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Ziwi Peak Air Dried Dog Food Review (Dehydrated)

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Ziwi Peak Air Dried Dog Food Review (Dehydrated)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 4, 2024

Ziwi Peak Air Dried Dog Food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 4 stars.

The Ziwi Peak product line includes the 6 air-dried dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food 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 ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient is beef heart. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing to us humans, heart tissue is pure muscle all meat. Its naturally rich in quality protein, minerals and complex B vitamins, too.

The third ingredient is beef kidney, an organ meat low in fat and rich in protein and essential minerals.

The next ingredient is beef tripe. Tripe usually consists of the first three chambers of a cud-chewing animals stomach. As unappetizing as it may seem to us humans, tripe is favored by dogs and sometimes even includes the stomachs contents, too.

The fifth ingredient is beef liver, an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.

The sixth ingredient is beef lung. Beef lung is a protein-rich organ meat thats also low in fat.

The seventh item 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.

The eighth ingredient is beef bone, an excellent source of natural calcium.

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 this product.

With 3 notable exceptions

First, we note the inclusion of inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and typically sourced from chicory root.

Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.

Next, 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 dog foods.

And lastly, this recipe includes selenium yeast. Unlike the more common inorganic form of selenium (sodium selenite), this natural yeast supplement is considered a safer anti-cancer alternative.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Ziwi Peak Air Dried Dog Food looks like a superior dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 44%, a fat level of 35% and estimated carbohydrates of about 13%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 46% and a mean fat level of 34%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 13% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.

Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a dehydrated product containing an abundance of meat.

However, with 60% of the total calories in our example coming from fat versus just 31% from protein, some recipes may not be suitable for animals on a low fat diet.

Ziwi Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Ziwi through April 2024.

No recalls noted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of Ziwi Dog Food

Ziwi Peak is a grain-free air-dried raw dog food using a generous amount of named meats and organs as its dominant source of animal protein. Unfortunately, because of its unusually high fat-to-protein ratio, this product may not be suitable for some animals and thus earns only 4 stars.

6 Best Air-Dried Dog Foods in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Air-dried dog food hasnt been around on the market for all that long, but it deserves more attention than its been given. Often over-shadowed by freeze-dried or dehydrated dog food, air-dried dog food is often overlooked but can stand its ground as a natural, raw diet alternative with its many health benefits and convenience. It closely mimics a raw diet but is free from the risk of harmful pathogens and time-consuming preparation. It is made from high-quality, fresh ingredients and undergoes a heat-free process that removes most of its moisture.

If this air-dried dog food sounds like something youd want to feed your dog, keep reading as we discuss air-dried dog food in more detail and help you choose the right option for your furry friend. Weve listed the best air-dried dog foods below to help you on your search for a more nutritious, premium dog food.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

The 6 Best Air-Dried Dog Foods

1. Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Dog Food Best Overall

If youre looking for a tasty, nutritious air-dried food for your dog, consider our pick for the best overall air-dried dog food,Zeal Canada Gently Turkey Recipe. This option is loaded with real turkey and is high in both protein and fat, making this recipe excellent for active, performance, or working dogs but not overweight, inactive dogs.

It is a grain-free range, as with many air-dried options, which works well for dogs with sensitivities to the ingredient, although its not absolutely necessary to exclude it from a healthy dogs diet as it provides them with many benefits. Fillers, antibiotics, preservatives, and additives are also excluded from this recipe.

Due to the high-quality turkey, your pup should be able to digest this nutritionally complete and balanced food easily.

Pros

• High in protein
• High-quality ingredients
• Tasty
• Great for active dogs
• Free from controversial ingredients

Cons

• No grain-inclusive options
• Not ideal for overweight dogs

2. Addiction Perfect Summer Brushtail Dog Food Best Value

We loveAddiction Perfect Summer Raw Alternative Dog Foodbecause its the best air-dried dog food for the money. Although well-priced, it contains everything your dog needs and can be fed to all types of dogs. It has a lower fat content than our previous option, making it suitable for overweight dogs. However, remember to follow the feeding guidelines to help them reach and maintain a healthy weight.

If your dog struggles to digest common meat protein due to allergies or sensitivities, transitioning them onto this recipe may do them wonders. Brushtail is a novel protein, and your dogs body probably hasnt built up an intolerance to it and is less likely to have an allergic reaction from it.

Youll also find many fruits and vegetables in this recipe, such as apples, basil, blueberries, mangos, cranberries, spinach, and so much more. These ingredients add flavor to your dogs food but also provides them with the nutrients they need and promotes immune health, as well as good digestion from the fiber. Although it has been gently air-dried, it does need to be served with warm water.

