Original Venison Wet Cat Food
Verified May 21, 2026
This is a high-meat, canned venison pâté for cats of all life stages, using venison meat and organs as the main protein sources. It’s a single-animal-protein recipe with added green mussel, kelp, and a full vitamin–mineral mix to provide complete and balanced nutrition. The simple, venison-based formula can be useful for cats that don’t tolerate more common proteins like chicken or beef.
Nutritionally, this is a very strong, meat-focused wet diet with venison and venison organs making up the bulk of the recipe, which is great for cats needing a novel protein. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for an all–life stage canned food, and the use of organ meats, bone, and green mussel adds natural sources of many micronutrients and joint-supportive compounds. It’s best suited for healthy kittens, adults, or seniors, particularly those with sensitivities to more common proteins, as long as they do well with chickpeas in the formula.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Venison meat and multiple venison organs appear high in the ingredient list, providing high-quality, species-appropriate animal protein and nutrients.
- Single-animal-protein (all venison) can be helpful for cats with suspected food sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Includes New Zealand green mussel and venison cartilage, which are natural sources of chondroitin and other joint-supportive compounds.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it can be used for kittens, adults, and seniors as a sole diet.
Considerations
- Contains chickpeas, which add some plant-based protein and starch; a few sensitive cats may not do as well with legumes in their diet.
- AAFCO adequacy is based on formulation rather than feeding trials, so actual long-term digestibility and performance haven’t been confirmed through trials.
- As a venison-based formula, it may not be necessary or ideal as a first choice for all cats, and could be reserved for when a novel protein is specifically desired.
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
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
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.
04
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.
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.
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 Venison Wet 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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