Everything NZ Pet Owners Need to Know About Sealord's New Seafood-Based Pet Food Range

Every pet owner knows the little signs that say their cat or dog is doing well: a glossy coat, bright eyes, good energy, a happy appetite, and the confidence to run, leap, nap, play, and come back for more. At Sealord Skipper, we believe those outside signs start with what is happening on the inside. 

It is not about making pets look picture-perfect. It is about feeding them with care, with quality ingredients, and with naturally nourishing seafood so their inner health can show on the outside. 

For more Kiwi pet owners, fish-based nutrition is becoming a smart choice. Seafood is naturally rich in quality protein and marine Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, which are widely recognised for supporting skin, coat, immune, brain, heart, and joint health in cats and dogs. Fish is also highly digestible and can be helpful for pets that do better on a different protein source. 

Introducing Sealord Skipper, a premium New Zealand pet food range made with sustainably sourced New Zealand seafood. Created by Sealord, Skipper brings trusted seafood expertise to the pet bowl in a way that feels simple, nourishing, and easy to love. 

Beautiful Starts on the Inside 

When we talk about feeding pets beautifully, we mean everyday wellbeing. Good nutrition supports strong muscles, steady energy, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. It helps pets feel ready for the day, whether that is a beach walk, a backyard game, or curling up in a favourite sunny spot. 

Fish brings something special to the bowl. It is naturally packed with quality protein and marine omegas, and many cats and dogs love the taste. For pets with sensitive stomachs, or owners looking beyond traditional meat proteins, fish can be a gentle, nutrient-rich option. If your pet has specific health issues or allergies, check with your vet before making a major diet change. 

Meet Sealord Skipper 

Sealord Skipper is built around a simple idea: the goodness of New Zealand seafood should not be reserved just for people. Pets are part of the family, and they deserve food that is thoughtfully made, naturally nourishing, and full of the seafood taste they love. 

Skipper focuses on seafood nutrition, with recipes built around carefully selected New Zealand seafood ingredients and a fish-first approach that supports great taste and everyday wellbeing. 

Why Fish for Pets? 

Fish has long been recognised as one of the most nutritious protein sources available, and it's just as valuable for pets as it is for people. It's naturally rich in high-quality protein, low in common allergens, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat and joint health. 

For pets that struggle with sensitivities to more common proteins like beef or chicken, a fish-based diet can be a simple way to support easier digestion while still delivering the nutrition they need to stay active and healthy. 

Skipper is built entirely around this idea — every recipe uses fish responsibly caught in New Zealand waters, fully traceable back to the source. 

The Benefits Behind Every Bowl 

Skipper's recipes are formulated for all life stages, from puppies and kittens through to seniors, and are designed with a few core benefits in mind: 

Because Skipper is made by Sealord, every recipe also comes with the backing of decades of seafood expertise and a genuine commitment to sustainable, responsible fishing practices. 

Exploring the Sealord Skipper Range 

Every pet has their own personality, appetite, and routine. Some cats love smooth, savoury wet food. Some dogs are motivated by crunchy treats. Some owners want a complete meal, while others want a topper for extra flavour. Skippers give pet owners practical ways to bring seafood nutrition into everyday feeding. 

The range includes wet food, air-dried meals, air-dried treats, and freeze-dried treats. Each format has a role, but they all share the same Skipper philosophy: quality New Zealand seafood, carefully prepared, with nutrition that starts inside and shows in the everyday signs of a healthy pet. 

Which Skipper Product Is Right for Your Pet? 

With a range spanning air dried meals, freeze dried treats and wet food, there's an easy entry point for most pets. Dogs that need a full meal upgrade may do well starting with an air dried recipe like Mackerel, Hoki & Salmon or Whiting, Hoki & Salmon, while pet owners simply looking for a healthier treat option might start with the Hoki Cubes or Hoki Skin Cubes. 

As with any diet change, it's worth introducing new food gradually, mixing a small amount in with your pet's current food and increasing it over several days. 

A Range Built Around Everyday Choice 

One of Skipper’s strengths is that it fits into real life. Wet food brings moisture, aroma, and comfort to a cat’s bowl. Air-dried food offers a convenient, nutrient-dense meal for cats and dogs. Air-dried and freeze-dried treats deliver seafood flavour in easy reward formats. 

Yes, It Smells Like Fish 

Let’s be honest: Skipper smells like fish. And there is a good reason for that. It is made from 100% seafood, so the natural aroma is part of what makes it appealing to cats and dogs. While it may be more noticeable to people, pets experience food differently. They eat with their noses first, and aroma helps them decide whether something is worth tucking into. 

That is why the packaging has been designed with pet owners in mind. Odour-reduction sachets are included in each pack, and every pack is 100% resealable to help keep the seafood aroma where it belongs, inside the bag. 

Most importantly, our experience with Skipper, particularly the dog treats, tells us pets value that natural seafood aroma highly. If it smells good to them, they are more likely to be interested, more likely to eat, and more likely to come back for more. To us, it is a sign of real seafood. To pets, it is part of the excitement. 

Why Sustainability Matters 

Feeding beautifully also means thinking about where ingredients come from. Sealord Skipper is made with sustainably sourced New Zealand seafood, drawing on Sealord’s experience in responsible fishing and seafood processing. For pet owners, that means choosing nutrition that is connected to care for the marine environment that provides it. 

Is Sealord Skipper Right for Your Pet? 

If you are looking for New Zealand-made pet food with quality seafood protein, naturally occurring Omega-3, responsible sourcing, and plenty of pet appeal, Skipper is well worth exploring. It suits owners who want a fish-based option, a lower-allergen protein alternative, or a simple way to bring more seafood goodness into their pet’s routine. 

Every pet is different. If your cat or dog has a medical condition, food allergy, or special dietary need, speak with your vet before changing their diet. For many pets, though, seafood can be a naturally nourishing choice that is easy to enjoy. 

Feed Them Beautiful