Laura Ward

Written by Laura Ward

Georgia Jeremiah

Reviewed by Georgia Jeremiah

Updated: June 5, 2024

Tiki Cat Luau (Wet) Review

Updated: June 5, 2024

Our Verdict

star
star
star
star
star

Recommended

Tiki Cat Luau product range is made of 16 recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 4.5 stars.

Tiki Cat Luau is known for its high-quality ingredients and tropical flavors inspired by the Hawaiian luau. It is made with real, shredded meat or fish as the primary protein source. Common protein options include chicken, fish (such as tuna or salmon), or seafood combinations. 

These proteins are typically paired with other natural ingredients like broth and vegetables to create a flavorful and balanced meal.

Pros
  • Low carbohydrates
  • High in protein
  • No artificial additives
Cons
  • Expensive budget brand

The table below shows each recipe in the range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Product line Rating AAFCO
Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon in Salmon Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Papeekeo Luau Ahi Tuna & Mackerel in Tuna Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Koolina Luau Chicken with Egg in Chicken Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Napili Luau Wild Salmon & Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Hookena Luau Ahi Tuna & Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Oahu Luau Sea Bass in Sea Bass Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Kapi Olanin Luau Tilapia in Tilapia Consomme Grain Free 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Wild Salmon & Chicken Paté Recipe in Salmon Broth 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Tuna & Chicken Paté Recipe in Tuna Broth 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Tuna & Mackerel Paté in Tuna Broth 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Chicken & Egg Paté Recipe in Chicken Broth 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Seabass Paté in Seabass Broth 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Tilapia Paté in Tilapia Consomme 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Wild Salmon Paté in Salmon Broth 4.5 U
Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Paté in Broth 4.5 U

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Recipe and Label Analysis

Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free 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.

Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

80%

Protein

13%

Fat

0%

CarbsCarbohydrates

Chicken, chicken broth, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, taurine, choline chloride, salt, magnesium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin E supplement, niacin (vitamin B3), zinc oxide, vitamin A supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, manganous oxide, calcium pantothenate, copper amino acid chelate, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, potassium iodide, vitamin D3 supplement


Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient is chicken. Chicken is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken”. 1. 

Chicken is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

The second ingredient is chicken broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a cat food, they are a common component in many wet products.

The third ingredient is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3’s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils. Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.

There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.

The fourth ingredient is calcium lactate, a calcium additive made by the action of lactic acid and calcium carbonate. The ingredient is most likely used here as a calcium supplement prized for its notably high bio-availability.

The fifth ingredient is dicalcium phosphate, likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement.

The sixth ingredient is potassium chloride, a nutritional supplement sometimes used as a replacement for the sodium found in table salt.

The seventh ingredient is taurine, an essential amino acid for cats associated with the healthy function of heart muscle and eyesight, and is crucial for maintaining good health in cats. 

We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.

The eighth ingredient is choline chloride, an essential B vitamin that naturally occurs in both plants and animals. It is found in meat, eggs, fish, liver, soybeans and wheat germ.

Because a cat cannot store choline chloride in its body, the nutrient must be replenished to avoid a deficiency. Choline chloride is a supplement required by both AAFCO and the FDA.

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.

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Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free looks like an above-average wet product.

 The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 80%, a fat level of 13% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 0%, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 16%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 73.4% and a mean fat level of 14.5%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 5.4% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 20%.

This means the Tiki Cat Luau wet product line contains above-average protein, below-average carbs and near-average fat when compared to typical wet cat food. 

Final Word

The Tiki Cat Luau line of wet cat food is grain-free and does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The focus is on using high-quality ingredients to create a diet that is similar to what cats would eat in the wild. The recipes often include additional ingredients to provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Has Tiki Cat cat food been recalled in the past?

No, there are no recorded recalls for Tiki Cat. 

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

Tiki Cat was founded in 2005 by husband and wife, Christine and Robert Hackett. 

Christine had previously worked in research and development for PetCo and during that time decided that the pet food market needed a new kind of diet, food that is more species-appropriate, fewer grains and carbohydrates. 

Christine is also a big fan of Polynesian culture which explains the tiki-style branding.

Sources

1: Association of American Feed Control Officials

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