Our Evaluate Course of
Our evaluations are primarily based on intensive analysis and, when potential, hands-on testing. Every time you make a purchase order by certainly one of our independently-chosen hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a proportion of the proceeds. Learn extra about how we’re supported right here.
We’ve rated Zeal Canada on ingredient high quality, species-appropriateness, recollects, and extra. Learn our Zeal Canada assessment to learn the way this model stacks up.
The Cats.com Normal — Score Zeal Canada On What Issues
We’ve rated Zeal Canada on six key standards for high quality. Right here’s the way it charges in every of those six essential areas.
Scores
- Species-Appropriateness – 8/10
- Ingredient High quality – 8/10
- Product Selection – 6/10
- Worth – 7/10
- Buyer Expertise – 7/10
- Recall Historical past – 10/10
General Rating: 7.6/10
In whole, we give Zeal Canada 46 out of 60 rankings or a B+ grade.
How We Evaluate Cat Meals
To assessment Zeal Canada, we spent hours researching the model, studying about its historical past and product lineup. We studied the corporate’s sourcing and manufacturing practices and scoured recall databases for studies associated to issues of safety. To grasp how different prospects really feel in regards to the model, we learn dozens of buyer evaluations, figuring out any widespread patterns or tendencies.
Lastly, our reviewer independently bought a number of packages of Zeal Canada cat meals and tried it out with their cats, taking notes on palatability, texture, odor, and extra.
Primarily based on this analysis and hands-on testing, we’ve rated the model in response to the Cats.com Normal. Study extra in regards to the Normal right here.
About Zeal Canada
Zeal Canada makes pet meals for cats and canines. Their meals are air-dried. In line with the corporate, Zeal Canada is the primary Canadian model to make pet meals on this manner.
Zeal Canada has places of work primarily based in South Surrey, British Columbia. Zeal Canada is owned by the Canadian Jerky Firm Ltd. Different manufacturers owned by the corporate embody Lazy Kitty, Nice Jacks, and Buddy Jacks (canine treats).
Sourcing And Manufacturing
Zeal Canada describes their meals as just like jerky. Their pet meals are preserved at 80 levels Celsius (176 levels Fahrenheit). They take away the moisture from the meals, together with the micro organism, however depart the vitamins and taste. The flavour is extra concentrated than odd pet meals.
The corporate states that their pet meals function 96 % meat and organs from native sources. Zeal Canada pet meals meet or exceed AAFCO tips. They state that they use “regionally and naturally sourced” elements.
Zeal Canada claims that their meals have been in growth for over a 12 months and that they used feeding trials with greater than 100 animals of various breeds and sizes.
The model doesn’t use synthetic components, preservatives, or colours of their recipes. Some elements are added to exchange issues that evaporate through the air-drying course of.
The Canadian Jerky Firm, maker of Zeal Canada, has a 40,000-square-foot plant in British Columbia. All of their machines are CSA-approved. Additionally they have a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in Toronto, Canada in addition to a warehouse and freight middle in Blaine, Washington, USA.
Recall Historical past
We didn’t discover any recollects for Zeal Canada. The model seems to be comparatively new. The Canadian Jerky Firm began in 2016 and Zeal Canada has been launched since then.
Remember that The Trustworthy Kitchen has a recipe referred to as Zeal which was recalled at one level. This meals isn’t associated to Zeal Canada.
There’s additionally a New Zealand pet meals model referred to as Zeal (owned by the Pure Pet Deal with Firm) that’s made in New Zealand from New Zealand elements. This model can also be not linked to Zeal Canada.
What Sorts Of Cat Meals Does Zeal Canada Provide?
Zeal Canada makes three gently air-dried formulation for cats:
Air-Dried
- Salmon and Turkey for Cats
- Okanagan Mix for Cats
- Rooster for Cats
Additionally they make one recipe that’s gently air-dried with the addition of freeze-dried items:
Freeze-Dried
- Rooster with Freeze-dried Salmon for Cats
Per Zeal Canada, these meals are full and balanced diets. They can be used as treats or as toppers added to kibble or canned meals.
What Do Prospects Assume Of Zeal Canada Cat Meals?
Let’s check out a number of evaluations from a number of the hottest recipes from Zeal Canada Cat Meals.
