Welcome to our review of Zignature Dry Dog Food.

Zignature Dry Dog Food Review

Name: Zignature Dry Dog Food Review
Item: Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food
Rating: 4.32
Author: Samuel James

Disclosure: As a Chewy affiliate, we earn commissions for qualifying purchases.

List of products

Zignature Dry Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Zignature Original Duck Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Turkey Formula	4.6	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Catfish Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Trout & Salmon Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Whitefish Formula	4.6	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Salmon Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Kangaroo Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Lamb Formula	4.2	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Goat Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Pork Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Venison Formula	4.6	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Zssential Formula	4.2	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Small Bites Turkey Formula	4.2	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Small Bites Trout & Salmon Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Small Bites Kangaroo Formula	4.3	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Small Bites Lamb Formula	4.2	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Small Bites Zssential Formula	4.2	All Life Stages
→ Zignature Original Puppy Formula	4.2	Growth

This dog food line has 18 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Zignature Original Salmon Formula shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacinamide, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum Fermentation Product.

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this Zignature Dog Food Review.

Primary Ingredients

→ Salmon, known for its rich protein and omega-3 fatty acid content, supports healthy skin and a shiny coat. It is the primary source of protein in many high-quality dog foods.

Each 100-gram serving of raw, farm-raised salmon contains approximately 20.3 grams of protein and 13.1 grams of fat, making it a balanced and nutritious primary source of protein for your dog’s diet.

Additionally, salmon contains selenium, which supports metabolism, energy production, and thyroid function in dogs.

→ Salmon meal is rendered salmon that has been dried and ground. It typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.
Salmon meal has a high protein concentration, approximately 60–70%, making it an excellent ingredient for supporting muscle maintenance and development.

It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system.

→ Peas are a common part of commercial pet foods. They provide fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, manganese, phosphorus), and antioxidants.

Raw green peas have 5.42 g of protein and 14.4 g of carbohydrates in each 100-gram serving.

→ Pea flour is made from dried, ground peas and serves as a plant-based source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. It is used as a grain-free alternative and as a binder in kibble and treats. It is produced by removing the hull and pod before roasting or milling the peas, and it retains much of the nutritional profile of whole peas.

→ Chickpeas are edible legumes widely used as a nutritious ingredient in pet foods. They offer several benefits for dogs, providing plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals that support sustained energy, digestive health, and muscle maintenance.

According to USDA FoodData Central, raw chickpeas contain approximately 20.5 g of protein, 6 g of fat, 63 g of carbohydrates, and 12.2 g of fiber per 100 g.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this Zignature Dog Food Review.

→ Sunflower oil is a light, golden-yellow oil pressed from sunflower seeds. It is available in both cold-pressed and refined varieties. The cold-pressed method avoids high heat and solvents, which helps preserve more nutrients.

It is rich in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients provide antioxidant support and help maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat.

→ Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep skin healthy, make coats shiny, and reduce inflammation in dogs.

Every 100g of ground flaxseed contains around 18g of protein, 37.3g of fat, 34.4g of carbs, and 23.1g of fiber.

→ Dehydrated Alfalfa meal is a dried, ground derivative of the forage plant alfalfa, produced by dehydrating and milling the plant into a coarse powder.

It is added to dog food to boost fiber and micronutrient levels. Benefits include plant-based protein, fiber to support digestive regularity, and vitamins (A, K) and minerals (calcium, iron)

Other Ingredients

→ Natural flavor is an ingredient derived from plant or animal sources used to enhance taste and palatability.

It is commonly added to pet food to make it more appealing to dogs and may be sourced from herbs, meats, or concentrated extracts of animal products.

→ Dicalcium phosphate is a mineral compound added to diets to supply calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone growth and maintenance.

→ Salt contains the electrolytes sodium and chloride. It helps maintain fluid balance and supports the normal functioning of organs and the nervous system.

The Zignature Original Salmon Formula includes other beneficial ingredients further down the list to support your dog’s health. However, we won’t explore them in detail here due to the scope of this Zignature Dog Food Review.

