ZEAL

Bringing a new companion into your life is an act of boundless love, and watching them thrive is every pet parent's deepest desire. But what happens when that joy is dimmed by constant scratching, upset tummies, or dull coats? For many, the answer lies in understanding pet allergies, a surprisingly common issue where diet plays a starring role. At ZEAL Pet Food, we believe feeding your pet better isn't just about ingredients-it's a statement of love, a daily ritual, and an investment in their future. This philosophy guides our approach to helping pets suffering from sensitivities, turning mealtime into a powerful tool for wellness.

The Hidden Culprits: Why Diet Matters for Pet Allergies

Food allergies affect approximately 10% of dogs and 5% of cats in the United States. These aren't just minor irritations; common symptoms can include persistent itching, recurrent ear infections, and various gastrointestinal upsets like diarrhea or vomiting.

Many conventional pet foods, while convenient, can inadvertently contribute to these issues due to their formulation:

Low-Quality Ingredients: A significant pain point for pet owners is the reliance on fillers, by-products, and artificial additives in mass-market pet foods. These mysterious "meat meals" and preservatives can erode trust and potentially contribute to sensitivities. Pet parents are scrutinizing labels more than ever, with 90% of US pet owners reading ingredient labels and 86% preferring foods with recognizable ingredients.
Non-Species-Appropriate Nutrition: Dogs are opportunistic carnivores and cats are obligate carnivores. However, traditional pet foods are often carb-heavy, with up to 30-50% carbohydrates, rather than being meat-focused. Pets are biologically built to thrive on high-meat, low-carb diets that mirror what their wild ancestors ate.
Digestive Sensitivities: Beyond overt allergies, digestive sensitivities affect about 20% of dogs and 15% of cats. These pets benefit from easily digestible, gut-health supporting formulations to alleviate symptoms like poor nutrient absorption.
Skin and Coat Problems: Affecting approximately 25% of dogs and 20% of cats, skin and coat issues are often linked to nutritional deficiencies or allergies. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids or high-quality protein can lead to dull coats, dry skin, and increased itching.

The modern pet parent's desire to nurture and provide the "very best" for a beloved pet, along with an erosion of trust in big pet food companies with histories of recalls or quality concerns, underlies the demand for transparent, high-quality nutrition.

The ZEAL Difference: A Foundational Solution

ZEAL Pet Food is specifically designed to address these core issues by focusing on what pets are biologically built to thrive on:

Ultra-High Meat Content: All ZEAL air-dried foods contain 96% meat and organs, while our wet foods boast 94% meat and organs. This mirrors an ancestral diet, providing the protein-rich, low-carbohydrate nutrition that dogs and cats naturally consume.
Clean Label Advantage: ZEAL's commitment means no grains, fillers, by-products, artificial additives, or gums. We focus on a short, recognizable ingredient list, promoting digestibility and reducing potential irritants.
Ethical and Traceable Sourcing: ZEAL uses free-range, grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish from New Zealand and Canada's pristine environments, with full traceability from farm to bowl. This commitment to quality and transparency alleviates common pet parent anxieties about ingredient origin.
Functional Superfoods: Every ingredient in ZEAL food is selected for its functional benefit, turning meals into a tool for wellness. These targeted additions proactively support health areas often impacted by allergies:

New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM): A powerhouse for joint health (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s) and also contributes taurine and marine minerals. Its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for overall pet health, including skin.
Salmon Oil (and Krill Meal for cats): Rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for skin and coat health, reducing inflammation and supporting cognitive function. They help balance the omega-6:omega-3 ratio, which is important for managing inflammatory responses.
Pumpkin and Ginger: Support digestive health, helping to firm loose stools, ease constipation, and soothe sensitive stomachs.
Dried Yeast (Brewer's Yeast): Provides B vitamins for energy and skin health, and acts as a prebiotic to foster a healthy gut microbiome.
Egg Yolk and Lecithin: Offer choline, biotin, vitamin D, and fatty acids that support brain, liver, and coat health. Lecithin may also help reduce hairballs in cats.
Kelp: A natural source of iodine and trace minerals that support metabolism and thyroid function, contributing to overall wellness.
Taurine: Crucial for cats' heart and eye health (cats cannot synthesize it sufficiently on their own and must get it from their diet); ZEAL ensures guaranteed levels.

