Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
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.
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.
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At a Glance
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
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.
Visit ZealManufacturer
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
Zeal Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Zeal ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Zeal. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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