Ziwi Peak is a New Zealand-based cat food brand that prides itself on using grass-fed, ethically sourced ingredients
In this Ziwi Peak cat food review, we’ll find out if it’s a good choice.
Ziwi Peak Cat Food Rating
Here is a run-down of our rating for Ziwi Peak cat food product varieties.
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Cat Food | A |
| Ziwi Peak Wet Cat Food | A |
| Ziwi Peak Steam and Dried Cat Food | Untested |
Note: This site is written by independent cat enthusiasts. Consult a veterinarian for advice on your cat’s specific dietary needs.
Ziwi Peak is suitable for all life stages.
They use named ingredients, which gives peace of mind knowing what goes in their products.
They don’t use any gums or carrageenan, which might be helpful to avoid stomach irritation.
The main gripe of this brand is the price.
About Ziwi Peak Cat Food
Ziwi Peak are a New Zealand based cat food brand. They use locally sourced produce in their cat foods.
This brand offers wet and air-dried cat food. The price of most products is on the high side.
Ziwi Peak was acquired by the Chinese private equity firm FountainVest Partners in 2021.
However, the company states that production remains in New Zealand, and there have been no reported changes to the quality of ingredients.
Ziwi Peak Cat Food Review: A Closer Look
Here’s a review of each Ziwi Peak product line.
I bought the products and offered them to our cats for a closer look at what you’re getting.
Ziwi Peak Wet Cat Food Review
Suitable for all life stages
Meaty and tasty
No added gums
Pricey
Added chickpea
Exotic flavors – will your cat enjoy?
Suitable for all life stages
Pate texture
Made in New Zealand
Available in 24 x 3 ounce packs
~$1.60 per ounce
No gums or carrageenan
Ziwi Peak wet cat food is a great choice for any cat.
It comes in a thick meaty pate with a rich beefy smell. Our cats enjoyed eating it without any issues.
For peace of mind, there’s no gums, carrageenan, or gluten.
It’s a pricey choice though!
Nutrition (Dry Basis)
- Energy: 1,200 kcal/kg
- Protein: 54%
- Carbs: 10%
- Fat: 25%
- Ash: 6%
- Fiber: 4%
- Calcium: 2.0%
- Phosphate: 1.4%
- Suitable for all life stages based on AAFCO’s nutrition guidelines
Ingredients
Venison, Water Sufficient for Processing, Venison Tripe, Venison Liver, Chickpeas, Venison Lung, Venison Heart, Venison Kidney, New Zealand Green Mussel, Venison Bone, DL-Methionine, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex), Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid)
Labelling:
The label uses an amount, stating 92% meat content from venison.
- Grains: No
- Gluten: No
- Gums: No
- Carrageenan: No
- Legumes: Yes
- Fish: No
- Chicken: No
Taste
I offered Ziwi Peak venison recipe to our cat Felicia, who enjoyed it. The texture was a little thick, which I had to mash to help her with.
Customers online are generally positive for this cat food.
- Product Test: Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe
- Smell: Smelt a bit like rare steak. Strong raw beef smell
- Amount Eaten: 100%
- Time to Finish Eating: ~2 minutes
- Food Appearance: Lean, chunky, and thick
Price
About ~$0.92 per ounce, as of the writing of this article.
Pricing may vary based on location, merchant, and bundle size.
Ziwi Peak venison wet cat food has a percentile rank of 9% compared to other popular cat foods I’ve tested (0% being most expensive to 100% being least expensive).
This means it’s on the pricey side compared to most cat food.
Variety
Here are the flavors in Ziwi Peak’s wet cat food range:
- Chicken
- Venison
- Mackerel
- Beef
- Lamb
- Rabbit and lamb
Venison, lamb and rabbit may be suitable for cats with allergies.
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Cat Food Review
Suitable for all life stages
96% grass-fed produce
Grain-free
Pricey
Mixed taste results
Nope, that’s it
Suitable for all life stages
Air-dried squares
Made in New Zealand
Available in 140 ounce bags
~$1.60 per ounce
Grain-free
Ziwi Peak air-dried cat food is a superb choice for any cat.
It comes in small meaty squares. Our cats were hesitant when trying it.
The product is grain-free. It’s very expensive.
Nutrition (Dry Basis)
- Protein: 41%
- Carbs: 4%
- Fat: 39%
- Ash: 14%
- Fiber: 2%
- Energy: 5,600 kcal/kg
- Suitable for all life stages based on AAFCO’s nutrition guidelines
Ingredients
Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Salt, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, Taurine
Labelling:
The label uses an amount, stating 96% meat content from beef, venison, lamb, southern blue whiting, and Hoki.
- Grains: No
- Gluten: No
- Gums: No
- Carrageenan: No
- Legumes: No
- Fish: No
- Chicken: No
Taste
I tested Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Otago Valley cat food to my cat Felicia.
Felicia was curious but hesitant at first. However, she eventually gave it a try, and the kittens seemed to enjoy it as well.
Customers online are mostly positive for this cat food.
- Product Test: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Otago Valley
- Smell: Meaty smell that isn’t too strong
- Amount Eaten: 70%
- Time to Finish Eating: ~5 minutes
- Food Appearance: Crunchy, small meaty squares
Price
About ~$1.60 per ounce, as of the writing of this article.
Pricing may vary based on location, merchant, and bundle size.
Ziwi Peak Venison wet cat food is in the top 9% of the most expensive cat foods I’ve tested (with 0% being the most expensive and 100% the least expensive).
This means it’s on the pricey side compared to most cat food.
While Ziwi Peak is among the pricier cat food brands, its high meat content and lack of fillers may justify the cost for pet owners prioritizing quality nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ziwi Peak Too High in Protein?
Ziwi Peak cat food contains between 43-64% protein (dry matter), aligning closely with a cat’s natural prey diet (~52% protein dry matter).
AAFCO recommends cat food with at least 30% protein (dry matter). There’s is no evidence of adverse health effects of high protein intakes.
Cats with kidney disease may need a protein restricted diet for kidney protection.
Is Ziwi Peak Cat Food Good for Kittens?
All Ziwi Peak cat foods meet the AAFCO guidelines for all life stages. This means it is suitable for kittens, adults and senior cats.
Does Ziwi Peak With Water Mix?
Ziwi Peak wet cat food contains over 75% water. You can add warm water as needed.
Conclusion
Ziwi Peak offers premium, high-meat cat food with no unnecessary fillers.
While the price is high, it may be a great for cat owners wanting top-quality nutrition. If you’re unsure, start with a small purchase to see if your cat enjoys it.
I tested their wet and dry cat foods. Our cats preferred the wet food, and were a little hesitant with the dry food.
