Introduction to Zignature
Zignature is a premium pet food brand that was launched in 2010 by the company Pets Global. Zignature formulas are protein-focused and many of their recipes are limited ingredient, grain-free, or novel protein. This makes them a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
One of the unique things about Zignature is that they offer several chicken-free formulas. Chicken is one of the most common allergens for dogs, so eliminating it can help dogs with chicken sensitivities. Zignature uses alternative protein sources like lamb, trout, turkey, duck, salmon, and kangaroo in their chicken-free recipes.
Zignature aims to provide dogs with hypoallergenic, low glycemic, and nutrient-dense formulas. They use high quality, fresh ingredients and do not use any chicken, chicken eggs, chicken by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives in their recipes. Zignature is made in the United States and produced in facilities that exceed federal food safety requirements.
Benefits of Chicken Free Dog Food
Chicken free dog food provides many benefits for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Chicken is one of the most common food allergens for dogs. Eliminating chicken from your dog’s diet can help improve skin and coat health in dogs with chicken allergies.
Chicken contains a protein called chicken serum albumin that can trigger allergy symptoms in dogs. These symptoms may include itchy skin, ear infections, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and poor coat condition. Feeding your dog a diet without chicken can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
In addition to minimizing allergic reactions, chicken free dog foods often contain novel protein sources like lamb, bison, or duck. These proteins are less likely to cause allergies. Novel proteins can help strengthen your dog’s skin barrier and improve coat luster.
Overall, feeding your dog a chicken free diet can support skin and coat health. It eliminates a common allergen while providing alternative protein sources to nourish skin. If your dog suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, a chicken free formula may provide relief.
Key Ingredients in Zignature Formulas
Zignature Dog Food contains several unique, high quality ingredients that set it apart from other brands:
- Legumes – Zignature formulas feature chickpeas, peas and lentils as nutritious carbohydrate sources. These legumes provide protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Novel Proteins – Zignature uses proteins like Kangaroo, Trout, Lamb, Salmon, Turkey and Duck as the first ingredient. These novel meats reduce allergies in dogs.
- Fruits and Vegetables – Zignature contains antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies like blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, apples, carrots and spinach for immune support.
- Healthy Oils – The formulas are enriched with omega fatty acids from salmon oil, flaxseed oil and sunflower oil for skin and coat health.
- Digestive Aids – Natural ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics and dried chicory root promote healthy digestion.
With multiple protein-rich, limited ingredient formulas to choose from, Zignature offers nutritionally balanced recipes tailored to dogs’ dietary needs and food sensitivities.
Nutritional Value
Zignature dry dog foods feature high-protein, grain-free recipes using a limited number of key ingredients. This creates a nutritionally dense formula capable of meeting your dog’s dietary needs. Zignature recipes typically contain around 33% protein from quality animal sources like lamb, trout, salmon, or kangaroo.
This high protein content helps support your dog’s muscles and an active lifestyle. The grain-free carbohydrates come from lentils, chickpeas, and peas rather than wheat, corn, or soy. Many dogs have sensitivities to grains, so eliminating them can avoid gastrointestinal issues.
In addition to the signature protein source, Zignature recipes contain fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, pumpkin, and carrots. These provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to complement the nutrition profile. With controlled ingredients and no fillers, each bite packs a nutritional punch.
Taste and Palatability
Many pet owners worry that by switching to a chicken-free formula, their dog will lose out on taste and palatability. However, Zignature’s recipes are carefully crafted to entice even the pickiest eaters. They include tasty proteins like duck, lamb, salmon, turkey, and venison that dogs naturally crave. These flavors provide a rich, savory taste profile.
Zignature also incorporates natural flavor enhancers into its recipes, creating a mouthwatering taste and aroma that dogs love. This makes the food just as enticing and palatable as traditional chicken-based formulas. Owners find their dogs devour Zignature with gusto at mealtimes.
In taste tests, dogs show a strong preference for Zignature over other chicken-free brands. They find the taste and smell appealing. This ensures a smooth transition when owners switch their pet to a Zignature diet. Their dog’s enjoyment of mealtime remains high.
With irresistible flavors dogs crave, Zignature provides a tasty chicken-free option. Pet owners don’t have to sacrifice their dog’s love of mealtime to reap the benefits of an elimination diet.
Cost and Availability
Zignature dog food is competitively priced compared to other premium and limited ingredient dog foods. It can be found at most major pet food retailers in stores and online. Some examples of where to buy Zignature include:
- Petco – Zignature formulas are stocked in most Petco stores and are available on their website.
- PetSmart – Wide selection of Zignature wet and dry foods available in stores and online.
- Chewy – Large inventory of Zignature with autoship discounts available.
