Original Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Aug 22, 2026
This is a high-meat, grain-free canned pâté designed for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors. It features mackerel and multiple lamb organs as the primary ingredients, with green mussel and added vitamins and minerals to create a complete and balanced diet. The formula is quite nutrient-dense, so it can be used as a full meal, topper, or high-value treat.
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Strong Choice
This is a very high–meat, nutrient-dense wet food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for cats at any life stage. The use of whole mackerel along with a variety of lamb organs and bone offers a rich source of protein, essential amino acids, and naturally occurring minerals. It’s a strong option for cats who do well on higher-protein, grain-free canned diets, provided they tolerate fish and lamb well.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high proportion of animal ingredients (meat, organs, seafood, bone), which supports excellent protein quality and overall nutrient density.
- Uses named whole mackerel and lamb organs, plus green mussel, which naturally provide omega-3s and joint-supporting compounds like chondroitin (also specifically guaranteed).
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it’s suitable for kittens, adults, and seniors when fed as directed.
- Moderate calories for a wet food (about 89–194 kcal per can) with relatively low carbohydrate content suggested by the ingredient list and analysis profile.
Considerations
- Contains fish and multiple lamb ingredients, which can be problem proteins if your cat has known allergies or sensitivities to these foods.
- Includes chickpeas as a plant ingredient; while present after several animal ingredients, some cats with very sensitive digestion may not do as well with legumes.
- Protein and fat levels are moderate for a high-meat wet food; very active or underweight cats may need careful portion adjustments to maintain weight.
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
Mackerel
Mackerel is a fatty fish commonly used in pet foods as a high‑quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), often added for flavor, palatability and healthy fats. Its omega‑3s support skin and coat condition, immune and joint health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of potential heavy‑metal accumulation, food sensitivities, and higher fat or sodium in some preparations, so choose properly processed, deboned sources from reputable suppliers.
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02
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.
03
Lamb Lung
Lamb lung is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a lean, highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, supplying readily digestible protein along with B vitamins, iron and other minerals that benefit both dogs and cats. It is typically safe and low in fat when properly sourced and processed (cooked or dehydrated) to eliminate pathogens, but it is not especially rich in taurine so should not be the sole ingredient in a cat’s diet; pet owners should also monitor for individual allergies and buy from reputable suppliers to reduce contamination risk.
04
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
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05
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
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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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your cat, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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.
Manufacturer
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.
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Ziwi Limited is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Ziwi Original Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Wet Cat Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ziwi ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Ziwi. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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