Is Evangers a Good Dog Food? Eye-Opening Expert Advice
I’ve been asked many times if Evanger’s is worth feeding. I understand why. Picking dog food can feel like trying to read a map in the dark (Is Evangers a Good Dog Food). You want food that is safe, simple, and healthy. I’ve used this brand with my dogs. I’ve seen the good and the not-so-good. Here’s my real-life review so you can decide if it’s right for your pup.
My Real Life Experience: Evangers Wet Dog Food Review
When I first tried Evanger’s, I was curious. Some called it a “meat lover’s pick.” Others joked it sounded like “Avengers dog food.” I even misread it as “Evan Gers” once! Jokes aside, I have used it for years. Evanger’s wet food feels more like real meat than many other canned brands.
I’ve fed this food to my dogs for more than 2 years. It has worked in every stage of their lives. The lamb and rice recipe stood out the most. It feels classic, like a hearty home meal. My dogs are not picky eaters, but this brand still excites them at mealtime.
Guaranteed Analysis
I always check the numbers first. Here’s what you get in Evanger’s:
- Crude Protein: 9% (min)
- Crude Fiber: 1.5% (max)
- Moisture: 78% (max)
- Crude Fat: 7% (min)
It’s not super high protein, but it’s balanced. My dogs stay active, healthy, and full. Some brands boost protein with fillers. Evanger’s keeps it steady and honest.
Ingredients
The list is short, and I like that. Lamb, water, rice, liver, and guar gum are the main parts. Then come vitamins and minerals like zinc and copper. My older dog has a sensitive stomach. He does well on this, which tells me it’s gentle. Nothing feels fake or useless.
Calories
Each can has 347 kcal. That’s about 830 kcal per kg. This makes it easy to portion. For my medium dogs, I mix a spoonful with kibble. It stretches far and adds flavor. On busy days, I serve a full can. It feels like giving them a home-cooked meal.
What I Like: Evanger’s Wet Dog Food
When I read Evanger’s reviews online, many people called it a meat lover’s food. I felt the same when I tried it with my dogs. Some joke it sounds like “Avengers dog food” or mix it up with “Evan Gers.” Funny name aside, here’s what I like about it:
- Simple recipe – Lamb, rice, and liver come first. No extras my dogs don’t need.
- Gentle on the stomach – My older dog has tummy issues. This food sits well with him.
- Tasty – Even picky eaters finish the bowl. Dogs who love meat seem happy.
- Balanced – Works as a topper with kibble or as a full meal.
- Long history – The recipes go back to Dr. Fred Evanger. That gives me trust.
- Safe cans – BPA-free, easy to open, and recyclable.
- Good energy – My active dog stays fueled but not heavy.
Is Evangers a Good Dog Food?
If you’re asking if Evanger’s is good, I’d say yes. It’s a solid choice for many dogs. It has real meat, rice, and vitamins that are easy to absorb.
For me, it has been gentle on sensitive stomachs. That shows it is easy to digest.
Still, it’s not perfect. Some cans came dented. I’ve seen others report mold, though it never happened to me. The protein is moderate, not super high, so it may not fit working dogs.
But compared to most canned foods, Evanger’s is strong. The label is clean, the brand is trusted, and it works for all ages. If you want food that is simple, steady, and meat-based, this brand is worth a look. It’s like a classic home meal—nothing fancy, just made with care.
What Could Be Better: Evangers Wet Dog Food
When I read reviews of Evanger’s, a few issues came up. I’ve seen some of the same things myself. None of these are deal-breakers, but they show room to improve.
- Dented cans – Some cans came dented. The food was fine, but stronger shipping would help.
- Protein level – The protein is balanced but not very high. More protein could help active dogs.
- Consistency – Most cans look and smell great. Still, I’ve heard of rare quality issues. Better checks could ease worries.
- Flavor choices – Lamb and rice are nice, but more options would help picky eaters.
- Price – It costs more than some brands. I see it as paying for quality, but not every family can stretch for it.
Overall, none of this stops me from using it. They feel more like small bumps on a smooth road. If Evanger’s fixes these, it could stand next to the very best canned brands.
Pros and Cons of Evangers Wet Dog Food
I like to weigh both sides, so here’s a quick look at how I see it after years of use:
Pros
- Simple, meat-based recipes with wholesome lamb and rice
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs and good for all life stages
- Trusted history with formulas created by Dr. Fred Evanger
- BPA-free cans that are recyclable and easy to open
- Dogs love the taste, even picky eaters
Cons
- Occasional reports of dented or inconsistent cans
- Protein is moderate, not ideal for very active working dogs
- Limited variety compared to some competitors
- Higher cost than the budget canned foods
In my view, the pros carry more weight than the cons. Evanger’s wet dog food reviews, mine included, show that this is a dependable choice if you want something straightforward, nourishing, and rooted in tradition.
Alternative Option: Rachael Ray Dog Food Nutrish
I’ve fed and tested dog foods for 22 years. Each brand brings something new. Evanger’s has been steady in my home, but I also tried Rachael Ray Nutrish. Both have strong points. Here’s how they compare.
