ZIWI Peak Venison Recipe
ZIWI Peak Venison 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 — 92% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 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 Venison Recipe wet cat food good?
ZIWI Peak Venison 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. 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, Nuts, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Red meat, 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.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 46% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 14% |
| Fiber | 9% |
| Ash | 14% |
Moisture (78%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 10% |
|---|---|
| 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 (46% 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 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.
Ingredients Analysis
28 of 28 matched
-
1 Venison
Animal ProteinDescription
A more exotic red meat, higher protein and lower in fat compared to other domestic red meats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
2 Water
OthersDescription
It is added in the pet food as a blending / thinning agent.
-
3 Venison Tripe
Animal ProteinDescription
Stomach lining from venison (deer), a nutrient-rich organ meat providing natural enzymes and probiotics.
Why Prefer?
Named animal source organ meat with high nutritional value.
-
4 Venison Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
A great source of vitamin A, Bs, iron, and selenium.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
5 Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% 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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6 Venison Lung
Animal ProteinDescription
Venison lung, an organ meat rich in protein and nutrients.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
7 Venison Heart
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin B2, B6, B12.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
8 New Zealand Green Mussel
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of protein, vitamin A, B12, zinc, and iron.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
9 Venison Kidney
Animal ProteinDescription
Organ meat from venison, rich in B vitamins, iron, and selenium.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
10 Venison Bone
Animal ProteinDescription
Ground venison bone providing natural calcium, phosphorus, and collagen.
Why Prefer?
A named by-product providing natural minerals.
-
11 Venison Cartilage
Animal ProteinDescription
Cartilage from deer, a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine.
Why Prefer?
Named source of joint-supporting compounds.
-
12 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
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 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
14 Zinc Amino Acid Complex
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.
-
15 Manganese Amino Acid Complex
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.
-
16 Copper Amino Acid Complex
SupplementDescription
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.
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17 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
18 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
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.
-
19 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
-
20 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
-
21 Salt
OthersDescription
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.
-
22 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).
-
23 Vitamin E Supplement
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.
-
24 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
25 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
-
26 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
-
27 Vitamin D3 Supplement
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).
-
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.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Venison Bone appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Chickpeas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Sodium Selenite, Dl-methionine, Salt.
- Possible digestion triggers: Chickpeas 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 Venison 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 92%
- Plant 8%
Meat-forward: 92% of the weighted protein in ZIWI Peak Venison Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (8% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
ZIWI Peak Venison Recipe wet cat food Review
ZIWI Peak Venison 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
- 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: Legumes, Red meat, Shellfish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 46% protein, 18% fat, 14% estimated carbohydrates.
- 92% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is ZIWI Peak Venison Recipe good for cats?
Yes — ZIWI Peak Venison 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 Venison Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Venison 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 Venison Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Venison 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 Venison Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Venison 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 Venison Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ZIWI Peak Venison 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 Venison Recipe grain-free?
Yes — ZIWI Peak Venison 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 Venison Recipe?
The main animal proteins in ZIWI Peak Venison Recipe are Venison, Venison Tripe, Venison 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.
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