Kahawai

0 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Fish allergen group

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About Kahawai

Kahawai is a Southern Hemisphere marine fish, common off New Zealand and Australia, used in some pet foods as an animal protein source.

Kahawai is a marine fish used in pet foods as a high-quality animal protein and palatability ingredient that often contributes beneficial omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) supporting skin, coat and joint health in dogs and cats. As with other fish ingredients, proper sourcing and processing are important—kahawai can be an allergen for some pets and should be handled to minimize contaminants, parasites and heavy metals, and diets for cats must be formulated to provide all species‑specific nutrients (e.g., adequate taurine).

Derived from: Arripis trutta, a schooling marine fish
Primary role: animal protein and omega-3 source

Why it's used

Kahawai is caught in large volumes off New Zealand but has comparatively low popularity as a human food fish, which makes it available for pet food and bait use. Manufacturers use it to supply animal protein and marine omega-3 fatty acids in formulas, particularly those made or sourced in Australasia.

Common concerns

Allergen potential As a fish protein, kahawai falls into the same allergen category as other finfish, so pets with a documented fish sensitivity may react to it.
Sourcing and species recognition Because kahawai is a regionally specific fish with limited name recognition outside Australasia, ingredient labeling and sourcing traceability are worth checking for pet owners unfamiliar with the species.

Also relevant

Cats fed fish-forward diets still require complete, balanced formulation to meet species-specific needs such as taurine, which fish protein alone does not guarantee.

2 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Kahawai?

Kahawai is categorized as a protein ingredient in the KibbleLab database.

Is Kahawai part of an allergen group?

Yes. Kahawai is grouped under the Fish allergen group in the KibbleLab database.

Which foods contain Kahawai?

0 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Kahawai.

Foods with Kahawai

Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.

No foods in the KibbleLab database contain Kahawai right now.

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