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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Evanger’s excels with hand-packed canned foods that feature visible meat chunks and superior palatability, making them particularly effective for picky eaters who refuse standard kibble or pâté-style cans.
• The 2017 pentobarbital recall remains a serious concern, revealing supplier oversight failures and contamination levels 2,500 times higher than previously recorded, with insufficient third-party verification of current safety measures.
• Batch consistency issues plague several formulas, especially Senior recipes, with owners reporting sudden formula changes, different appearance, and dogs refusing previously accepted food despite company claims of unchanged ingredients.
• Pricing sits in mid-premium territory at $2.80 per pound for dry kibble, offering reasonable value for transparent ingredients and local sourcing, but lacking the feeding trials and scientific validation expected at this price point.
• The brand offers exceptional variety with 40+ canned recipes and single-protein Complements line, making it valuable for dogs with food sensitivities or owners wanting protein rotation without switching brands.
If you’re weighing your options between mid-premium canned foods and boutique kibble, you’ve probably come across Evanger’s. The brand markets itself heavily on “real meat first,” local sourcing within 50 miles of its Illinois facility, and a family-owned story that goes back to the Great Depression. That’s appealing if you value tradition and want to avoid the big conglomerates. But reputation alone doesn’t fill the bowl—you need to know what’s actually inside, how it’s made, and whether dogs thrive on it. Let’s get into it.
Evanger’s was founded in 1935 by Fred Evanger, a Great Dane breeder in Wheeling, Illinois, who wanted better food for his own dogs. For decades it stayed small and regional, supplying private-label premium foods to other brands. In 2002, Holly and Joel Sher acquired the company—Joel had been supplying raw ingredients to Evanger’s for over 15 years before the purchase, so he knew the operation inside and out. Under their ownership, the brand expanded significantly, adding hand-packed specialty cans, grain-free kibble, organic lines, and a functional diet series called EVX Restricted Diet.
The company’s core values center on whole-meat nutrition, local ingredient sourcing, and American manufacturing. Evanger’s emphasizes that all products are made in the USA, with fresh ingredients delivered daily from farms within a 50-mile radius of their Markham, Illinois facility. They avoid corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives across the board, and many recipes carry kosher certification from the Chicago Rabbinical Council. The brand positions itself as a specialty, mid-to-premium option—more accessible than ultra-premium brands like Orijen, but with ingredient transparency and variety that set it apart from mass-market options.
Here’s where it gets complicated. Evanger’s has a loyal following among boutique pet store shoppers and owners of dogs with specific dietary needs. The hand-packed “Hunk of Beef” line, introduced in 2003, became a cult favorite for picky eaters. But the brand’s reputation took a serious hit in 2017 when the FDA found pentobarbital—a euthanasia drug—in several batches of canned beef products. Testing revealed contamination levels over 2,500 times higher than anything previously recorded in commercial dog food. The source was traced to a meat supplier who wasn’t USDA-inspected, contradicting Evanger’s marketing claims at the time. The company issued voluntary recalls, moved production to a new facility, and settled a class action lawsuit in 2019.
Since then, there haven’t been any major recalls, and the brand has worked to rebuild trust. Still, that incident is a red flag that can’t be ignored, especially when you’re choosing food for a dog you love. Today, Evanger’s operates out of a 70,000-square-foot facility in Markham with five canning lines and claims rigorous quality control, though they don’t publish third-party audit results or hold certifications like ISO 22000 or SQF that would give independent verification. Transparency has improved—ingredient lists are clear, sourcing is detailed on the website—but gaps remain, particularly around supply chain auditing and scientific validation of health claims.
| Price per pound | $2.80 – $3.30 |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Rabbit, Venison, Buffalo, Duck, Fish |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (nutrient profiles only, no feeding trials) |
| Formula options | 40+ canned recipes, 4 dry kibble formulas |
| Availability | Specialty pet stores + online retailers |
Evanger’s makes a big deal about ingredients, and for good reason—it’s one area where the brand genuinely stands out from budget and some mid-range competitors. Let’s break down what’s actually in the food, starting with the protein sources and working through carbs, fats, and functional additives.
