evolve salmon dog food

Evolve Grain Free Dog Food Review (Dry)

Evolve Grain Free Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 25, 2024

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how

All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

Which Evolve Grain Free Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Evolve Grain Free Dog Food receives the Advisors top rating of 5 stars.

The Evolve Grain Free product line includes the 7 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Evolve Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Evolve Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Deboned salmon, chicken meal, tapioca starch, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, turkey meal, peas, pea starch, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, dried plain beet pulp, dried yeast, dried apples, natural chicken flavor, salt, menhaden fish oil, 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 (copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, iron sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), 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), 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

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3%

Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is salmon. Although it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, raw salmon contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The third ingredient is tapioca starch, a gluten-free, starchy carbohydrate extract made from the root of the cassava plant.

The fourth ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

The fifth ingredient includes garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. Like peas, beans and lentils, the chickpea is a nutritious member of the fiber-rich legume (pulse) family of vegetables.

However, garbanzo beans contain about 22% protein, something which must be considered when evaluating the total protein reported in this food.

The sixth ingredient is turkey meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

The seventh ingredient lists peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The eighth ingredient is pea starch, a paste-like, gluten-free carbohydrate extract probably used here as a binder for making kibble. Aside from its energy content (calories), pea starch is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The ninth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Evolve product.

With 7 notable exceptions

First, beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

Next, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

In addition, dried yeast can be a controversial item. Dried yeast contains about 45% protein and is rich in other healthy nutrients.

Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.

Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.

Whats more, a vocal minority insist yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is something weve not been able to scientifically verify.

In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, we feel yeast should be considered a nutritious addition.

Next, this recipe contains avocado. Avocado can be a controversial item.

Supporters claim the ingredient to be nutrient rich and beneficial to a dogs skin and coat while others worry over what are mostly unsubstantiated concerns over potential toxicity.

These fears appear to originate from a 1984 study in which goats (not dogs) consumed the leaves (not the fruit) of the Guatemalan (not the Mexican) avocado and became ill.¹

Based upon our own review of the literature, it is our opinion that the anxiety over avocado ingredients in dog food appears to be unjustified.

Next, taurine is an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

This food also contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Evolve Grain Free Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 28%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 48%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 30% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 46% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.

Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the garbanzo beans, peas, flaxseed and yeast, this still looks like the profile of a kibble containing a significant amount of meat.

Our Rating of Evolve Grain Free Dog Food

Evolve Grain Free is a dry dog food using a significant amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Evolve Grain Free Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Evolve through April.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Get Free Recall Alerts

Get free dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Advisors recall notification list.

More Evolve Brand Reviews

The following Evolve dog food reviews are also posted on this website:

Compare This Dog Food

How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

Evolve Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Evolve dog food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Evolve was founded as an animal feed manufacturer in 1949, with dry pet food added to its line in 1960. Today, the company manufactures food for dogs and cats, and its dog food includes grain-free and grain-inclusive dry kibble as well as canned wet foods. There have been a handful of recalls, including Evolve Dog Food, and the most recent occurred in 2021.

Evolve is inexpensive, uses meat as its primary ingredient, and receives generally positive reviews.Below, youll find a review of the brand and some of its most popular lines to help you determine whether it is the right food for your dog.

At a Glance: The Best Evolve Dog Food Recipes

Evolve Dog Food Reviewed

Evolve has been making dog food for over 60 years and now produces wet and dry formulas, grain-free and grain-inclusive food, and a selection of dog treats.

Who makes Evolve Dog Food and Where Is It Produced?

Evolve Dog Food is manufactured by Sunshine Mills and produced in the US. The companys headquarters are in Red Bay, Alabama, and the food is manufactured there and at various sites across the US. All of their food manufacturing plants are certified for food safety, and customers can be assured of good quality, safe dog food.

Which Type of Dog Is Evolve Dog Food Best Suited For?

Although the recipes have different nutritional values, the dry food generally contains around 28% protein with 14% fat and 48% carbs. Its designed for dogs of all ages.

Evolve is considered suitable for active and less active dogs, and because it has fewer carbs than many brands, it is ideal for dogs that need to lose weight or need careful weight management incorporated into their daily diet.Evolve has a grain-inclusive and grain-free line, so if your dog is allergic to grains, you can find a formula to suit them.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better With a Different Brand?

Evolve Dog Food should suit dogs of all ages, sizes, and health conditions.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

When looking at the quality of a dog food, it is important to look at its ingredients. This enables you to determine the quality of the protein and to ensure that the food meets all the nutritional requirements of your dog.

Meat First

All Evolve dog foods, including grain-free, grain-inclusive, dry, and wet foods, list meat as their primary ingredient. For example, Evolve Classic Chicken & Brown Rice uses chicken as its main ingredient.

