Original Air-Dried Venison Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 7, 2026
This is a high-protein, air-dried venison-based dry cat food that uses whole-prey ingredients like meat, organs, bone, and green mussel to provide concentrated nutrition. It’s formulated for cats of all life stages and can be fed as a full diet, topper, or treat. The simple, single-animal protein profile may be helpful for cats who don’t do well on more typical chicken- or beef-based foods.
Nutritionally, this is a very high-quality, meat-rich option that’s much more concentrated than typical dry kibble, with venison and venison organs making up the bulk of the recipe. The formulation is complete and balanced for all life stages and includes added taurine plus naturally occurring joint-support nutrients from green-lipped mussel and cartilage. It’s best suited for cats who tolerate rich, high-protein diets and whose owners are comfortable carefully measuring portions due to the high calorie density.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high meat content from venison muscle, organs, and bone, providing species-appropriate protein and natural minerals.
- Single-animal protein (venison) can be useful for some cats with food sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Air-dried format offers high protein (44% as-fed) and fat (24% as-fed) in a concentrated form, with relatively low carbohydrate content compared with typical kibbles.
- Includes green-lipped mussel, cartilage, and added taurine, which contribute natural sources of omega-3s and joint-support compounds as well as meeting feline-specific taurine needs.
Considerations
- Very calorie dense (about 441 kcal per cup), so portion sizes must be small and carefully measured to avoid weight gain.
- Rich, high-fat, high-protein foods can be too intense for some cats with pancreatitis or certain digestive issues, so a gradual transition is important.
- Contains added salt; generally fine for healthy cats, but any cat with heart or kidney concerns should have diet choices discussed with a veterinarian.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
02
Venison Tripe
Venison tripe is the stomach lining of deer used in pet foods as an animal protein and organ ingredient valued for palatability, fats, amino acids and trace minerals. It can provide beneficial digestive enzymes and, when sold as 'green tripe,' probiotic-like components that may support gut health in dogs and cats, but it is odorous, can be high in fat, may carry bacterial contamination if not properly processed, and should be included as part of a balanced, veterinarian-approved diet rather than the sole nutrition source.
03
Venison Heart
Venison heart is an organ meat commonly used as a novel, nutrient-dense animal protein in dog and cat foods, valued for its rich amino acid profile, palatability, and relatively lean muscle content. It provides important nutrients such as taurine (especially relevant for cats), B vitamins, iron and zinc, but should be included as part of a balanced formula and handled/cooked properly to reduce pathogen risk and avoid nutrient imbalances from excessive organ meat.
04
Venison Lung
Venison lung is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a novel, lean protein source and palatability enhancer, particularly in formulas for dogs or cats with food sensitivities. It provides highly digestible protein and some B vitamins and minerals, but it is not a complete diet (cats still require taurine and other nutrients), should be used in appropriate proportions, and must be sourced and processed safely to minimize risks from pathogens or contaminants.
05
Venison Liver
Venison liver is an organ meat used in pet foods as a nutrient-dense protein and flavor enhancer and is especially common in novel‑protein or limited‑ingredient diets; it supplies high levels of bioavailable vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12), iron and other trace minerals. Because liver is very rich in vitamin A, minerals and can be relatively high in fat and purines, it should be included in controlled amounts to avoid hypervitaminosis A, digestive upset or problems for pets prone to pancreatitis or with copper/purine sensitivities, and commercially processed ingredients reduce pathogen risk compared with raw feeding.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Ziwi is a premium pet food brand offering air-dried and canned recipes that replicate a raw diet using 100% ethically sourced meat, seafood, and organs from New Zealand’s free-range farms. It targets discerning pet owners seeking high-protein, whole-prey nutrition with limited ingredients and no fillers.
Visit ZiwiManufacturer
Ziwi maintains full control over its manufacturing processes in its own New Zealand facilities. The company owns and operates air-drying kitchens in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch, following AAFCO nutritional standards and employing strict quality control, food safety programs, and traceable ingredient sourcing.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Ziwi Original Air-Dried Venison Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ziwi ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Ziwi. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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