Across the range, real meat is always the first ingredient. In the canned lines, you’ll see whole chicken, beef, lamb, rabbit, venison, buffalo, duck, and even more exotic options like wild-caught salmon and mackerel. The hand-packed recipes literally contain visible chunks of whole meat—open a can of Hunk of Beef and you’ll see exactly what it sounds like. The dry kibble lines list chicken, game bird, whitefish, or rabbit as the lead ingredient, often in meal form (which is concentrated protein after moisture is removed, so it’s actually a good thing when it’s high-quality meat meal).
What you won’t find is meat by-products, which is a genuine plus. By-products can include organs and other parts that aren’t inherently bad, but they’re inconsistent and often lower in digestibility. Evanger’s sticks to named meats and meals, which means better amino acid profiles and more predictable nutrition. The brand also offers single-protein recipes in the Complements line—100% rabbit, 100% buffalo, 100% chicken—designed as toppers or for elimination diets. These are particularly useful if your dog has food sensitivities and you’re trying to isolate the problem ingredient.
Evanger’s offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free options. The grain-inclusive kibbles use brown rice and oatmeal, which are digestible, moderate-glycemic carbs that work well for most dogs. The grain-free recipes rely on sweet potato, peas, and white potato. This is where things get a bit tricky: the FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition. Evanger’s hasn’t been named in any FDA warnings, and the science is still evolving, but it’s worth noting if you’re considering the grain-free line for a reason other than a confirmed grain allergy.
In the canned foods, carbs are minimal—most recipes are primarily meat, broth, and small amounts of vegetables like carrots or green beans. This keeps carb content low and protein high on a dry-matter basis, which aligns well with a dog’s ancestral diet.
Fat sources include chicken fat (a high-quality, palatable option), fish oil (for omega-3s), and coconut oil (marketed for skin, coat, and digestion support). The Game Bird recipe specifically highlights coconut oil as a feature ingredient. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are present in most dry formulas, supporting skin health, coat shine, and anti-inflammatory processes. Fat levels in the dry foods range from about 16.8% to 17.4% on a dry-matter basis, which is moderate to moderately high—good for active dogs, but something to watch if your dog is prone to weight gain or pancreatitis.
Evanger’s includes probiotics and prebiotics in several dry recipes, aimed at supporting gut health and digestion. The EVX Restricted Diet line and some newer formulas feature Alltech NVGEN™, a prebiotic blend for immune and digestive support. Chelated minerals—zinc, iron, copper—are used in premium kibbles, which means they’re bound to amino acids for better absorption compared to cheaper inorganic forms.
You won’t find artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Instead, the brand uses natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E). This is standard in premium foods and a positive for dogs with sensitivities to synthetic additives.
The biggest issue isn’t what’s in the food—it’s the sourcing transparency. The 2017 recall revealed that Evanger’s meat suppliers weren’t USDA-inspected, despite marketing that implied otherwise. The company has since changed suppliers and facilities, but they still don’t publish third-party audit results or supply chain certifications that would let you verify claims independently. For a brand charging premium prices and emphasizing ingredient quality, that’s a gap that should be addressed.
Another consideration: the grain-free recipes use peas and pea protein fairly high in the ingredient list. While peas aren’t inherently bad, they do contribute to the legume load that’s under scrutiny in the DCM conversation. If you’re choosing grain-free, make sure it’s for a documented medical reason, not just marketing hype.
Let’s talk numbers. Evanger’s dry foods deliver 28.8% to 29.9% protein on a dry-matter basis, which is solid for an adult maintenance diet and above AAFCO minimums. Fat sits around 16.8% to 17.4%, providing enough energy for moderately active dogs without tipping into the ultra-high-fat territory that can trigger pancreatitis in sensitive individuals. Carbohydrates make up roughly 40–42% of the dry kibble, which is typical for grain-inclusive formulas and a bit higher than some grain-free competitors that push protein and fat higher.
The canned foods are a different story. Wet food is about 78–80% moisture, so the protein and fat percentages look low on an as-fed basis—around 8–10% protein and 6–9% fat. But convert that to dry-matter basis, and you’re looking at roughly 40–50% protein, which is excellent. The Complements line, which is 100% meat and intended as a topper, hits 41.1% protein on a dry-matter basis with 24.2% fat. These aren’t complete diets on their own, but they’re nutrient-dense additions that can boost the overall quality of a kibble-based feeding plan.