Constructive Opinions
“Nice product! Our cats, from 5 months to 7 years, love this air dried meals. We’ve used it for about one and a half years with none stool or different considerations/points. It’s a wholesome meals or complement to their weight-reduction plan. We don’t combine this with another meals. Simply serve them in their very own bowl or use as a deal with till your cats turns into aware of the meals and texture. I took off one star since our luggage had shorter than traditional expiration dates.”
– Debra G., Amazon, reviewing Zeal Canada Air-Dried Cat Meals Turkey & Salmon Recipe on March 23, 2021
“I don’t wish to feed dry meals however when I’ve to that is what I select. I’ve additionally used it as a deal with – higher worth and the cats adore it greater than all the opposite dry treats we’ve tried. The worth on Houses Alive is best than anyplace else I’ve seen, together with Amazon.” – Jessi M., Homesalive, reviewing Zeal Canada Salmon & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Gently Air-Dried Cat Meals on Might 26, 2021
Unfavorable Opinions
“So for starters, I purchased this merchandise twice. First one smelled terrible on day one, I used to be reluctant to let my cats attempt it, however why waste cash on one thing which will have simply smelled dangerous to my nostril. All 4 cats tried it and turned their noses. I even tried to combine with their dry meals and with moist meals. They picked round it or refused all the meal. So when bag 2 arrived, I had little hope. Once I opened this one, it smelled high quality, significantly better than the primary. This time, they ate it when blended with their regular dry meals. Then a pair days later, I opened the bag once more and it smelled off (it was positioned in a cupboard away from all mild). I blended with meals like earlier than and the cats would not contact it. Waited one other couple days and blended a number of items in once more, they usually nonetheless ate across the items or wouldn’t end the bowls that have been usually licked clear. I don’t know what it’s, however out of 4 cats (one is tremendous choosy, two who’re weary however will attempt issues, and one who will eat darn close to something) this meals was an enormous flop. Not gonna waste my time or cash once more.” Andrea, Chewy, reviewing Zeal Canada Salmon & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Gently Air-Dried Cat Meals on January 6, 2023
“Once I first opened the bag it smelled good and my cats ate the entire portion I gave them. Nevertheless, as soon as the bag was opened and even sealed and positioned in an air tight container the second time I opened the bag it didn’t odor the identical and cats wouldn’t eat it. It smells so rancid that I’m afraid to feed it to them. I understand it’s a uncooked meals, however it needs to be packaged in particular person parts so it wouldn’t go dangerous so quick.” Bluekatlady, Chewy, reviewing Zeal Canada Salmon & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Gently Air-Dried Cat Meals on September 1, 2022
Zeal Canada Cat Meals – High 3 Recipes Reviewed
View On Chewy View On HomesAlivePets
Zeal Canada cat meals are “gently air-dried.” That is just like dehydration however, in response to pet meals corporations, there’s a distinction between the 2 strategies. Zeal Canada describes their air-dried cat meals as being just like jerky. The meals isn’t cooked, however a lot of the moisture has been eliminated.
This recipe accommodates 96 % salmon, turkey, turkey coronary heart, and turkey liver. These are good fish/animal proteins for cats.
We did discover the usage of bamboo fiber within the meals, which is uncommon in cat meals. In line with a response we discovered on Chewy, that is fiber from edible species of bamboo. In line with the data we discovered, bamboo fiber is a hypoallergenic ingredient for many pets. It’s excessive in insoluble fiber and is typically utilized in gluten-free meals. It additionally provides a sense of fullness.
This cat meals can also be grain-free.
Zeal Canada is a Canadian firm. We didn’t discover a typical AAFCO dietary assertion on their web site or on the bag. We did discover this assertion: “Our recipes are formulated by vet dietitians to satisfy AAFCO requirements for a balanced every day weight-reduction plan that helps and maintains wholesome weight. Aside from nutritional vitamins, minerals, taurine, and naturally sourced elements, there are not any synthetic components, preservatives or colors.”
In line with the corporate, this recipe is for all life levels.
Calorie Content material: 3650 Kcal ME/Kg, 310 Kcal ME/degree scoop (1scoop= 3oz/85g)
Substances
(Salmon, Turkey, Turkey Coronary 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 electronic mail to ask in regards to the typical analyses of their cat meals however we didn’t obtain a response.