Chicken is considered a quality ingredient in dog food, but most of the whole chicken is water, and once it has been cooked and processed, only a fraction of the weight of the chicken remains. Therefore, it might not be featured at the top of the ingredient list.

However, in the case of Evolve, the second ingredient on the list is chicken meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken and contains several times the amount of protein as whole chicken. The combination of these two ingredients shows that the formulas primary protein source is chicken.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potato is prominent in a number of Evolves recipes, especially in the Evolve Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato food. Sweet potatoes contain complex carbohydrates, which have more nutrients than simple carbs and are higher in fiber.

The body digests them more slowly, which makes your dog feel fuller and can help with weight control. Sweet potato is considered a beneficial ingredient.

Avocado

One potentially controversial ingredient that can be found in some of Evolves recipes is avocado. Opponents claim that avocado is toxic to dogs, while proponents state that no studies show toxicity in dogs and that it is especially good for a dogs coat and skin.

28% Protein

The nutrient levels in Evolve foods vary according to the recipe, but the dry kibble has a protein ratio of 27%28% by dry matter, and most of the protein comes from meat sources. This is considered a good protein ratio for dogs of all ages and is higher than the ratios found in many competitors formulas.

Grain-Free Range

Evolve produces canned and dry foods. In its dry kibble, you will find grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes. Although there is a recent trend for feeding grain-free diets, dogs benefit from the nutrients in grains, and generally, the only reason to avoid them is if your dog has an allergy to one or more grains. Grain allergies are rare, and most allergic dogs usually react to a foods primary protein source, such as chicken or beef.

Unchelated Minerals

Chelated minerals are minerals that are bound to amino acids or proteins. The body absorbs them more easily, so your dog gets more of the minerals benefits than unchelated minerals. Unfortunately, the minerals in Evolve Dog Food appear to be unchelated.

A Quick Look at Evolve Dog Food

• Meat is the primary ingredient
• Range of dry, wet, grain-free, and grain-inclusive foods
• Dry kibble has 27% to 28% protein ratios
• Manufactured in the US

Recall History

Evolve Dog Food has been recalled three times. Most recently, it was one of six dog foods recalled in 2021 because it contained a dangerous mold toxin. It was also recalled in 2018 because of a fear that it had dangerous vitamin D levels.

Reviews of the 3 Best Evolve Dog Food Recipes

1. Evolve Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

With 28% protein, 17% fat, and 48% carbs by dry matter, Evolve Deboned Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food has the profile of a high-quality dog food but at a reasonable, low price. The primary ingredients are deboned salmon, chicken meal, and tapioca starch. It also contains sweet potatoes and garbanzo beans.

The ingredients include sodium selenite. Some people believe sodium selenite is toxic to dogs, but this formula includes it in tiny amounts. However, a natural source of selenium would be preferred. Deboned Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato is a grain-free recipe, and it contains good sources of complex carbohydrates to give dogs energy.

• Reasonably priced
• Primary ingredients are salmon and chicken
• 28% protein

• Contains some controversial ingredients

2. Evolve Classic Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

Evolve Classic Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food consists of 28% protein, 17% fat, and 47% carbs by dry matter. Its main ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, and ground brown rice.Although chicken is a healthy protein source, once cooked, it loses much of its weight and protein value.

However, the second ingredient on the list is chicken meal, a more highly concentrated form of chicken with approximately three times the protein, meaning that most of the deboned chicken formulas protein likely comes from meat sources. It is fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, but the minerals are not chelated.

• Reasonably priced
• Primary ingredients are chicken
• 28% protein

3. Evolve Classic Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food

The primary ingredients in Evolve Classic Chicken & Rice Recipe Canned Dog Food are chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver. The broth adds moisture and flavor so that it is palatable and helps manage your dogs hydration levels. By dry matter, the food has a protein ratio of 36% with 32% fat and 24% carbs.

Unlike the dry foods above, however, Evolves Classic Chicken and Rice contains chelated minerals, which provide a greater benefit to your canine. It also contains prebiotics to help improve good gut health and maintain digestive balance.

• Minerals are chelated for greater bioavailability
• Main ingredients are chicken-based
• Contains prebiotics

• Calories come primarily from fat, not protein

What Other Users Are Saying

To help you determine what other customers and their dogs make of Evolve Dog Food, we checked online to find reviews and user experiences. Here is what others have said about these products:

• DogFoodAdvisor Enthusiastically recommended
• Dog Food Network Evolve dog food is something that you should definitely try for your pet.
• Amazon You can see what other buyers are saying by checking out Amazon reviews here.

Conclusion

Evolve Dog Food has been manufacturing dog food for more than 60 years, and it produces dry kibble and wet canned food. It also has grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes, and all of its food is made using a source of meat as the primary ingredient.The protein ratios are decent, and Evolves prices are competitively low. Evolve is suitable for most dogs and is worth a try if youre hunting for a new brand for your pup.

Featured Photo Credit: Chewy