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Darford vs Zesty Paws

Darford is made by Darford International Inc., and Zesty Paws by Zesty Paws (owned by Health & Happiness (H&H) Group). On KibbleLab, Darford averages 7.7 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.6 for Zesty Paws. Darford makes food for dogs, while Zesty Paws covers cats and dogs.

Darford and Zesty Paws compared

Darford Zesty Paws
Manufacturer Darford International Inc. Zesty Paws
Parent company Independent Health & Happiness (H&H) Group
Founded 1987 2014
Headquarters Vernon, British Columbia, Canada Orlando, Florida, USA
Products listed 18 71
Serves Dogs Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$ $$$$
WSAVA guidelines The 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 accredited The 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
Score The 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 .
7.7 (avg of 18) 7.6 (avg of 71)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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Darford vs Zesty Paws: how they compare

Scores

Darford scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 7.7 out of 10 across 18 scored foods, compared with 7.6 across 71 for Zesty Paws. 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

Darford is made by Darford International Inc., an independent maker, based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1987. Zesty Paws is made by Zesty Paws, owned by Health & Happiness (H&H) Group, based in Orlando, Florida, USA, founded in 2014.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 18 Darford foods and 71 Zesty Paws foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Darford or Zesty Paws?

Darford scores higher: it averages 7.7 out of 10 across 18 scored foods, compared with 7.6 for Zesty Paws. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Darford and Zesty Paws?

Darford is made by Darford International Inc. Zesty Paws is made by Zesty Paws, which is owned by Health & Happiness (H&H) Group.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Zesty Paws has 71 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 18 for Darford.

Where is each brand based?

Darford is based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Zesty Paws is based in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Have Darford or Zesty Paws been recalled?

Neither Darford nor Zesty Paws has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: Darford and Zesty Paws .

More comparisons

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.