Company HQ
- Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand
Parent company
Sourcing and Manufacturing
- New Zealand
Type of food
PROS
- High protein content
- To our knowledge, Ziwi has never had a product recall
- Foods are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards
- All protein comes from animal sourced ingredients
- All recipes are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
CONS
- Price is above market average
Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review
Introduction
In the search for the healthiest dog food to feed our four-legged friends, many pet owners have turned to air-dried formulas as a grain-free, raw-diet alternative. Brands like Ziwi Peak promise to deliver a species-appropriate diet full of premium meat ingredients.
But how nourishing and satisfying is Ziwi Peak for dogs compared to traditional kibble or fresh dog food? Does it justify the higher cost? This comprehensive review will analyze Ziwi Peak’s background, manufacturing, nutrition, taste, and health impacts based on expert tests and pet owner experiences.
Overview of Ziwi Peak
First, let’s learn about the origins and processes behind this unique air-dried pet food brand.
Company Background
Ziwi Peak was launched in New Zealand in 1998 by founder Peter Bennett, who wanted to create a pet food modeled after a dog’s ancestral, meat-based diet. The air-drying process allowed Ziwi to retain more nutrients than kibble cooking.
Today, Ziwi remains independently owned and headquartered in New Zealand. They source ingredients locally and make small batches in their own kitchens. Their foods meet New Zealand’s high standards for pet and human grade products.
Manufacturing and Sourcing
Ziwi Peak recipes start with raw, free-range, grass-fed meats sourced from New Zealand farms or waters. Ingredients are gently air-dried at low temperatures rather than extruded or cooked, retaining natural nutrition.
All formulas are produced in New Zealand kitchens in small batches for quality control. Ziwi states their facilities meet standards for human food production.
Product Range
Ziwi Peak offers both dog and cat food, including wet food pouches along with their signature air-dried bites and munchies. For dogs, recipes include beef, lamb, venison, fish, and a blend in formulas for all life stages from puppy to senior.
Formulas are grain-free with meat as the primary ingredient and minimal veggies. There are no fillers, rendered meals, glycerin, or artificial additives.
Analysis of Ziwi Peak Dog Food
Now that we understand Ziwi Peak’s philosophy and process, let’s dig into the key criteria pet owners use to evaluate dog foods.
Ingredient Quality
Experts consistently praise the quality of whole food ingredients in Ziwi Peak recipes. The meat, organs, bones, and produce are from free-range, grass-fed sources raised humanely without antibiotics or hormones. There are no cheap fillers or rendered mystery meats.
However, some note the inclusion of chickpeas and peas moderately increases carbohydrate content. But overall, reviewers consider Ziwi Peak’s ingredients premium and transparent.
Nutrition
The air-drying process does reduce some nutrients compared to a completely raw diet. However, Ziwi Peak retains more vitamins and minerals than extruded kibble.
Protein and fat levels are well-above average at around 35% protein and 15-20% fat to support muscle growth and energy. However, some vets suggest moisture additions for dogs prone to dehydration.
Taste and Texture
Most pet owners say their dogs absolutely love the taste and crunch of Ziwi Peak’s air-dried morsels. The natural flavors really seem to appeal to canine palates.
The small bite-size pieces are easy for most dogs to chew and digest. Some owners do soak the food in water to soften it for elderly dogs or mix it with canned food for variety.
Effects on Health
In reviews, countless owners report significant improvements after switching to Ziwi Peak. Dogs’ coats become shinier, digestive issues resolve, teeth stay cleaner, allergies are reduced, and energy levels increase compared to kibble.
The moisture-rich food aids hydration and reduces stool volume. Vets recommend Ziwi Peak particularly for dogs with skin conditions, food sensitivities, or nutritional needs close to an ancestral diet.
Pros and Cons of Ziwi Peak
Looking at expert and buyer reviews, here are the key advantages and downsides of Ziwi Peak air-dried dog food:
Pros
- Gently air-dried at low temperatures
- Retains more nutrients than kibble
- Free-range, antibiotic-free meat ingredients
- High protein and natural fat levels
- Grain-free formulas with limited veggies
- Dogs love the taste and texture
- Easy to digest and hydrating
- Improves skin, coat, energy, and stool
Cons
- Expensive compared to kibble
- Contains peas and chickpeas
- Needs rehydrating for some dogs
- Small pieces may pose choking risk
- Not entirely raw like freeze-dried
- Only available online or in boutique stores
Comparisons to Other Brands
To help put Ziwi Peak’s pricing and quality into perspective, let’s compare it to a couple top competitors.
