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Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe Dry Dog Food
Zeal

Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 22, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a very high-meat, air-dried dry dog food made primarily from duck, duck liver, and salmon, providing rich animal protein and fat with very little carbohydrate. It includes green-lipped mussel, turmeric, kelp, and a variety of organic fruits and vegetables for added micronutrients and antioxidants. The nutrient profile is dense and calorie-rich, suiting healthy, active dogs when fed in appropriate portions, and it can be used as a full meal or a high-value topper.

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Over-the-counter No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
9.1 out of 10

Top Pick

Nutritionally, this is a meat-heavy, calorie-dense, air-dried food that offers a very high level of animal protein and fat with minimal carbohydrates. It’s well suited for healthy, active dogs or those who do well on rich, meat-forward diets, and can also work nicely as a topper to boost palatability and nutrient density on a more conventional food. Because it’s so energy-dense and high in fat, careful portion control is important, and it may be too rich for some dogs with sensitive digestion or fat-related medical issues.

Nutritional profile 9.4
Ingredient composition 8.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 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.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
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.
Joint Care Immune Support Digestive Health Skin Coat Health High Energy Bone Health Mobility Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Extremely high animal content (96% duck, duck liver, and salmon) provides high-quality, highly bioavailable protein and amino acids.
  • Very low carbohydrate level (about 5% as-fed) and moderate fiber, which many dogs tolerate well, especially those thriving on meat-forward diets.
  • High fat (around 41% as-fed) and high caloric density (over 4,800 kcal/kg) make it an efficient option for active dogs or those needing concentrated energy in smaller portions.
  • Includes green-lipped mussel, turmeric, kelp, and a range of organic fruits and vegetables, plus a full vitamin–mineral premix, supporting a well-rounded micronutrient profile.

Considerations

  • Very high fat and calorie density mean portions need to be quite small; this may not be ideal for dogs prone to pancreatitis, needing strict fat restriction, or those who gain weight easily.
  • Primary proteins are duck and salmon, which are common enough that dogs with poultry or fish allergies should avoid this formula.
  • As an air-dried food with rich meat and organ content, it may be too rich for some dogs with sensitive stomachs if introduced too quickly; a gradual transition is recommended.
  • Sodium and mineral levels are on the higher side compared with many standard kibbles, so dogs with certain kidney, heart, or other medical conditions requiring mineral or sodium restriction should only use this under veterinary guidance.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

(Duck, Duck Liver, Salmon) 96.0%, Pumpkin 1.0%, Bamboo fiber 1.0%, Eggshell, Dicalcium phosphate, Yucca Schidigera extract 0.12%, Carrot, Ginger root, Green Lipped Mussel, Kelp, Turmeric root, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, lron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Sulfate), Salt, Choline Chloride, Organic Apple, Organic Tomato, Organic Shitake Mushroom, Organic Broccoli, Organic Orange, Organic Cranberry, Organic Spinach, Organic Beet, Organic Tart Cherry, Organic Strawberry, Organic Blueberry, Natural mixed tocopherol.

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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
View ingredient
02
Duck Liver
Duck liver is an organ meat used in pet foods and treats as a concentrated protein and highly palatable micronutrient source, supplying bioavailable vitamins (notably vitamin A and B12), iron, and copper for both dogs and cats. It is nutrient-dense and beneficial in moderation but should be included as part of a balanced formula because excessive liver can lead to hypervitaminosis A and mineral imbalances, and it should be properly processed to minimize pathogen risk.
03
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
View ingredient
04
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
05
Bamboo Fiber
Bamboo fiber is used in pet foods as an insoluble dietary fiber to add bulk, improve stool firmness, aid digestion, help with weight management by diluting calories, and contribute to kibble texture. It offers little direct nutritional value beyond fiber and is generally safe for dogs and cats in moderation, but excessive amounts can cause loose stools or reduced nutrient absorption, so formulations should balance fiber levels with a pet’s specific nutritional needs.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (typical)
34.16%
Low High
Crude Fat (typical)
40.70%
Low High
Crude Fiber (typical)
2.50%
Low High
Moisture (typical)
9.50%
Low High
4832
kcal / Kg
High
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Air Dried
Food type Dry

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.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Natural Pet Treat Company Limited
Founded 1999
Headquarters Auckland, New Zealand
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country New Zealand
Manufacturing region Auckland
Manufacturing oversight

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 recalls on record

No recall is listed for Zeal Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
TOP TIER.
9.1 /10 Grade A+
Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe Dry Dog Food
Zeal · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.

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.