As a cat owner, I’m constantly on the hunt for the “perfect” food. You know the one—it has to be packed with high-quality nutrients, free of junky fillers, and, most importantly, something my discerning feline will actually eat. It’s a tall order! We’ve all been there: you spend a small fortune on a bag of vet-recommended, super-healthy kibble, only to have your cat give it a sniff and walk away in disgust. That’s why I was so intrigued when I came across ZIWI Peak’s Steam & Dried Cat Food. It promises the nutritional benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of dry food, aiming to solve this exact problem.
What Makes ZIWI Peak Stand Out?
This isn’t your average bag of kibble. ZIWI uses a unique two-step process where they gently steam and then air-dry the ingredients. This method is designed to lock in the goodness of the raw components without the harsh, high-heat cooking that can destroy nutrients. The Wild South Pacific Fish recipe, in particular, caught my eye for its focus on skin and coat health.
✅ Incredibly High Protein Content: With 87% wild-caught fish and free-range chicken, this food is a carnivore’s dream. It’s packed with the animal-based protein cats are biologically designed to thrive on, including whole mackerel, hoki, and sardines.
✅ Raw Nutrition, Dry Convenience: The “Steam & Dried” process offers the best of both worlds. You get a shelf-stable, easy-to-serve food that retains much of the nutritional integrity of fresh, raw ingredients. No need to worry about freezer space or messy prep.
✅ Grain-Free & No Nasty Fillers: A look at the ingredient list is reassuring. There’s no corn, soy, wheat, or artificial preservatives. Instead, you’ll find nutrient-rich additions like green lentils, kelp, and quinoa, making it a great low-carb option.
✅ Ethically Sourced from New Zealand: ZIWI prides itself on using free-range, grass-fed meats and wild-caught seafood from New Zealand’s pristine farms and oceans. It’s a choice you can feel good about.
✅ Versatile for Meals or Toppers: You can serve this as a complete meal or sprinkle it on top of your cat’s current food. This makes it a fantastic way to boost their nutrition and entice picky eaters with a new, crunchy texture.
How to Introduce ZIWI to Your Cat
If you decide to give this food a try, remember the golden rule of switching cat food: go slow! A sudden change can upset your cat’s stomach.
- Start Small: For the first 1-3 days, mix about 10% ZIWI with 90% of their old food.
- Gradually Increase: Over the next 7-10 days, slowly increase the amount of ZIWI while decreasing the old food.
- Full Transition: By day 10, you should be able to feed 100% ZIWI Peak.
Important Tip: This food is very nutrient-dense, so the portion sizes are smaller than typical kibble. Be sure to follow the feeding guide on the bag and always provide plenty of fresh water.
What Other Cat Owners Are Saying
With a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 100 ratings, it’s clear I’m not the only one impressed.
- Jessica P. (5/5 stars) mentioned, “My notoriously picky Siamese mix went crazy for this stuff. I use it as a topper, and he now cleans his bowl every single time. His coat has never been softer!”
- Mark T. (4/5 stars) wrote, “It’s definitely on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for. The ingredients are top-notch, and my cat’s digestion has improved. The fishy smell is strong, but the cat loves it, so I can’t complain.”
- Samantha K. (5/5 stars) found it to be a lifesaver for her cat with sensitivities. “We struggled to find a food that didn’t upset his stomach. The limited, high-quality ingredients in the ZIWI fish recipe have been perfect. No more issues!”
Pros vs. Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptionally high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients | ❌ Premium price point may not fit all budgets |
| ✅ High protein content is ideal for a cat’s natural diet | ❌ Strong fishy smell (a con for humans!) |
| ✅ Highly palatable and great for picky eaters | ❌ Smaller bag size for the price |
| ✅ Supports healthy skin, coat, and digestion | |
| ✅ Convenient alternative to a raw diet |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food suitable for kittens? A: Yes, absolutely! ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried is formulated for all life stages. The bag includes specific feeding instructions for kittens and pregnant or nursing cats, who typically need about double the amount.
Q: What makes “Steam & Dried” different from regular kibble? A: Regular kibble is often made using a high-heat extrusion process that can degrade nutrients. ZIWI’s two-step method first gently steams the raw ingredients to kill bacteria while locking in nutrition, then gently air-dries them to preserve the vitamins, minerals, and flavor. It’s a much gentler process.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried Cat Food isn’t the cheapest option on the shelf, but its quality is hard to dispute. This food is best suited for cat owners who are looking for a premium, high-protein, and biologically appropriate diet for their feline companions without the hassle of a fully raw diet.
It’s an excellent choice for owners of:
- Picky or finicky eaters who turn their noses up at everything else.
- Cats with skin issues or dull coats that could benefit from high levels of Omega-3s.
- Cats with sensitive stomachs who need a grain-free, low-filler food.
While it might be a significant investment, for many, the visible improvements in their cat’s health, energy, and coat make it a worthwhile one. If you’re ready to upgrade your cat’s bowl, this is one of the best options out there.
Ready to give it a try? You can find it on Amazon. Buy on Amazon