Evanger’s states that its foods meet AAFCO nutritional profiles for all life stages or specific stages depending on the formula. However, there’s no public evidence that the brand conducts AAFCO feeding trials, which are the gold standard for proving a food supports health over time in real dogs. Meeting the nutrient profile is the minimum—it tells you the food has the right amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals on paper, but not whether dogs actually digest and utilize them well. Many premium brands publish feeding trial results or partner with veterinary universities to validate their formulas. Evanger’s doesn’t, and that’s a transparency gap for a brand at this price point.
The dry foods are fortified with a standard vitamin and mineral premix, plus added glucosamine and chondroitin in some senior and joint-support recipes. The probiotics (like Bacillus coagulans) and prebiotics are present in amounts that should, in theory, support gut health, though without published research on Evanger’s specific formulas, you’re taking that on faith. The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio isn’t listed, but the inclusion of fish oil and chicken fat suggests a reasonable balance for skin and coat support.
One thing to note: the caloric density of the dry foods is around 3,600–3,650 kcal/kg, which is moderate. If you have a very active working dog or a high-metabolism breed, you might need to feed more volume than with a denser, higher-fat food. Conversely, for less active or senior dogs, portion control is straightforward.
Evanger’s broad product range means there’s likely something that works for your dog, but not every formula is right for every dog. Let’s get specific about who benefits most and who should look elsewhere.
Picky eaters: The hand-packed canned foods, especially Hunk of Beef and Braised Beef Chunks, have a strong track record with dogs who turn their noses up at standard kibble or pâté-style cans. The texture and aroma are closer to real food, and palatability scores in user reviews are consistently high.
Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies: The single-protein Complements line and the EVX Restricted Diet formulas are designed for elimination diets and limited-ingredient feeding. If your dog has been diagnosed with a chicken allergy, for example, the rabbit or buffalo options give you a clean alternative without cross-contamination risk.
Senior dogs with reduced appetite: The moisture content and palatability of the canned foods can encourage eating in older dogs who are losing interest in dry kibble. The Senior and Weight Management formulas are lower in calories and fat, which helps prevent weight gain in less active dogs.
Dogs needing variety: With over 40 canned recipes and multiple dry formulas, you can rotate proteins and textures to keep meals interesting without switching brands. This is useful for dogs who get bored easily or owners who want to hedge against developing sensitivities by rotating proteins regularly.
Dogs with a history of pancreatitis: The dry foods have moderate fat levels, but some of the canned recipes and especially the Complements line are quite high in fat. If your dog has had pancreatitis or is prone to it, you need a low-fat prescription diet, not Evanger’s.
Large-breed puppies on grain-free diets: The grain-free formulas with high legume content aren’t ideal for large-breed puppies, who have specific calcium and phosphorus requirements and may be at higher risk for developmental orthopedic issues if nutrition isn’t precisely balanced. Stick with a large-breed puppy formula from a brand that conducts feeding trials.
Dogs with confirmed DCM or breeds at risk: If your dog is a Golden Retriever, Doberman, or another breed predisposed to DCM, I’d avoid the grain-free recipes with peas and lentils until the FDA’s investigation concludes. There are safer grain-inclusive options within Evanger’s own range.
Budget-conscious owners of large dogs: Feeding a 70-pound dog exclusively on Evanger’s canned food will run you $200+ per month easily. Even the dry kibble, at roughly $2.80 per pound, adds up fast for big breeds. If cost is a primary concern, there are more economical options that still meet nutritional standards.
This is where Evanger’s tends to shine, particularly with the hand-packed canned foods. User reviews repeatedly mention dogs “licking the bowl clean” and “finally eating with enthusiasm” after switching to recipes like Hunk of Beef or Whole Chicken Thighs. The visible chunks of meat and the smell—which is closer to human-grade cooked meat than the processed odor of standard canned food—seem to make a real difference for picky dogs.
The dry kibble gets more mixed feedback. Dogs who like it tend to eat it consistently without fuss, but there are reports of dogs refusing it after a bag or two, which some owners attribute to batch-to-batch variation. This is more common with the Senior formulas and less frequent with the Grain-Free Game Bird and Chicken & Brown Rice recipes. Kibble size and texture vary by formula—Game Bird has smaller pieces suitable for small to medium dogs, while other recipes have larger, denser kibbles.
Evanger’s offers an impressive range: beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, rabbit, venison, buffalo, duck, salmon, mackerel, and more. The canned line includes novelty options like whole sardines and beef liver, which can be rotated as toppers or treats. For the dry food, you’re looking at four main options—Chicken & Brown Rice, Game Bird, Grain-Free Chicken/Whitefish/Sweet Potato, and Rabbit—so less variety than the canned side, but still more than many competitors at this price point.
The canned foods are convenient—pop the lid, scoop, and serve. The hand-packed varieties are thicker and chunkier, so they don’t slide out as easily as pâté, but most owners appreciate the texture. The dry kibble comes in resealable bags, though some users note the bags aren’t always airtight and recommend transferring to a container to maintain freshness. Portion sizes are clearly marked on the packaging, and the company provides a feeding calculator on its website based on weight and activity level.
One practical downside: the canned foods are heavy, which means shipping costs can add up if you’re ordering online. Buying in bulk or subscribing through Chewy or Amazon can offset this somewhat.
Evanger’s sits in the mid-to-premium price range, and whether it’s worth the cost depends on what you’re comparing it to and what you value most. Let’s break it down by product type.
A 24-pound bag of Super Premium Chicken & Brown Rice runs about $68 to $80, or roughly $2.80 per pound. That’s more expensive than Purina Pro Plan (~$2.15/lb) and on par with Blue Buffalo (~$3.05/lb), but cheaper than Orijen ($4–$6/lb). For a 30-pound dog eating about 2.5 cups per day, you’re looking at around $1.60 per day, or roughly $50 per month. That’s reasonable for a specialty brand with transparent ingredients and no by-products, but you’re not getting the ultra-high protein and fresh-meat ratios of a true super-premium food.
The grain-free kibble is slightly more expensive, around $3.30 per pound. Given the potential DCM concerns and the lack of feeding trials, I’m not convinced the grain-free option offers better value unless your dog has a documented grain allergy.
A case of 12 classic canned recipes (13 oz each) costs $40 to $48, or about $3.30 to $4.00 per can. For a 30-pound dog eating one can per day as a primary diet, that’s $100 to $120 per month. The hand-packed Gold line is pricier—$30 to $36 for six 13-oz cans, or $5 to $6 per can. The Complements line, which is 100% meat and not a complete diet, runs about $3.50 per 6-oz can, so it’s really designed as a topper or treat, not an everyday meal.
Compared to fresh-food brands like The Farmer’s Dog, Evanger’s canned food is less expensive per calorie, but it’s also shelf-stable rather than fresh, which means some nutrient degradation during processing. For owners who want the convenience of canned food without the freezer space and planning that fresh food requires, Evanger’s is a solid middle ground.
If you’re comparing Evanger’s to mass-market brands like Pedigree or Wag (Amazon’s house brand), Evanger’s is significantly more expensive—Wag dry food runs about $1.50 to $2.50 per pound. But you’re also getting clearer ingredient sourcing, no by-products, and more variety. Whether that’s worth double the price depends on your priorities and budget. Not sure whether to choose Evanger’s or a budget-friendly option? Read our Wag dog food review to see how they compare on ingredient quality and value.
Against other mid-premium brands like Natural Balance or Merrick, Evanger’s is competitively priced for the dry food but more expensive for canned. The ingredient quality is comparable, so it comes down to whether your dog prefers the taste and tolerates the formulas well.
Compared to super-premium brands like Orijen or Acana, Evanger’s is cheaper, but you’re also getting lower protein percentages and less fresh meat. If you want maximum meat and minimal processing, you’ll need to spend more.
For the Super Premium Chicken & Brown Rice dry food, I think the price-quality ratio is fair. You’re getting real chicken, no by-products, probiotics, and a brand that’s transparent about what’s in the bag. For hand-packed canned foods, the premium is justified if your dog is picky or has specific palatability needs—these recipes genuinely stand out. But for the grain-free kibble and the Complements line, I think you’re paying a bit much for what you get, especially without feeding trials or third-party validation. If budget is tight, I’d focus on the classic canned and grain-inclusive kibble and skip the boutique options.
Evanger’s operates out of a 70,000-square-foot facility in Markham, Illinois, with five canning lines. The company moved to this location in 2017 after the pentobarbital recall, leaving behind the original Wheeling facility that had been in operation since 1935. Fresh ingredients are sourced daily from farms within a 50-mile radius, which is a genuine advantage for freshness and traceability compared to brands that source nationally or internationally.
