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Natural Balance vs Zeal

Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods (owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)), 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 Natural Balance.

Natural Balance and Zeal compared

Natural Balance Zeal
Manufacturer Natural Balance Pet Foods Natural Pet Treat Company Limited
Parent company Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital) Independent
Founded 1989 1999
Headquarters Burbank, California, USA Auckland, New Zealand
Products listed 118 3
Serves Cats & 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 .
8.2 (avg of 118) 9.0 (avg of 3)
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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Natural Balance 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 118 for Natural Balance. 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

Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods, owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital), based in Burbank, California, USA, founded in 1989. 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 118 Natural Balance foods and 3 Zeal foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Natural Balance or Zeal?

Zeal scores higher: it averages 9.0 out of 10 across 3 scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Natural Balance. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Natural Balance and Zeal?

Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods, which is owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital). Zeal is made by Natural Pet Treat Company Limited.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Natural Balance has 118 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 3 for Zeal.

Where is each brand based?

Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA. Zeal is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Have Natural Balance or Zeal been recalled?

Neither Natural Balance nor Zeal 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: Natural Balance and Zeal .

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.