Zignature Original is a grain-free line of 29 recipes: 18 kibbles and 11 wet foods, each named for its main meat. The meats include turkey, lamb, duck, pork and several fish, plus less common choices like venison, goat and kangaroo. Every recipe lists peas or lentils, and chickpeas appear near the top of most ingredient lists.
Kibble protein runs from 26 to 32 percent as fed and averages 29.6, against a catalog kibble average of 26.9. Estimated starch runs from 30 to 43 percent and averages 35.2, against 37.4 for the catalog. Calories average 398 kcal per cup, close to the catalog's 395. All the wet recipes are 78 percent moisture, with protein from 7 to 11 percent. They average 9, against a catalog wet average of 8.3.
The trade-offs show on the label. No recipe here leaves out peas or lentils. The Goat kibble has the line's lowest protein and its highest starch. Several Small Bites kibbles have the same figures as their regular-size versions, so choosing between those pairs comes down to the meat and the size of the piece.
| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Starch | Kcal / cup | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 32% | 14.5% | 33.5% | 395 | Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas |
| Zssential Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 32% | 17% | 30% | 405 | Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon |
| Small Bites Zssential Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 32% | 17% | 30% | 405 | Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon |
| Small Bites Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 32% | 14.5% | 33.5% | 395 | Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas |
| Trout & Salmon Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 31% | 14% | 34% | 395 | Trout, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas |
| Puppy Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 31% | 17% | 31% | 406 | Turkey, Whitefish, Whitefish Meal |
| Small Bites Trout & Salmon Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 31% | 14% | 34% | 395 | Trout, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas |
| Catfish Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 30.5% | 13% | -- | 395 | Catfish, Catfish Meal, Peas |
| Pork Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 30% | 15% | 35% | 405 | Pork, Pork Meal, Peas |
| Duck Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 29.5% | 13.5% | 36% | 395 | Duck, Duck Meal, Chickpeas |
| Salmon Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 29% | 14.5% | 35.5% | 405 | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas |
| Lamb Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 28.5% | 15% | 35% | 405 | Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas |
| Whitefish Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 28.5% | 13% | 37.5% | 395 | Whitefish, Whitefish Meal, Peas |
| Small Bites Lamb Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 28.5% | 15% | 35% | 405 | Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas |
| Venison Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 28% | 13% | 37% | 385 | Venison, Venison Meal, Chickpeas |
| Kangaroo Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 26.5% | 13% | 39% | 395 | Kangaroo, Kangaroo Meal, Peas |
| Small Bites Kangaroo Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 26.5% | 13% | 39% | 395 | Kangaroo, Kangaroo Meal, Peas |
| Goat Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free | 26% | 10% | 43% | 385 | Goat, Goat Meal, Peas |
| Line average | 29.6% | 14.2% | 35.2% | 398 |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Starch is our estimate, since no bag prints it. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
32% protein · 14.5% fat · 33.5% starch · 395 kcal/cup
Turkey and turkey meal lead this regular-size kibble, which ties for the line's highest protein at 32 percent, with 14.5 percent fat and 4 percent fiber. Listed for all breed sizes, it suits owners wanting a high-protein kibble with turkey as the only meat.
Full review of Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free32% protein · 17% fat · 30% starch · 405 kcal/cup
Turkey, turkey meal, salmon and lamb meal lead this multi-meat kibble, with duck also listed, at 32 percent protein, 17 percent fat and the line's lowest estimated starch, 30 percent. Listed for all breed sizes, it suits owners wanting high protein and low starch in a regular-size piece.
Full review of Zssential Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free32% protein · 17% fat · 30% starch · 405 kcal/cup
The Small Bites version of Zssential keeps turkey, salmon, lamb meal and duck, with 32 percent protein, 17 percent fat and 30 percent estimated starch, in a smaller piece. It suits small dogs whose owners want the line's highest protein and lowest starch.
Full review of Small Bites Zssential Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free32% protein · 14.5% fat · 33.5% starch · 395 kcal/cup
The Small Bites version of the Turkey kibble keeps 32 percent protein, 14.5 percent fat and 33.5 percent estimated starch from turkey and turkey meal in a smaller piece. It suits small dogs eating a kibble with turkey as the only meat.
Full review of Small Bites Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free31% protein · 14% fat · 34% starch · 395 kcal/cup · All Life Stages
This is the only kibble in the line whose label lists All Life Stages. Trout and salmon meal lead, with 31 percent protein and 14 percent fat. It suits households that want to feed dogs of different ages from one bag of fish-based food.
Full review of Trout & Salmon Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free31% protein · 17% fat · 31% starch · 406 kcal/cup · Puppy
Sold for puppies, this kibble pairs turkey and whitefish with lentils in its first five ingredients and has the most calories per cup of the kibbles, at 406. With 31 percent protein, 17 percent fat and 31 percent estimated starch, it suits growing dogs.
Full review of Puppy Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free31% protein · 14% fat · 34% starch · 395 kcal/cup
This Small Bites version of Trout & Salmon has the same 31 percent protein and 34 percent estimated starch as the regular kibble in a smaller piece, but its label does not list All Life Stages. It suits small dogs eating a fish kibble.
