Blackwood vs Zeal
Blackwood is made by Blackwood Pet Food (owned by BrightPet Nutrition Group), and Zeal by Natural Pet Treat Company Limited, and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Zeal averages 9.0 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Blackwood.
Blackwood and Zeal compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Blackwood Pet Food | Natural Pet Treat Company Limited |
| Parent company | BrightPet Nutrition Group | Independent |
| Founded | 1994 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Lisbon, Ohio, USA | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Products listed | 29 | 3 |
| Serves | Cats & dogs | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | No |
ScoreThe average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works . |
8.2 (avg of 29) | 9.0 (avg of 3) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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Blackwood vs Zeal: how they compare
Scores
Zeal scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 9.0 out of 10 across 3 scored foods, compared with 8.2 across 29 for Blackwood. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes them
Blackwood is made by Blackwood Pet Food, owned by BrightPet Nutrition Group, based in Lisbon, Ohio, USA, founded in 1994. Zeal is made by Natural Pet Treat Company Limited, an independent maker, based in Auckland, New Zealand, founded in 1999.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 29 Blackwood foods and 3 Zeal foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Blackwood or Zeal?
Zeal scores higher: it averages 9.0 out of 10 across 3 scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Blackwood. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Blackwood and Zeal?
Blackwood is made by Blackwood Pet Food, which is owned by BrightPet Nutrition Group. Zeal is made by Natural Pet Treat Company Limited.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Blackwood has 29 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 3 for Zeal.
Where is each brand based?
Blackwood is based in Lisbon, Ohio, USA. Zeal is based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Have Blackwood or Zeal been recalled?
Neither Blackwood nor Zeal has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
More comparisons
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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.