Known for a commitment to quality ingredients, Evolve dog foods have a steadily growing number of loyal followers. And it's easy to understand why. This family-owned company offers balanced nutrition at a wallet-friendly price, compared to many other wholesome dog food brands.

Sunshine Mills, the company behind Evolve, has been running since 1949 so bring a wealth of animal and pet feed knowledge without overcomplicating their recipes or ingredients.

In our Evolve dog food review, we give you a taste of this quality brand so you can decide whether to evolve your own pet’s mealtime routine.

The 9 Top Rated Evolve Dog Food Formulas

1 Evolve Deboned Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Evolve Deboned Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Grain-free
  • Allergens: Sweet Potatoes, Peas
  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans
  • Primary Proteins: Salmon
  • Calories: 363 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Salmon and Sweet Potato
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

For adult dogs, this grain-free dog food formula is boosted by omega-rich deboned salmon for a skin and coat conditioning treat. Free of wheat, corn, and soy, this Evolve Grain-free salmon sweet potato recipe also offers a delicious taste your pooch will love.

Carefully balanced for optimum nutrition, the gluten free formula is a good choice for dogs with allergies and is boosted by added pre and probiotics for a happy tum. You also get a minimum of 25% protein to support your dog’s lifestyle and muscle health. 

This Evolve salmon sweet potato recipe is a good option for active adult dogs as it’s mid-calorie so supplies all the vitamins, minerals, and energy they need without any excess. 

Ingredients:

Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans, Turkey Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Beet Pulp, Dried Yeast, Dried Apples, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Avocado, Dried Carrots, Parsley, Papaya, Spinach, Kale Powder, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Source Of Vitamin B6], Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement) Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermaentation Product, Dried Entercoccus Faecium Fermentation Product.

What others say about it:
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My 14-year-old and 2-year-old pups have been on evolve for 2 years. It has brought a luster back to the old guys coat and the young ones coat is silky and shiney. Good product, consistent and made in Alabama, USA. Highly recommend.

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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2 Evolve Deboned Beef, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Evolve Deboned Beef, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Classics
  • Allergens: Brewer’s Yeast, Sweet Potatoes
  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal 
  • Primary Proteins: Beef
  • Calories: 322 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Beef and Barley
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

The Evolve Classics range offers a reliable formula with all the nutritional essentials plus a meaty taste to keep your dog coming back to his food bowl. And this deboned beef, barley and brown rice recipe is one of the most popular in the range.

With whole beef as the number one protein, you get all the essential amino acids for lean muscles. And there’s nutritious barley and brown rice to support sustained energy release. Chicken meal boosts the protein while flaxseeds and egg help keep their coat and skin in tip-top condition.

What we also like about this meaty dry dog food is the relatively low calories so can be used for adult dogs who may be less than active. 

Ingredients:

Deboned Beef, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Fish Meal, Rice Bran, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Chicken Flavor, Flaxseed, Dried Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt, Canola Oil, Potassium Chloride, Yucca Schidigera, Dried Kelp, Potatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Sweet Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Peas, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Parsley, Lettuce, Spinach, Dried Chicory Root, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Lactobaccillus Casei Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Bifidobacterium Thermophilum Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Vitamins: Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Minerals: Zinc Polysaccharide Complex, Iron Polysaccharide Complex, Manganese Polysaccharide Complex and Copper Polysaccharide Complex, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.

What others say about it:
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I used to order Evolve Dog Food for my late Furbaby Honey. She loved it and I love it too because it is a limited ingredient Food! They also have sensitive stomach options which were perfect! I continued to order this food for my new friend and she loves it too! Very happy with this food!

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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3 Evolve Classic Turkey & Rice Recipe Canned Dog Food

Evolve Classic Turkey & Rice Recipe Canned Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Classic
  • Allergens: Peas, Carrageenan, Brewers Dried Yeast
  • First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Lamb, Carrots
  • Primary Proteins: Turkey
  • Calories: 481 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Turkey 
  • Type: Wet Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

Not all dogs like kibble which is where Evolve’s canned dog food from its tried and tested Classics range can fill the gap.

Slow cooked in a broth for a delicious and easily digestible pate, this turkey and rice recipe is a mealtime winner. And as complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs, it has all the essentials your pet needs. 

Alongside the primary protein of lean turkey, you get chicken liver as well as lamb and omega-rich ocean fish to boost their essential amino and fatty acids intake. And made without soy, corn, wheat, or meat by-products, you can be sure this nutritious meal is also supporting your dog’s digestive system.