Ingredients are delivered refrigerated and processed the same day or the next, which minimizes spoilage and nutrient loss. The hand-packed recipes are literally assembled by hand—workers place chunks of meat, vegetables, and broth into cans before sealing and cooking. This is labor-intensive and part of why those recipes cost more, but it also means you can see exactly what’s in the can when you open it.
The dry kibble is extruded, which is the standard process for most kibble. Extrusion involves mixing ingredients, cooking them under pressure, and then shaping and drying the kibble. It’s efficient and allows for consistent nutrient distribution, but it also subjects ingredients to high heat, which can degrade some vitamins and amino acids. Evanger’s adds back vitamins and minerals after cooking to compensate.
This is where transparency becomes a problem. Evanger’s claims rigorous testing and quality control, but they don’t publish third-party audit results or hold certifications like HACCP, ISO 22000, or SQF that would independently verify their processes. After the 2017 recall, the FDA issued a warning letter questioning the company’s reliance on finished-product testing rather than comprehensive hazard analysis at every stage of production.
The company tests for microbial contamination like Salmonella and Clostridium, which is good, but those tests wouldn’t have caught the pentobarbital contamination because it’s a drug, not a microorganism. The real issue was supplier oversight—Evanger’s was using meat from suppliers who weren’t USDA-inspected, despite marketing that suggested otherwise. The company has since changed suppliers, but without third-party audits, you’re taking their word for it.
For a brand that charges premium prices and emphasizes quality, this lack of certification is a red flag. It doesn’t mean the food is unsafe now, but it does mean there’s no independent verification of their claims.
Evanger’s talks a lot about local sourcing and family ownership, but when it comes to environmental impact and sustainability, there’s not much public information. The company doesn’t publish a sustainability report, carbon footprint data, or specific environmental goals. Local sourcing within 50 miles is a plus—it reduces transportation emissions and supports regional agriculture—but that’s about as far as the transparency goes.
The canned foods come in recyclable aluminum or steel cans, which is standard and reasonably sustainable if you recycle them. The dry food bags are plastic, and while the company mentions they’re recyclable, not all curbside programs accept pet food bags. Some brands have switched to compostable or more easily recyclable packaging, but Evanger’s hasn’t made that leap yet.
There’s no public statement about animal welfare standards for the livestock used in Evanger’s products. The brand doesn’t claim to use humanely raised or certified humane meat, and there’s no mention of auditing farms for welfare practices. If this is a priority for you, you’ll need to reach out to the company directly—and even then, you might not get detailed answers.
As a family-owned business, Evanger’s doesn’t have the same level of public accountability as publicly traded companies. There’s no information about worker conditions, wages, or community engagement programs. The company is involved in some pet rescue and shelter partnerships, which is positive, but it’s not systematically documented or reported.
Bottom line: if sustainability and ethics are top priorities for you, Evanger’s isn’t going to give you the transparency you’d get from brands like Open Farm or The Honest Kitchen, which publish detailed sourcing and environmental impact information.
I work at a dog shelter, so I get the chance to test foods with dogs who have all kinds of backgrounds, preferences, and needs. For this review, I tried Evanger’s Super Premium Chicken & Brown Rice dry kibble and the classic Beef canned food with a dog named Maple—a seven-year-old mixed-breed who came to us about four months ago after her owner passed away. Maple is a sweet, easygoing dog, around 45 pounds, with a short brindle coat and expressive brown eyes. She’s not particularly picky, but she’s also not the type to get excited about mealtime. At the shelter, she’d been eating a mid-range kibble without any issues—no digestive problems, no skin trouble, just steady and unremarkable.
We transitioned Maple to the Evanger’s kibble over about five days, mixing it gradually with her old food. She didn’t seem to notice or care much during the switch—no refusal, no hesitation, just her usual calm approach to the bowl. Once she was fully on the Evanger’s, her eating pattern stayed the same: she’d finish her meals at a moderate pace, not rushing but not leaving anything behind either.
