Canada Air-Dried Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 29, 2026
This is a very high-protein, air-dried dry dog food made mostly from chicken meat and organs, designed for dogs of all ages and sizes. The low-carbohydrate formula uses pumpkin, bamboo fiber, and a blend of fruits, vegetables, and green-lipped mussel to add fiber, antioxidants, and joint-supporting nutrients. It’s dense in calories and can be fed as a complete meal or used as a high-value topper or mixer.
Jump to ingredientsAffiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Strong Choice
This is a meat-heavy, air-dried diet with an unusually high protein level and relatively low carbohydrates, suitable for most healthy adult dogs and growing puppies who tolerate chicken well. The use of chicken muscle and organ meats provides a rich amino acid profile, and the added mussel, kelp, and mixed fruits and vegetables contribute micronutrients and omega fatty acids. Its high calorie density means dogs generally need smaller portions than with typical kibble, which can be helpful for active dogs but requires careful measuring for those prone to weight gain.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken meat and organs make up 96% of the recipe, giving very high protein at about 52% on a dry-matter basis.
- Carbohydrates are modest at around 13% dry matter, which suits dogs that do well on a meat-forward diet.
- Includes green-lipped mussel, kelp, turmeric, and mixed fruits and vegetables for added joint and antioxidant support.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it can be used for puppies and adults when fed appropriately.
Considerations
- Chicken is the sole animal protein, so it is not a good option for dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- At roughly 4,000+ kcal per kg, it is quite calorie-dense, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid weight gain.
- The high protein and fat may be too rich for some dogs with a history of pancreatitis or other fat-sensitive conditions.
- Air-dried foods are less bulky than kibble, so some dogs may seem ‘hungrier’ if owners expect the same bowl volume.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
View ingredient
02
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
03
Chicken Gizzard
Chicken gizzard is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a high-quality animal protein, contributing lean protein, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and other trace minerals to canine and feline diets. It can improve palatability and nutrient density but should be properly cooked and handled to avoid bacterial contamination, and owners of pets with specific health concerns (e.g., certain renal conditions or urate stone risk) or those feeding whole pieces should consult a veterinarian before regular inclusion.
04
Chicken Heart
Chicken heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable animal protein source, providing taurine, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and coenzyme Q10. It supports lean muscle and, for cats, provides essential taurine, but should be included as part of a balanced formulation and properly sourced/processed to reduce bacterial risk, since excessive organ intake can unbalance nutrients or be a concern for pets with specific metabolic or urate-stone issues.
05
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
View ingredient
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Zeal is a premium pet food and treat brand from New Zealand known for natural, single-ingredient, air-dried, and freeze-dried products for dogs and cats. Zeal emphasizes natural nutrition, using 100% New Zealand-sourced meats and seafoods free from artificial additives.
Manufacturer
Manufacturing is overseen under New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standards, including strict HACCP-based food safety systems and export-quality certifications. The company maintains traceability of raw materials sourced from certified New Zealand suppliers.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Zeal Canada Air-Dried Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
Sign up for the full picture
Ingredient Check
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.
Similar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Zeal ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Zeal. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook