Freshpet vs Zeal
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., 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 8.3 for Freshpet. Freshpet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Zeal is not.
Freshpet and Zeal compared
| Attribute | Freshpet |
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Freshpet, Inc. | Natural Pet Treat Company Limited |
| Parent company | Independent | Independent |
| Founded | 2006 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Products listed | 43 | 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. |
Yes | 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 . |
8.3 (avg of 43) | 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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Freshpet vs Zeal: how they compare
Scores
Zeal scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 9.0 out of 10 across 3 scored foods, compared with 8.3 across 43 for Freshpet. 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
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., an independent maker, based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA, founded in 2006. 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. Freshpet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Zeal is not. KibbleLab lists 43 Freshpet foods and 3 Zeal foods.
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Example foods
Freshpet
Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Freshpet or Zeal?
Zeal scores higher: it averages 9.0 out of 10 across 3 scored foods, compared with 8.3 for Freshpet. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Freshpet and Zeal?
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc. Zeal is made by Natural Pet Treat Company Limited.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Freshpet has 43 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 3 for Zeal.
Where is each brand based?
Freshpet is based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA. Zeal is based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Are Freshpet or Zeal PSC Accredited?
Freshpet is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.
Have Freshpet or Zeal been recalled?
Neither Freshpet 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.