Over the two weeks we fed her the Evanger’s, I didn’t see any dramatic changes. Her energy level stayed consistent—she’s naturally a bit on the mellow side, happy to hang out in her kennel or go for a walk, but not bouncing off the walls. Her coat, which was already in decent shape, looked about the same—maybe a little shinier, but it’s hard to say for sure without a longer trial. Her stools were firm and regular, which is always a good sign, and she didn’t have any gas or digestive upset.
The one thing I did notice was that Maple seemed slightly more interested in her meals when we added a spoonful of the Beef canned food as a topper. She’d sniff the bowl a bit longer and eat a little faster, which suggested the canned food was more appealing to her than the kibble alone. But even with just the kibble, she was perfectly content—no complaints, no drama.
Honestly, for Maple, the Evanger’s was just fine. It didn’t solve any problems because she didn’t really have any, and it didn’t create any issues either. If I were adopting her and looking for a solid, mid-premium food with transparent ingredients, I’d be comfortable continuing with this. But if cost were a factor, I’d probably stick with a slightly cheaper option since she’s not a picky eater and didn’t show any standout benefits from the upgrade.
Evanger’s has a weighted average rating of about 4.3 out of 5 across major platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and Petco, based on over 4,800 reviews. That’s respectable, though not exceptional. Let’s look at what real owners are saying over time, beyond the marketing claims.
The most common praise is for palatability and acceptance, especially with the hand-packed canned foods. About 65–72% of reviews mention dogs “loving” the food, and success with picky eaters is reported in over half of grain-free reviews. One owner of a Pit Bull/Lab mix noted that after switching to Evanger’s Chicken & Brown Rice, her dog’s flaky skin cleared up and her coat became “soft, shiny, and flake-free” after just one bag. Another owner with a senior dog in renal failure said the high moisture content in the canned food helped her dog keep eating and keep the food down.
Digestive improvements are mentioned in about 39% of reviews—firmer, smaller stools and less gas. Coat and skin quality improvements show up in roughly 32% of positive reviews, with noticeable changes typically appearing within 2–5 weeks. Energy and vitality improvements are less common but still reported, especially in dogs switching from mass-market foods.
The main complaints center on batch inconsistency and formula changes. About 12% of reviews mention that the food changed and quality declined, particularly in 2022–2023. One recurring issue is with the Senior Weight Control Chicken & Rice canned food—multiple owners reported that their dogs suddenly refused to eat it, and the food looked darker and smelled different, even though the company claimed the ingredients were the same. One owner noted, “I now have to order by batch number” to avoid the inconsistent batches.
Digestive problems are reported in about 9% of reviews—diarrhea, vomiting, and gas, mostly with the Senior formulas and some grain-free recipes. Allergic reactions like increased itching and ear infections are mentioned in 6–8% of reviews, with chicken and peas suspected as common triggers.
Price complaints are the most frequent negative, mentioned in about 19% of reviews. Many owners feel the cost is too high for the quality they’re getting, especially when compared to brands like Diamond Naturals or Merrick. Some also note that the premium price doesn’t come with the scientific backing or feeding trials you’d expect.
Evanger’s responds to about 30–35% of negative reviews on Chewy and ConsumerAffairs, offering explanations about lot codes and ingredients, and providing replacements or refunds when appropriate. Some users find the tone defensive, especially when the company insists ingredients haven’t changed despite visible differences in the product. Customer service is generally rated above average, but frustration persists around unresolved batch issues.
To put Evanger’s in perspective, let’s compare it to a few direct competitors in the mid-to-premium range and see where it stands on ingredients, price, and overall value.
Blue Buffalo is a bigger, more established brand with wider retail distribution and more consistent batch quality. Both brands emphasize real meat and no by-products, but Blue Buffalo conducts AAFCO feeding trials and has more robust quality certifications. Protein levels are comparable—Blue Buffalo runs 22–34% protein in dry foods, Evanger’s 28–30%—so they’re in the same ballpark. Price-wise, Blue Buffalo is slightly more expensive per pound (~$3.05 vs. ~$2.80 for Evanger’s), but you’re getting more scientific validation and a stronger reputation. If reliability and consistency are your top priorities, Blue Buffalo edges ahead.
