Kangaroo Formula

A Full review of Kangaroo Formula by Zignature

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependant on their unique circumstances. However, a high proportion of protein and fat combined with a lower proportion of carbohydrates is most appropriate nutrition profile for the vast majority of dogs. Dog’s are very capable of consuming a high proportion of carbohydrates, but a diet high in protein and fat is more appropriate and a better reflection of their natural ancestral diet.

Carbohydrate Content Analysis

Dogs use carbohydrates as a simple energy source. Dogs do not require significant carbohydrates in their diet, and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life. As the chart above displays, a maximum of 42% of Zignature Kangaroo Formula calories are derived from carbohydrates.  Please note that this is the maximum amount of carbohydrates as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of carbohydrates is likely to be a lot lower. This is average for a Dry Dog Food.

The vast majority of this carbohydrate content appears to be from the vegetable content of this dog food. Vegetables such as Peas and Chickpeas are considered high-quality sources of carbohydrates. These will be discussed in more detail later on. This is considerably above what we would consider the ideal proportion of carbohydrates. Despite being from a reasonably high-quality source and this percentage is an overestimate this proportion is far too high and poorly mimics a dog’s natural diet.

Protein Content Analysis

Dogs use Protein for growth, development, and maintenance. Excess protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 26% of Zignature Kangaroo Formula calories are derived from protein. Please note that this is the minimum amount of protein as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of protein is likely to be higher. This is above average for a Dry Dog Food.

This is a satisfactory level of protein and should be sufficient for the majority of dogs but may not be adequate for those who are overly active. It appears to be sourced from the Kangaroo ingredients. Meat such as Kangaroo is considered a high-quality source of protein and provides the full range of needed amino acids. Unfortunately, a minority of this protein level is from the vegetable content such as Pea Protein. Plant-based proteins are not as beneficial as animal-based protein.

Fat Content Analysis

Dogs use fat as a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 32% of Zignature Kangaroo Formula calories are derived from fat. Please note that this is the minimum amount of fat as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of fat is likely to be a lot higher. This is above average for a Dry Dog Food.

The fat present in this dog food appears to be sourced from the Kangaroo ingredients which are a high-quality source. Kangaroo meat is lower in fat than other similar meats. This estimate of the fat content is sufficient to fulfill the energy needs of most dogs but may not be adequate for those who are more active. Sadly, the level of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids in this formula is not impressive.

Calorie Density

Overall Zignature Kangaroo Formula contains an average of 413 Calories/Cup.

Disclaimer

Once again please note that the values in this section are calculated using the products guaranteed analysis. The guaranteed analysis only lists the minimum and maximum values, and as a consequence, these can sometimes be an inaccurate representation. As a rule of thumb, most dog foods will contain slightly more protein and considerably more fat than their guaranteed analysis. This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the relative amount of carbohydrates present. However also note that every dog food is different and some will be considerably closer to the guaranteed analysis than others.

Guaranteed Analysis – Zignature – Kangaroo Formula

Pet foods in the United States are legally required by the AAFCO to have a guaranteed analysis on their packaging. A guaranteed analysis must display certain nutritional information. This is similar to how nutritional values are now commonly displayed on food for human consumption. The information that must be displayed includes Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Crude Fiber, and Moisture. Some guaranteed analysis will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 26.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 14.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 4.50%
• Moisture (Max) – 10.00%

• Calcium (Min) – 1.2%
• Phosphorus (Min) – 1.0%
• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 3.0%
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 0.6%

Ingredient Analysis

The ingredients of pet food are disclosed on the packaging of the product as a list in descending order. Therefore the ingredients at the start of the list make up the bulk of the pet foods content. As a consequence, the quality of these primary ingredients is the most significant factor in determining the quality of pet food.

However, ingredients listed further down the ingredient list should not be ignored, especially if they could have adverse or harmful effects on a pet.

High-Quality Ingredients

• Kangaroo
• Kangaroo Meal
• Peas
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Flaxseed

Low-Quality Ingredients

• Pea Flour
• Pea Protein

Dangerous / Harmful Ingredients

• N/A

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat and fish ingredients of dog food are without a doubt the most important. They are critical as they provide the majority of the protein and fat that dogs desperately need. Also, these ingredients would have made up the bulk of dogs ancestors diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formulas meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Zignature Kangaroo Formula contains two sources of Kangaroo.

The primary meat source present is Kangaroo. Kangaroo is considered a high-quality source of protein.  Kangaroo meat is often praised for being very low in fat, particularly saturated fat. Also, it contains high levels of Iron and Vitamin B12. Unfortunately, just like other meats, Kangaroo meat includes a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Kangaroo. However given that Kangaroo is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

The secondary meat source present is Kangaroo Meal. Kangaroo Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meat Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much more abundant in protein and other nutrients. Kangaroo Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Kangaroo but in higher concentrations. This includes Vitamin B12 and high levels of Iron.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Zignature Kangaroo Formula contains Peas, Lentils and Garbanzo Beans (also known as chickpeas). These are members of the legume family of vegetables. Legumes are famous for having a relatively high amount of protein for a vegetable. Legumes also contain a high amount of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Pet foods often use legumes as a replacement for grains in grain-free pet food. Protein from vegetables such as legumes should not be a replacement for protein from meat. Instead, it should act as an additional protein source.

Pea Flour is a by-product of Peas. Pea Flour is considered a low-quality ingredient. Pea Flour is similar to Pea Protein but also contains a considerable proportion of carbohydrates. Pea Flour is often used as a cheap filler and the carbohydrates and plant-based protein it provides are inferior to the nutrition other whole ingredients can provide. Pea Flour is an ingredient commonly used in a technique called Ingredient Splitting.

Sunflower Oil is one of a number of oils commonly added to pet food. Sunflower Oil contains high amounts of Omega 6 Fatty Acids. However, it does not provide any of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are often considered the more beneficial of the two. For that reason, Sunflower Oil is considered by many to be a less desirable addition than other oils such as Salmon and Canola Oil.

Flaxseed is a beneficial ingredient that is commonplace in higher quality dog food. Flaxseed contains high levels of the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids which provide a range of health benefits such as healthier skin and fur and improved cognitive function. Also, Flaxseed contains high levels of protein for a plant-based ingredient. Finally, Flaxseed provides Lignans which can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol.

Pea Protein is a by-product of Peas. Pea Protein is considered a low-quality ingredient. It is often used as a cheap way to increase the overall level of protein in a dog food without including additional meat or fish content. While the protein in Pea Protein is not harmful, plant-based proteins such as this are considered inferior to meat and fish-based proteins as they do not contain the full range of needed amino acids. Pea Protein is one of the most common ingredients used in a technique called Ingredient Splitting.

Salt, when added in moderation, is considered a beneficial ingredient. It enhances flavor, helps preserve the food and is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and other bodily functions. However, some dogs, particularly those with cardiovascular problems may need to limit their consumption of Salt to avoid aggravating their health problems.

Alfalfa is a flowering plant that is closely related to Peas and other legumes. Alfalfa has a long history of use in livestock feed and as a supplement for humans. It has a similar proportion of protein to other legumes which means it can contribute to a minor sum if there is a sufficient quantity used. Alfalfa’s greatest strength is the vast range of vitamins and minerals it provides including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Potassium, and Calcium. Find out more about Alfalfa in our article Alfalfa In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Zignature – Kangaroo Formula

Kangaroo, Kangaroo Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Flour, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Citric Acid), Flaxseed, Red Lentils, Green Lentils, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Pea Protein, Natural Flavors, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Selenium Yeast), Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin A, Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Lactic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols

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