What to Feed Instead: ZEAL's Allergy-Friendly Product Fitments

For pets with allergies or sensitivities, selecting the right protein source and ensuring a clean ingredient list are paramount. ZEAL offers several options specifically suited for managing these needs, emphasizing limited ingredient diets (LID) and novel proteins.

For Dogs:

ZEAL Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe:

Why it helps: This unique dual-protein formula combines wild Pacific salmon with farm-raised duck, both considered novel proteins for many dogs that may have sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef. The high inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil and green-lipped mussels makes it exceptional for skin and coat health, helping to reduce itching, flakiness, and inflammation often associated with allergies.
Added benefits: Contains ginger and pumpkin to support digestion. The jerky-like pieces are also highly palatable and easy to break into high-value training treats, allowing for rewarding good behavior without compromising diet.

ZEAL Canada Air-Dried Turkey Recipe:

Why it helps: As a single-source novel protein, this formula offers an alternative to more common chicken or beef diets, making it suitable for dogs with specific protein intolerances.
Added benefits: Fortified with green-lipped mussel, turmeric, and ginger to provide anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, which can be particularly soothing for sensitive systems and aid joint health.

ZEAL New Zealand Lamb Recipe Wet Food:

Why it helps: Lamb is a novel protein for many dogs, making this a strong candidate for elimination diet trials or long-term feeding for dogs with allergies to common proteins. Its single-protein source and grain-free, gum-free composition simplify the diet, reducing potential triggers.
Added benefits: Rich in highly digestible lamb meat and organs, supplemented with green-lipped mussel and salmon oil for enhanced joint and skin/coat support, crucial for allergic pets who may also suffer from related skin issues.

For Cats:

ZEAL New Zealand Venison Recipe Wet Food:

Why it helps: This is ZEAL’s go-to novel-protein option for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. Venison is an exotic protein to which cats are rarely allergic. Its single-source venison (with minimal other animal proteins like mussel/yolk) and grain-free nature make it excellent for elimination diets and for cats with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Added benefits: The high moisture content is vital for urinary health, a common concern in cats. It also includes green-lipped mussel and salmon oil for joint, skin, and coat benefits, along with digestive support from yeast and fiber.

ZEAL Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Turkey Recipe:

Why it helps: This unique dual-protein formula blends wild Pacific salmon and lean turkey, providing a novel protein profile (no beef or chicken) for cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. The combination is rich in DHA and EPA omega-3s (from salmon, krill meal, and GLM), making it exceptional for skin and coat health and anti-inflammatory needs.
Added benefits: Contains pumpkin for hairball control and digestive regularity, a common feline issue. It also includes naturally occurring and added taurine, which is absolutely critical for feline heart and eye health.

ZEAL New Zealand Chicken Recipe Wet Food (for cats):

Why it helps: While chicken can be an allergen for some cats, for many others, it is a well-tolerated, lean protein. This formula serves as a single-protein option (no beef or fish meat, just fish oil) for cats sensitive to other proteins or fillers. Its lower fat content compared to other wet options can be beneficial for cats with sensitive pancreases or those on weight management programs.
Added benefits: Enhanced with green-lipped mussel and salmon oil for joint and skin/coat health, ensuring comprehensive support even in a lean poultry diet. The high moisture content supports urinary tract health and hydration.

ZEAL New Zealand Beef Recipe Wet Food (for cats):

Why it helps: For cats not sensitive to beef, this single-protein, grain-free, and dairy-free wet food provides a rich, hydrating option. It can be a great alternative for cats reacting to chicken or grains in their diet.
Added benefits: Its high moisture content significantly contributes to hydration and urinary tract health. It's also rich in omega-3s from salmon oil and green-lipped mussels for exceptional skin, coat, and joint support. The high digestibility and natural fiber promote healthy digestion and can reduce hairball frequency.

Beyond the Bowl: Smart Feeding Strategies for Allergic Pets

Transitioning to a new diet, especially for an allergic pet, should be done slowly to allow their digestive system to adjust. Start by mixing a small amount of the new ZEAL food with their current food, gradually increasing the proportion over several days or weeks.