Natural Balance is a mid-range brand known for limited-ingredient diets and food sensitivity formulas. It’s less expensive than Evanger’s (~$2–$3/lb) and has a solid track record with allergic and sensitive dogs. However, Natural Balance uses more grain and plant proteins, and ingredient transparency isn’t as strong as Evanger’s. If your dog has diagnosed food allergies, both brands offer good options, but Evanger’s Complements line gives you purer single-protein choices. For general feeding, Natural Balance offers better value; for specialty needs, Evanger’s has an edge.
Orijen is in a different league—ultra-premium, biologically appropriate, with 38–42% protein and heavy use of fresh and raw ingredients. It’s also significantly more expensive (~$4–$6/lb). Orijen conducts extensive research and partners with veterinary nutritionists, and the ingredient quality is top-tier. If you have the budget and want maximum meat and minimal processing, Orijen is the better choice. Evanger’s is a more accessible option for owners who want quality without the super-premium price tag, but you’re not getting the same nutrient density or scientific rigor.
Wag is Amazon’s house brand, positioned as a budget-friendly, convenience-focused option. It’s significantly cheaper than Evanger’s (~$1.50–$2.50/lb), and it’s available exclusively through Amazon with Subscribe & Save discounts. Ingredient quality is decent—meat-first, no by-products in most recipes—but transparency and sourcing details are limited. Wag doesn’t have the heritage, specialty formulas, or hand-packed options that Evanger’s offers. If cost and convenience are your main concerns, Wag is a solid choice. If you value ingredient variety, local sourcing, and boutique appeal, Evanger’s is worth the extra cost.
Evanger’s is best suited for adult dogs with normal activity levels who don’t have extreme dietary needs. The moderate protein and fat levels in the dry kibble work well for dogs who aren’t ultra-active or working dogs, but who need more than a budget food can offer. The grain-inclusive formulas are a safe, balanced choice for most dogs, while the grain-free options are better reserved for dogs with confirmed grain allergies rather than as a default choice.
For puppies, Evanger’s offers formulas that meet AAFCO standards for growth, but I’d prefer to see feeding trial data before recommending it as a primary puppy food, especially for large breeds. The canned Puppy Food is fine as a supplement or for small-breed puppies, but for a large-breed puppy, I’d lean toward a brand with published growth studies.
Senior dogs can do well on Evanger’s, particularly with the Senior and Weight Management canned foods, which are lower in calories and higher in moisture. The palatability is a real advantage for older dogs with reduced appetite. However, the batch consistency issues reported with some Senior formulas are a concern—if you go this route, pay attention to lot numbers and your dog’s response.
Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies are a good fit for the Complements line and EVX Restricted Diet formulas. The single-protein, limited-ingredient approach makes it easier to identify and eliminate problem ingredients. Just be aware that the Complements line is not nutritionally complete on its own—it’s designed as a topper or rotational addition, not a sole diet.
Picky eaters are where Evanger’s really shines. The hand-packed canned foods have a texture and aroma that many dogs find irresistible, and the variety of proteins and recipes means you can rotate to keep things interesting. If your dog has been turning up their nose at standard kibble or canned food, the Hunk of Beef or Braised Beef Chunks are worth trying.
On the flip side, Evanger’s is not ideal for dogs with pancreatitis or a history of fat intolerance—some recipes are too high in fat. It’s also not the best choice for large-breed puppies on grain-free diets due to DCM concerns and the need for precise calcium and phosphorus ratios. And if you’re feeding a giant-breed dog on a tight budget, the cost will add up quickly.
Here’s my honest take: Evanger’s is a solid, mid-premium dog food with some genuine strengths—real meat, no by-products, local sourcing, and impressive variety—but it’s held back by transparency gaps, batch inconsistency, and a recall history that can’t be ignored. If you’re looking for a specialty food with novel proteins and hand-packed options for a picky or sensitive dog, Evanger’s delivers value and can make a real difference. The hand-packed canned foods are legitimately unique and worth the premium if your dog struggles with palatability.
But for a straightforward, everyday adult dog food, I think there are better options at this price point. The dry kibble is fine—it’s not bad at all—but it doesn’t stand out enough to justify the cost over brands like Blue Buffalo or even Natural Balance, which offer more consistent quality and better scientific backing. The lack of feeding trials and third-party certifications is a problem for a brand that markets itself on quality and heritage. I want to see proof, not just promises.