Full review of Small Bites Trout & Salmon Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free30.5% protein · 13% fat · 395 kcal/cup
Catfish and catfish meal lead this kibble, the only one listing 4.5 percent moisture. Its label gives no fiber figure, and there is no estimated starch for it. At 30.5 percent protein and 13 percent fat, it suits owners wanting a catfish-based kibble.
Full review of Catfish Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free30% protein · 15% fat · 35% starch · 405 kcal/cup
Pork and pork meal lead, followed by peas and pea flour, at 30 percent protein, 15 percent fat and 4 percent fiber. It lists 405 kcal per cup and suits owners wanting pork as the only named meat in a kibble.
Full review of Pork Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free29.5% protein · 13.5% fat · 36% starch · 395 kcal/cup
Duck, duck meal and chickpea flour are in the first five ingredients here, with 29.5 percent protein, 13.5 percent fat and 36 percent estimated starch. It suits owners wanting duck as the only named meat in a kibble.
Full review of Duck Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free29% protein · 14.5% fat · 35.5% starch · 405 kcal/cup
Salmon and salmon meal lead, with peas and pea flour behind them, for 29 percent protein, 14.5 percent fat and 35.5 percent estimated starch. It lists 405 kcal per cup and suits owners wanting salmon without trout.
Full review of Salmon Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free28.5% protein · 15% fat · 35% starch · 405 kcal/cup
Lamb and lamb meal lead this regular-size kibble, with flaxseed in the first five ingredients, at 28.5 percent protein and 15 percent fat. It lists 405 kcal per cup and suits dogs of any size eating lamb as their only named meat.
Full review of Lamb Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free28.5% protein · 13% fat · 37.5% starch · 395 kcal/cup
Whitefish and whitefish meal lead this kibble at 28.5 percent protein, 13 percent fat and 37.5 percent estimated starch, above the line's 35.2 kibble starch average. It suits owners wanting a whitefish-only kibble at 395 kcal per cup.
Full review of Whitefish Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free28.5% protein · 15% fat · 35% starch · 405 kcal/cup
The Small Bites version of the Lamb kibble, it keeps the same 28.5 percent protein, 15 percent fat and flaxseed in a smaller piece. It suits small dogs eating lamb as their main meat.
Full review of Small Bites Lamb Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free28% protein · 13% fat · 37% starch · 385 kcal/cup
The only kibble with venison, it has the highest fiber figure of the kibbles at 6 percent and lists 385 kcal per cup. With 28 percent protein and 37 percent estimated starch, it suits owners rotating to venison.
Full review of Venison Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free26.5% protein · 13% fat · 39% starch · 395 kcal/cup
Kangaroo and kangaroo meal lead this regular-size kibble. At 26.5 percent protein and 39 percent estimated starch, it sits at the lower-protein, higher-starch end of the line. Listed for all breed sizes, it suits owners seeking an uncommon meat.
Full review of Kangaroo Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free26.5% protein · 13% fat · 39% starch · 395 kcal/cup
This Small Bites kangaroo kibble has the same 26.5 percent protein and 39 percent estimated starch as the regular version in a smaller piece. It suits owners of small dogs looking for kangaroo as an uncommon meat.
Full review of Small Bites Kangaroo Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free26% protein · 10% fat · 43% starch · 385 kcal/cup
Goat and goat meal lead this kibble, which has the least protein of the kibbles at 26 percent, the least fat at 10 percent and the most estimated starch at 43 percent. It suits owners wanting goat in a lower-fat kibble.
Full review of Goat Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Moisture | Kcal / kg | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Zssential Formula Grain-Free | 11% | 5% | 78% | 1,170 | Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver |
| Food Puppy Formula Grain-Free | 9.5% | 9% | 78% | 1,240 | Turkey, Turkey Broth, Pork |
| Food Turkey Formula Grain-Free | 9.5% | 7.5% | 78% | 1,189 | Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver |
| Food Pork Formula Grain-Free | 9.5% | 5.5% | 78% | 1,257 | Pork, Pork Broth, Pork Liver |
| Food Duck Formula Grain-Free | 9% | 7.5% | 78% | 1,230 | Duck, Duck Broth, Peas |
| Food Kangaroo Formula Grain-Free | 9% | 4% | 78% | 1,105 | Kangaroo, Vegetable Broth, Peas |
| Food Whitefish Formula Grain-Free | 9% | 7% | 78% | 1,206 | Ocean Whitefish, Fish Broth, Peas |
| Food Trout & Salmon Formula Grain-Free | 8.5% | 5% | 78% | 1,178 | Trout, Fish Broth, Salmon |
| Food Venison Formula Grain-Free | 8.5% | 5% | 78% | 1,210 | Venison, Water Sufficient for Processing, Peas |
| Food Goat Formula Grain-Free | 8% | 5% | 78% | 1,320 | Goat, Water, Goat Lungs |
| Food Lamb Formula Grain-Free | 7% | 6.5% | 78% | 1,232 | Lamb, Vegetable Broth, Peas |
| Line average | 9% | 6.1% | 78% | 1,212 |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Wet food is mostly water, so compare it with other wet food only. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
11% protein · 5% fat · 1,170 kcal/kg
This multi-meat can has the most protein of the wet recipes at 11 percent, mixing turkey, turkey liver, salmon and lamb, with duck also listed, while fat stays at 5 percent. It suits owners wanting the most protein per can without high fat.
