Original Mackerel & Lamb Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 30, 2026
A high-meat canned pâté for dogs featuring wild-caught mackerel and multiple lamb organs as the primary protein sources. This formula uses chickpeas and kelp instead of grains, and includes New Zealand green mussel, lamb cartilage, and added vitamins and minerals to provide complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including large-breed puppies. It is relatively calorie-dense for a wet food, making it suitable as a full meal, topper, or high-value treat.
This is a very high-quality, meat-rich wet food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all ages, including large-breed puppies. The use of whole mackerel, multiple lamb organs, and added green mussel and cartilage gives it a naturally varied nutrient profile with good quality protein and joint-supporting components. It’s a strong option for owners looking for a grain-free, higher-meat canned diet, as long as their dog tolerates fish and lamb well.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Whole mackerel and various lamb meats and organs (lung, tripe, liver, heart, kidney) provide high-quality, highly bioavailable protein and a wide range of natural micronutrients.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including growth of large-breed puppies, which is more demanding than standard all-life-stages claims.
- Includes New Zealand green mussel and lamb cartilage, which naturally supply chondroitin (also guaranteed) and other joint-supporting nutrients.
- Grain-free without relying heavily on peas or lentils; chickpeas appear but are not in the top three ingredients, which helps avoid the legume-dominant profiles linked with some heart concerns.
Considerations
- Contains fish (mackerel) and multiple lamb ingredients, which are common triggers for food allergies in some dogs; not ideal if your dog has known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Relatively moderate protein and fat levels on an as-fed basis for a high-meat wet food, so very high-energy or performance dogs may need larger portions or additional calories.
- Chickpeas are present and contribute some plant protein and fiber; while not inherently bad, very sensitive dogs with digestive issues may do better on a purely animal-protein-based formula.
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.
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.
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 Mackerel & Lamb Wet Dog 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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