Pros

• Packed with fruits and vegetables
• Uses novel protein
• Suitable for most types of dogs
• Digestible
• Affordable

Cons

• Needs to be served with warm water

3. Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food Premium Choice

Ziwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food is one of our favorite air-dried dog foods, which is why its our premium choice. Its one of the most popular air-dried recipes on the marketand for a good reason.

Its high in protein and fat, with a crude protein content of 38%. A whopping 96% of the recipe is made up of free-range beef, bones, and organs to create lean muscles in your dog and provide them with the energy they need. It also includes New Zealand green mussels, which are a great source of zinc, iron, selenium, and a variety of vitamins.

Carbs and fillers are excluded in this limited-ingredient diet with the aim to only give your dog the ingredients that benefit them without the unnecessary extras that often cause allergic reactions in their bodies. Because its air-dried, no preservatives are necessary. You can feed this tasty raw alternative to your dog as a meal or a topper, which will stretch it out and save you money. Unfortunately, Ziwi currently only has grain-free air-dried options.

Pros

• Very high in protein
• Similar nutrition to a raw diet
• Can be eaten as a meal or topper
• Nutrient-dense
• Limited ingredients

Cons

• No grain-inclusive options
• Very high fat content

4. Grandma Maes Country Naturals RawTernative Air-Dried Dog Food Best for Puppies

We want the best for our pups, and thats why we recommendGrandma Maes Country Naturals RawTernative Air Dried Dog Food, which has a generous amount of protein and fat to fuel and develop growing puppies. Lamb and lamb organs make up the first three ingredients in this recipe which contributes to the crude protein content of 30%.

This air-dried raw alternative is suitable for all ages and breeds and maintains the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients due to its air-drying process. It can be served straight from the bag and doesnt require water or preparation. The kibble-like chunks are moist and natural and contain prebiotics for good gut health, as well as vitamins and minerals. You can serve this food as a meal, treat, or topper.

Pros

• Versatile
• Suitable for adult dogs and puppies
• High in protein
• Nutrient-dense
• Moist and tasty
• Contains prebiotics

Cons

• High fat content isnt ideal for inactive dogs

5. Spot & Tango Chicken & Brown Rice UnKibble

Spot & Tango has three UnKibble recipes that are made with fresh, whole ingredients and real meat. Spot & Tango have never had any of their products recalled, and they personalize your dogs food according to their age, breed, weight, and needs. Each scoop of UnKibble will be created to meet your dogs nutritional needs, and theyll adjust your puppys formula as they grow. Each recipe is suitable for puppies and adult dogs and meets the AAFCO standards.

TheirSpot & Tango Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe contains only a few ingredients, but the right ones, including antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, kale, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds. They have a variety of vitamins and minerals packed into their recipes, as well as fish oil to give your dogs coat its shine back. This product is pricier than many of our other options, but its crafted with care and personalized to your dog. The recipes are only available on subscription, so you wont find them in your local pet store.

Pros

• Fresh, whole ingredients are used
• Created with the help of vets
• Customized recipes according to your dogs needs
• Suitable for puppies and adult dogs

Cons

• Pricey
• Its a subscription-based service only

6. Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Holistic Air-Dried Dry Dog Food

Our final option isOnly Natural Pet MaxMeat Holistic Grain-Free Air Dried Dry Dog Food, which uses high-quality, free-range real chicken from New Zealand as its main ingredient. The next few ingredients are a variety of chicken organs which are high in protein and contain vitamin B, essential fatty acids, and iron.

The formula has recently undergone a slight formula change that some customers arent happy about. The price is also quite high, but this food can be used as a topper. Many dog owners use it as a topper to provide their dogs with extra nutrition and flavor over their kibble while making it last longer. But other customers are happy to pay the high price to feed their dog a meal they dont think can be matched in quality.

Due to the flavor, many picky eaters cannot turn their noses up at this food, and the crunchy texture is also appealing. It can be eaten like kibble and doesnt require any preparation time.

Pros

• High-quality chicken
• High in protein
• Versatile
• Tasty and crunchy

Cons

• Expensive
• Recent slight formula change

Buyers Guide: How to Pick the Best Air-Dried Dog Foods

Air-dried dog food is a relatively new type of dog food on the market, and with that comes many questions. A common one is whether air-dried food is healthy for your dog. The answer is simpleyes! In fact, air-dried dog food is one of the healthiest premium options to choose from. Well discuss the reasons why below and tackle a few other questions you probably want to be answered before buying this food.

