Tiki Cat Wet Food is often praised for its high protein content and carnivore-friendly recipes, but is it truly the best option for your cat’s unique dietary needs? At FOODS.EDU.VN, we provide an unbiased and in-depth review to help you make an informed decision. Discover if Tiki Cat’s focus on meat-based ingredients, like those found in their popular After Dark line, aligns with your cat’s health and preferences. Plus, learn about other nutritious options available, ensuring your feline companion thrives with a balanced diet.
1. Tiki Cat Wet Food: Rating What Truly Matters
We at FOODS.EDU.VN understand that choosing the right cat food can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve meticulously analyzed Tiki Cat wet food according to key criteria. This ensures a comprehensive overview for concerned pet owners.
- Species-Appropriateness: 8/10
- Ingredient Quality: 10/10
- Product Variety: 6/10
- Customer Experience: 8/10
- Recall History: 10/10
Overall Score: 8.4/10
We assign Tiki Cat a “B” grade, reflecting its strengths and areas for potential improvement.
2. Why FOODS.EDU.VN’s Review Is Different
Our expertise at FOODS.EDU.VN goes beyond simple product descriptions. We delve deep into the science and practical aspects of cat nutrition, ensuring our reviews are both informative and reliable.
Our dedicated team spends countless hours researching Tiki Cat wet food, meticulously examining everything from its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes to its nutritional content and customer feedback.
To provide an authentic perspective, we also conduct hands-on testing with our own feline companions. This allows us to assess the food’s palatability, digestibility, and overall impact on cat health.
3. Unveiling Tiki Cat: A Company’s Journey
Petropics, the company behind Tiki Cat, was founded by Christine Hackett and her husband, Robert, in 2005. Christine’s background in research and development at Petco gave her valuable insights into the pet food industry. She observed both the existing problems and untapped potential.
As Christine mentioned in The New York Times, Tiki Cat gained traction by offering low-carbohydrate recipes. This was a departure from many mainstream premium brands that heavily relied on grains and carbohydrates.
Since 2015, Tiki Cat has been part of Whitebridge Pet Brands, a company formed through the merger of Cloud Star and Tiki Pet. General Mills acquired Tiki Pet in November 2024 for $1.45 billion. This demonstrates the brand’s growing influence in the pet food market.
4. Where Does Tiki Cat Get Its Ingredients and Where Is It Made?
Tiki Cat prides itself on sourcing ingredients as close to its manufacturing facilities as possible. The food is produced in Thailand in “award-winning human-grade canning plants.” These facilities adhere to stringent international standards for human food production, ensuring a high level of quality and safety.
The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, particularly in its seafood sourcing. Tiki Cat’s fisheries participate in the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). The ISSF supports conservation efforts. They also hold certification from the International Dolphin Conservation Program. This further protects marine environments and minimizes harm to dolphins during tuna fishing.
5. Has Tiki Cat Ever Had a Recall?
One of the most reassuring aspects of Tiki Cat is its spotless recall history. The brand has never been subject to a recall. This speaks volumes about its commitment to quality control and food safety.
6. What Are The Different Types of Tiki Cat Wet Food?
Tiki Cat’s primary focus is on wet food. It offers a diverse range of canned and pouched recipes. This caters to various feline preferences and dietary needs. While they also have a small selection of dry food, their wet food lines are the most extensive.
Here’s a summary of Tiki Cat’s ten product lines:
| Product Line | Description |
|---|---|
| After Dark | Combines muscle meat with nutrient-rich organs. |
| Aloha Friends | Made with chicken or tuna, supplemented with pumpkin. |
| Born Carnivore | Baked kibble diets with an average of 44% protein, free of potatoes, corn, rice, and wheat. |
| Essentials | Animal-based dry food recipes made with chicken, turkey, trout, and menhaden fish meal. |
| Grill | Fish-based proteins garnished with shellfish like shrimp and prawns. |
| Luau | Shredded chicken and flaked fish like wild salmon and ahi tuna. |
| Velvet | Smooth mousses for cats who prefer to lap their meals. |
| Kitten/Senior | Stage-specific recipes for kittens and senior cats. |
| Special | Mousses formulated for specific health goals like weight loss, healthy digestion, and skin & coat health. |
| Raw | Raw food recipes made with premium animal proteins and bone broth, free from added carbohydrates. |
All Tiki Cat recipes exclude animal by-products, grains, and potatoes. They are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Besides complete and balanced meals, Tiki Cat offers a variety of treats and food toppers.
7. What Did Our Cats Think Of Tiki Cat?
Tiki Cat’s wet foods stand out for their high protein and low carbohydrate content. They are a good option for cats with diabetes or IBD. In particular, the After Dark line offers muscle meat and organs for a wide range of animal-sourced nutrients.
While their dry foods contain more carbohydrates, they still offer higher meat inclusions and lower carbohydrate content than most kibble. Tiki Cat’s never been recalled and is nutritionally superior and trustworthy.
On the other hand, Tiki Cat foods are more expensive.
