Zignature Zssential Entree Freeze-Dried Dog Food

95% Five-Protein Blend of Turkey, Lamb, Salmon, Duck, and Turkey Hearts

Product Description

Zignature Freeze-Dried Zssential Entrée is the only multi-protein recipe in the Zignature freeze-dried range, combining turkey, lamb, salmon, duck, and turkey hearts to deliver a diverse amino acid and nutrient profile in a single food. Made with 95% premium meat and fish ingredients and gently freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor, the recipe is grain-free, legume-free, and potato-free with no corn, wheat, soy, or dairy. Serve dry, rehydrated, or as a nutritious topper. Formulated for all life stages, including growth of large breed dogs.

Benefits 

• Five Proteins in One Recipe: Turkey, lamb, salmon, duck, and turkey hearts each bring different amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids, giving dogs a wider nutritional variety than any single-protein recipe covers.
• Salmon for Omega-3 EPA and DHA: Salmon brings EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids into the recipe, supporting skin and coat health, reducing inflammation, and aiding cognitive and joint function.
• Broadest Amino Acid Coverage in the Range: Combining five proteins with different nutritional profiles covers more essential amino acids across a single meal than any single-protein entrée in the range.
• Best Entry Point for Freeze-Dried: A diverse flavor profile from five proteins makes this an accessible starting point for dogs new to freeze-dried feeding, with a palatability level most dogs respond to immediately.
• Pumpkin, Kale, and Fenugreek for Digestion: All three support gut function, pumpkin and fenugreek provide fiber and aid nutrient absorption, and kale brings antioxidants and natural micronutrients.

Variants

Available in three sizes:

• 4 oz
• 5 oz
• 25 oz

Ingredients

Turkey, lamb, Turkey Hearts, salmon, duck, dried pumpkin, natural flavor, dried kale, potassium chloride, fenugreek seed, vitamins (niacinamide, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin), choline chloride, salt, mixed tocopherols (preservative), minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), taurine, L-carnitine, and rosemary extract.

Caloric Content

Metabolizable Energy (calculated) 4,662 kcal per kg, 280 kcal per cup

*Standard 8 oz cup

Guaranteed Analysis

How to Use 

Recommended-Dosage Chart

Disclaimer: Product information and usage guidelines are provided by the manufacturer. Always use products as directed on the label and consult your veterinarian before use if you have any concerns regarding your pet’s health.

Directions for Use   

• Serve dry as a complete meal or treat: Measure the correct amount for your dog's weight and serve straight from the bag, or break pieces apart as a high-value treat or training reward.
• Rehydrate for a wet food texture: Add ½ cup of cool or warm water per 1 cup of freeze-dried food, then let sit for about 5 minutes until softened before serving.
• Don't switch cold turkey: Mix in a little of this alongside whatever your dog is currently eating, then shift the ratio over 6 to 10 days until fully transitioned.
• Discard rehydrated food after 2 hours: Once water has been added, anything not eaten within 2 hours goes in the bin. Don't refrigerate and save it for later.

Additional Information

Precautions  

• Keep fresh water out: Fresh water should always be available, especially when serving dry. Freeze-dried food has very low moisture, so your dog will drink more than usual during meals.
• Not suitable for dogs allergic to all five proteins: This recipe contains turkey, lamb, salmon, duck, and turkey hearts. Dogs with confirmed sensitivities to any of these five proteins are better served by a single-protein entrée.
• Adjust for treats and toppers: If using as a topper rather than a complete meal, reduce the main meal portion to keep total daily calories on track.
• Consult your vet for specific health conditions: If your dog has a diagnosed condition, known allergies, or is on a specific diet, run the switch by your vet before making the change.

Storage Information

• Store in a cool, dry place: Keep the bag in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the freeze-dried texture and nutritional integrity.
• Reseal the bag tightly after each use: Close the bag securely after every feeding to keep air and moisture out, which can degrade the food over time.
• No refrigeration required for dry portions: The freeze-dried food stores at room temperature; only rehydrated portions need to be handled promptly.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the five proteins and why are they combined?

Ans: Turkey, lamb, turkey hearts, salmon, and duck make up 95% of the recipe. Each protein has a slightly different amino acid and fatty acid profile. Turkey brings lean poultry protein, lamb adds red meat amino acids, salmon contributes EPA and DHA omega-3s, duck adds a second poultry source, and turkey hearts provide organ-level nutrition. Together, they cover more nutritional ground than any single protein alone.

Q2: Why is salmon included in this recipe?

Ans: Salmon is the fish component of the blend and the primary source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in this recipe. These omega-3s from fish are more bioavailable than plant-derived alternatives and support skin health, coat condition, joint comfort, and cognitive function in a way that land-only protein blends cannot replicate on their own.

Q3: Is this a good starting point for dogs new to freeze-dried food?

Ans: Yes. The five-protein blend produces a strong, varied aroma that most dogs find immediately appealing, even dogs that have been picky about transitioning to new formats. The well-rounded nutrition profile also makes it a practical first freeze-dried choice before exploring single-protein options if specific sensitivities need to be managed.

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for large breed puppies?

Ans: Yes. Unlike the Duck Entrée, which excludes growth of large-breed dogs over 70 lbs, the Zssential is formulated for different life stages, including development of large-sized dogs (seventy pounds or more as an adult). It covers all puppies regardless of expected adult size, which is confirmed in the AAFCO statement on this product.

Q5: Can this be used for dogs with chicken sensitivities?

Ans: Yes. This recipe contains no chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, or chicken by-products of any kind. The five proteins are turkey, lamb, salmon, duck, and turkey hearts. Dogs that react to chicken can typically tolerate turkey and duck as different proteins, but check with your veterinarian if your dog has a documented broad poultry sensitivity rather than just a chicken-specific one.

Q6: How does the calorie density compare to the single-protein entrées?

Ans: At 4,662 kcal/kg and 280 kcal/cup, the Zssential sits between the leaner Turkey (4,403 kcal/kg) and the richest Lamb (4,997 kcal/kg). The combination of five proteins, including fatty salmon and duck, pushes the calorie density slightly higher than turkey alone but keeps it lower than lamb-heavy recipes.