Just like people, dogs and cats live longer and happier lives with access to proper nutrition. That simple fact set ZIWI Pets on a mission to craft recipes reflecting what a pet would choose to eat in the wild, blending premium meat with nutrient-rich superfoods and gently processing ingredients to lock in peak freshness.

“Whether it’s a wagging tail or gentle purr, our pets have a unique ability to make us feel loved and cared for,” says Jessica Krueger, Senior Marketing Manager at ZIWI Pets. “Just being around them lowers our blood pressure, reduces our stress levels, and boosts our overall happiness. No wonder pet parents go above and beyond to provide their four-legged companions with the healthiest diet available.”

Optimal pet nutrition is high in meat and rich in protein

When determining a pet’s nutritional needs, ZIWI first considers natural dietary behaviors. For example, cats are obligate carnivores. In the wild, they receive everything they need, even moisture, from consuming prey.

As opportunistic carnivores, dogs in the wild also thrive by consuming healthy levels of protein and fat. They typically only consume fruits and vegetables in the stomachs of their prey.

High-protein diets enable dogs and cats to build lean muscle and repair damaged tissues. High-quality protein also provides a sustainable source of energy, helping pets stay active throughout the day. Finally, diets high in seafood containing omega-3 and fish oil contribute to healthy skin, shiny coats, and strong immune systems.

Though the needs of a pet change over time, diets rich in protein never fail to meet those needs. “What your pet would eat in the wild would not change according to their stage of life,” observes Krueger. “We craft recipes perfectly balanced for pets of any age. ZIWI products include ethically-sourced meat, fish, organs, bone, and green mussels from New Zealand. Seafood provides extra omegas and fatty acids that support skin & coat health, and our New Zealand green-lipped mussels are an excellent source of natural glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and mobility.”

A nutritious pet diet is free from fillers

Fillers in pet food can refer to inexpensive ingredients that add bulk but provide little nutritional value. Grains such as corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes often bind kibble together but can be difficult for pets to digest and may contribute to allergies and sensitivities.

Glycerin is another common filler in pet foods. While it is used as a sweetener and preservative, glycerin provides no essential nutrients for pets and can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Similarly, rendered meat or meat meals lack the nutrients pets need to thrive. The high-heat rendering process removes many of the vitamins and minerals naturally found in meat, and the source of the materials is often questionable.

“Ultimately, providing your pet with optimal nutrition free from fillers is an investment in their long-term health and well-being,” Krueger remarks. “Choosing pet food with wholesome ingredients helps your four-legged friend live a longer, happier, and healthier life.”

What fruits and vegetables are good for dogs?

Just like humans, dogs benefit from the vitamins, minerals, and fiber in certain fruits and vegetables. “Pumpkin, spinach, kale, green beans, and beet greens are superfoods for humans and dogs alike,” says Krueger. “Our newest Steam & Dried recipes include these vegetables for dogs due to their Vitamin A, B, C, E, K, fiber, potassium, folic acid, iron, and calcium.”

In terms of fruits, apples, pears, blueberries, kiwi, and persimmons are all wholesome options for dogs. ZIWI’s Steam & Dried recipes feature these fruits because of their healthy inclusions of vitamins A, C, K, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

A healthy pet diet does not need to be inconvenient

A nutritious raw pet diet does not require cooking, but it is still too inconvenient for most pet guardians. It requires frequent shopping trips and potentially even a separate freezer for storage. Because the bacteria contained in raw meat can make both pets and humans sick, pet parents must be prepared to spend extra time and effort washing hands, bowls, and surfaces to keep both themselves and their pets safe.

All ZIWI recipes feature the nutrition of a raw diet in a convenient scoop-and-serve form. The process begins in ZIWI’s New Zealand kitchens. First, ZIWI blends meat, seafood, organs, bones, and superfoods. Gentle drying in Z-TWINTECH air-dryers removes bacteria and locks in freshness in our air-dried portfolio. Then we cut the food into bite-sized morsels, and perform one last round of gentle air-drying.

ZIWI’s newest innovation offers pet parents another convenient alternative to a raw diet at a more accessible price point. Recipes feature the same premium raw meat, organs, and seafood. The innovative Z-MicroSteam process uses delicate steam, before air-drying to create a shelf-stable product that packs the nutrition mirroring a raw diet.

“We are tenacious about providing joy and peace of mind for pets and their guardians,” Krueger concludes. “We source the highest-quality ingredients and craft alternative-to-raw recipes that give your pet everything they need and nothing they don’t.”