ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel
ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel scores 5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its two scoring factors rate evenly: protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named) and animal-protein content (strong — 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jun 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel air-dried cat food good?
ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel is a air-dried cat food rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Red meat, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 43% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 34% |
| Est. Carbs | 6% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Ash | 14% |
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 38% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30% |
| Est. Carbs | 5% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Ash | 12% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (43% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Super High (34% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense; cats with pancreatitis, digestive disease, or weight concerns need case-specific veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
30 of 30 matched
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1 Beef
Animal ProteinDescription
Excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, iron. However, red meat contains a higher level of cholesterol which is related to several health issues like heart disease.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Tuna
Animal ProteinDescription
A saltwater fish high in protein, omega 3 fats, and B vitamins. Most tuna contains a high level of mercury, which is linked to many health issues.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Beef Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the best-concentrated sources of vitamin A compared to any other food. It also includes a high amount of folate and vitamin B12. The liver only fillers toxins out and it does not store them, which most people misunderstand.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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4 Beef Lung
Animal ProteinDescription
High in protein, contains several minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, and selenium.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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5 Beef Tripe
Animal ProteinDescription
The stomach lining of beef, high in protein, contains selenium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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6 Beef Kidney
Animal ProteinDescription
High in protein, an excellent source of iron, selenium, and vitamin A.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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7 Beef Heart
Animal ProteinDescription
High in protein with unique nutrients, contains iron, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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8 Beef Blood
Animal ProteinDescription
A by-product from beef processing, high in protein and iron.
Why Concerned?
A by-product-derived protein source.
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9 Beef Bone
Animal ProteinDescription
The ground bone meal of beef, it is rich in calcium and phosphorous.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 Beef Cartilage
Animal ProteinDescription
The gummy chewy part connects the bones, contains a high amount of glucosamine which is important for joints health.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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11 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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12 Chicory
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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13 Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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14 Natural Flavour
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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15 Dicalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Digestion Concern
It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
Uncertain/Risky
Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
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16 Zinc Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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17 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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18 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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19 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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20 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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21 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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22 Vitamin E
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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23 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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24 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
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25 Vitamin B2
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B2, which is vital for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia and weight loss.
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26 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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27 Vitamin B12
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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28 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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29 Vitamin D3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
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30 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Beef Blood appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Dicalcium Phosphate.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Dicalcium Phosphate have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 100%
Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel air-dried cat food Review
ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel is a strong choice — rated 5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 43% protein, 34% fat, 6% estimated carbohydrates.
- 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel good for cats?
Yes — ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel earns 5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel grain-free?
Yes — ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel?
The main animal proteins in ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food Beef & Mackerel are Beef, Tuna, Beef Liver. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