Ingredients:

Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Lamb, Carrots, Rice Flour, Brown Rice, Ocean Fish, Dried Egg Product, Cottage Cheese (Milk Ingredients, Bacterial Culture, Salt, Citric Acid, Guar Gum, Mono And Diglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Microbial Enzyme, Carbon Dioxide). Peas, Oat Bran, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide), Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Inulin, Choline Chloride.

What others say about it:
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We have two dogs that are picky eaters. They both love the Evolve Turkey Formula. I am going to purchase the other flavors since the Turkey was such a big hit. Good food at a good price.

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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4 Evolve Simply Six Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food

Evolve Simply Six Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Simply Six
  • Allergens: None Noted
  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Barley, Oat Groats, Chicken Meal
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 328 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

Sometimes a stripped back diet is best for a digestive-sensitive or allergy-prone pet. But what you don’t want is to sacrifice taste for their dietary health. Evolve’s Simply Six range is formulated with rich and tasty protein to give your pooch a natural chicken flavor, while keeping the total number of ingredients to half a dozen.

So, what do you get in this limited ingredient recipe? Real, deboned chicken is the primary protein, boosted by concentrated chicken meal for extra satisfaction. Complex carbs brown rice, whole barley and oats are then added for balanced nutrition and sustained energy release.

Each ingredient is also selected for their nutritional value – chicken meal, for example, provides joint health supporting chondroitin and glucosamine.

To ensure your dog gets everything they need, this delicious grain, corn, wheat, and soy free recipe is also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. It may be limited, but your furry friend certainly won’t feel he is going without. 

Ingredients:

Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Barley, Oat Groats, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate), Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Salt, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Source Of Vitamin B6], Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid), Ascorbic Acid (Source Of Vitamin C), Minerals (Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite).

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5 Evolve Deboned Grain-Free Duck, Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe Dry Food

Evolve Deboned Grain-Free Duck, Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe Dry Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Grain-Free
  • Allergens: Sweet Potatoes
  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas 
  • Primary Proteins: Duck
  • Calories: 360 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Duck
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

A grain-free diet doesn’t mean your dog should miss out on texture or taste in their dry dog food. Especially when it’s the duck and sweet potato recipe from Evolve’s Grain-free range!

Not only does this tasty grain-free recipe feature deboned duck as its main protein, but you also get venison to up the flavor stakes. Then there’s menhaden fish oil, for extra essential fatty acids needed for heart, eye, and skin health.

Add in chicken and turkey meal, plus selected carbs including sweet potato and peas, and this recipe is then slow cooked for enhanced flavor. 

Ideal for adult dogs who lead an active lifestyle, this recipe is balanced for calories as well as fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support them as they move through their various life stages. 

Ingredients:

Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Menhaden Fish Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca Starch, Flaxseed Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Dried Yeast, Deboned Venison, Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Eggs, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Meal, Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Bluberries, Dreid Cranberries, Avocado, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Parsley, Papaya, Spinach, Kale Powder, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Cooper Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Ascorbic Acid [Source Of Vitamin C], Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Source Of Vitamin B6], Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.

What others say about it:
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Great food choice for the picky eater Great Pyrenees that picks one kibble at a time to eat spits it out if it is not quite right Finally finishing without the drama

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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6 Evolve Classic Crafted Meals With Salmon

Evolve Classic Crafted Meals With Salmon
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Classic
  • Allergens: carrageenan
  • First 5 ingredients: deboned turkey, chicken liver, salmon, calcium carbonate, powdered cellulose
  • Primary Proteins: turkey, chicken liver, salmon
  • Calories: 76 kcal/tray
  • Flavor: salmon
  • Type: wet food
  • Life Stage: adult

Salmon is a five-star ingredient when it comes to premium protein that packs all the essential fatty and amino acids as well as taste. And to add to the flavor sensation of this Classic canned dog food, you also get turkey and chicken liver to up the protein and meaty taste quota.

Super moist, with a rich gravy and bite-sized meaty chunks, this is a particularly good food choice for smaller dogs, or dogs who are fussy around their food bowl. Selected vegetables such as peas add to the vitamin and mineral content to create a lux-texture wet dog food that’s also corn, wheat, soy and artificial nasties-free. 