What Is Air-Dried Food?

The answer is in the name. Air-dried food goes through an air-drying process which causes a certain amount of moisture to evaporate from the ingredients. The process involves only small batches of food, and the preservation occurs naturally. Because high temperatures arent used, the nutritional value in heat-sensitive ingredients isnt lost. And, because it hasnt been dehydrated, the kibble-like food doesnt require water or broth and can be eaten from the bag.

Most air-dried foods dont have a long list of ingredients because theyre nutritious enough on their own without having to add in vitamin supplements and artificial preservatives to compensate for that which was lost as with commercial kibble. Air-fried dog food can be used as a meal, treat, supplement, or topper.

Is Air-Dried Food the Same as Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried Food

Air-fried dog food falls somewhere in the middle between dehydrated and freeze-dried dog food. Dehydrated food undergoes a similar process to air-dried food as its cooked at low heat, but all of its moisture is removed, making the food small and light. It generally requires moisture to be mixed in with it before being served. It has an average shelf-life.

Freeze-dried food also has all its moisture removed but undergoes a complex process that involves very low temperatures, freezing, and pressure. It loses minimal nutritional value and is as close to raw as you can get with a long shelf-life. It often also involves rehydration with broth or water but tends to be expensive and crumbles easily.

Because air-fried dog food still retains some of its moisture, it doesnt crumble easily and doesnt require water or broth to be mixed in with it for rehydration. Its also generally more affordable than freeze-dried dog food but doesnt have as long of a shelf-life, lasting around 18 months.

However, all three types of dog food are a great, healthier alternative to commercial kibble.

What Types of Dogs Do Best on Air-Dried Food?

Air-dried dog food best suits dog owners looking for natural, premium dog food who are on a budget. If you want to feed your dog a similar diet to the raw one but dont have enough time to prepare their food, consider this type of nutritious food.

Picky eaters may also do best on this type of dog food because the ingredients still contain some moisture from the fresh ingredients used, making it taste better. Its also a great option to transition your dog onto if they were previously only eating commercial kibble because its the most similar type to kibble in texture. Dogs with allergies will do well on this natural, high-quality, and preservative-free dog food because its free from many common allergens found in many commercial dog foods.

What Are the Advantages of Air-Dried Food?

We love air-dried dog food because of its many advantages. It beats many other types of dog food when it comes to nutrition, versatility, preparation, and storing.

Ease of Use

Air-fried dog food is the most similar natural dog food to commercial kibble in the sense that it doesnt require any preparation time and can be served to your dog as is, without needing broth or water mixed in with it or an allocated amount of time to soften before your dog can eat it. This takes less effort from you while still feeding your dog a nutritious diet.

Its not only easy to serve but to store. Many raw food alternatives need to be eaten within a period of time once water has been added to it, or it requires refrigeration to remain fresh for longer. Air-fried dog food doesnt have any special storage requirements and can be stored the same way you stored your dogs commercial kibble, leaving you with plenty of space in your refrigerator.

Versatility

Air-dried dog food can be used in a variety of ways. It can be eaten as a meal, topper, supplement, and treat. Using it as a topper will make it last much longer than in meal form, making it affordable to those on a budget while still adding all its benefits to your dogs meal, mixed with kibble.

Air-dried dog food comes in a variety of flavors across a range of brands, allowing you to feed your dog the flavor they love most.

Nutrition

Air-dried dog food is made without the use of heat to keep the ingredients from losing their nutritional value. Its one of the best alternative options to a raw diet because it provides your dog with almost the same enzymes, minerals, and vitamins found in fresh, raw food without the risk of pathogens that could make your dog ill, as well as its short shelf life.

Because this type of food is air-dried, it preserves naturally and is, therefore, free from preservatives and additives, and other controversial ingredients. Due to the high-quality ingredients used, your dog will be able to digest air-dried dog food easier than commercial kibble.

Conclusion

Air-dried dog food is loaded with nutrition and is an excellent raw alternative. If youre looking to feed your dog good food, consider our best overall option,Zeal Canada Gently Turkey Recipe, which is high in protein. Our best-valued option isAddiction Perfect Summer Raw Alternative Dog Foodwe appreciate that they use a novel protein as their first ingredient. Our premium choice isZiwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Foodfor its limited ingredients, and we recommendGrandma Maes Country Naturals RawTernative Air Dried Dog Foodfor developing puppies. TheChicken & Brown Rice Recipefrom Spot & Tango is customized to your dogs needs, so you cant go wrong with it.

Featured Image Credit: DegrooteStock, Shutterstock