Ziwi Peak vs. Stella & Chewy’s
Both offer grain-free frozen and freeze-dried raw food, but Ziwi Peak is air-dried for convenience. Ziwi also sources meat locally in New Zealand. Stella & Chewy’s has more protein while Ziwi has more fiber.
Ziwi Peak vs. Primal
Primal is another reputable frozen and freeze-dried raw dog food brand. Their formulas are very similar, but Primal offers more product variety. Ziwi Peak costs slightly more but focuses on regional New Zealand ingredients.
Ziwi Peak vs. Purina Pro Plan
Up against Nestle-Purina’s premium kibble brand, Ziwi provides far fresher nutrition with minimally processed ingredients and none of the additives found in kibble. But Pro Plan costs significantly less than Ziwi’s air-dried foods.
Conclusion
Ziwi Peak delivers a nutritious, species-appropriate diet for dogs based on premium meat ingredients in their most natural form. The air-drying process manages to retain the benefits of raw food in a shelf-stable, convenient form that dogs love.
While it comes at a price, Ziwi Peak provides a tasty, gently processed, high-protein alternative to kibble that can improve your dog’s health and happiness. For quality-focused owners, Ziwi Peak is a smart investment in your dog’s wellbeing.
Brand Overview
ZiwiPeak is a New Zealand based company that offers natural foods for dogs and cats. The company’s product line includes air-dried and wet foods in flavors such as venison beef, lamb, and seafood. Natural dog chews, treats, and bones are available as well. Ziwi Peak pet foods are free from preservatives, binders, and high-glycemic ingredients.
How Much Does Ziwi Dog Food Cost
We’ve compared Ziwi dog food price to the other dog food brands in our database.
Ziwi Dehydrated Dog Food Price Comparison
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per lb | $27.33 | $15.00 | +82% |
| Price per 100 kcal | $1.20 | $0.82 | +47% |
| Price per day | $0.72 | $0.49 | +47% |
Ziwi Dehydrated Dog Food is priced above the average market price for dog food.
Ziwi Wet Dog Food Price Comparison
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per oz | $0.69 | $0.41 | +68% |
| Price per 100 kcal | $1.93 | $1.52 | +27% |
| Price per day | $1.16 | $0.91 | +27% |
Ziwi Wet Dog Food is priced above the average market price for dog food.
Ziwi Nutrient Profile Comparison
We’ve compared Ziwi dog food recipes nutrient profile to the other dog food brands in our database.
Dehydrated Dog Food
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM Protein | 45.09% | 31.80% | +42% |
| DM Fat | 35.01% | 18.46% | +90% |
| DM Fiber | 2.72% | 5.44% | -50% |
| DM Carb | 3.75% | 42.08% | -91% |
Wet Dog Food
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM Protein | 42.22% | 42.98% | -2% |
| DM Fat | 25.50% | 22.28% | +14% |
| DM Fiber | 7.50% | 7.39% | +1% |
| DM Carb | 10.23% | 26.26% | -61% |
All of Ziwi dog food recipes meets AAFCO’s minimum requirements.
Recall History
The following list (if present) shows all dog food recalls related to Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review since 2011. If no recalls are listed, no recall events have been reported.
Since 2011 Ziwi has never been recalled.
FAQs
Is Ziwi Peak human-grade dog food?
Yes, Ziwi states their facilities meet standards for human food preparation and the ingredients are all fit for human consumption.
Where is Ziwi Peak produced?
All Ziwi Peak pet foods are made in the company’s own kitchens located in New Zealand.
Does Ziwi Peak do feeding trials?
No, Ziwi Peak does not conduct feeding trials on animals. They confirm nutrition using lab testing instead.
How long does Ziwi Peak last unopened?
Unopened, Ziwi Peak formulas last up to 2 years in the bag at room temperature due to the low moisture.
Can Ziwi Peak be rehydrated?
Yes, Ziwi Peak can be rehydrated by soaking in water for 5-10 minutes before feeding to soften it and release aroma, which improves palatability.
