June 20, 2023
We’ve rated Zeal Canada on ingredient quality, species-appropriateness, recalls, and more. Read our Zeal Canada review to learn how this brand stacks up.
The Cats.com Standard — Rating Zeal Canada on What Matters
We’ve rated Zeal Canada on six key criteria for quality. Here’s how it rates in each of these six crucial areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 8/10
- Ingredient Quality – 8/10
- Product Variety – 6/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 7/10
- Recall History – 10/10
Overall Score: 7.6/10
In total, we give Zeal Canada 46 out of 60 ratings or a B+ grade.
How We Review Cat Food
To review Zeal Canada, we spent hours researching the brand, learning about its history and product lineup. We studied the company’s sourcing and manufacturing practices and scoured recall databases for reports related to safety issues. To understand how other customers feel about the brand, we read dozens of customer reviews, identifying any common patterns or trends.
Based on this research and hands-on testing, we’ve rated the brand according to the Cats.com Standard. Learn more about the Standard here.
About Zeal Canada
Zeal Canada makes pet foods for cats and dogs. Their foods are air-dried. According to the company, Zeal Canada is the first Canadian brand to make pet foods in this way.
Zeal Canada has offices based in South Surrey, British Columbia. Zeal Canada is owned by the Canadian Jerky Company Ltd. Other brands owned by the company include Lazy Kitty, Great Jacks, and Buddy Jacks (dog treats).
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Zeal Canada describes their foods as similar to jerky. Their pet foods are preserved at 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit). They remove the moisture from the food, along with the bacteria, but leave the nutrients and flavor. The flavor is more concentrated than ordinary pet food.
The company states that their pet foods feature 96 percent meat and organs from local sources. Zeal Canada pet foods meet or exceed AAFCO guidelines. They state that they use “locally and naturally sourced” ingredients.
Zeal Canada claims that their foods were in development for over a year and that they used feeding trials with more than 100 animals of different breeds and sizes.
The brand doesn’t use artificial additives, preservatives, or colors in their recipes. Some ingredients are added to replace things that evaporate during the air-drying process.
The Canadian Jerky Company, maker of Zeal Canada, has a 40,000-square-foot plant in British Columbia. All of their machines are CSA-approved. They also have a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in Toronto, Canada as well as a warehouse and freight center in Blaine, Washington, USA.
Recall History
We didn’t find any recalls for Zeal Canada. The brand appears to be relatively new. The Canadian Jerky Company started in 2016 and Zeal Canada has been introduced since then.
Be aware that The Honest Kitchen has a recipe called Zeal which was recalled at one point. This food is not related to Zeal Canada.
There is also a New Zealand pet food brand called Zeal (owned by the Natural Pet Treat Company) that is made in New Zealand from New Zealand ingredients. This brand is also not connected to Zeal Canada.
What Kinds Of Cat Food Does Zeal Canada Offer?
Zeal Canada makes three gently air-dried formulas for cats:
Air-Dried
- Salmon and Turkey for Cats
- Okanagan Blend for Cats
- Chicken for Cats
They also make one recipe that is gently air-dried with the addition of freeze-dried pieces:
Freeze-Dried
- Chicken with Freeze-Dried Salmon for Cats
Per Zeal Canada, these foods are complete and balanced diets. They can also be used as treats or as toppers added to kibble or canned food.
What Do Customers Think of Zeal Canada Cat Food?
Let’s take a look at a few reviews from some of the most popular recipes from Zeal Canada Cat Food.
Positive Reviews
“Great product! Our cats, from 5 months to 7 years, love this air dried food. We’ve used it for about one and a half years without any stool or other concerns/issues. It’s a healthy food or supplement to their diet. We do not mix this with any other food. Just serve them in their own bowl or use as a treat until your cats becomes familiar with the food and texture. I took off one star since our bags had shorter than usual expiration dates.”
