Tiki Cat food has gained popularity as a carnivore-appropriate option for feline diets. But Is Tiki Cat Food Good For Cats? This unbiased review explores the brand’s nutritional value, ingredient quality, and overall suitability for your cat.
Evaluating Tiki Cat: Our Cats.com Standard
We evaluated Tiki Cat using the Cats.com standard, focusing on these crucial factors: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, customer experience, and recall history.
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Here’s a breakdown of the ratings:
Ratings
- 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
Tiki Cat earned an overall grade of B, reflecting a strong commitment to quality.
Our Trust in Our Review Process
We dedicated significant time researching Tiki Cat, examining its history, manufacturing, ingredients, and customer feedback. We also purchased Tiki Cat food (dry and wet) at full retail price to conduct hands-on testing with our own cats. This allowed us to evaluate the food’s palatability and overall appeal from a cat’s perspective.
The Story Behind Tiki Cat
Petropics, founded by Christine and Robert Hackett, owns Tiki Cat. Christine’s experience in product development at Petco sparked her desire to create a pet food brand focused on high-quality ingredients and low-carbohydrate recipes. Since 2015, Tiki Cat has been part of Whitebridge Pet Brands, and in November 2024, General Mills acquired Tiki Pet for $1.45 billion.
Where and How is Tiki Cat Made?
Tiki Cat manufactures its food in Thailand in “award-winning human-grade canning plants.” These facilities adhere to international standards for human food production. The brand emphasizes sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible, including fish from Thai waters. Their fisheries participate in the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) and are certified by the International Dolphin Conservation Program.
Tiki Cat: A Clean Recall Record
Tiki Cat has never issued a recall. This impressive track record highlights the company’s commitment to safety and quality control.
What Cat Food Options Does Tiki Cat Provide?
Tiki Cat is best known for its wet food offerings, including canned and pouched varieties. The brand also offers a limited selection of dry cat food. Tiki Cat currently boasts over 40 different flavors and textures across its product lines:
- After Dark: Combines muscle meat with nutrient-rich organs.
- Aloha Friends: Features chicken or tuna supplemented with pumpkin.
- Born Carnivore: Baked kibble with high protein (44% average) and no potatoes, corn, rice, or wheat.
- Essentials: Animal-based dry food recipes with chicken, turkey, trout, and menhaden fish meal.
- Grill: Fish-based wet food garnished with shellfish.
- Luau: Canned foods primarily made with shredded chicken and flaked fish.
- Velvet: Smooth mousses ideal for cats who prefer to lap up their meals.
- Kitten/Senior: Recipes specifically formulated for kittens and senior cats.
- Special: Mousses designed to support weight loss, healthy digestion, and skin & coat health.
- Raw: Premium animal proteins and bone broth, carbohydrate-free.
Tiki Cat recipes exclude animal by-products, grains, and potatoes and are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. In addition to complete meals, Tiki Cat provides treats and food toppers, such as broths, complements, and treat sticks.
Real Cats, Real Opinions
Tiki Cat’s wet foods stand out for their high protein and low carbohydrate content, making them suitable for cats with diabetes or IBD. The After Dark line is particularly noteworthy for its inclusion of both muscle meat and organs. While Tiki Cat’s dry foods contain relatively higher carbohydrates than wet food, they offer higher meat inclusions and lower carbohydrate content compared to many other kibble options. Overall, Tiki Cat is a nutritionally sound and reliable brand. However, its products can be more expensive, potentially costing upwards of $5 per day for wet food.
Tiki Cat: Top 3 Recipes in Depth
| 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- |
#1 Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consommé
$25.08 At Chewy $23.83 At Amazon
This recipe consists of shredded chicken, chicken broth, sunflower seed oil, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a zero-carbohydrate option, making it suitable for cats with diabetes or IBD. However, the lack of fiber might pose digestive issues for some cats.
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.
