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Original Whitefish Formula Dry Dog Food
Zignature

Original Whitefish Formula Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 8, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

A fish-based dry food for dogs of all ages, using whitefish and whitefish meal as the main protein sources. It relies on peas and chickpeas for carbohydrates and includes added omega fatty acids, taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics. The formula is designed to be suitable even for large-breed puppies and may appeal to dogs that do better on fish than on poultry or beef.

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

Nutritionally, this is a solid, mid- to high-protein grain-free kibble centered around whitefish, with added taurine and L-carnitine and a nice balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. It is AAFCO-formulated for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is important if you have a large-breed puppy. However, peas and chickpeas are high in the ingredient list, so for dogs of breeds already at risk for heart disease, I’d be cautious and discuss this choice with your veterinarian.

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
Skin Coat Health Joint Care Cognitive Health Probiotic Support Digestive Health Sensitive Stomach
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Whitefish and whitefish meal provide animal protein with a minimum of 28.5% protein, which suits most healthy dogs well.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, so it covers growth and adult needs.
  • Omega-3 and omega-6 levels are both listed at 2.6%, which can help support skin, coat, and overall inflammation balance.
  • Includes added taurine, L-carnitine, and multiple probiotic strains, which can support heart and digestive health in many dogs.

Considerations

  • Peas and chickpeas are high in the ingredient list, and legume-heavy grain-free diets have been linked to some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
  • This recipe is grain-free, which is not necessary for most dogs and may not be ideal if you are trying to avoid legume-based diets.
  • Fish is a common allergen for some dogs, so it may not suit dogs that react to fish-based formulas.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Whitefish, Whitefish Meal, Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, 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), Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, 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
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
02
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
28.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
13.00%
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 All Breed Sizes
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) Whitefish Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including for 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 Whitefish Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.6 /10 Grade B
Original Whitefish 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.