limited ingredient – Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog

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In this episode of The Woof Meow Show on June 17^th, 2017, Kate and Don chat with Karen Shanahan and Matt Munzer from Pets Global, the company that developed Zignature dog food. Zignature is a line of limited ingredient, low glycemic foods ideal for dogs suffering from food allergies and tolerances or those that are overweight.

Topics covered include:

The origins of Zignature dog food.
Limited ingredient diets and why they are essential for many dogs that are allergic or intolerant to certain food ingredients, like chicken.
The premise behind Zignature – foods free of chicken, as well as grains and potato. These ingredients can cause allergies, yeast infections, and weight problems in many dogs.
Why meat is the first two ingredients in all Zignature foods which provide more protein and increased palatability.
Ingredients and Zignature’s commitment to sourcing what goes in their food from its most natural source. The non-meat ingredients used by Zignature vary from formula to formula. These ingredients include peas, chickpeas, sunflower oil, flaxseed, alfalfa meal, blueberries, carrots, and cranberries. We discuss how these ingredients are processed to ensure optimal bioavailability.
Why Zignature uses no chicken at all. Chicken is not used as a protein source nor as a source of fat. Chicken is not inherently a bad ingredient but is has been used extensively in pet food for decades and hence, some dogs have grown intolerant to it. Also, Zignature believes in truth in advertising. There are other pet foods that might be labeled as being “duck” or “venison, ” but they also include chicken.
Why Zignature is free of potatoes, tapioca, and grains. These ingredients often contribute to yeast (Candida) outbreaks in dogs, which can cause ear and skin issues.
Why sourcing of ingredients is important to Zignature. The quality of the ingredients determines the quality of the food. Some ingredients used in Zignature come from outside the USA because the USA is not always the best source for high-quality For a list of the benefits of the ingredients used in Zignature dog food, go to – http://zignature.com/?page_id=624&lang=en
Why Zignature does extensive testing on ingredients both before they are used and after the manufacture of the Zignature product. Testing is completed internally and by an outside independent laboratory before any product is shipped. They test to make sure the food contains the ingredients that it is supposed to contain, in the proper amounts, and that the food is not adulterated with any unacceptable ingredients.
Where Zignature’s dry formula food is manufactured. Zignature has contracted with Tuffy’s, the company behind NutriSource, PureVita and Natural Planet to manufacture their dry dog food. Tuffy’s is a family owned company in Minnesota that Green Acres knows and trusts.
Where Zignature’s canned formulas are manufactured. Zignature’s canned products are mad by Performance Pet, a certified organic facility located in South Dakota.
The importance of the Glycemic Index when selecting pet food ingredients. All food items consumed are broken down in the body. Carbohydrates are converted into fats and sugars. Foods higher on the glycemic index contain more sugar. Too many dogs are obese, and the incidence of diabetes in dogs is on the rise. Zignature selects ingredients that are lower on the Glycemic index, like peas and chickpeas. This helps combat obesity, diabetes, as well as the overproduction of yeast (Candida) which is responsible for ear and skin conditions and itchiness. Ingredients (white potato, brown rice, tapioca) used by many other companies are much higher on the glycemic index. This allows Zignature to be certified as a low glycemic dog food, which makes it an excellent choice for dogs that are overweight or diabetic.
Zignature’s novel approach to fiber content. Zignature products have higher amounts of fiber than many other dog foods, approximately 4.5 % to 6.5% fiber, on average, as compared to 4% in other foods. Zignature uses higher quality sources of fiber (alfalfa meal and flaxseed), as opposed to some food companies that use powdered cellulose (sawdust) or peanut hulls. The fiber in Zignature is beneficial for anal glands and acts like a fishermen’s net, clearing the colon of non-digested material, which keeps it out of the blood stream.
Zignature’s many adult formulas; Catfish, Duck, Kangaroo, Lamb, Pork, Salmon, Trout & Salmon, Whitefish, and Venison and how they make it easy for you to rotate your dog’s

FMI – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2012/05/04/nutrition-why-rotating-diets-makes-sense/

The benefits of Kangaroo as a protein source.
Zignature’s canned foods and why they are gum-free. Zignature uses no carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, or locust bean gum in their canned foods. These food additives, often used in canned pet food, can contribute to inflammation and irritable bowel disease.