8. Tiki Cat Top 3 Recipes
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consommé | Wet | $0.65 per oz | B+ |
| Tiki Cat Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.48 per oz | B+ |
| Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken Luau Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | $6.19 per lb | B- |
9. Review of Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consommé
$25.08 At Chewy $24.8 At Amazon
This Tiki Cat recipe includes chicken, chicken broth, sunflower seed oil, and an array of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Let’s examine the ingredient list.
The recipe features shredded chicken mixed with chicken broth and sunflower seed oil. Sunflower seed oil is often added to wet foods as a fat source. However, it lacks the diversity of carnivore-appropriate fatty acids found in chicken fat and fish oil.
According to the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, cats need animal-based fats for optimal health. The splash of sunflower seed oil brings the food’s total fat content to roughly 13.8% on a dry matter basis. This is significantly lower than the estimated 46% fat in a cat’s natural prey-based diet.
The food’s carbohydrate content is even lower than its fat content. This is one of the few cat foods that’s carbohydrate-free. While cats don’t require carbohydrates, a zero-carbohydrate and zero-fiber food might not be ideal.
While it’s on the right track and better than veggie-packed products, this food may be too digestible. Cats may require some fiber to promote a healthy gut ecosystem. Cats may become constipated or develop other digestive issues without fiber.
All told, this food is rich in animal protein with low fat and no carbohydrates, including fiber. It’s a good choice for cats with diabetes or IBD.
The food has 24 calories per ounce or 147 calories per 6-ounce can.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 16%
Crude Fat: 2.6%
Moisture: 80%
Ash: 1.6%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 80%
Fat: 13%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 71.7%
Fat: 28.3%
Pros
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Made without carrageenan
- No carbohydrates
Cons
- Relies on plant-sourced fat
- Relatively low fat content
- May not have enough indigestible matter
10. Review of Tiki Cat Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
$19.32 At Chewy $19.32 At Amazon
This canned food is similar to canned tuna in water or oil.
The recipe features tuna meat as the first ingredient, followed by tuna broth and sunflower oil.
Sunflower seed oil isn’t an ideal fat source. Cats require the fatty acids found in animal fat.
Like the chicken-based food, this recipe is low in fat, with roughly 10% fat on a dry matter basis. While Tiki Cat provides the low carbohydrate content and high protein, the brand tends to skimp out on fat.
As of 2022, the guaranteed analysis for this recipe has been updated based on recent testing. Tiki Cat now lists the fiber content as 0.5%. The fish broth has replaced tuna broth.
Overall, the recipe is high in protein with low fat and low carbohydrate content.
The food has 25 calories per ounce or 151 kcal per 6-ounce can.
Ingredients
Tuna, Fish Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Copper Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 16%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 72.73%
Fat: 9.09%
Fiber: 2.27%
Carbs: 15.91%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 65.69%
Fat: 19.94%
Carbs: 14.37%
Pros
- High protein content from animal sources
- Low carbohydrate content
- Minimal plant ingredients
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- No carrageenan
Cons
- Low fat content
- Relies on plant-sourced fat
11. Review of Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
$21.89 At Chewy $21.89 At Amazon
Like all Tiki Cat dry foods, it’s baked rather than extruded.
The ingredient list begins with deboned chicken, followed by chicken meal. Dehydrated chicken and dried egg provide supplemental animal protein sources. Chicken fat is the primary source of added fat.
Tapioca flour increases the food’s carbohydrate content. Ground whole flaxseed is added as a source of ALA. It’s followed by both chickpeas and peas, legumes.
Salmon oil provides animal-based omega-3s. The food is also supplemented with brewers dried yeast.
The ingredient list concludes with a variety of synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Like most dry foods, it contains more carbohydrates than Tiki Cat’s wet foods.
Overall, it’s high in protein with moderate fat and moderate carbohydrate content.
The food has 495 calories per cup.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dehydrated Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Tapioca, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Whole Flaxseed, Chickpeas, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Brewers Dried Yeast, Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Inulin (Prebiotic), Salmon Oil, Pumpkin, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Citric Acid, Tannic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Flour, Ground Whole Flaxseed, Whole Chickpeas, Whole Peas
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 42%
Crude Fat: 22%
Crude Fiber: 3.5%
Moisture: 10%
Ash: 10%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 46.67%
Fat: 24.44%
Fiber: 3.89%
Carbs: 13.89%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 38.91%
Fat: 49.5%
Carbs: 11.58%
Pros
- Made from named meats rather than vaguely-labeled meals and by-products
- Rich in animal protein
- Relatively low carbohydrate content
- Highly palatable recipe
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- Contains some hard-to-digest peas and legumes
12. What Are Customers Saying About Tiki Cat Food?
Tiki Cat food has overwhelmingly positive reviews. Customers praise its low carbohydrate content and simple recipes. It is popular among cats with IBD, diabetes, and other sensitivities. The Grill and Luau lines are particularly popular, while After Dark receives mixed reviews.
In 2018, customers started reporting finding gray meat in their cans of Tiki Cat. The company said that the gray color is a normal result of cooking and safe.