- Amazon – Prime eligible Zignature formulas with subscribe and save discounts.
- Local pet specialty stores – Many independent pet stores carry the Zignature line.
The average cost for a 4 lb bag of Zignature dry dog food ranges from $13-$17 which is comparable to brands like Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness. Their canned wet foods come in 13 oz cans and cost about $2-$3 per can on average. Buying in bulk or larger bag sizes can help lower the per pound price. Overall, Zignature provides quality limited ingredient nutrition at a competitive price point.
Feeding Guidelines
When switching your dog to Zignature, it’s important to follow the feeding guidelines carefully. The amount you should feed depends on your dog’s weight, life stage, and activity level.
For adult dogs, Zignature recommends feeding approximately:
- 1-1 1/4 cups per day for dogs weighing 1-15 lbs
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups per day for dogs weighing 16-30 lbs
- 2 1/4 – 3 cups per day for dogs weighing 31-60 lbs
- 3 1/4 – 4 1/4 cups per day for dogs weighing 61-90 lbs
- 4 1/4 – 5 1/4 cups per day for dogs weighing 90+ lbs
Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs may need up to twice as much per day. Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust amounts accordingly to maintain optimal weight.
When changing foods, transition gradually over 5-7 days, slowly increasing the amount of Zignature while decreasing the old food. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt to the new protein sources and fiber levels.
Always provide fresh, clean drinking water alongside Zignature dog food. Adjust feeding amounts based on activity and other factors as needed to maintain your dog’s health.
Transitioning to Zignature
When switching your dog from another food to Zignature, it’s important to transition slowly to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust to the new protein sources and ingredients. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
Switching from another food
If your dog is currently eating a chicken-based or grain-inclusive food, switching directly to Zignature could upset their stomach. Start by mixing a small amount of Zignature (25%) with their current food and gradually increase the ratio over 5-7 days until they’re eating 100% Zignature.
Transition timeline
Follow this general guideline for transitioning to Zignature:
- Days 1-2: 75% previous food, 25% Zignature
- Days 3-4: 50% previous food, 50% Zignature
- Days 5-6: 25% previous food, 75% Zignature
- Day 7: 100% Zignature
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can extend this transition period to 10-14 days. Monitor their stool and energy levels closely. Loose stool or gastrointestinal upset may indicate the transition is too fast. Slow down and take a few extra days if needed.
With a gradual switch, your dog should transition smoothly to their new Zignature diet. Reach out to your vet if any concerning symptoms arise.
Customer Reviews
Zignature’s chicken free formulas have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from dog owners who have tried them. Many report noticeable improvements in their dogs’ skin and coat health, digestive issues, and allergy symptoms after switching to Zignature.
Dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities tend to thrive on Zignature according to owners, with many seeing reduced itching, ear infections, hot spots, and skin conditions. The limited ingredient formulas make it easy to identify triggers. Owners of dogs with itchy skin and recurrent ear infections find the chicken free recipes stop the scratching and head shaking.
For dogs with digestive troubles like soft stools, gas, and vomiting, customers find the easy-to-digest recipes provide relief. Several owners say Zignature was the first food their sensitive dog could tolerate long-term without gastrointestinal upset. Many vets recommend Zignature to owners of dogs with food allergies and digestive issues.
Some dogs are naturally picky, but chicken free Zignature converts even finicky eaters according to owners. The palatability and taste get rave reviews, with many dogs gobbling up Zignature when they rejected other brands. Owners say it has a natural, fresh smell and meaty taste dogs love.
While Zignature costs more than grocery store brands, owners feel it’s worthwhile to pay extra for the recipes carefully designed for food sensitivities. Customers say the food is affordable compared to prescription dog foods. Many notice their dogs eat less Zignature than other brands too, making the cost per serving reasonable.
In reviews, owners describe the chicken free Zignature formulas as a “miracle food”, a “life-saver”, and “worth every penny.” Dogs thrive on the recipes and owners have peace of mind knowing they are avoiding ingredients that caused problems in the past. Overall, Zignature earns top marks from owners of dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zignature’s chicken free dog food offers a novel protein solution for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. By eliminating chicken and other common proteins, Zignature allows dogs to thrive on alternative proteins like kangaroo, duck, salmon, venison and lamb. These proteins provide excellent nutrition as the sole source in Zignature’s limited ingredient formulas. Zignature avoids filler ingredients and uses digestible carbohydrates like chickpeas, peas and tapioca. With high quality ingredients and strict quality control, Zignature delivers tasty and nutritious chicken free recipes dogs love. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive for Zignature’s ability to relieve skin conditions and digestive issues. For owners seeking chicken free nutrition, Zignature is a premium option to consider. Their recipes offer complete and balanced nutrition without chicken ingredients.