About The Partnership

New Zealand is home to one of the world’s most unique and beloved birds — the kiwi. With less than 100,000 left in the wild, the species faces ongoing threats from man-made causes such as introduced predators and predators. At Addiction Pet Foods, our roots are deeply embedded in New Zealand, and protecting its natural heritage is part of who we are.
 

That’s why we’ve partnered with Save the Kiwi, the national charity dedicated to protecting and restoring kiwi populations across Aotearoa. Through this partnership, we’re working together to support awareness and conservation initiatives that help safeguard this iconic bird.
 

By collaborating with Save the Kiwi, Addiction Pet Foods is proud to play a small role in helping ensure that the kiwi — a symbol of New Zealand’s identity — continues to thrive for generations to come.
 

Because for us, making the best food for pets means going further — not just for our furry companions, but for the land and wildlife we all share.

What We’re Working Towards Together

Supporting 
Kiwi Avoidance Training

Supporting Kiwi Avoidance Training programs that help dogs learn to avoid kiwi, reducing accidental encounters in the wild.

Supporting Local 
Communities

Helping community-led conservation groups around the country to protect kiwi in the wild.

Raising Awareness & 
Education

Helping spread awareness about kiwi conservation through education and events.

Kiwi Avoidance Training Explained

Kiwi avoidance training for dogs is one tool that can help reduce the threat hunting and farming dogs pose to kiwi in the wild. The best way to protect kiwi is to keep dogs out of kiwi habitat altogether. However, kiwi avoidance training can be a useful tool to teach dogs to avoid kiwi if they do work in areas where kiwi live.
 

Before starting the training, dogs are fitted with an e-collar. They are then walked through a short course which contains several kiwi props and good-quality fresh kiwi scent. This simulates kiwi and their scent in a controlled situation. The trainer will give the dog a small correction through the e-collar if it shows interest in the prop.

Established in 1996, Kiwi Avoidance Training is jointly coordinated by Save the Kiwi and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

Why is Kiwi Avoidance Training Necessary?

Kiwi are Fragile

Kiwi don’t have breastbones and chest muscles to protect their internal organs like other birds do. This means just a gentle nudge from an inquisitive dog has the potential to crush its very delicate ribcage and internal organs – even if the dog wasn’t being aggressive.

Kiwi are Vulnerable

A kiwi doesn’t fly and sleeps during the day, which makes it particularly vulnerable to predators that hunt or roam the bush while it sleeps. In Northland, kiwi only live for around 13 years compared to the average of 40 years, mostly because of dog attacks.

Just One Adult Death Is Devastating

There are an estimated less than 100,000 kiwi remaining, down from the millions that used to roam New Zealand’s forests. One adult kiwi could lay 200 eggs in its lifetime, and her offspring could produce 800 chicks. Even just one kiwi death can have a devastating impact on kiwi recovery.

Dogs are Hunters

It is instinctive and natural behaviour for a dog to investigate unusual odour and movement. Regardless of their size, breed, training, or temperament, all dogs have the potential to regress back to their hunting instincts and kill a kiwi.

If you're hunting with dogs on public conservation land, your dogs may be required to have undergone Kiwi Avoidance Training.

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Learn More About Kiwi Avoidance Training

Fueling the Working Dog

Across New Zealand, working dogs play an important role in various sectors, including conservation efforts. These dedicated dogs assist rangers, conservation teams, and volunteers by monitoring wildlife, supporting farm work, and aiding in protecting native species. While not all working dogs are involved in conservation work specifically aimed at protecting the Kiwi, they still contribute immensely to the well-being of New Zealand’s unique ecosystem.

Through our partnership with Save the Kiwi, we are proud to acknowledge the critical role working dogs play in helping to safeguard New Zealand’s precious wildlife, including the Kiwi. Addiction Pet Foods developed the Working Dog Performance Formula, a nutritionally complete recipe specifically designed for active, high-energy dogs. Whether your dog is working in demanding roles or simply needs support for an active lifestyle, our formula helps fuel their endurance, strength, and focus.

Built for Endurance and Performance

Working dogs require more than standard nutrition. They need a diet that helps sustain energy, maintain muscle condition, and support recovery after long days in the field.
 

Working Dog Performance Formula provides:

  • High-protein nutrition to support strong muscles and sustained activity
  • Energy-dense formulation designed for highly active and working dogs
  • 95% New Zealand–sourced ingredients reflecting Addiction’s commitment to quality

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Our Partnership with Save the Kiwi: A Shared Commitment to Protecting New Zealand's Wildlife

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