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FirstMate vs Ziwi

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods (owned by Nasta Pet Food), and Ziwi by Ziwi Limited (owned by FountainVest Partners), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Ziwi averages 8.8 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.4 for FirstMate. Ziwi is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; FirstMate is not.

FirstMate and Ziwi compared

FirstMate Ziwi
Manufacturer FirstMate Pet Foods Ziwi Limited
Parent company Nasta Pet Food FountainVest Partners
Founded 1989 2002
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Products listed 56 15
Serves Cats & dogs Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$ $$$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
No No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
No Yes
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
8.4 (avg of 56) 8.8 (avg of 15)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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FirstMate vs Ziwi: how they compare

Scores

Ziwi scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.8 out of 10 across 15 scored foods, compared with 8.4 across 56 for FirstMate. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, owned by Nasta Pet Food, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1989. Ziwi is made by Ziwi Limited, owned by FountainVest Partners, based in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, founded in 2002.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Ziwi is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; FirstMate is not. KibbleLab lists 56 FirstMate foods and 15 Ziwi foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, FirstMate or Ziwi?

Ziwi scores higher: it averages 8.8 out of 10 across 15 scored foods, compared with 8.4 for FirstMate. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes FirstMate and Ziwi?

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, which is owned by Nasta Pet Food. Ziwi is made by Ziwi Limited, which is owned by FountainVest Partners.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

FirstMate has 56 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 15 for Ziwi.

Where is each brand based?

FirstMate is based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Ziwi is based in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

Are FirstMate or Ziwi PSC Accredited?

Ziwi is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.

Have FirstMate or Ziwi been recalled?

Neither FirstMate nor Ziwi has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: FirstMate and Ziwi .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.