Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Reviewed by Hazel, BVSc | April 2026 | No brand relationship
Brand Overview — Black Hawk
- Origin: Australian-made — manufactured in Gympie, Queensland
- Parent Company: Masterpet (Australian-owned)
- Key Differentiator: Australian-made with human-grade ingredients, holistic formulation, no artificial anything
- WSAVA Compliance: No — but meets high ingredient quality standards with veterinary backing
- Availability: Pet Circle, PetBarn, selected Woolworths stores, independent pet stores, Black Hawk website
- Price Range: $25–$40 per 2–3kg (dry); $2.50–$3.50 per pouch/tin (wet)
Introduction
Black Hawk is the brand Pawkeen recommends most often to Australian cat owners who want to step up from supermarket food without stepping into Ziwi Peak territory pricing. Made in Gympie, Queensland, using human-grade ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives — Black Hawk hits a sweet spot between quality and value that no other Australian-made cat food brand currently matches.
The formula philosophy is “holistic” — whole ingredients, natural antioxidants, omega fatty acids for skin and coat, and prebiotic fibres for digestive health. It is not as ingredient-dense as Ziwi Peak, and it lacks the breed-specific targeting of Royal Canin. But for the vast majority of healthy Australian cats, Black Hawk delivers excellent nutrition at a price most families can sustain long-term.
Product Range
- Holistic Grain-Inclusive — Chicken & rice base, whole grains for sustained energy, natural antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-6. The original range and the brand’s best-seller.
- Grain Free — Chicken & Turkey — For cats with grain sensitivities. Sweet potato and pea-based carbohydrate sources. Higher protein than the grain-inclusive range.
- Grain Free — Seafood — Ocean fish and salmon formula. Rich in omega-3 for skin, coat, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Popular with owners of cats prone to skin issues.
- Grain Free Kitten — Higher protein and calorie density for growth. DHA for brain and eye development. Formulated for kittens up to 12 months.
- Senior — Reduced calorie density for less active older cats. Joint-supporting nutrients, kidney-conscious phosphorus levels.
- Wet Range — Pouches and tins across multiple flavours. Higher moisture content for cats that need hydration support. Complete and balanced.
How Black Hawk Compares
Understanding where Black Hawk sits relative to other brands helps Australian cat owners make informed decisions:
- vs Royal Canin: Less targeted (no breed-specific or prescription range) but cleaner ingredient lists. Black Hawk uses human-grade chicken as the first ingredient where Royal Canin uses by-product meals. Royal Canin wins on clinical validation; Black Hawk wins on ingredient transparency.
- vs Ziwi Peak: Significantly more affordable ($25–$40/2kg vs $50–$80/kg) but not as premium in ingredient density (Ziwi uses 96% animal; Black Hawk uses approximately 40–60%). Black Hawk is the practical middle ground for owners who want quality without the luxury price tag.
- vs Hills Science Diet: Similar quality tier and price bracket. Hills has stronger WSAVA credentials and feeding trial data. Black Hawk has more natural ingredient sourcing and no by-products. Comparable nutritional outcomes for healthy cats.
- vs Ivory Coat: Very comparable brands — both Australian-made, similar quality, similar pricing. Black Hawk has a slightly more established presence and broader range. Ivory Coat offers a few more grain-free flavour options. Either is an excellent choice.
Overall Pros & Cons
- Australian-made in Gympie, QLD — fully traceable, supporting local manufacturing
- Excellent ingredient quality — human-grade chicken as first ingredient, no unnamed by-products
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives — genuinely clean formula
- Competitive pricing for the premium quality tier — best value premium cat food in AU
- Broad range covering grain-inclusive, grain-free, kitten, senior, and wet formats
- Grain-free options available for cats with confirmed grain sensitivities
- Less targeted than Royal Canin — no breed-specific formulas for cats
- No prescription or veterinary therapeutic range for chronic conditions
- Less widely available than supermarket brands — mainly pet specialty stores and online
- Slightly more expensive than mainstream supermarket options like Whiskas or Felix
Our Verdict — 8.5/10
Black Hawk is the best Australian-made premium cat food — and the first brand we recommend to Australian cat owners who want to upgrade from supermarket options. The balance of ingredient quality, natural formulation, and accessible pricing makes it the sweet spot for the majority of healthy cats. It is genuinely the most practical “step up” available: better than supermarket brands by a meaningful margin, and more affordable than ultra-premium options like Ziwi Peak. If you are feeding Whiskas, Felix, or Fancy Feast and want to do better for your cat without breaking the bank, start here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Hawk cat food Australian-made?
Yes. Black Hawk is manufactured in Gympie, Queensland, by Masterpet (an Australian-owned company). The ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and the manufacturing facility is fully traceable. This is one of the brand’s strongest selling points — you know exactly where your cat’s food comes from.
Is Black Hawk better than Royal Canin for cats?
Different strengths. Black Hawk has cleaner, more transparent ingredients (human-grade chicken vs by-product meals). Royal Canin has stronger clinical validation (WSAVA compliance, feeding trials, veterinary nutritionists) and offers breed-specific and prescription diets that Black Hawk does not. For a healthy cat with no specific breed or medical needs, Black Hawk offers comparable nutrition at a lower price with better ingredients. For cats with specific health conditions, Royal Canin’s prescription range is unmatched.
Should I choose Black Hawk grain-free or grain-inclusive?
Grain-inclusive unless your cat has a confirmed grain sensitivity (which is rare in cats). The Holistic Grain-Inclusive range uses whole grains that provide sustained energy and dietary fibre. Grain-free formulas use sweet potato and peas instead — fine alternatives, but unnecessary for cats without grain issues. Your vet can help determine if your cat has a genuine grain sensitivity through an elimination diet.
Where can I buy Black Hawk cat food in Australia?
Pet Circle offers the broadest range with auto-delivery discounts. PetBarn stocks Black Hawk in-store and online. Selected Woolworths stores carry the Lamb & Rice variant. Independent pet stores and vet clinics also stock it. The Black Hawk website sells direct in some cases. For the best price, compare Pet Circle’s auto-delivery pricing against PetBarn’s loyalty discounts.