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Original Small Bites Trout & Salmon Formula Dry Dog Food
Zignature

Original Small Bites Trout & Salmon Formula Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 16, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages Small

This is a limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food for dogs that uses trout and salmon meal as its main protein sources. It offers a relatively high protein level with moderate fat, and includes chickpeas and peas for carbohydrates plus added probiotics for digestive support. The high omega-3 content from fish and added salmon oil may be helpful for dogs needing support for skin, coat, or general wellness, and the small kibble size is tailored for smaller dogs though the formula is complete for all life stages including large-breed puppies.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a high-protein, fish-based formula that should suit many dogs who do well on grain-free diets and need a smaller kibble size. It provides all-life-stage nutrition, including for large-breed puppies, with added taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics. The main nutritional caveat is that it relies heavily on legumes (chickpeas and peas), which some owners of breeds at risk for heart disease may want to discuss with their veterinarian given current DCM research around legume-heavy, grain-free diets.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Probiotic Support Digestive Health Skin Coat Health Joint Care Sensitive Stomach
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
All Life Stages Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • High protein (31%) from named fish sources (trout and salmon meal), providing good quality amino acids.
  • Very strong omega-3 level (fish and salmon oil, plus 2.9% omega-3 guaranteed), which can support skin and coat health.
  • Includes probiotics, taurine, and L-carnitine, which are thoughtful additions for digestion and overall cardiac and metabolic support.
  • AAFCO-complete for all life stages, including large-breed growth, so it can be fed to puppies and adults if the calorie needs are matched appropriately.

Considerations

  • Grain-free and uses chickpeas and peas as major carbohydrate sources; legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been associated with diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs, so this is worth discussing with your vet, especially for at-risk breeds.
  • Fish is a common food allergen for some dogs, so this would not be appropriate if your dog has documented fish allergies.
  • At 395 kcal per cup, it is relatively calorie-dense, so small dogs in particular may need careful portion control to avoid weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Trout, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Salt, 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), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum Fermentation Product.

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
Trout
Trout is used in pet foods as a high-quality animal protein and palatable fish ingredient that supplies essential amino acids, omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), B vitamins and minerals to support skin, coat, immune and joint health in dogs and cats. It can serve as a novel protein for sensitive pets, but owners should ensure trout is responsibly sourced and properly cooked or processed to eliminate parasites and reduce contaminant risk, watch for fish allergies in some animals, and avoid feeding whole bones to prevent choking or gastrointestinal injury.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source to increase energy density, palatability and supply linoleic acid (an essential omega‑6) that helps maintain healthy skin and coat. It is beneficial for dogs and cats but is high in omega‑6 and low in omega‑3—so formulas should balance fatty acids to avoid an inflammatory imbalance; it is calorie‑dense (important for weight control and pancreatitis-prone animals) and may require antioxidants or high‑oleic formulations for better shelf stability.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
31.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
14.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3600
kcal / Kg
395
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size Small
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Zignature(R) Small Bites Trout & Salmon Meal Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).

Brand

Zignature

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 Zignature
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Pets Global, Inc.
Founded 2010
Headquarters Valencia, California, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Minnesota; South Dakota
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Zignature Original Small Bites Trout & Salmon Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Original Small Bites Trout & Salmon Formula Dry Dog Food
Zignature · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.