Consider these flexible feeding strategies:

Complete Meal: All ZEAL air-dried and wet foods are complete and balanced for all life stages, meaning they can serve as your pet’s sole diet with confidence.
Topper or Mixer: For picky eaters or to boost the nutritional value of an existing diet, sprinkle some ZEAL air-dried food over their regular meal, or mix in a spoonful of ZEAL wet food. This adds irresistible aroma, flavor, and crucial moisture (especially beneficial for cats).
High-Value Training Treats: ZEAL’s air-dried foods, with their jerky-like texture and 96% meat content, make for irresistible and healthy training rewards. You can break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for multiple repetitions.
Hydration Boost: ZEAL wet foods are inherently moisture-rich (~78% water), which is crucial for overall health, especially for cats prone to urinary issues. Even air-dried foods can be slightly rehydrated for pets who prefer a softer texture or need more moisture.
Protein Rotation: Many pet nutritionists recommend rotating protein sources to provide broader nutritional coverage and potentially minimize the development of new allergies. ZEAL's range of novel and common proteins makes this easy and beneficial.

By choosing ZEAL Pet Food, you are investing in a diet that not only addresses the specific needs of allergic and sensitive pets but also upholds the highest standards of quality, transparency, and nutritional science. It's a comprehensive approach to pet wellness, reflecting your unconditional love in every bowl.

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The Hidden Culprits: Why Diet Matters for Pet Allergies

Food allergies affect approximately 10% of dogs and 5% of cats in the United States. These aren't just minor irritations; common symptoms can include persistent itching, recurrent ear infections, and various gastrointestinal upsets like diarrhea or vomiting.

Many conventional pet foods, while convenient, can inadvertently contribute to these issues due to their formulation:

Digestive Sensitivities: Beyond overt allergies, digestive sensitivities affect about 20% of dogs and 15% of cats. These pets benefit from easily digestible, gut-health supporting formulations to alleviate symptoms like poor nutrient absorption.

Skin and Coat Problems: Affecting approximately 25% of dogs and 20% of cats, skin and coat issues are often linked to nutritional deficiencies or allergies. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids or high-quality protein can lead to dull coats, dry skin, and increased itching.

The modern pet parent's desire to nurture and provide the "very best" for a beloved pet, along with an erosion of trust in big pet food companies with histories of recalls or quality concerns, underlies the demand for transparent, high-quality nutrition.

The ZEAL Difference: A Foundational Solution

ZEAL Pet Food is specifically designed to address these core issues by focusing on what pets are biologically built to thrive on:

Ultra-High Meat Content: All ZEAL air-dried foods contain 96% meat and organs, while our wet foods boast 94% meat and organs. This mirrors an ancestral diet, providing the protein-rich, low-carbohydrate nutrition that dogs and cats naturally consume.

Clean Label Advantage: ZEAL's commitment means no grains, fillers, by-products, artificial additives, or gums. We focus on a short, recognizable ingredient list, promoting digestibility and reducing potential irritants.

Ethical and Traceable Sourcing: ZEAL uses free-range, grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish from New Zealand and Canada's pristine environments, with full traceability from farm to bowl. This commitment to quality and transparency alleviates common pet parent anxieties about ingredient origin.

Functional Superfoods: Every ingredient in ZEAL food is selected for its functional benefit, turning meals into a tool for wellness. These targeted additions proactively support health areas often impacted by allergies:

New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM): A powerhouse for joint health (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s) and also contributes taurine and marine minerals. Its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for overall pet health, including skin.

Salmon Oil (and Krill Meal for cats): Rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for skin and coat health, reducing inflammation and supporting cognitive function. They help balance the omega-6:omega-3 ratio, which is important for managing inflammatory responses.

Pumpkin and Ginger: Support digestive health, helping to firm loose stools, ease constipation, and soothe sensitive stomachs.

Dried Yeast (Brewer's Yeast): Provides B vitamins for energy and skin health, and acts as a prebiotic to foster a healthy gut microbiome.

Egg Yolk and Lecithin: Offer choline, biotin, vitamin D, and fatty acids that support brain, liver, and coat health. Lecithin may also help reduce hairballs in cats.