Positive Reviews
One customer reviewing Tiki Cat Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna said, “Both of my babies LOVE the Ahi Tuna… I mix with warm water and my babies scarf it down. A bit expensive but worth it for the great quality.”
Another customer reviewing Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Indoor Health, Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Baked Kibble said, “My cats love this food… They like the taste and I love that it doesn’t smell… It is a top rated product and worth the price. Plus, my cat’s coat is super shiny! I highly recommend.”
Negative Reviews
One customer reviewing Tiki Cat Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna said, “One can is 6 ounces. Thats too much for my cat… after 4 hours, the colorization of the meat started to turn brown, even sealed in the fridge.”
Another customer reviewing Aloha Friends Variety Pack said, “Messy, splashes when opening lots of liquid, it smells, only one of my cats would even try it, then he walks away leaving most all of it.”
13. What Does Tiki Cat Food Cost?
Tiki Cat’s dry foods are fairly affordable. The average cost for Tiki Cat wet food ranges from about $0.35 to $0.55 per ounce. It would cost between $2.96 and $5.00 per day to feed a 10-pound cat the recipes reviewed above.
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore dry food costs about $0.50 per day.
Tiki Cat is on par with other premium brands like Koha and Hound & Gatos. It’s less expensive than one of our favorite brands, Ziwi Peak.
14. Should You Buy Tiki Cat?
Tiki Cat’s wet foods are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The After Dark line offers muscle meat and organs for a wide range of animal-sourced nutrients.
Their dry foods contain more carbohydrates but still offer higher meat inclusions and lower carbohydrate content than most kibble. Tiki Cat’s never been recalled and is nutritionally superior and trustworthy.
On the other hand, Tiki Cat foods are more expensive.
15. Where Can You Buy Tiki Cat?
Tiki Cat is available in independent pet stores and chains. Use their store locator to find a retailer near you. You can buy it from PetSmart, Petco, Chewy, Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers.
FAQ about Tiki Cat Wet Food
1. Is Tiki Cat wet food good for cats with sensitive stomachs?
Tiki Cat wet food can be a suitable option for cats with sensitive stomachs due to its limited ingredient recipes. The recipes also exclude common allergens like grains, potatoes, and artificial additives.
2. How much Tiki Cat wet food should I feed my cat daily?
The amount of Tiki Cat wet food you should feed your cat depends on factors like weight, age, activity level, and overall health.
3. Can Tiki Cat wet food help with my cat’s hydration?
Yes, Tiki Cat wet food can contribute to your cat’s hydration. Wet food has a high moisture content, which can be beneficial for cats.
4. Does Tiki Cat wet food contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives?
No, Tiki Cat wet food is formulated without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The company focuses on using natural ingredients to provide nutrition for cats.
5. Is Tiki Cat wet food appropriate for kittens?
Yes, Tiki Cat offers kitten-specific formulas that are designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing kittens. These recipes provide higher levels of protein and essential nutrients to support their development.
6. Can Tiki Cat wet food help manage my cat’s weight?
Tiki Cat wet food can be part of a weight management plan for cats. The recipes contain lower carbohydrate levels than dry food. This helps promote satiety and weight loss.
7. Are Tiki Cat wet food recipes grain-free?
Yes, all Tiki Cat wet food recipes are grain-free. They do not contain grains like corn, wheat, or soy. This makes them a suitable option for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
8. Where is Tiki Cat wet food manufactured?
Tiki Cat wet food is manufactured in Thailand in “award-winning human-grade canning plants.”
9. Is Tiki Cat wet food ethically sourced?
Tiki Cat emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, particularly in its seafood sourcing. Tiki Cat’s fisheries participate in the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). The ISSF supports conservation efforts. They also hold certification from the International Dolphin Conservation Program. This further protects marine environments and minimizes harm to dolphins during tuna fishing.
10. How does Tiki Cat wet food compare to other premium cat food brands?
Tiki Cat is on par with other premium brands like Koha and Hound & Gatos, but it’s less expensive than Ziwi Peak.
Navigating Cat Nutrition: Let FOODS.EDU.VN Be Your Guide
Choosing the right food for your cat is a crucial decision. It directly impacts their health, happiness, and overall well-being. While Tiki Cat wet food offers several benefits, including high protein content and grain-free recipes, it’s essential to consider all aspects before making a choice.
We encourage you to explore the wealth of information available at FOODS.EDU.VN. Our website offers in-depth articles, expert advice, and comprehensive reviews on various cat food brands and ingredients. This is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions that align with your cat’s unique needs.
Unlock A World of Culinary Knowledge at FOODS.EDU.VN Today
Ready to dive deeper into the world of feline nutrition and discover the best options for your furry friend? Visit FOODS.EDU.VN today and explore our extensive library of articles, recipes, and expert advice. From understanding ingredient labels to crafting homemade cat treats, we’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to check out our other comprehensive cat food reviews to compare different brands and find the perfect fit for your cat’s individual needs.
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