Wild Islands New Zealand Venison Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Verified May 19, 2026
This is a grain-free, high-meat wet food for cats that uses venison and beef (including organ meats) as its main animal protein sources. The recipe is a soft pate with added green-lipped mussel, Manuka honey, and kiwifruit, providing a moisture-rich, nutrient-dense option that can be fed as a full meal or topper. It’s designed for cats of all life stages, including those who may need an alternative to more common proteins like chicken or fish.
Nutritionally, this is a high-meat, relatively high-fat canned food with multiple quality animal protein sources and some nice added functional ingredients. The protein level is moderate for a wet cat food, but because most of the formula is venison, beef, and organs, the amino acid profile should be strong for most healthy cats. It’s a good option for guardians looking for a grain-free, novel-protein style wet diet, keeping in mind that it still contains beef and lamb components for very sensitive cats.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high proportion of animal ingredients (venison, beef, organs) which supports good-quality, species-appropriate protein and fat sources.
- Moisture-rich canned pate, helpful for cats that benefit from higher water intake in their diet.
- Includes green-lipped mussel, which is a natural source of omega-3s and joint-supporting compounds, plus Manuka honey and kiwifruit as functional ingredients.
- Free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can be helpful for some sensitive cats.
Considerations
- Although venison is a novel protein for many cats, this recipe also contains beef and lamb plasma, so it’s not suitable for cats with beef or lamb allergies.
- The as-fed protein level (9% with 78% moisture) is moderate for a wet cat food; very active or underweight cats may do better with additional higher-protein options in their overall diet.
- Grain-free formulation relies on gums and sunflower oil for texture and fat; a small number of very sensitive cats can experience softer stools with certain gums.
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 By-Product
Venison by-product is an animal-based protein ingredient made from non-rendered parts of deer carcasses—including organ meats, trimmings and connective tissue—used in pet foods to provide protein, flavor and concentrated micronutrients. It can supply bioavailable B vitamins, iron and trace minerals for both dogs and cats and may serve as a useful novel-protein option for pets with sensitivities, but composition and quality vary by source so owners should check sourcing, ensure proper processing, and monitor for allergies or intolerances.
03
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
04
Beef Lung
Beef lung is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich ingredient that is relatively lean and easy to digest. It supplies B vitamins, iron and trace minerals but is not a complete diet on its own, so it should come from reputable sources and be properly processed to reduce pathogen risk and monitored for individual food sensitivities.
05
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
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
Addiction is a premium pet food brand offering grain-free and novel protein-based recipes for dogs and cats. It targets consumers seeking allergen-free and high-quality nutrition options produced in New Zealand using ethically sourced ingredients. The brand promotes sustainability and animal welfare in its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Visit AddictionManufacturer
Addiction Foods operates its own manufacturing facility in New Zealand, where it follows stringent quality control procedures and exports under New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) guidelines. The company focuses on maintaining safety and regulatory compliance in accordance with AAFCO standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Addiction Wild Islands New Zealand Venison Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Addiction ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Addiction. 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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