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Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog (http://www.words-woofs-meows.com)

Pet Nutrition – Zignature Limited Ingredient Dog Food – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/06/19/pet-nutrition-zignature-limited-ingredient-dog-food/

Pet Nutrition – What Should I Feed My Pet? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/06/04/pet-nutrition-what-should-i-feed-my-pet/

Pet Nutrition: Some Myths and Facts – Part 1 – My story with Gus – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/04/03/pet-nutrition-some-myths-and-facts-part-1-my-story-with-gus/

Pet Nutrition: Some Myths and Facts – Part 2 – In the Spring 2017 issue of Maine DOG Magazine, Coming here soon! –

Pet Nutrition: Some Myths and Facts – Part 3 – Look for this article in the Summer 2017 issue of Maine DOG Magazine, Coming here soon! –

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show (http://www.woofmeowshow.com)

Podcast – Pet Nutrition with Dr. Richard Patton – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/04/03/podcast-pet-nutrition-with-dr-richard-patton/

Podcast – Pet Fooled – A Look Inside A Questionable Industry with Kohl Harrington – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/05/06/podcast-pet-fooled-a-look-inside-a-questionable-industry-with-kohl-harrington/

Green Acres Kennel Shop is pleased to offer Zignature Dog Foods; nutrition formulated with limited ingredients.

< Updated 3JUL17 >

You might want to consider Zignature if:

Your dog has allergy issues like skin sensitivity, itchiness, and stinky ears
Your dog is overweight
Your dog is diabetic
Your dog has the scoots and needs more fiber
You want to be able to be able to easily rotate your dog’s diet among various protein’s
You want a dog food with a frequent buyer program
You want to feed your dog both dry and canned food
You are currently feeding; California Natural, Canidae Pure, Natural Balance, or Merrick Limited Ingredient dog food

Allergy Issues – What Makes Zignature Different

Food allergies or intolerances are a serious problem with some dogs and are usually triggered by the protein source. Zignature does not use chicken in any form (chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, or eggs), in any of its diets because consumers are concerned that dogs are becoming allergic to chicken due to the overuse of chicken in dog foods. It is a fact that chicken has been the predominant protein and fat source used in dog foods for many years. Another reason Zignature refuses to use chicken is the reality that most of the chicken that ends up in dog food comes from large commercial farms where the chickens are raised using significant amounts of antibiotics and hormones. By avoiding the use of chicken, Zignature is protecting your dog from overexposure to antibiotics and hormones.

Dogs with allergy or food intolerance issues need a limited ingredient diet, in fact, the fewer ingredients in their food, the better it is for them. With Zignature, the first two ingredients are ALWAYS protein: animal protein from a single source backed by the same protein in the form of a meal. Zignature offers a wide variety of protein sources; Catfish, Duck, Kangaroo, Lamb, Pork, Salmon, Trout, Turkey, Venison, and Whitefish.

Weight Management – What Makes Zignature Different

Like humans, dogs have a weight problem. Approximately 50% of all dogs are overweight, and about 1 out of 500 dogs are affected with Diabetes.

Zignature is one of the only grain free dog foods that does not use high caloric carbohydrates with a high glycemic index in their foods. You will not find potato, tapioca, corn, or wheat in any Zignature formula. Instead, Zignature uses low glycemic legumes such as whole Chickpeas which promote stable blood sugar and provide valuable dietary fiber. This means that Zignature diets have a low glycemic index, making them an ideal choice for dogs that are overweight or that have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Zignature formulas are one of the few dog foods that have been certified by the Glycemic Research Institute as being a “Certified Low Glycemic Canine Food.” The Glycemic Rating for several Zignature formulas is noted below.

Formula	Glycemic Rating
Zignature Turkey	9.8
Zignature Lamb	10.4
Zignature Trout	10.6
Zignature Kangaroo	11.9
Zignature Duck	12.0
Zignature Whitefish	12.1
Zignature Zssential	12.5

Zignature uses Garden Peas and Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans as Low Glycemic binders in their dry food formulas. The advantages of those ingredients are noted below.

Garden Peas (15 on the Glycemic Index)

Peas are a great source of Vitamins B, C, and A, fiber, and vitamin K. Peas are one of the few plants that can use nitrogen from the air which helps to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers used by farmers.

Chickpea or Garbanzo Beans (33 on the Glycemic Index)

Chickpeas are a grain-free, gluten-free starch source. This nutritious ingredient is made from a leguminous plant – Garbanzos – Chickpeas contain vitamin C, A, E, D and K, riboflavin, niacin. pantothenic acid and B vitamins.

