Whitefish Formula Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a canned pâté for dogs using ocean whitefish as the main protein source, with peas and chickpeas as additional plant-based ingredients. It provides moderate protein and fat for an all–life stage diet, including large-breed puppies, and has a high moisture content that helps support daily hydration. The recipe is fish-based, which may be useful for some dogs who don’t do well on more common meat proteins like chicken or beef.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, higher-calorie wet food centered around fish protein and legume carbohydrates, suitable for puppies, adults, and even large-breed growing dogs. It’s a good option for dogs who do well on fish-based diets or need more moisture in their food. Because legumes are prominent ingredients, I’d be cautious about using it as the only long-term diet in breeds where heart disease is a concern, and I’d prefer to rotate with other formulas that use more traditional grains or different carb sources.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Ocean whitefish as the first ingredient provides a clear, animal-based protein source.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is a stricter standard.
- Calorie-dense for a wet food, which can help dogs who need more energy in smaller portions.
- Includes added taurine and L-carnitine, which support heart and overall metabolic health.
Considerations
- Peas and chickpeas are high in the ingredient list; legume-heavy diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
- Fish can be a common allergen, so this is not ideal for dogs with known fish allergies.
- As a high-calorie wet food, portions need to be measured carefully to avoid unwanted weight gain.
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
Ocean White Fish
Ocean white fish is a lean, highly digestible animal protein commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide essential amino acids, improve palatability, and contribute some omega‑3 fatty acids and B vitamins. It can be a good low‑fat option for weight- or renal‑management diets, but may be an allergen for some pets and can carry environmental contaminants (e.g., mercury) depending on species and sourcing, so quality and source transparency are important.
02
Fish Broth
Fish broth is used in pet food primarily as a flavor and moisture enhancer, providing modest amounts of fish-derived protein, amino acids, minerals and sometimes trace omega‑3s but not serving as a primary source of complete nutrition. It can improve hydration and entice picky, senior, or ill dogs and cats to eat, but caregivers should watch for high sodium, added seasonings (especially onion or garlic), potential fish allergies, and variable quality depending on processing.
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
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.
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.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 Whitefish Formula Wet 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.