A Closer Look at High Protein Pet Food Brands
In an evolving world where our understanding of pets' nutritional needs continues to grow, many pet parents are seeking food options that better emulate the natural diets of their canine and feline companions. With a recent surge in pet wellness trends, high-protein pet food has come under the spotlight for its numerous health benefits.
Several high-protein pet food brands are gaining traction on the Australian market, promising a diet that mimics what dogs and cats would consume in the wild. Here we take a look at what’s on offer.
| Brand | Main Protein Sources | Average Protein Content* | Grain Free | Food Form | Country of Origin | Average Price Range* (per kilo) |
| Addiction Wild Islands | Meat, Organs | 40% | ✅ | Kibble | NZ | $20 |
| Ziwi Peak | Meat, Organs, Seafood | 38% | ✅ | Air Dried | NZ | $75 |
| Orijen | Meat, Poultry | 38% | ✅ | Kibble | USA | $26 |
| Acana | Meat, Poultry | 32% | ✅ | Kibble | USA | $24 |
*Prices and nutritional values were accurate at the time of writing but may vary and be subject to change
Addiction Wild Islands
If you're on the hunt for a brand that provides a balance between quality and affordability, the answer might be Addiction's Wild Islands. With Addiction Wild Islands, your pet's meal isn't just sustenance - it's an adventure. This food combines novel proteins like venison with organ meat that is densely packed with vital nutrients and flavour.
Overall, the nutrition profile of Addiction Wild Islands is impeccable. Full of high-quality proteins and essential nutrients that support your pet's overall health. The recipe incorporates health-boosting ingredients like flaxseed for a glossy coat and omega fatty acids for heart health.
As a product coming out of the pristine New Zealand wilderness, Addiction Wild Islands also adds some local flair to the ingredient line-up. Green Lipped Mussels and Manuka Honey are two of the stand-outs that give this formula a nutritional edge over its competitors.
Perhaps the most compelling factor for many pet parents considering Addiction Wild Islands is its affordable price point. Given the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional content, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other brands on the market.
Ziwi Peak
Ziwi Peak is a premium pet food brand that has garnered an excellent reputation for its high-quality ingredients and nutrient-dense recipes. The products are rich in high-quality protein and made with around 96% fresh meat, organs, and bone.
The air-dried method preserves the nutrients in the food, providing your pet with optimal nutrition. Another standout quality of Ziwi Peak is its commitment to using only the finest ingredients, including free-range lamb from New Zealand's pastures.
This focus on ingredient quality and ethically sourced meat does make Ziwi Peak a pricier option. However, for pet parents willing to invest a little more for their furry friends' wellness, this could be a worthwhile purchase.
Orijen
Orijen's Dog Food range is a decent choice in the high-protein pet food market, but it may not stand out against some other brands.
The brand certainly makes an honest attempt with its mix of free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. Orijen's philosophy of reflecting the diet of wild canines could be hit-or-miss depending on your pet's specific dietary needs. Its attempt to maintain a low-glycemic index, while theoretically beneficial, might not be a unique selling point in comparison to the health-boosting ingredients found in other brands like Addiction.
As an import from the US, there were recently concerns about the irradiation process that meat products must go through when entering Australia. Orijen has now addressed these concerns regarding safety but there are still questions surrounding how the irradiation process affects nutrient quality.
Where Orijen notably struggles is in its price point. It carries a higher cost than some of the other brands without necessarily providing a proportional increase in value. This makes it a less attractive option when considering the balance of quality, nutrition, and affordability offered by other brands.
Acana
Acana produces a range of what they describe as biologically appropriate diets for cats and dogs.They use fresh and regional ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.
Their attempt at replicating the natural diet of wild animals may sound appealing, but has been challenged by some who question whether it provides the superior nutrient intake of other high-protein foods. It’s good when compared to standard pet food products, but it isn’t great.
While Acana's pricing is not exorbitant, it isn't particularly budget-friendly either. There are alternative brands offering high-quality, natural pet food at potentially better value.
