Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe
Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe scores 5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 97% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Mar 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 Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe air-dried cat food good?
Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe 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. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
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.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 45% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 32% |
| Est. Carbs | 13% |
| Fiber | 1% |
| Ash | 10% |
Moisture (6%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 42% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30% |
| Est. Carbs | 12% |
| Fiber | 1% |
| Moisture | 6% |
| Ash | 9% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (45% 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 (32% 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
14 of 14 matched
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1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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3 Chicken Necks
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Chicken Bone
Animal ProteinDescription
The ground bone meal of chicken, it is rich in calcium and phosphorous.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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5 Chicken Mince
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Chicken 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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7 Chicken Heart
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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8 Whole Mackerel
Animal ProteinDescription
Greenish-blue back silverfish, high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is also an excellent source of omega 3s, similar to salmon.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Dried Egg White
Animal ProteinDescription
Dried egg whites providing pure protein.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 Yellow Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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11 Dried Green-Lipped Mussels
Animal ProteinDescription
Dried green-lipped mussels providing omega-3s and natural glucosamine for joints.
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12 Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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13 Chicory Inulin
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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14 Minerals
SupplementDescription
A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Chicken Liver are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Yellow Peas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Possible digestion triggers: Yellow Peas 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 Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe'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 97%
- Plant 3%
Meat-forward: 97% of the weighted protein in Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (3% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe air-dried cat food Review
Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe 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
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 45% protein, 32% fat, 13% estimated carbohydrates.
- 97% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe good for cats?
Yes — Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe 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 Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe 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 Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe 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 Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe grain-free?
Yes — Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe 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 Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe?
The main animal proteins in Ziwi Peak Cage-Free Chicken with Whole Mackerel Recipe are Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Necks. 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.
