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ZIWI Peak

Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe

CatAir-Dried

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5.0 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

References

AAFCO Ingredient Standards
High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

References

PMC: Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? Deng & Swanson (2020): Cats Have Increased Protein Digestibility as Compared to Dogs
High

Is ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe air-dried cat food good?

ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken 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, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Meal but contains Poultry, Shellfish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

PoultryShellfish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggLegumesNutsRed meatFishUnknown Meal

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.
  • Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Protein 44%
  • Fat 35%
  • Est. Carbs 9%
  • Fiber 4%
  • Ash 8%

Moisture (14%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.

  • Protein 38%
  • Fat 30%
  • Est. Carbs 8%
  • Fiber 3%
  • Moisture 14%
  • Ash 7%

Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.

As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.

Tips

  • Protein is High (44% 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.

    Understanding High Protein (40% - 50% Dry Matter)

    Protein-Forward Profile This bucket suggests the food is protein-forward for the selected species. The cat threshold is intentionally higher than the dog threshold because cats generally need more protein than dogs.

    Check Species and Life Stage Growing, pregnant, nursing, senior, or medically managed pets can have different targets. The adequacy statement and your vet's advice matter more than this bucket alone.

    References

    FDA: Complete and Balanced Pet Food Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
  • Fat is Super High (35% 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.

    Understanding Super High Fat (≥ 22% Dry Matter)

    Very Energy Dense This dry-matter fat range can provide a lot of calories in a small amount of food. It may fit some working, very active, or underweight pets when the full diet is appropriate.

    Medical Context Matters Pancreatitis nutrition is case-dependent. Low-fat diets are often used for dogs with pancreatitis, while cats may need different strategies such as highly digestible or hydrolyzed diets. Pets with pancreatitis history, digestive disease, or weight concerns should follow veterinary guidance.

    References

    Merck Veterinary Manual: Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats Nutritional management of pancreatitis and concurrent disease in dogs and cats High fat, high risk? Evaluating the strength of evidence linking dietary fat and pancreatitis in dogs

Ingredients Analysis

23 of 23 matched

  • 1 Chicken
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 2 Chicken Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 3 Chicken Bone
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 4 Chicken Heart
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 5 New Zealand Green Mussel
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of protein, vitamin A, B12, zinc, and iron.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 6 Chicken Cartilage
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 7 Inulin
    Carbs

    Description

    A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.

  • 8 Dried Kelp
    Carbs

    Description

    An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.

  • 9 Parsley
    Carbs

    Description

    A type of plant native to the Mediterranean. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.

  • 10 Lecithin
    Fat

    Description

    A fat essential in body cells, it could be extracted from different food like soybean. It acts as an emulsifier that helps fats mixing with other ingredients.

  • 11 Choline Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.

  • 12 Potassium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.

  • 13 Zinc Amino Acid Complex
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 14 Copper Amino Acid Complex
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.

  • 15 Manganese Amino Acid Complex
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 16 Salt
    Others

    Description

    Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.

  • 17 Vitamin E
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 18 Thiamine Mononitrate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 19 Vitamin B6
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 20 Folic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 21 Vitamin D3
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

  • 22 Dl-methionine
    Supplement

    Description

    Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.

    Why Concerned?

    A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.

  • 23 Taurine
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Chicken Liver are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Salt, Dl-methionine.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken 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

Chicken Chicken Liver Chicken Bone Chicken Heart New Zealand Green Mussel Chicken Cartilage

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 100%

Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe 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

Chicken Chicken Liver Chicken Bone Chicken Heart New Zealand Green Mussel Chicken Cartilage

ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe air-dried cat food Review

ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken 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

Key takeaways

  • Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
  • Contains common allergens: Poultry, Shellfish.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 35% fat, 9% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Meal.

Frequently asked questions

Is ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe good for cats?

Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in ZIWI Peak Original Series Pure New Zealand Chicken Recipe?

The top animal proteins are Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Bone — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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