Moesonson
EN 中文

ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe

CatWetMain FoodAll Life Stages

Complete & balanced diet

The label carries a nutritional adequacy statement saying this food is "complete and balanced" — meaning it is formulated to provide every essential nutrient your pet needs for the stated life stage, in the right proportions.

A food may only make this claim if it meets an established nutrient profile (AAFCO or FEDIAF) or passes a feeding trial. Because it is complete, it can be fed as the sole daily diet.

ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe 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 Jul 2026
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 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.

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.

High
How we review →

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.

Read the full methodology

Is ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe wet cat food good?

ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe is a wet 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, Poultry, Unknown Meal but contains Red meat, Fish, Shellfish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

Red meatFishShellfish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggLegumesNutsPoultryUnknown 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

Nutrition Breakdown — Dry Matter
Protein 48%
Fat 18%
Est. Carbs 11%
Fiber 9%
Ash 14%

Moisture (78%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

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

Nutrition Breakdown — As Fed
Protein 11%
Fat 4%
Est. Carbs 3%
Fiber 2%
Moisture 78%
Ash 3%

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

Tips

  • Protein is High (48% 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.

  • Fat is High (18% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can raise calorie density, so watch body condition and seek vet input for cats with pancreatitis or digestive disease.

    Understanding High Fat (16% – 22% Dry Matter)

    Higher Calorie Density This range can support pets with higher energy needs, but it can also make overfeeding easier. Portion size, total calories, and body condition matter.

    Pancreatitis and Digestive History For dogs with pancreatitis history, fat level is often reviewed carefully. For cats, fat is only one part of the decision. Use this as a flag for vet-guided review, not as an automatic rejection.

Ingredients Analysis

22 of 22 matched

  • 1 Mackerel
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 2 Water Sufficient for Processing
    Food Additive

    Description

    Water added during manufacturing, not a nutritional ingredient.

  • 3 Lamb
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 4 Lamb Lung
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Organ meats of lamb. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, B12, iron, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, and copper.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 5 Lamb Tripe
    Animal Protein

    Description

    The edible muscle lining of the lamb's stomach. It is high in protein, vitamin B12, also a great source of selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 6 Lamb Heart
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An organ meat from lamb, rich in CoQ10, iron, B vitamins, and taurine.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 7 Lamb Kidney
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Organ meats of lamb. It is rich in iron and vitamin B12.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 8 Lamb Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Organ meats of lamb. It is a significant source of vitamin A, B12, and copper.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 9 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.

  • 10 Lamb Bone
    Others

    Description

    Ground lamb bone used as a natural source of calcium and phosphorus in pet food.

  • 11 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.

  • 12 Dried Kelp
    Carbs

    Description

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

  • 13 Magnesium Sulfate
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.

  • 14 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 17 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).

  • 18 Vitamin E Supplement
    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.

  • 19 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.

  • 20 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.

  • 21 Vitamin D3 Supplement
    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 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.

Tips

  • Some protein sources are less clear: Lamb Bone appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Dl-methionine.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 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

Mackerel Lamb Lamb Lung Lamb Tripe Lamb Heart Lamb Kidney Lamb Liver New Zealand Green Mussel Lamb Bone

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 100%

Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 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

Mackerel Lamb Lamb Lung Lamb Tripe Lamb Heart Lamb Kidney Lamb Liver New Zealand Green Mussel

ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe wet cat food Review

ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 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: Red meat, Fish, Shellfish.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 48% protein, 18% fat, 11% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Unknown Meal.

Frequently asked questions

Is ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe good for cats?

Yes — ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 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 Mackerel & Lamb Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 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 Mackerel & Lamb Recipe contain Egg?

No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe 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 Mackerel & Lamb Recipe contain Legumes?

No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe 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 Mackerel & Lamb Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 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 Mackerel & Lamb Recipe grain-free?

Yes — ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 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 Mackerel & Lamb Recipe?

The main animal proteins in ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe are Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Lung. 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.

Similar Products

View All

More to explore