– Debra G., Amazon, reviewing Zeal Canada Air-Dried Cat Food Turkey & Salmon Recipe on March 23, 2021
“I don’t like to feed dry food but when I have to this is what I choose. I’ve also used it as a treat – better value and the cats love it more than all the other dry treats we’ve tried. The price on Homes Alive is better than anywhere else I’ve seen, including Amazon.” – Jessi M., Homesalive, reviewing Zeal Canada Salmon & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Gently Air-Dried Cat Food on May 26, 2021
Negative Reviews
“So for starters, I bought this item twice. First one smelled awful on day one, I was reluctant to let my cats try it, but why waste money on something that may have just smelled bad to my nose. All 4 cats tried it and turned their noses. I even tried to mix with their dry food and with wet food. They picked around it or refused the entire meal. So when bag 2 arrived, I had little hope. When I opened this one, it smelled fine, much better than the first. This time, they ate it when mixed with their normal dry food. Then a couple days later, I opened the bag again and it smelled off (it was placed in a cabinet away from all light). I mixed with food like before and the cats would no longer touch it. Waited another couple days and mixed a few pieces in again, and they still ate around the pieces or wouldn’t finish the bowls that were normally licked clean. I don’t know what it is, but out of four cats (one is super picky, two who are weary but will try things, and one who will eat darn near anything) this food was a huge flop. Not gonna waste my time or money again.” Andrea, Chewy, reviewing Zeal Canada Salmon & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Gently Air-Dried Cat Food on January 6, 2023
“When I first opened the bag it smelled good and my cats ate the whole portion I gave them. However, once the bag was opened and even sealed and placed in an air tight container the second time I opened the bag it did not smell the same and cats would not eat it. It smells so rancid that I am afraid to feed it to them. I realize it’s a raw food, but it should be packaged in individual portions so it wouldn’t go bad so fast.” Bluekatlady, Chewy, reviewing Zeal Canada Salmon & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Gently Air-Dried Cat Food on September 1, 2022
Zeal Canada Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
| Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Salmon and Turkey for Cats
|
Air-dried | Salmon and turkey | 310 calories per 3 ounces | $1.72 per oz | B+ |
| Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Okanagan Blend for Cats
|
Air-dried | Chicken, pork, fish | 372 calories per 3 ounces | $2.16 per oz | B+ |
| Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Chicken with Freeze-Dried Salmon for Cats
|
Air-dried and freeze-dried | Chicken, salmon | 366 calories per 3 ounces | $2.00 per oz | A- |
#1 Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Salmon And Turkey For Cats
Zeal Canada cat foods are “gently air-dried.” This is similar to dehydration but, according to pet food companies, there is a difference between the two methods. Zeal Canada describes their air-dried cat foods as being similar to jerky. The food is not cooked, but much of the moisture has been removed.
This recipe contains 96 percent salmon, turkey, turkey heart, and turkey liver. Those are good fish/animal proteins for cats.
We did notice the use of bamboo fiber in the food, which is unusual in cat foods. According to a response we found on Chewy, this is fiber from edible species of bamboo. According to the information we found, bamboo fiber is a hypoallergenic ingredient for most pets. It is high in insoluble fiber and is sometimes used in gluten-free foods. It also gives a feeling of fullness.
This cat food is also grain-free.
Zeal Canada is a Canadian company. We did not find a typical AAFCO nutritional statement on their site or on the bag. We did find this statement: “Our recipes are formulated by vet dietitians to meet AAFCO standards for a balanced daily diet that supports and maintains healthy weight. Other than vitamins, minerals, taurine, and naturally sourced ingredients, there are no artificial additives, preservatives or colours.”
According to the company, this recipe is for all life stages.
Calorie Content: 3650 Kcal ME/Kg, 310 Kcal ME/level scoop (1scoop= 3oz/85g)
Ingredients
(Salmon, Turkey, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver) 96%, Bamboo fibre 2%, Sunflower lecithin 1%, Krill meal 0.4%, Parsley 0.4%, Taurine, Vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Calcium iodate, Zinc proteinate, Magnesium sulphate, Manganese proteinate, Copper proteinate, Potassium chloride, Rosemary extract 0.1%.
We contacted Zeal Canada by email to ask about the typical analyses of their cat foods but we did not receive a response.
Ingredients We Liked: Salmon, Turkey, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Krill Meal, Parsley
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- High in fish and meat protein
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Air-dried, jerky-like food should have a flavor that appeals to many cats
- You may be able to feed your cat smaller amounts because the food is concentrated
Cons
- Expensive
- Some customers reported that the food smelled “off” or went bad quickly
#2 Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Okanagan Blend For Cats
Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Okanagan Blend for Cats is also sold as Zeal Canada Grain-Free Chicken, Pork, and Fish. This recipe is made using the same gently air-dried process as the salmon and turkey formula (above). It also features 96 percent meat and organs. With most of the moisture removed, it has the same jerky texture.
These air-dried recipes are formulated for all life stages. They can be fed as complete and balanced meals for your cat or as food toppers. Some customers report feeding them as treats.
Along with the chicken, pork, and fish ingredients, this recipe contains “natural flavor,” which is vague. Natural flavor is usually some flavor (fish broth, chicken broth, etc.) that is derived from the cooking process but it can include flavor enhancers. We don’t know since it’s not identified.
We discussed bamboo fiber in the Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Salmon and Turkey for Cats review above. Bamboo shoots belong to the same family as corn, wheat, barley, and other cereals so if your cat has an allergy to any of these ingredients, he could be sensitive to bamboo fiber. This isn’t a common ingredient, so we don’t know how reactive cats might be to it.
Pumpkin powder is generally considered to be a beneficial ingredient. It’s a source of fiber and antioxidants that helps promote good bowel movements and digestion. The food also has green-lipped mussels which are often recommended for joint health.
Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Okanagan Blend for Cats appears to be good-quality food. It doesn’t seem to be sold as widely as the salmon and turkey recipe and we didn’t find any customer reviews for it online.
According to Zeal Canada: “Our recipes are formulated by vet dietitians to meet AAFCO standards for a balanced daily diet that supports and maintains a healthy weight. Other than vitamins, minerals, taurine and naturally sourced ingredients, there are no artificial additives, preservatives or colours.”
