Our Verdict
Kiwi Kitchens Air-dried cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor rating, 5 stars.
This range of food provides high quality, species appropriate protein. Animal meat and organs are listed as the first and second ingredients. Each recipe is rich in fat and carbohydrates are low. These formulas offer a good diet option.
Pros
- First and second ingredient is animal protein
- Low in carbohydrate
- Rich in fat
- Added vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Limited range
- More expensive than some cat foods
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
The Kiwi Kitchens air-dried product line includes three cat foods.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Gently Air-dried Beef Dinner with Chicken | 5 | A |
| Gently Air-dried Chicken Dinner | 5 | A |
| Gently Air-dried Lamb Dinner with Mackerel | 5 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Kiwi Kitchens Gently Air-dried Beef Dinner with Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Kiwi Kitchens Gently Air-dried Beef Dinner with Chicken
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Beef, chicken, beef lung, beef kidney, beef liver, chicken liver, vegetable glycerine, mussels digest, beef bone, fish oil, sunflower oil (with mixed tocopherols), brewer's yeast, salt, dried chicory, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, mixed tocopherols (preservatives), taurine, iron amino acid chelate, zinc oxide, vitamin e supplement, niacin, copper sulphate, thiamine mononitrate, sodium selenium, manganous oxide, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B6, biotin, vitamin B12, folic acid.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is beef. Beef is defined as “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle” and includes skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.1
Beef is naturally rich in all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The second ingredient is chicken which is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken”. 2
It is also naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The third, fourth, fifth and sixth ingredients are beef lung, beef kidney, beef liver and chicken liver. Beef lung is a protein-rich organ meat that’s also low in fat as is beef kidney which is rich in protein and essential minerals. Beef liver and chicken liver are considered a beneficial components as they come from named meat sources..
The seventh ingredient is vegetable glycerine. Glycerine is used in the food industry as a natural sweetener and as a humectant to help preserve the moisture content of a product.
The eighth ingredient is mussel. Mussels are clam-like animals notably rich in glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients proven to support long-term joint health.s.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
However, this recipe contains brewer’s yeast, which can be a controversial item. Dried yeast contains about 45% protein and is rich in other healthy nutrients. Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system. Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies.
This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular cat is allergic to the yeast itself. In any case, unless your cat is specifically allergic to it, we feel yeast should be considered a positive addition.
Recipe star rating 5
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Kiwi Kitchens Gently Air-dried Beef Dinner with Chicken recipe looks like an above-average air-dried product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 35.7%, a fat level of 33.3% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 23%.
As a group, the brand features an near-average protein content of 36.5% and an above-average fat level of 32.5%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 23% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 89%.
This means this Kiwi Kitchens Air-dried Dinners range contains higher than average protein, lower than average carbohydrate and higher than average fat, when compared to typical air-dried cat food.
Final Word
The gently air-dried food can be used as a full meal or as a mixer. These foods have vitamins and minerals added so they are complete and balanced for all life stages.
The Cat Food Advisor recommends this food.
Has Kiwi Kitchens cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Kiwi Kitchens has not had to recall any of its cat food products.
You can view a complete list of all cat food recalls since 2021 here.
To stay on top of any cat food product recalls, sign up for our free email alerts, here.
About
Pet Nutrition New Zealand (PNNZ), is the parent of Kiwi Kitchens and it was founded by Calvin and Jo Smith. The company headquarters are in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The ingredients include grass-fed New Zealand beef, lamb, and venison; sustainably-farmed New Zealand King salmon; New Zealand wild-caught white fish; and cage-free, humanely-raised chicken from New Zealand farmers.
Sources
Best cat foods
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Article reviewed by
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Julia Ogden, is a former journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in content marketing; specializing in writing for people as well as a Google algorithm.
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