Is Evangers a Good Dog Food? An Honest Review
Is Evangers a Good Dog Food? The answer depends on the recipe, your dog’s needs, and how much weight you place on the brand’s safety record. Evanger’s offers both dry kibble and canned meals, with options that range from chicken and rice to simple meat-based recipes.
The tricky part is that not every can serves the same purpose. Some recipes provide complete nutrition, while others work only as toppers or supplements. Let’s look at the ingredients, key nutrition facts, and past safety concerns so you can make a sound choice.
Quick Verdict: Evanger’s has some appealing recipes, clear ingredient lists, and options for different feeding needs. However, its 2017 recall history deserves careful attention, and you should check the exact recipe before making it your dog’s main food.
| Feature / Spec | Official Target / Spec | Personal Real-World Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Primary target | Dogs at different life stages | Match the food to your dog’s age and daily needs. |
| Key ingredients | Meat, grains or vegetables, vitamins, and minerals | Check protein sources and possible allergens. |
| Caloric density | 406 kcal per cup of Chicken with Brown Rice dry food | Measure portions to help manage weight. |
| Nutrition and safety | Some recipes meet AAFCO nutrient profiles; past recalls exist | Check the full label and safety history before buying. |
Key Takeaways
- Evanger’s offers dry kibble and wet food for different feeding needs.
- Some canned foods are complete meals; others are only supplements.
- Ingredient quality looks different from one recipe to the next.
- The brand has a documented 2017 recall involving certain beef products.
Is Evangers a Good Dog Food?
Yes, Evanger’s may suit some dogs, but it is not an automatic yes for every pet. Some recipes offer solid nutrition, useful protein choices, and clear feeding details. The best choice depends on the exact formula and your dog’s health.
Who should consider it?
- Owners seeking a dry or canned food with named meat ingredients.
- People who want a recipe that meets their dog’s life-stage needs.
Who should skip it?
- Owners who cannot confirm the right formula for a dog’s health needs.
- People who are not comfortable with the brand’s past safety record.
What stands out about the recipes?
Take a 4-year-old Labrador named Cooper as an example. If Cooper is active and eats well, a complete dry food may fit his routine. If he needs more moisture in his meals, a complete canned food may be worth a look.
That does not mean one type is always better. The best choice is the food that meets his nutrient needs, suits his health, and helps him keep a healthy weight.
When would I be cautious?
I would pay close attention to any food change in a dog with ongoing stomach trouble, a food allergy, or a medical condition. A short ingredient list can help, but it does not prove that a food will suit every sensitive dog.
Pros and Cons of Evanger’s Dog Food
Evanger’s has some useful features, but there are trade-offs. Here is what matters most when weighing the brand.
| Type | Feature | Personal Experience & Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | Choice of dry and wet food | You can choose a format that fits your feeding routine. |
| Pro | Named meat ingredients | You can see the main protein sources on the label. |
| Pro | Added vitamins and minerals | Complete recipes can help meet daily nutrient needs. |
| Con | Past recall history | The 2017 beef-product recall raises valid safety concerns. |
| Con | Different roles for canned foods | A topper may not meet all daily nutrient needs on its own. |
What Do Evanger’s Ingredients and Nutrition Labels Tell You?
The label tells you more than the front of the bag. A dry recipe and a canned meal can have very different nutrient percentages because canned food contains much more water.
Dry vs. wet: guaranteed analysis
The following figures come from two current Evanger’s recipes: Chicken with Brown Rice dry food and Chicken Dinner wet food. They show why it is important to compare the right details.
| Nutrient | Chicken with Brown Rice Dry | Chicken Dinner Wet |
|---|---|---|
| Crude protein | 26% minimum | 9% minimum |
| Crude fat | 15% minimum | 6% minimum |
| Crude fiber | 4% maximum | 1.5% maximum |
| Moisture | 10% maximum | 78% maximum |
| Calories | 406 kcal per cup | 337 kcal per can |
Do not judge the wet recipe by its lower protein percentage alone. Water makes up much of the food’s weight, so the figures do not tell the full story when compared as served.
The dry recipe provides a measured daily feeding base. The wet recipe offers more moisture and a different texture. Check the calories and feeding guide to decide how much your dog needs.
Shared ingredients to consider
Both recipes use chicken as a main ingredient and include added vitamins and minerals. That can help provide a balanced diet, but chicken may not suit a dog with a confirmed chicken allergy.
Dry food: ingredients unique to the recipe
Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, oatmeal, and dried egg appear in the dry recipe. It also includes vegetables, fruit, chelated minerals, and added probiotic ingredients.
Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein. It is not automatically a poor ingredient. Brown rice and oatmeal provide grain-based nutrients, so this recipe is not grain-free.
Wet food: ingredients unique to the recipe
Chicken Dinner lists chicken, water, liver, spinach, kale, and guar gum. Liver supplies useful nutrients, while guar gum helps give the food its texture.
Neither of these two labels lists artificial colors. The dry recipe uses mixed tocopherols to preserve chicken fat and also lists rosemary extract. Check the label of the exact product you plan to buy, since other recipes may differ.
Does Evanger’s Have a Dog Food Recall History?
Yes. Evanger’s has a documented recall history that buyers should take seriously. In 2017, certain canned beef products were recalled over pentobarbital contamination. This was a real safety issue, not a routine label change.
What happened in 2017?
On February 3, 2017, Evanger’s announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of its 12-ounce Hunk of Beef canned dog food after pentobarbital was found in one lot of Hunk of Beef Au Jus. The drug should not be present in pet food.
The company expanded the recall in March 2017. The affected products included certain lots of Hunk of Beef, Braised Beef, and Against the Grain Pulled Beef. The FDA later issued a warning letter dated June 29, 2017, that described serious issues found during its inspection of the company’s canning facility.
These events involved specific products and lots. They do not prove that every current Evanger’s recipe is unsafe. Still, they are a valid reason to check current safety notices and product codes before buying.
How Do You Choose the Right Evanger’s Recipe?
Start with the purpose of the food, then check the label. A recipe that works as a topper may not be fit to serve as your dog’s only food.
Check for complete and balanced nutrition
Evanger’s says its Chicken with Brown Rice dry food meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages. Its Chicken Dinner wet recipe is also described as a complete, balanced meal.
AAFCO sets nutrient profiles used to assess pet food nutrition. It does not approve individual products. Look for a clear nutritional adequacy statement that matches your dog’s life stage.
Some Evanger’s canned products are intended only for supplemental feeding. Do not use a side dish or topper as the sole diet unless the label says it is complete and balanced.
Compare the food format and your budget
Dry food is easy to measure and store. Canned food can add moisture and may appeal to dogs that turn away from kibble. Your choice should fit both your dog’s needs and your budget.
If you are comparing other everyday kibble options, our Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food review offers another point of reference.
For dogs that need a different approach to meal prep, our The Honest Kitchen dog food review looks at a brand known for its dehydrated food options.
You can also compare feeding styles before settling on one. Our Stella & Chewy’s dog food reviews explore another range of food formats, while our Grandma Lucy’s dog food review covers another option for owners exploring dehydrated meals.
Watch how your dog responds
A food label cannot predict your dog’s response with certainty. After choosing a suitable complete diet, keep an eye on appetite, stool quality, skin, coat, and weight. These signs help you judge whether the food suits your pet.
Final Thoughts: Is Evangers a Good Dog Food?
Is Evangers a Good Dog Food? It can be a reasonable choice for some dogs when you select a suitable, complete recipe. Named meat ingredients and clear nutrient figures are useful points in its favor. Its 2017 recall history remains a serious concern, though, and it should not be ignored.
Before buying, review the exact formula, its feeding purpose, and the latest safety notices. A familiar brand name is no substitute for checking the can or bag in your hand.
Overall Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
Buy Evanger’s if: You find a complete recipe that fits your dog’s needs and are comfortable with the brand’s documented history.
Skip Evanger’s if: You cannot verify the product’s suitability, need a special veterinary diet, or prefer to avoid a brand with this past safety issue.
FAQs for Is Evangers a Good Dog Food
Is Evanger’s dog food good for everyday feeding?
Yes, some Evanger’s recipes are made for complete daily feeding. Check the nutritional adequacy statement first, since some canned products are meant only as toppers or supplements.
Is Evanger’s dog food grain-free?
Some Evanger’s recipes are grain-free, while Chicken with Brown Rice contains brown rice and oatmeal. Read the ingredient list and choose based on your dog’s needs.
Was Evanger’s dog food recalled?
Yes. In 2017, certain canned beef products were recalled due to pentobarbital contamination. Check current safety notices and match any warning to the exact product and lot.
Is Evanger’s wet food better than its dry food?
Not always. Wet food has more moisture, while dry food is easy to measure and serve. Compare calories, nutrients, and the feeding purpose of each recipe.
Is Evanger’s dog food suitable for dogs with allergies?
It depends on the allergy. Evanger’s offers different protein sources, but a named meat may still trigger a reaction. Ask your vet to help select a suitable diet.
