Our Verdict
Kiwi Kitchens raw frozen product range is made of four recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 5 stars.
This range of food has multiple sources of species appropriate meat and organs. These formulas contain fish oil, providing omega 3 and fatty acids. Vitamins and minerals have been added, so this food offers a very good diet option.
Pros
- High protein content
- Multiple sources of animal meat and organs
- Rich in fat and moisture
- Very low in carbohydrate
Cons
- Limited range
- More expensive than some cat foods
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwi Kitchens Frozen Raw Chicken Dinner | 5 | A |
| Kiwi Kitchens Frozen Raw Beef with Chicken Dinner | 5 | A |
| Kiwi Kitchens Barn Raised lamb with Chicken Dinner | 5 | A |
| Kiwi Kitchens Frozen Raw Venison Dinner | 5 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Kiwi Kitchens Frozen Raw Chicken Dinner 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 Frozen Raw Chicken Dinner recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Chicken (with ground bone), chicken heart, chicken liver, nz green mussels, egg, kelp, fish oil, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potassium carbonate, sea salt, taurine, choline chloride, mixed tocopherols (preservative), magnesium oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, sodium selenite, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin D supplement, manganese amino acid chelate, calcium iodate.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.0%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is Chicken which 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 heart. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, heart tissue is pure muscle — all meat. It’s naturally rich in quality protein, minerals and complex B vitamins, too.
The third ingredient is chicken liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The fourth ingredient is green-lipped mussel. Mussels are clam-like animals notably rich in glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients proven to support long-term joint health.s
The fifth ingredient is egg. Eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.
The sixth ingredient is kelp. an algae-based seaweed modest in protein content but rich in marine minerals.
The seventh ingredient is fish oil. Fish oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.
Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a commendable addition.
The eighth 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.
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 food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better cat foods.
Finally, this food also contains taurine, an essential amino acid for cats associated with the healthy function of heart muscle and eye sight, and is crucial for maintaining good health in cats. We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.
Recipe star rating 5
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Kiwi Kitchen Frozen Raw Chicken Dinner looks like an above-average frozen raw product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 50%, a fat level of 41.7% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 0.3%.
As a group, the brand features an above-average protein content of 52.1% and an above-average fat level of 39.6%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 0.3% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 77%.
This means this Kiwi Kitchens raw frozen range contains higher than average protein, lower than average carbohydrate and higher than average fat, when compared to typical raw cat food.
Final Word
This range of food is limited to only four recipes. However, each one provides high protein, derived from quality animal meat and organs.
The Cat Food Advisor recommends this food.
Has Kiwi Kitchens cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Kiwi Kitchens has never had to recall any cat foods.
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.
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
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