Original Small Bites Kangaroo Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, all-life-stages dry dog food featuring kangaroo and kangaroo meal as the main animal protein sources in a small-kibble format for smaller dogs. Peas, chickpeas, lentils, and pea flour supply most of the carbohydrates and additional protein, while sunflower oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Added taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics support a balanced nutrient profile and digestive health for dogs that may need a novel protein diet.
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced, novel-protein dry food that can work for many dogs, including large-breed puppies, who need a limited-ingredient option. Kangaroo provides the main animal protein, while the fat level is moderate and omega-3 and omega-6 levels are relatively robust. The heavy reliance on peas, pea fractions, chickpeas, and lentils does raise some caution, especially in light of current concerns about legume-rich, grain-free diets and heart health.
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
- Kangaroo and kangaroo meal provide a single, novel animal protein that can be useful for some food-sensitive dogs.
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth, which many foods do not cover.
- Includes added taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics, which can support heart and digestive health in a general sense.
- Relatively high omega-3 and omega-6 levels from flaxseed and sunflower oil help support skin and coat health.
Considerations
- Peas, pea flour, chickpeas, lentils, and pea protein are major ingredients, making this a legume-heavy, grain-free diet linked in some studies to heart disease concerns in dogs.
- Dogs with known sensitivities to legumes may not do well on this formula given the multiple legume sources.
- As a limited-ingredient, kangaroo-only protein diet, it may not be ideal as a long-term sole food for very active or working dogs needing higher protein and fat.
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
Kangaroo
Kangaroo is used in pet foods primarily as a novel, lean red-meat protein source for dogs and cats, offering high-quality amino acids with relatively low fat. It can be a useful alternative for animals with common protein sensitivities and provides minerals such as iron and zinc, but owners should ensure the product is part of a complete, balanced diet (including adequate taurine for cats), introduce it gradually, and consider cost and sourcing when selecting formulations.
02
Kangaroo
Kangaroo is used in pet foods primarily as a novel, lean red-meat protein source for dogs and cats, offering high-quality amino acids with relatively low fat. It can be a useful alternative for animals with common protein sensitivities and provides minerals such as iron and zinc, but owners should ensure the product is part of a complete, balanced diet (including adequate taurine for cats), introduce it gradually, and consider cost and sourcing when selecting formulations.
03
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
04
Pea Flour
Pea flour is a finely milled powder from whole peas used in pet foods as a plant-based source of protein, starch and fiber to add bulk, improve texture and boost overall protein content. It provides digestible protein, fiber and some micronutrients, but plant proteins are lower in certain essential amino acids (important for cats in particular) and high inclusion of legumes can create formulation imbalances, so manufacturers typically supplement limiting amino acids and process pea flour to reduce anti-nutritional factors; pet owners should note rare allergies and rely on complete, balanced diets rather than single-ingredient comparisons.
05
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
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 Original Small Bites Kangaroo Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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