The 2017 pentobarbital recall is a serious red flag. Yes, the company moved facilities and changed suppliers, but the fact that they were using non-USDA-inspected meat and didn’t catch the contamination themselves shows a failure in supplier oversight. That’s not something I can just overlook, especially when I’m choosing food for a dog I care about. Trust has to be earned back, and while Evanger’s has made improvements, the lack of independent audits and certifications means I’m still taking their word for it.
Would I buy this for my dog? If I had a picky eater or a dog with a diagnosed food sensitivity, yes—I’d try the hand-packed canned foods or the Complements line, because they genuinely offer something different. But for a healthy adult dog with no special needs, I’d probably go with Blue Buffalo or a fresh-food option like The Farmer’s Dog, where I get more transparency and scientific validation for the price. If cost is a concern, I’d honestly look at Wag or Diamond Naturals—you’re getting similar ingredient quality for less money.
Would I recommend it to a friend? It depends on the friend and their dog. If they’re dealing with a picky eater and have tried everything else, absolutely—Evanger’s hand-packed foods are worth a shot. If they want a reliable, everyday kibble with strong scientific backing, I’d point them elsewhere. If they’re on a budget and feeding a large dog, I’d say this isn’t the best value.
Bottom line: Evanger’s is a decent food with some standout products, but it’s not a top-tier choice for most dogs. The brand has potential, and the variety and local sourcing are genuine positives, but until they publish feeding trials, get third-party certifications, and address the batch consistency issues, I can’t give it a full-throated recommendation. It’s fine, but fine isn’t good enough when you’re paying premium prices and trusting a brand with your dog’s health.
Evanger’s moved to a new facility and changed suppliers after the 2017 pentobarbital contamination incident, and there haven’t been any major recalls since then. However, the company still doesn’t publish third-party audit results or hold independent certifications that would verify their safety protocols. While the food is likely safe now, the lack of transparency means you’re taking their word for it rather than having independent verification.
The hand-packed recipes like Hunk of Beef contain visible chunks of whole meat that are literally placed by hand into cans before cooking. Regular canned foods are processed into a more uniform texture. The hand-packed varieties are more expensive but offer better palatability for picky eaters and look more like actual food when you open the can.
Unless your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy, I’d recommend the grain-inclusive formulas like Chicken & Brown Rice. The grain-free recipes contain peas and legumes that are under FDA investigation for a potential link to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The grain-inclusive options are nutritionally sound and don’t carry that risk.
Evanger’s dry kibble runs about $2.80 per pound, making it more expensive than Purina Pro Plan but cheaper than Orijen. For a 30-pound dog, expect to spend around $50 per month on kibble or $100-120 per month if feeding primarily canned food. It’s competitively priced within the mid-premium category but will cost significantly more than budget brands.
Yes, particularly the Complements line and EVX Restricted Diet formulas, which offer single-protein, limited-ingredient options. However, the Complements line is not nutritionally complete on its own—it’s designed as a topper or rotational addition. For elimination diets, these products can help identify problem ingredients, but work with your vet to ensure complete nutrition.
No, there’s no public evidence that Evanger’s conducts AAFCO feeding trials, which are the gold standard for proving a food supports health over time in real dogs. The formulas meet AAFCO nutrient profiles on paper, but without feeding trials, there’s no verification that dogs actually thrive on the food long-term.
About 12% of reviews mention quality changes or batch-to-batch variation, particularly with Senior formulas and some canned recipes. Users report differences in color, smell, and palatability even when ingredients supposedly remain the same. This suggests quality control issues that the company hasn’t fully addressed.
Evanger’s offers puppy formulas that meet AAFCO standards, but without feeding trial data, I’d prefer other options for puppies, especially large breeds. The canned puppy food is fine as a supplement or for small breeds, but for primary nutrition during critical growth phases, brands with published growth studies offer more confidence.
Evanger’s uses real meat as the first ingredient, sources ingredients locally within 50 miles of their facility, contains no by-products or artificial preservatives, and offers unique hand-packed varieties. You’re also getting more protein variety and specialty formulas compared to brands like Pedigree or Purina One.
The recall was serious—contamination levels were over 2,500 times higher than anything previously recorded in commercial dog food. While Evanger’s has made changes since then, the incident revealed problems with supplier oversight and contradicted their marketing claims about ingredient sourcing. It’s a legitimate concern that factors into the overall trust equation, especially given the lack of third-party safety certifications today.
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