Evolve Dog Food Review

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!

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.

*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