Ingredients:

Deboned Turkey, Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Calcium Carbonate, Powdered Cellulose, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Salt, Canola Oil, Magnesium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

What others say about it:
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My dog Daisy is crazy about the salmon and chicken and turkey dog food. The price is high, so I mix it with something else.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

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7 Evolve Puppy Grain-Free Deboned Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Berry Recipe

Evolve Puppy Grain-Free Deboned Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Berry Recipe
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Grain-free 
  • Allergens: Sweet Potatoes, Peas
  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas 
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 391 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Puppy

With just three recipes for puppies in the Evolve range, this Grain-free formula with fresh chicken, sweet potato and pea is a best-seller.

Created to support the specific energy and development needs of very young dogs, this is a tasty dry dog food with smaller sized oven-baked kibble ideal for the young pup’s mouth.

Alongside deboned chicken, you get concentrated chicken meal for an energy sustaining boost as well as nutrient-rich sweet potato and complex carbs such as chickpeas. 

Added pro and prebiotics are used to fortify the recipe and help support a young, healthy digestion. With no animal by-products, there’s also added flaxseed to boost the condition of your growing pup’s skin and coat. 

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate), Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Turkey Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed Meal, Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (Source Of Dha), Salt, Dried Carrots, Dried Chicory Root, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source Of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate), Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Turkey Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed Meal, Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (Source Of Dha), Salt, Dried Carrots, Dried Chicory Root, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source Of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.

What others say about it:
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I have been feeding Evolve products to dogs for about 20 years. We just adopted two pups a few weeks ago so, of course, I was going to feed them Evolve Puppy Food. They love it!

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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8 Evolve Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Jerky Bites

Evolve Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Jerky Bites
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Grain-free
  • Allergens: Sweet Potatoes, Pea Flour
  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Tapioca Starch, Sweet Potatoes, Pea Flour, Chicken Fat
  • Primary Proteins: Salmon
  • Calories: 20 kcal/treat
  • Flavor: Salmon
  • Type: Dog Treat
  • Life Stage: Adult

The occasional treat is good for your dog and can also help with their training. And these grain-free treats from Evolve are just the ticket for the more sensitive dog. Styled like beef jerky, these super tasty treats contain real salmon, boosted by nutrient-rich sweet potato to keep your ‘wanting to please’ pooch coming back for more. 

At 20 calories per treat, these grain free salmon and sweet potato jerky bites can be used as part of your dog’s total daily allowance and are also free of corn, soy, and wheat. Easy to break, they are sized to appeal to adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. 

Ingredients:

Deboned Salmon, Tapioca Starch, Sweet Potatoes, Pea Flour, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Glycerin (Derived From Vegetable Oil), Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Pea Starch, Ground Flaxseed, Sucrose, Cane Molasses, Gelatin, Dried Cultured Skim Milk, Citric Acid (A Preservative), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Natural Smoke Flavor, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Avocado, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Parsley, Papaya, Spinach, Kale Powder, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D Supplement, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Minerals: (Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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My dog loves these treats!!! In fact, he wouldn’t eat any others we had before we got the Evolve. My dog is diabetic so have to see how these treats effect him in the long run. The only problem is these treats are out of stock a lot!

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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9 Evolve Classic Chicken, Rice & Cranberry Recipe Dog Treats

Evolve Classic Chicken, Rice & Cranberry Recipe Dog Treats
Key features:
  • Brand: Evolve Classic
  • Allergens: Pea Flour
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Brown Rice Flour, Chicken Meal, Pea Flour, Cane Molasses
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 20 kcal/treat
  • Flavor: Chicken and Cranberry
  • Type: Dog Treat
  • Life Stage: Adult

And finally, these natural chewy treats are a good investment as they come with a resealable canister for a fresher life. Made from real chicken, they also feature dried cranberries for a naturally sweet and tasty chew with a moreish chicken flavor.

We also like that you can easily break these Evolve Classic chicken treats up into smaller pieces for younger or smaller dogs and they are free from artificial flavors or additives.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Brown Rice Flour, Chicken Meal, Pea Flour, Cane Molasses, Vegetable Glycerin, Gelatin, Cranberries, Non Fat Dry Milk Powder, Carrots, Lactic Acid, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Natural Chicken Flavor, Vitamin E Supplement, Minerals: (Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite).

What others say about it:
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Looking for something other than just all protein now that pups are aging and the stress on the kidneys is paramount to limit. Found this choice and the bit-more-selective pup REALLY likes them. Chicken is still the first ingredient, prolly y. Protein is still above 15%, but considering many of the limited ingredient treats which were 75-100% protein for us before, this is going to help a lot.

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Is Evolve a Good Dog Food? 

Evolve generally has a good reputation according to the latest dog food reviews, not least for using named animal meat as its number one protein. They are also committed to wholesome ingredients in both their wet and dry recipes to ensure they are well balanced and nutritious. And while the Evolve dog food range isn’t the most extensive, it is well-priced.

However, the brand has suffered a couple of product recalls in its 50+ history, but it should be noted that the company acted swiftly in response. And they do own their own manufacturing plants so have a high level of control over production and quality.

So, as a mid-range dog food brand, there’s a lot to like about Evolve. As well as our Evolve dog food reviews, we dig a little deeper into the company, and the ranges they offer. 

Short History of the Evolve Company

The origins of Evolve Pet Food go back to 1949 and its parent company, Sunshine Mills which started life as an animal feed producer in Red Bay, North Alabama.

In the early sixties Sunshine Mills took the decision to expand into pet food. The company quickly saw an opportunity to create a high-quality yet affordable dog and cat food brand that focused on pet nutrition by using carefully selected ingredients and named meat meals and protein sources. Evolve as we know it today was born.

Evolve still retains its family connections, with Alan Bostick, grandson of one of Sunshine Mills’ original founders, currently the brand’s CEO.  Evolve is now an international distributor, with its pet food range shipped to over 30 countries worldwide.

But its American heritage remains, with all its products made in the USA by Sunshine Mills’ own production plants.

Where is Evolve Dog Food Made?

Evolve’s pet food product range is made in Sunshine Mills’ own manufacturing facilities in the US.

As well as two plants in Red Bay, Sunshine also has production sites in Dublin, Georgia; Tupelo, Mississippi; Greenville, N.C.; Halifax, Virginia; and Elkhart, Indiana. By using their own manufacturing plants, Evolve has total control over the whole production process as well as quality standards. 

Where Do They Source Their Ingredients From?

As a pet food company, it’s clear that Evolve is committed to sourcing the best quality ingredients they can. However, their website doesn’t give specific information as to where they actually source their ingredients from. 

But what the website does state is that they source their own ingredients and that their manufacturing plants are all SQF Level 3 Certified, the highest level for a pet food manufacturer. Their products also meet the nutritional standards set by the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose

Compared to similar brands, the Evolve dog food range may look a little limited. But they do offer a selection that covers the main pet food bases.

The range is heavily focused on dry dog food – they have four main ranges – plus the Classic wet food option. All Evolve dog food is free from artificial fillers, as well as corn, wheat, and soy.

Here’s a run-through of Evolve’s main dog food ranges:

Classic – with real deboned meat as well as ‘ancient grains’ and nutritious vegetables, Evolve Classis is an excellent go-to for complete and balanced nutrition. And the taste is not neglected with a choice of chicken, lamb, salmon, or beef and bison recipes.  The Classic range also includes its wet ‘crafted meals’ formula.

Grain-free – using deboned protein as the first ingredient, this grain-free range contains complex carbohydrates such as sweet potato as a healthy alternative to grains. The Grain-free range also includes a puppy-specific formula.

Simply Six – if your pooch thrives best on a limited ingredient diet, then Evolve’s Simply Six dog food could be the right choice. Using just six high-quality ingredients, which include a single source of protein, you also get all the vitamins and minerals your more sensitive dog needs for all-around health and wellbeing. 

Evolve Small Batch Baked – grain-free, these ‘artisan’ kibble biscuits are oven-baked for a satisfying crunch and taste, so perfect for picky eaters and hungry dogs!

Funny pug dog bite stainless bowl wait to eat dog food on concrete floor.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at Ingredients

As we have already ascertained, Evolve is committed to quality ingredients, with real named meat their number one protein source, supported by a good balance of carbs, fiber, and fats. Here are the main ingredients Evolve use across their dog food product ranges:

Protein

When it comes to the number one ingredient in all its recipes, Evolve opts for deboned meat such as lamb, chicken, salmon, venison, duck, beef, and turkey to give a decent animal protein hit. This whole meat is then enhanced in many of the recipes with meat meal, a more concentrated protein source.

Evolve dry dog food generally features above-average levels of animal protein, ranging from 22% to over 30%, depending on your dog’s age, health, and life stage.

Carbohydrates

Easily digestible carbs are essential for your dog and healthy digestion as they ensure he is getting all the fiber and nutrients he needs without causing any upsets. Evolve chooses nutritious complex carbohydrates to boost their dry and wet dog food recipes, including sweet potato, carrots, cranberries, and beet.

Grains

Some grains can irritate a dog’s system, especially if they are sensitive or have allergies, so Evolve includes carefully managed grains (with exception of their grain-free range), such as barley and brown rice while excluding known irritants such as corn and wheat. 

Fats

Your dog needs sufficient levels of good fats such as omega 3 and 6 and other fatty acids to support their energy and general health as well as promote healthy skin and coat conditions. You will find nourishing sources of good fats in Evolve dog food, including flaxseed and eggs plus chicken fat for enhanced taste.

Vitamins and Minerals

With their choice of ingredients, Evolve offers a good balance of vitamins and minerals with multiple health benefits for your average adult dog. These include probiotics for gut health, taurine for heart, eye, and immune system health, and glucosamine for joints and mobility. 

Free From

Evolve is also aware of ingredients that can be problematic and so exclude corn, soy, and wheat as well as unnecessary fillers and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives from all their dog foods. 

Ingredients to be Aware of

However, there are some regular ingredients in Evolve dog food formulas that do warrant attention if your dog is more sensitive or prone to allergies. These include brewers dried yeast, beet pulp (which can often be used as a filler), and pea, which could be an issue if your pooch is sensitive to legumes.

Sweet potato could also be problematic for some dogs due to the higher sugar content. 

Evolve Dog Food Recall History

With a track record of manufacturing its own products, Evolve has a 50-year plus reputation for quality dog food products. However, there has been an Evolve dog food recall on two occasions.

In 2018 their chicken and rice puppy dry dog food was recalled as part of a wider recall of brands due to suspected high levels of vitamin D.

More recently in July 2021, parent company Sunshine Mills voluntarily recalled its Evolve Classic Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe due to a potential issue with raised levels of aflatoxin, which can be caused by mold.

What’s the Evolve Dog Food Price?

There’s always a premium to pay for quality ingredients. And this means Evolve is not the cheapest dog food brand you can buy. However, compared to other brands in the mid-to-premium dog food market, Evolve can be seen as competitively priced.

For a 30-pound bag of their Classic, dry dog food will cost around $38, compared to a similar-sized product from Blue Buffalo which could set you back over $50.

Evolve Dog Food Price Comparison
Evolve Deboned Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato - 12lbs
$32.00
Evolve Deboned Beef, Barley & Brown Rice - 15lbs
$27.15
Evolve Classic Turkey & Rice Recipe Canned Food - 13.2-oz Case of 12
$24.24
Evolve Simply Six Chicken & Brown Rice - 12lbs
$35.12
Evolve Deboned Duck, Sweet Potato & Venison - 11lbs
$32.00
Evolve Classic Crafted Meals With Salmon - 3.5-oz Pack of 15
$20.18
Evolve Puppy Deboned Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Berry - 14lbs
$32.99
Evolve Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Jerky Bites - 12-oz
$5.29
Evolve Classic Chicken, Rice & Cranberry Treats - 22-oz
$6.99

*Prices are from Amazon and Chewy at the time of publication and can change.

Where Can I Buy Evolve Dog Food? 

Evolve can be bought online from major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Chewy. You can also pick up their dog food products at a range of large pet stores as well as independent retailers around the US.

Evolve’s website features a handy store locator tool so you can find your nearest physical store. 

In a Nutshell, Is Evolve a Good Choice?

Evolve dog food ticks many boxes for pet owners – it’s a brand that strives to provide quality ingredients, is transparent about its protein sources, and can offer wholesome dog food at an affordable price.

However, while it does have its loyal followers, Evolve is perhaps not as well-known and so not as easily available as the more mainstream mid-price brands. And as it’s predominately a dry dog food with just four formula types, its wet food range is pretty limited.

But if you are willing to make the shift then Evolve can be a good choice for your pooch’s food bowl. And here’s why.

You get above-average dry product levels of decent protein, mostly deboned whole meat, backed up by protein-rich meat meal. All their wet and dry dog food recipes are wheat, corn, and soy-free and without artificial flavors, preservatives, or coloring.

You can also opt for their grain-free formula if your pet is more of a food-sensitive soul. And, while most of its dry dog food is aimed at adult pooches, Evolve does offer some good quality dog recipes for puppies. And it generally scores well in the numerous Evolve dog food reviews.

And finally, Evolve comes with a fifty-year track record in pet and animal nutrition, which means they have the experience and know-how, as well as the in-house production facilities, to offer a well-priced dog food that has premium aspirations. 

Source:

  1. Protein in your dog’s diet, PetMD

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