Freeze Dried Zssential Entrée Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
A very high-protein, high-fat freeze-dried dog food made from a blend of turkey, lamb, salmon, duck, and turkey hearts as the primary ingredients. Pumpkin and kale add some fiber and micronutrients, while added taurine, omega fatty acids, and L-carnitine help round out the nutrient profile. It’s formulated as a complete meal for dogs of all ages, including large-breed puppies, and can also be used as a topper for extra flavor and calories.
This is a calorie-dense, meat-heavy freeze-dried diet that provides excellent protein and fat levels for active dogs and growing puppies, including large breeds. The ingredient list is straightforward, with multiple animal protein sources, organ meat, and some simple plant ingredients for fiber and balance. Because it is very rich (both protein and fat) and quite high in calories per cup, it’s best suited to dogs that tolerate higher-fat diets and for owners who can carefully measure portions and properly rehydrate the food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple high-quality animal proteins (turkey, lamb, salmon, duck, turkey hearts) make up the vast majority of the formula and support a strong amino acid profile.
- High protein (38%) and fat (33%) with low moisture typical of freeze-dried foods, providing energy-dense nutrition for active dogs and growth.
- Contains pumpkin and kale for added fiber and phytonutrients, plus added taurine, L-carnitine, and defined omega-3 and omega-6 levels for overall nutritional balance.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large-breed dogs, giving it broad suitability when fed as directed.
Considerations
- Very high in fat and calories (about 280 kcal per cup), which can be too rich for some dogs, especially those prone to pancreatitis or who need strict weight control.
- Uses multiple animal proteins (turkey, lamb, salmon, duck), so it’s not appropriate as a limited-ingredient option and may not suit dogs with known poultry or fish allergies.
- As with all freeze-dried diets, it needs to be properly rehydrated to ensure adequate water intake and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
02
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
03
Turkey Heart
Turkey heart is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality protein and palatability ingredient that also provides essential amino acids (including taurine), B vitamins, iron, zinc and other trace minerals. It can be especially beneficial for cats because of its taurine content and for dogs as a nutrient-dense protein source, but should be included in balanced amounts (not as the sole diet component) and handled/processed properly to avoid pathogens or intolerance in sensitive pets.
04
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
05
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Zignature is known for its limited-ingredient, hypoallergenic recipes tailored for dogs with food sensitivities. The brand emphasizes novel proteins and grain-free nutrition.
Visit ZignatureManufacturer
Pets Global partners with trusted U.S.-based manufacturers for its products, maintaining oversight of ingredient sourcing and recipe formulation to ensure food safety and nutritional quality standards. Its products are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and follow U.S. FDA manufacturing guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Zignature Freeze Dried Zssential Entrée Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Zignature ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Zignature. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook