Original Lamb Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
A high-meat, single-protein canned lamb recipe for cats, this food uses lamb meat and organ meats as its main protein sources with chickpeas providing a modest amount of carbohydrate and fiber. The pate-style formula is complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be used for kittens through adult cats, and its limited animal protein source may suit some cats with food sensitivities.
This is a high-quality, meat-focused wet food with lamb and lamb organs making up the bulk of the recipe, providing rich, species-appropriate protein and naturally occurring nutrients. It’s complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can work for most healthy cats, including kittens, who do well on lamb. The inclusion of chickpeas is moderate and mainly for structure and fiber, but may not suit every cat with very sensitive digestion.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Lamb and multiple lamb organs (liver, heart, lung, kidney, tripe, cartilage, bone) provide high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
- Single animal protein source can be helpful for some cats with suspected food sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Wet, pate-style texture supports hydration and is often easier for many cats to eat, including kittens and seniors.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages, so it is nutritionally adequate as a sole diet when fed according to directions.
Considerations
- Contains chickpeas, which add plant protein and fiber and may not agree with some cats that are very sensitive to legumes.
- Lamb is a common allergen for some cats with known lamb sensitivity, so this would not be appropriate if your cat has reacted to lamb before.
- The relatively rich, organ-heavy formula may be rich for cats with a history of pancreatitis or those needing a lower-fat diet; such cats often need more individualized nutritional planning.
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
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.
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 Tripe
Lamb tripe is the stomach lining of lambs commonly used in dog and cat foods as a highly palatable animal-based protein and flavor enhancer that also supplies fat, digestible amino acids, B vitamins (notably B12), iron and other trace minerals. It can provide natural digestive enzymes and, when unwashed, beneficial microbes, but its strong odor, higher fat content and risk of spoilage or pathogen contamination mean it should be properly sourced and handled, introduced gradually to avoid GI upset, and included as part of a balanced diet rather than the sole ingredient.
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 Lamb Recipe Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedPost your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.