurine and positive for DCM. It has nothing to do with taurine in the food, and (research is ongoing) most likely to do with the legume ingredients. Vets have advised to stay away from all potatoes, peas, legumes. I was one of the lucky ones in that my dog was negative for DCM on echo, but I have switched to a vet-approved food and encourage other customers to consult with their vets and have honest conversations about canine nutrition, and why feeding trials are an extremely important part of recommended foods…” Siren, chewy.com