Kelp: A natural source of iodine and trace minerals that support metabolism and thyroid function, contributing to overall wellness.

Taurine: Crucial for cats' heart and eye health (cats cannot synthesize it sufficiently on their own and must get it from their diet); ZEAL ensures guaranteed levels.

What to Feed Instead: ZEAL's Allergy-Friendly Product Fitments

For pets with allergies or sensitivities, selecting the right protein source and ensuring a clean ingredient list are paramount. ZEAL offers several options specifically suited for managing these needs, emphasizing limited ingredient diets (LID) and novel proteins.

For Dogs:

ZEAL Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Duck Recipe:

Added benefits: Contains ginger and pumpkin to support digestion. The jerky-like pieces are also highly palatable and easy to break into high-value training treats, allowing for rewarding good behavior without compromising diet.

ZEAL Canada Air-Dried Turkey Recipe:

Why it helps: As a single-source novel protein, this formula offers an alternative to more common chicken or beef diets, making it suitable for dogs with specific protein intolerances.

Added benefits: Fortified with green-lipped mussel, turmeric, and ginger to provide anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, which can be particularly soothing for sensitive systems and aid joint health.

ZEAL New Zealand Lamb Recipe Wet Food:

Why it helps: Lamb is a novel protein for many dogs, making this a strong candidate for elimination diet trials or long-term feeding for dogs with allergies to common proteins. Its single-protein source and grain-free, gum-free composition simplify the diet, reducing potential triggers.

Added benefits: Rich in highly digestible lamb meat and organs, supplemented with green-lipped mussel and salmon oil for enhanced joint and skin/coat support, crucial for allergic pets who may also suffer from related skin issues.

For Cats:

ZEAL New Zealand Venison Recipe Wet Food:

Added benefits: The high moisture content is vital for urinary health, a common concern in cats. It also includes green-lipped mussel and salmon oil for joint, skin, and coat benefits, along with digestive support from yeast and fiber.

ZEAL Canada Air-Dried Salmon & Turkey Recipe:

Added benefits: Contains pumpkin for hairball control and digestive regularity, a common feline issue. It also includes naturally occurring and added taurine, which is absolutely critical for feline heart and eye health.

ZEAL New Zealand Chicken Recipe Wet Food (for cats):

Added benefits: Enhanced with green-lipped mussel and salmon oil for joint and skin/coat health, ensuring comprehensive support even in a lean poultry diet. The high moisture content supports urinary tract health and hydration.

ZEAL New Zealand Beef Recipe Wet Food (for cats):

Why it helps: For cats not sensitive to beef, this single-protein, grain-free, and dairy-free wet food provides a rich, hydrating option. It can be a great alternative for cats reacting to chicken or grains in their diet.

Beyond the Bowl: Smart Feeding Strategies for Allergic Pets

Transitioning to a new diet, especially for an allergic pet, should be done slowly to allow their digestive system to adjust. Start by mixing a small amount of the new ZEAL food with their current food, gradually increasing the proportion over several days or weeks.

Consider these flexible feeding strategies:

Complete Meal: All ZEAL air-dried and wet foods are complete and balanced for all life stages, meaning they can serve as your pet’s sole diet with confidence.

Topper or Mixer: For picky eaters or to boost the nutritional value of an existing diet, sprinkle some ZEAL air-dried food over their regular meal, or mix in a spoonful of ZEAL wet food. This adds irresistible aroma, flavor, and crucial moisture (especially beneficial for cats).

High-Value Training Treats: ZEAL’s air-dried foods, with their jerky-like texture and 96% meat content, make for irresistible and healthy training rewards. You can break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for multiple repetitions.

Hydration Boost: ZEAL wet foods are inherently moisture-rich (~78% water), which is crucial for overall health, especially for cats prone to urinary issues. Even air-dried foods can be slightly rehydrated for pets who prefer a softer texture or need more moisture.

Protein Rotation: Many pet nutritionists recommend rotating protein sources to provide broader nutritional coverage and potentially minimize the development of new allergies. ZEAL's range of novel and common proteins makes this easy and beneficial.

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