We Liked: Chicken
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:
- High in animal protein
- No artificial additives
- Carrageenan-free
- Zero carbohydrates
Cons:
- Plant-sourced fat
- Low fat content
- May lack sufficient indigestible matter
#2 Tiki Cat Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
$19.12 At Chewy $18.35 At Amazon
This recipe contains tuna, fish broth, sunflower seed oil, and added vitamins and minerals. Tuna is the primary protein source, offering a high-protein, low-carbohydrate option. However, like the chicken recipe, it relies on sunflower seed oil, which isn’t an ideal fat source for cats.
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.
We Liked: Tuna
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 in animal protein
- Low carbohydrate content
- Minimal plant ingredients
- No artificial additives
- Carrageenan-free
Cons:
- Low fat content
- Plant-sourced fat
#3 Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
$22.79 At Chewy $21.65 At Amazon
Chicken is the primary protein source in this baked kibble. It is made without potatoes, corn, rice, or wheat. It includes chicken meal, dehydrated chicken, and dried egg, along with chicken fat and salmon oil. While it contains more carbohydrates than Tiki Cat’s wet foods, the carbohydrate content is lower than many other dry foods on the market.
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.
We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
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:
- Named meats, not vague meals or by-products
- High in animal protein
- Relatively low carbohydrate content
- Palatable recipe
- No artificial additives
Cons:
- Peas and legumes, which may be hard to digest
What Are Customers Saying About Tiki Cat Food?
Generally, customers praise Tiki Cat for its low carbohydrate content and simple ingredient lists. It’s a popular choice for cats with sensitivities and conditions like IBD and diabetes. The Grill and Luau lines are fan favorites, while After Dark receives mixed feedback. Some customers reported finding gray meat in their cans, but Tiki Cat assures them that the color change does not affect the food’s safety.
Customer Reviews: The Good and the Bad
Positive Review:
“My cat and her health love this food… It was a great price for the size, especially since one bag has lasted me a couple months so far since she only gets a little bit a day. She’s an indoor cat so a recipe for that was essential.” – Cierra Voelkl, reviewing Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Indoor Health, Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Baked Kibble
Positive Review:
“My kitty will only eat fish. Between this and first mate Salmon cat food we have her well covered.” – Tanya, reviewing Tiki Cat Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna
Most positive reviews highlight the palatability of Tiki Cat, the quality of ingredients, and improvements in coat health.
Negative Review:
“My cat is not picky. He ate 1 whole can but picked at it so I could tell he didn’t like it. The 2nd can he ate some and threw it up. It is very runny like soup and brown. It looks very nasty… I will stick to the Tiki After Dark line.” – Jenn, reviewing Aloha Friends Variety Pack
Negative Review:
“Was hoping this might have been a good & healthy option for my 6 kitties but all turn away from it. The ingredients are very dark, blackish in fact & kind of dry & gritty… even tried mixing it with other Fancy Feast seafoods that my cats like but even that didn’t make it desired.” – Gail, reviewing Tiki Cat Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna
The negative reviews mention issues such as strong odors, strange textures, and cats disliking the food. Some reviewers received dented or broken containers.
Tiki Cat: How Much Will It Cost?
Tiki Cat sits in the middle in terms of cost. Tiki Cat’s wet food costs approximately $0.35 to $0.55 per ounce, translating to $2.96 to $5.00 daily for a 10-pound cat. The dry food is more economical, costing about $0.50 daily.
Compared to other premium brands such as Koha and Hound & Gatos, Tiki Cat is competitively priced. It’s more affordable than Ziwi Peak.
The Verdict: Is Tiki Cat Food Good for Your Cat?
Is Tiki Cat food good for cats? Tiki Cat is a solid choice, especially if you’re seeking protein-rich, low-carbohydrate wet food. It may be perfect for cats with diabetes or IBD. The After Dark line is particularly beneficial due to its inclusion of both muscle meat and organs. While their dry foods are relatively high in carbohydrates, they still stand out with higher meat inclusions and lower carbohydrate content than other kibble options. Just be aware that Tiki Cat can be more expensive than other brands.
Where to Buy Tiki Cat Food
You can find Tiki Cat at independent pet stores, chain stores, and online retailers: store locator, PetSmart, Petco, Chewy, Amazon, and Walmart.