Itchiness – What Makes Zignature Different

Many dogs do not itch because of allergies but because of yeast infections. Symptoms of excess yeast can include; ear infections, skin infections, paw irritability, and odor. A contributing factor to Candida yeast infections is the high carbohydrate content of dry dog foods. Potato, Tapioca, and Gluten are all high in sugar, a food source for the yeast infecting your dog. Zignature uses carbohydrates like Garden Peas and Chickpeas which have a low glycemic index, which means they contain less sugar to feed the yeast.

Protein Sources and Levels – What Makes Zignature Different

Your dog is a carnivore, and that means they need and benefit from high-quality protein in their diet. Zignature has a higher percentage of meat protein than many other dog foods.

Formula	Percent Protein
Catfish	32%
Duck	27%
Kangaroo	26%
Lamb	28%
Pork	31%
Salmon	29%
Trout	30%
Turkey	31%
Venison	27%
Whitefish	29%
Zssential	32%

Ingredients – What Makes Zignature Different

Zignature is one of the only grain free dog foods without potato, tapioca, chicken, chicken fat, or eggs.
The first two ingredients in every Zignature formula are ALWAYS protein: animal protein backed by the same protein source as a meal
All dry kibbles need to use non-protein and fat sources to bind their food. Zignature uses peas, chickpeas, alfalfa mean, blueberries, carrots, cranberries and flax seed to bind their kibble.
Antioxidant-rich fruits & vegetables:
- Cranberries: Powerful antioxidants, natural acidic properties that may support urinary tract health.
- Blueberries: “Super foods for Dogs” Dogs with blueberries in their diet have been known to have lower fat cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Carrots: A great source of necessary vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids to help support immune and digestive health. May also support proper skin and eye health.
Flax Seed: Contains higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) than fish oil, and contains omega-6 fatty acids. Flax seed oil has been used for years to maintain a healthy skin and coat in pets.
Alfalfa: One of the richest mineral foods on earth, promotes proper digestion and fresh breath.
Sunflower oil: This oil is exceptionally high in Linolenic an omega-3 fatty acid and helps dry skin and promotes a healthy coat.

Fiber and the “scoots” – What Makes Zignature Different

Zignature is higher in fiber, 4.5% to 6.5%, depending on the formula, than most dog foods. The increased level of fiber makes for healthier anal glands, and more importantly, a higher fiber percentage helps to clean out the colon, reduce toxins and helps keep our dogs regular. Zignature uses higher quality sources of fiber (alfalfa meal and flaxseed), as opposed to some food companies that use powdered cellulose (sawdust) or peanut hulls.

Physiologically Tuned™ Diet – What Makes Zignature Different

Zignature describes their food as being Physiologically Tuned™. What that means is this; meat or fish is always the first ingredient, and they do not use troublesome staples such as Chicken, Corn, Wheat, Soy, and Potatoes. “The result is optimal hypo-allergenic, low glycemic nutrition. We build on this natural foundation by adding vital supplements such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids and a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals for holistic pet food that goes beyond nature to become your pet’s signature food for life.”

Dietary Rotation – What Makes Zignature Different

Green Acres has been discussing the benefits of rotating your dog’s food for many years. Quite simply, if you have a healthy dog and change protein sources on a regular basis, your dog is less likely to become sensitized to a protein and develop a food intolerance. Zignature makes dietary rotation easy with their vast selection of protein sources; Catfish, Duck, Kangaroo, Lamb, Pork, Salmon, Trout, Turkey, Venison, and Whitefish.

Canned Food – What Makes Zignature Different

If you wish to feed your dog canned food or canned food plus dry food, Zignature has a matching canned formula. Zignature canned foods never use any gums (Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum) in their canned formulas. These gums can contribute to inflammation and irritable bowel disease.

Frequent Buyer Program – What Makes Zignature Different

Green Acres Kennel Shop is pleased to offer a frequent buyer program for Zignature. We keep track of your purchases in the store, and when you have purchased twelve bags of Zignature, you will qualify for a free bag.

What Users of Zignature are saying on Facebook

John Steph Real

LOVE your food! These are photos of Myles’ transformation on your diet. Now my other five dogs are on your food and I am seeing results as well! Look at it in a large format,you can see the reduction of staining in 4 months!