Substances We Preferred: Salmon, Turkey, Turkey Coronary heart, Turkey Liver, Krill Meal, Parsley
Substances We Didn’t Like: None
Assured Evaluation
Crude Protein: 34%
Crude Fats: 22%
Crude Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 14%
Ash: 8%
Dry Matter Foundation
Protein: 39.53%
Fats: 25.58%
Fiber: 4.65%
Carbs: 20.93%
Caloric Weight Foundation
Protein: 32.25%
Fats: 50.68%
Carbs: 17.07%
Professionals
- Excessive in fish and meat protein
- No synthetic colours or preservatives
- Air-dried, jerky-like meals ought to have a taste that appeals to many cats
- You could possibly feed your cat smaller quantities as a result of the meals is concentrated
Cons
- Costly
- Some prospects reported that the meals smelled “off” or went dangerous rapidly
Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Okanagan Mix for Cats can also be offered as Zeal Canada Grain-Free Rooster, Pork, and Fish. This recipe is made utilizing the identical gently air-dried course of because the salmon and turkey method (above). It additionally options 96 % meat and organs. With a lot of the moisture eliminated, it has the identical jerky texture.
These air-dried recipes are formulated for all life levels. They are often fed as full and balanced meals in your cat or as meals toppers. Some prospects report feeding them as treats.
Together with the rooster, pork, and fish elements, this recipe accommodates “pure taste,” which is obscure. Pure taste is normally some taste (fish broth, rooster broth, and many others.) that’s derived from the cooking course of however it will possibly embody taste enhancers. We don’t know because it’s not recognized.
We mentioned bamboo fiber within the Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Salmon and Turkey for Cats assessment above. Bamboo shoots belong to the identical household as corn, wheat, barley, and different cereals so in case your cat has an allergy to any of those elements, he could possibly be delicate to bamboo fiber. This isn’t a typical ingredient, so we don’t know the way reactive cats is likely to be to it.
Pumpkin powder is usually thought of to be a useful ingredient. It’s a supply of fiber and antioxidants that helps promote good bowel actions and digestion. The meals additionally has green-lipped mussels which are sometimes really useful for joint well being.
Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Okanagan Mix for Cats seems to be good-quality meals. It doesn’t appear to be offered as broadly because the salmon and turkey recipe and we didn’t discover any buyer evaluations for it on-line.
In line with Zeal Canada: “Our recipes are formulated by vet dietitians to satisfy AAFCO requirements for a balanced every day weight-reduction plan that helps and maintains a wholesome weight. Aside from nutritional vitamins, minerals, taurine and naturally sourced elements, there are not any synthetic components, preservatives or colors.”
Calorie Content material: 4372 Kcal ME / Kg; Kcal ME 372 per 3oz / 85
Substances
Rooster, Pork, Herring, Rooster tender, Pork liver, Cod, Salmon, Yeast extract, Dicalcium phosphate, Pure taste, Bamboo fiber, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Calcium carbonate, Fish oil, Yucca Schidigera extract , Inexperienced 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 electronic mail to request the standard analyses for his or her cat meals, however they didn’t reply.
Substances We Preferred: Rooster, Pork, Herring, Rooster Tender, Pork Liver, Cod, Salmon, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Fish Oil, Inexperienced-Lipped Mussel, Krill Meal
Substances We Didn’t Like: Pure Taste
Assured Evaluation
Crude Protein: 36%
Crude Fats: 28%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 14%
Dry Matter Foundation
Protein: 41.86%
Fats: 32.56%
Fiber: 5.81%
Carbs: 19.77%
Caloric Weight Foundation
Protein: 29.75%
Fats: 56.2%
Carbs: 14.05%
Professionals
- Excessive in meat and fish protein
- Pumpkin powder and green-lipped mussels are useful dietary supplements
- No synthetic colours or preservatives
- You could possibly feed your cat smaller parts as a result of the meals is air-dried and concentrated
Cons
- Costly
- No buyer suggestions on this meals
- More durable to search out than different Zeal Canada cat meals
View On Chewy View On HomesAlivePets
As with the opposite Zeal Canada cat meals we’ve mentioned, Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Rooster with Freeze-Dried Salmon for Cats is air-dried. It’s additionally made with 96 % meat and organs. It’s totally different from the opposite meals as a result of it options freeze-dried salmon. That is the one Zeal Canada cat meals that features freeze-dried items.