Rachael Ray Dog Food Nutrish Review
I used Nutrish with one of my younger pups. He needed an easy dry food. The chicken and sweet potato recipe gave him energy without stomach upset. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Feature | Evanger’s Wet Dog Food | Rachael Ray Nutrish |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Real meats like beef, chicken, and rabbit | Chicken first + plants |
| Type | Wet cans or pouches | Dry kibble |
| Digestibility | Gentle, good for picky eaters | Grain-free, good for sensitive tummies |
| Extras | Simple ingredients | Omegas + joint support |
| Shelf Life | Short once opened | Long, easy storage |
| Price | Mid-range | Affordable premium |
Summary: Evanger’s feels more “meat-lover style.” Nutrish adds extras for coat and joints.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Reviews
When I tested both, my big dog had trouble chewing Nutrish’s small kibble. Evanger’s wet food gave me peace of mind because I saw more protein per bite.
| Feature | Evanger’s Wet Dog Food | Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Food |
|---|---|---|
| Appeal | Strong meat smell, dogs love it | Mild smell, easier for some dogs |
| Variety | Meat-focused wet recipes | Chicken, salmon, and a few flavors |
| Texture | Soft and moist | Crunchy kibble |
| Portion Control | Easy to mix with dry | Simple to measure |
| Recall History | A few in the past, now improved | Few recalls, well watched |
Summary: Nutrish works for daily feeding. Evanger’s shines for picky eaters and dogs who love wet food.
Reviews of Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food
I liked Nutrish for its price, which helps with many dogs at once. Still, I often mixed it with Evanger’s wet food to boost flavor and protein. That combo worked well.
| Feature | Evanger’s Wet Dog Food | Nutrish Dog Food |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Dogs that love meat taste | Families on a budget |
| Feeding Style | Great topper or main meal | Full dry meal |
| Coat Health | Natural oils from meat | Omega-3 & 6 added |
| Dogs’ Response | Bowls licked clean | Steady eating, less excitement |
Summary: Nutrish is budget-friendly and practical. Evanger’s feels more like a “treat in every meal.”
My Final Thoughts on Evanger’s
If you want food that feels close to home-cooked, Evanger’s is a solid pick. It’s full of real meat and works well for picky eaters. It adds flavor to meals and keeps my dogs happy. But if you want a longer shelf life or only dry food, other brands may fit better. For me, Evanger’s has been steady and safe. That peace of mind is worth it.
FAQs About Evanger’s Dog Food
Is Evanger’s a good dog food?
Yes. It uses real meat, and dogs enjoy it. It’s good for picky eaters, though some may prefer dry food.
Is Evanger’s a good canned dog food?
Yes. The canned recipes are rich in meat and taste great to dogs.
Are Evanger’s wet dog food reviews mostly positive?
Yes. Most reviews praise taste and quality. Some note fewer recipe options.
How does Evanger’s compare to Nutrish?
Evanger’s is heavy on meat. Nutrish offers more dry food choices. Both have strengths.
Who should consider Evanger’s dog food?
It’s best for owners who want real meat meals for picky or sensitive dogs. If you want easy storage, dry food may be better.
Where to Buy Evanger’s Dog Food
You can find Evanger’s online at Chewy, Amazon, and Petco. Some local pet shops also carry it. Specialty stores may have more choices than big chains.
When I first looked for it, I was surprised it wasn’t on every shelf. It feels more like a hidden gem. I often order online because it’s easier to find flavors. Chewy and Amazon usually have the widest stock.
Petco and small pet stores sometimes carry it, but shelves can be empty. Prices are not the lowest, but I see it as paying for a recipe with history.
For me, mixing online orders with local visits works best. Online gives me a steady supply. Local stores sometimes surprise me with rare flavors. Think of it like shopping at a farmer’s market—you may not get everything each time, but when you do, it feels worth it.
Evanger’s Dog Food Recall
Yes, Evanger’s has had recalls. The biggest was in 2017. Some cans of beef dog food were recalled for possible pentobarbital contamination.
Dry food was not affected. A few canned and dog & cat foods were pulled back. Since then, Evanger’s has improved safety checks. No major recalls have happened recently.
When people ask me about this, I tell the truth: yes, it happened. The news scared many pet owners, myself included. But the company made changes to improve. Since then, my own use has been smooth.
I think of it like a pothole in the road. At first, it shakes your trust. But once it’s fixed and the drive feels steady again, trust can return.
For me, Evanger’s is still part of my dogs’ rotation. I just check batch numbers when I buy.
So, is there any recalls on Evanger’s canned dog food?
Yes, in 2017. But today, things look stable. The company has worked to rebuild trust. In my use, the food still delivers good taste and quality.
Taslima Akter Sumaiya is a passionate pet mom and founder of PetFoodHubing.com. With real-life experience and insights inspired by USDA-ARS experts like Dr. Jitender P. Dubey, she writes honest, research-backed reviews to help dog and cat parents choose the best food. Trust her to simplify pet nutrition—with love and science. Read More…
