Skip to content

7,500+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
New Zealand Chicken & Salmon Recipe Wet Dog Food
Zeal

New Zealand Chicken & Salmon Recipe Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 28, 2026

Dog · Wet All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a high–meat, moisture‑rich canned food for dogs of all ages, built around chicken, salmon, chicken liver, and hoki as key protein sources. It includes green‑lipped mussel, salmon oil, egg yolk, and kelp, offering omega fatty acids and other nutrients that can support joints, skin, and digestion. The recipe is grain-free and relatively low in carbohydrates, and is formulated to be complete and balanced, whether fed alone or as a topper.

Jump to ingredients
Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

Affiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.3 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a protein‑dense wet food with a strong animal‑based ingredient focus that can suit most healthy dogs, including puppies and adults, when total calories and calcium are fed appropriately. It offers a high meat content with moderate fat and low carbohydrate levels on a dry‑matter basis. The added marine ingredients and egg yolk provide beneficial fatty acids, making it a nice option for dogs who do well on grain‑free, legume‑light formulas.

Nutritional profile 8.4
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

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.

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

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

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 Skin Coat Health Digestive Health Hydration Support Appetite Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Animal proteins like chicken, salmon, chicken liver, and hoki are the primary ingredients and provide high-quality amino acids.
  • On a dry-matter basis, the food is high in protein and moderate in fat, which suits many active dogs well.
  • Green-lipped mussel, salmon oil, and egg yolk add omega fatty acids that can support joint, skin, and coat health.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it can be used as a complete diet or a topper.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, salmon, egg, and peas, so it will not be a good fit for dogs with sensitivities to any of those ingredients.
  • As an all‑life‑stages food, the calcium and calorie density may be higher than ideal for some large-breed puppies, so careful feeding guidance is important.
  • This is a grain-free formula that uses peas as a plant ingredient, so owners of breeds at higher risk for heart disease should discuss diet choices with their veterinarian.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Water, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Hoki, NZ Green Lipped Mussel, Peas, Egg Yolk, Lecithin, Dried Yeast, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin, alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Acetate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Cholecalciferol.

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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
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
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.
05
Hoki
Hoki is a white‑fleshed marine fish used in dog and cat foods as a lean, high‑quality protein and flavor source that also supplies omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) beneficial for skin, coat and joint health. It is generally nutritious and palatable, but may be an allergen for some pets and buyers should consider sustainability and contaminant information when choosing fish‑based diets.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (typical)
11.35%
Low High
Crude Fat (typical)
5.90%
Low High
Crude Fiber (typical)
0.45%
Low High
Moisture (typical)
77.60%
Low High
1012
kcal / Kg
40
kcal / 100 G
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Ground
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
ZEAL meets or exceeds AAFCO nutritional standards using natural ingredients rather than relying on added synthetic vitamins.

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 New Zealand Chicken & Salmon Recipe Wet Dog Food.

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

Unlock More

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.


Share this food
KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.3 /10 Grade A
New Zealand Chicken & Salmon Recipe Wet Dog Food
Zeal · kibblelab.com

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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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.