The 5 Best Cat Food in New Zealand (original) (raw)
With easy access to pasture-raised meats like lamb and beef, New Zealand is quickly becoming a hub for high-quality cat foods – especially in the freeze-dried raw niche.
We’ve already taken an in-depth look at the Australian cat food market and there is a lot of overlap with the market in New Zealand. In this guide, however, we’ve chosen to focus on some of the best brands we’ve come across that are made in New Zealand with locally sourced ingredients.
Catit Gold Fern Dry Food is our top pick, as is frequently the case, but we’ve also included picks for dry food and freeze-dried raw food.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food To Buy in New Zealand
Want a quick look at the best cat foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
#5
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
Zealandia Beef Pate Wet Cat Food
- Packed with protein from fresh beef and lamb organs
- Rich in animal-based omega-3 fatty acids
- Slow-cooked in a moisture-rich, flavorful broth
Why Should You Trust Us?
Having reviewed over 235 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of formulas. We spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, and analyzing labels. With the help of our cats, we’ve also accumulated hours upon hours of hands-on experience with different cat foods.
Based on that research, we’re bringing you an updated list of the best cat food brands and products available in New Zealand. We’ve researched the brands themselves and evaluated individual recipes to bring you our top picks.
What Is Unique About Cat Food Made in New Zealand?
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
While the phrase “made in the USA” has become synonymous with quality in the pet food market, times are changing. New Zealand was the 7th largest importer of U.S.-made pet food in 2019, but exports are on the rise. In fact, the export of pet food from New Zealand doubled between 2015 and 2019, nearing US $129 million, and growth is expected to continue.
But what is it that makes New Zealand-made cat food such strong competition for U.S.-based brands? A lot of it has to do with the production of “exotic” meats in New Zealand.
New Zealand is the world’s largest exporter of lamb, supplying over half the world’s lamb exports. The country is also known for producing proteins novel to many cats including venison and brushtail (opossum). Many New Zealand-based pet food brands focus on single-protein and limited-ingredient diets catered to pets with food allergies and sensitivities.
Aside from the quality of ingredients, New Zealand is also a standout in areas of sustainability and ethical production of pet food. Many of the brands we’ve come across focus on humanely-raised meats, local sourcing, and eco-consciousness.
The Best Cat Foods in New Zealand: Our Top 5 Picks
Final Thoughts
The rising demand for raw, freeze-dried, and ethically produced pet food has thrust New Zealand toward the forefront of the pet industry.
While it’s the responsibility of every cat owner to make an informed decision regarding their cat’s nutrition, you can rest easy knowing that pet foods made in New Zealand are held to rigorous food safety standards. In fact, in 2012 New Zealand became the first foreign country recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as comparable to the United States in food safety.
Since 2012, New Zealand has continued to raise their standards by ensuring that meat sourced from New Zealand raised on farms that adhere to legislation ensuring the human handling of livestock.
Most of the pet foods available in New Zealand also conform to the nutritional recommendations established by AAFCO nutrient profiles.
For more cat food recommendations that may be available in New Zealand, check out our guide to the best cat foods in Australia.