Nutrient Sources - Zignature Dog Food Review

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas, Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal
Fat	Salmon, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed
Carbohydrate	Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas, Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal
Fiber	Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas, Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal

Vitamins

This dog food is well fortified with essential vitamins, offering a full range of B-complex nutrients along with vitamins A and E.

Although vitamins D, K, and C are not listed, vitamin K is likely present in small amounts from the ingredients and gut synthesis, and dogs naturally produce their own vitamin C in the liver.

The formula still appears complete and balanced, and vitamin D may be supplied through ingredients such as salmon and salmon meal.

Minerals

The formula includes essential minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, calcium and potassium to support a dog’s nutritional needs.

The chelated proteinate forms of zinc, iron, copper and manganese help improve absorption.

The inorganic sources, including sodium selenite, potassium chloride, dicalcium phosphate and calcium iodate, remain effective, though they are slightly less bioavailable.

Ingredient Concerns

Ingredient splitting occurs here with peas and pea flour. Listing them separately pushes each down the ingredient list, masking their true combined volume and creating a potentially misleading impression of higher protein content.

The vague term “natural flavor” hides its source and can be a problem for allergy-sensitive pets.

Instead of using the inorganic mineral salt sodium selenite, the recipe could have used selenium yeast, an organic form of selenium that offers higher bioavailability, allowing dogs to absorb and utilize it more efficiently for overall health.

This Zignature Dog Food Review highlights both the strengths and potential concerns in the formulation, giving pet owners a clearer picture of what to expect from this popular dry dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=10% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	29%	14.5%	33.5%	5%
→ Dry Matter Basis	32.2%	16.1%	37.2%	5.6%
→ Calorie Content Basis	29.7%	36%	34.3%	NA

Normal dog food typically contains (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, Zignature Original Salmon Formula contains 32.2% protein, 16.1% fat, and approximately 37.2% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it Moderately High in protein, Moderate in fat, and Moderate in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Zignature Original Salmon Formula contains 32.2% protein and 16.1% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for both adult maintenance and growth and reproduction, as set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support your dog’s overall health.

Every recipe in Zignature Dry Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“Zignature Salmon Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, except growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).”

The statement indicates that the recipe meets AAFCO nutrient requirements based on laboratory nutrient analysis, but it does not confirm that the food has undergone AAFCO-approved feeding trials.

Lab analysis verifies that the nutrient levels meet the required standards on paper, whereas feeding trials demonstrate real-world performance in dogs, including digestibility, palatability, and overall health outcomes.

Cost Analysis

Cost Metrics	4-lb bag	12.5-lb bag	25-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$16.99	$43.99	$81.99
→ Cost per Pound	$4.25	$3.52	$3.28
→ Cost per Serving	$1.11	$0.92	$0.86

The above table clearly represents the comparison between the different bag sizes. The numbers still tell a clear story about trade-offs between upfront cost and long-term value.

The 25-lb bag offers the lowest cost per pound ($3.28) and per serving (~$0.86), making it the most economical pick for multi-dog homes or anyone who feeds consistently.

The 12.5-lb bag is a comfortable middle ground, with a lower initial outlay and only a slight premium per serving, good for medium households or those cautious about storage.

The 4-lb bag is best for trials, travel, or freshness concerns but is the most expensive per serving.

Verdict: the 25-lb bag provides the best overall value.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off on your first order. For a 25-lb bag, the cost is $81.99, but on Autoship, it drops to $53.29, saving $28.7.

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Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer, location, and availability.

Pros and Cons - Zignature Dry Dog Food Review

Pros

Real salmon as the first ingredient (high-quality lean protein)
Limited-ingredient formula (suitable for rotational diets and sensitivities)
Free from common allergens
Grain-free recipe
Multiple probiotic strains to support gut health

Cons

Relatively High Cost
Ingredient splitting can be seen
Includes Natural Flavor (unspecified source)

Recalls and Safety

As of the date of this review, no Zignature dog food products have been subject to recalls.

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the Zignature Original Salmon Formula at 4.3 out of 5, while the Zignature Dry Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.32 out of 5.

Final Verdict

This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.