Calorie Content: 4372 Kcal ME / Kg; Kcal ME 372 per 3oz / 85
Ingredients
Chicken, Pork, Herring, Chicken tender, Pork liver, Cod, Salmon, Yeast extract, Dicalcium phosphate, Natural flavor, Bamboo fiber, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Calcium carbonate, Fish oil, Yucca Schidigera extract , Green lipped mussel, Magnesium Sulphate, Rosemary extract, Krill meal, Choline, Sodium Selenite, Salt, Zinc proteinate, Taurin, Vitamin E, Manganese Proteinate, Copper proteinate, Potassium chloride, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Pantothenic acid, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Calcium iodate.
We contacted Zeal Canada by email to request the typical analyses for their cat foods, but they did not respond.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Pork, Herring, Chicken Tender, Pork Liver, Cod, Salmon, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Fish Oil, Green-Lipped Mussel, Krill Meal
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Natural Flavor
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- High in meat and fish protein
- Pumpkin powder and green-lipped mussels are beneficial supplements
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- You may be able to feed your cat smaller portions because the food is air-dried and concentrated
Cons
- Expensive
- No customer feedback on this food
- Harder to find than other Zeal Canada cat foods
#3 Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Chicken With Freeze-Dried Salmon For Cats
As with the other Zeal Canada cat foods we’ve discussed, Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Chicken with Freeze-Dried Salmon for Cats is air-dried. It’s also made with 96 percent meat and organs. It is different from the other foods because it features freeze-dried salmon. This is the only Zeal Canada cat food that includes freeze-dried pieces.
The air-dried ingredients are very similar to the other air-dried formulas. The salmon is wild from British Columbia. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which are great for your cat’s skin, coat, brain, and joints. Cold water fish like salmon also have a good ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Many foods are high in omega-6 but they are low in omega-3. Salmon and other cold-water fish are high in omega-3 and lower in omega-6 which is perfect for your cat.
The best thing about salmon as a source of omega-3 is that it’s a source that your cat can easily use. It provides docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Plant sources of omega-3 can provide alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (think flax seeds) but it’s of limited usefulness to cats.
This is a grain-free food.
We didn’t find many reviews for this food online but the ratings we found were enthusiastic.
From Zeal Canada: “Our recipes are formulated by vet dietitians to meet AAFCO standards for a balanced daily diet that supports and maintains healthy weight. Other than vitamins, minerals and naturally sourced ingredients, there are no artificial additives, preservatives or colours.”
Calorie Content: 4305 Kcal ME / Kg; Kcal ME 366 = 3oz / 85g
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken tender, Chicken liver, Salmon, Yeast extract, Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Bamboo fiber, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Calcium carbonate, Fish oil, Yucca Schidigera extract , Green lipped mussel, Magnesium Sulphate, Rosemary extract, Krill meal, Choline, Sodium Selenite, salt, Zinc proteinate, Taurin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper proteinate, Potassium chloride, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic acid, Niacin, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Calcium iodate.
We contacted Zeal Canada by email to request a typical analysis for this food but we did not receive a response.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Tender, Chicken liver, Salmon, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Fish Oil, Green-Lipped Mussel
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Natural Flavor
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- High in meat and fish protein
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Pumpkin powder and green-lipped mussels are beneficial supplements
- Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- You may be able to feed your cat smaller portions
Cons
- Expensive
- Natural flavor is not identified
How Much Does Zeal Canada Cat Food Cost?
Zeal Canada is somewhat expensive. We checked prices on Chewy.com, HomesAlive.ca, and multiple sites. All of their cat food recipes were priced between $28-$30 for 14-ounce packages.
We do need to remind readers that this is an air-dried food with a consistency like jerky. That means that you may be able to feed your cat less food than if you were feeding a kibble or canned food. Three ounces of these foods contain between 310-372 calories. Compare that to 134 calories in a typical 5.5-ounce can of Friskies wet cat food.
In other words, it may be more economical to buy air-dried food such as Zeal Canada. You do need to be mindful about how much you feed your cat. All of the recipes are high in fat because the food is so concentrated.
Overall, Is Zeal Canada Cat Food a Good Choice?
Yes, we do think that Zeal Canada is a good cat food. Most of the ingredients look good. The company says that they are locally sourced. The recipes show that they have relatively few ingredients other than the added vitamins and minerals. And they contain lots of meat and organs.
We do have questions about the bamboo fiber but only because we haven’t seen this ingredient in pet foods before. It seems to be an ingredient that is used in some keto foods. We don’t know how it affects cats.
If you like the idea of Zeal Canada, you may also like Ziwi Peak or Kiwi Kitchens. Both of these brands have air-dried cat foods.
Where Is Zeal Canada Cat Food Sold?
We found Zeal Canada available in Canada and the United States on Chewy.com, HomesAlive.ca, Petland, and from independent pet food retailers. We also found the food available in Great Britain, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and some other countries.