The air-dried elements are similar to the opposite air-dried formulation. The salmon is wild from British Columbia. Salmon is a wonderful supply of omega-3 fatty acids that are nice in your cat’s pores and skin, coat, mind, and joints. Chilly water fish like salmon even have an excellent ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Many meals are excessive in omega-6 however they’re low in omega-3. Salmon and different cold-water fish are excessive in omega-3 and decrease in omega-6 which is ideal in your cat.
The very best factor about salmon as a supply of omega-3 is that it’s a supply that your cat can simply use. It supplies docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Plant sources of omega-3 can present alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (assume flax seeds) however it’s of restricted usefulness to cats.
It is a grain-free meals.
We didn’t discover many evaluations for this meals on-line however the rankings we discovered have been enthusiastic.
From Zeal Canada: “Our recipes are formulated by vet dietitians to satisfy AAFCO requirements for a balanced every day weight-reduction plan that helps and maintains wholesome weight. Aside from nutritional vitamins, minerals and naturally sourced elements, there are not any synthetic components, preservatives or colors.”
Calorie Content material: 4305 Kcal ME / Kg; Kcal ME 366 = 3oz / 85g
Substances
Rooster, Rooster tender, Rooster liver, Salmon, Yeast extract, Dicalcium Phosphate, Pure Taste, Bamboo fiber, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Calcium carbonate, Fish oil, Yucca Schidigera extract , Inexperienced 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 electronic mail to request a typical evaluation for this meals however we didn’t obtain a response.
Substances We Preferred: Rooster, Rooster Tender, Rooster liver, Salmon, Pumpkin Powder, Parsley, Fish Oil, Inexperienced-Lipped Mussel
Substances We Didn’t Like: Pure Taste
Assured Evaluation
Crude Protein: 36%
Crude Fats: 28%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 14%
Dry Matter Foundation
Protein: 41.86%
Fats: 32.56%
Fiber: 5.81%
Carbs: 19.77%
Caloric Weight Foundation
Protein: 29.75%
Fats: 56.2%
Carbs: 14.05%
Professionals
- Excessive in meat and fish protein
- No synthetic colours or preservatives
- Pumpkin powder and green-lipped mussels are useful dietary supplements
- Salmon is an efficient supply of omega-3 fatty acids
- You could possibly feed your cat smaller parts
Cons
- Costly
- Pure taste isn’t recognized
How A lot Does Zeal Canada Cat Meals Price?
Zeal Canada is considerably costly. We checked costs on Chewy.com, HomesAlive.ca, and a number of websites. All of their cat meals recipes have been priced between $28-$30 for 14-ounce packages.
We do have to remind readers that that is an air-dried meals with a consistency like jerky. That implies that you could possibly feed your cat much less meals than when you have been feeding a kibble or canned meals. Three ounces of those meals include between 310-372 energy. Evaluate that to 134 energy in a typical 5.5-ounce can of Friskies moist cat meals.
In different phrases, it could be extra economical to purchase air-dried meals similar to Zeal Canada. You do must be aware about how a lot you feed your cat. The entire recipes are excessive in fats as a result of the meals is so concentrated.
General, Is Zeal Canada Cat Meals A Good Alternative?
Sure, we do assume that Zeal Canada is an efficient cat meals. A lot of the elements look good. The corporate says that they’re regionally sourced. The recipes present that they’ve comparatively few elements aside from the added nutritional vitamins and minerals. And so they include a lot of meat and organs.
We do have questions in regards to the bamboo fiber however solely as a result of we haven’t seen this ingredient in pet meals earlier than. It appears to be an ingredient that’s utilized in some keto meals. We don’t know the way it impacts cats.
For those who like the concept of Zeal Canada, you may additionally like Ziwi Peak or Kiwi Kitchens. Each of those manufacturers have air-dried cat meals.
The place Is Zeal Canada Cat Meals Offered?
We discovered Zeal Canada obtainable in Canada and america on Chewy.com, HomesAlive.ca, Petland, and from unbiased pet meals retailers. We additionally discovered the meals obtainable in Nice Britain, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and another international locations.