Full review of Food Zssential Formula Grain-Free9.5% protein · 9% fat · 1,240 kcal/kg · Puppy
Sold for puppies, this can has the most fat of the wet recipes at 9 percent and 1240 kcal per kg, with turkey, pork and whitefish in its first five ingredients. It suits growing dogs or owners pairing it with the Puppy kibble.
Full review of Food Puppy Formula Grain-Free9.5% protein · 7.5% fat · 1,189 kcal/kg
Turkey, turkey broth and turkey liver lead this single-meat can, which matches the Pork can at 9.5 percent protein but has more fat, at 7.5 percent. It suits dogs eating turkey as their only named meat.
Full review of Food Turkey Formula Grain-Free9.5% protein · 5.5% fat · 463 kcal/can
Pork, pork broth and pork liver open this can. It is the only wet recipe with tricalcium phosphate and no chickpeas in its first five ingredients. At 9.5 percent protein, 5.5 percent fat and 463 kcal per can, it suits owners wanting a pork-only can.
Full review of Food Pork Formula Grain-Free9% protein · 7.5% fat · 1,230 kcal/kg
Duck and duck broth lead here, and this is the only wet recipe with alfalfa meal in its first five ingredients. With 9 percent protein and 7.5 percent fat, it suits owners who want duck as the only named meat in a can.
Full review of Food Duck Formula Grain-Free9% protein · 4% fat · 1,105 kcal/kg
Kangaroo leads this can, which has the least fat of the wet recipes at 4 percent and the fewest calories at 1105 kcal per kg. It suits owners looking for an uncommon meat in a leaner can.
Full review of Food Kangaroo Formula Grain-Free9% protein · 7% fat · 444 kcal/can
Ocean whitefish and fish broth lead this can, which has the highest fiber figure of the wet recipes at 2 percent. With 9 percent protein and 7 percent fat, it suits owners wanting a whitefish-only wet recipe.
Full review of Food Whitefish Formula Grain-Free8.5% protein · 5% fat · 434 kcal/can
Trout leads, with fish broth and salmon behind it. At 434 kcal per can, it has the fewest calories per can of the wet recipes that print a per-can figure. With 8.5 percent protein and 5 percent fat, it suits owners wanting a fish-only can.
Full review of Food Trout & Salmon Formula Grain-Free8.5% protein · 5% fat · 445 kcal/can
The only wet recipe with venison, it lists water, peas and agar-agar after the meat instead of a broth. At 8.5 percent protein, 5 percent fat and 445 kcal per can, it suits owners rotating to venison in wet form.
Full review of Food Venison Formula Grain-Free8% protein · 5% fat · 486 kcal/can
Goat, goat lungs and goat liver are three of the first four ingredients. This can has the most calories of the wet recipes at 1320 kcal per kg and 486 per can, so it suits owners looking for goat in a more calorie-dense can.
Full review of Food Goat Formula Grain-Free7% protein · 6.5% fat · 454 kcal/can
Lamb leads this can, which has the least protein of the wet recipes at 7 percent, with vegetable broth rather than meat broth second on the list. It lists 454 kcal per can and suits dogs eating lamb as their main meat.
Full review of Food Lamb Formula Grain-FreeYes. All 18 kibbles and all 11 wet recipes in Zignature Original are grain free, and none list potato. Every recipe does list peas or lentils.
Turkey Formula and Zssential Formula, plus their Small Bites versions, have the most protein at 32 percent as fed. Zssential also has the line's lowest estimated starch at 30 percent. Goat Formula has the least protein at 26 percent.
Yes. Puppy Formula kibble lists 31 percent protein, 17 percent fat and 406 kcal per cup, and the Puppy Formula wet food has the most fat of the wet recipes at 9 percent. The Trout & Salmon kibble is also labeled for All Life Stages.
Protein runs higher than the average kibble we review (32.8% vs 30.1% on a dry matter basis).
Starch is lower than average, at 35% of the food as fed.
100% of recipes lead with a meat, fish or egg ingredient (89% across the site).
100% of recipes are grain-free.
this range, lowest to highest its average average of all 3,205 foods we review
Starch is our estimate from the guaranteed analysis, since no manufacturer prints it. How we work it out
Share of recipes that list each animal protein as an ingredient, not counting oils, fats or flavorings. Useful if your dog has a food sensitivity.
These are not unsafe. They are listed because readers ask about them.
MOST PROTEIN
Zignature Original Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
35.6% dry matter
LEAST STARCH
Zignature Original Zssential Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
30% as fed
FEWEST CALORIES
Zignature Original Venison Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
385 kcal per cup
Our log holds FDA dog food recall notices from 2012 on, so this is not a guarantee that Zignature has never had one. See the recall log
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