Evanger’s Dog Food Review, Recalls & Coupons 2023

A vast majority of pet food manufacturers offer a larger variety of dry foods than wet foods. One of the few exceptions to this rule is the Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company.

Founded more than 75 years ago, it specializes in the production of high-quality canned food products for dogs, cats, and other animals.

This company does offer a limited selection of dry foods, but it puts more effort into promoting its canned products – the brand even sells its canned foods as mixers for its dry foods.

Evanger’s is an independently owned company that produces all of its own products in company-owned facilities. The company website states that its pet foods are “made with completely human-grade, highly palatable and nutritious” ingredients that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

The company cooks its products in a unique process that preserves the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients. It does this by cooking the foods in their own natural juices.

Manufacturer Information

The Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company was founded all the way back in 1935 by Fred Evanger. At the time, Evanger was a breeder of champion Great Danes and an advocate of nutritious dog food as the secret to his success.

After building his own canning factory, Evanger started producing high-quality pet foods free from additives and preservatives in keeping with his own strict nutritional standards.

Since 1935, Evanger’s has grown into a major pet food brand but it still produces in the original site in accordance with the same standards for quality and safety.

Evanger’s Dog Food Reviews

The Evanger’s company makes some lofty claims regarding the quality of its products. Not only does the brand use a variety of different proteins, many of them are novel proteins and lean game meats like venison, pheasant, and buffalo.

In addition to quality proteins, its products are made with digestible carbohydrates and, in many cases, fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional balance. While each recipe is unique, the overall quality of this brand is high.

1. Evanger's Super Premium Game Bird Recipe with Coconut Oil
2. Evanger's Chicken with Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
3. Evanger's Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice Recipe
4. Evanger's Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe
5. Evanger's Meat Lover's Medley with Rabbit
6. Evanger's Organics Turkey with Potato & Carrots Dinner
7. Evanger's Classic Recipes Senior & Weight Management Dinner
8. Evanger's Hand Packed Whole Chicken Thighs
9. Evanger's Grain-Free Rabbit
10. Evanger's Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner
11. Evanger's Nothing But Natural Venison with Fruits & Vegetables Jerky
12. Evanger's Nothing but Natural Beef Hearts

 

1. Super Premium Game Bird Recipe with Coconut Oil

First 5 ingredients: Duck Meal, Turkey Meal, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Whole Green Lentils, Brown Rice

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Like its name suggests, this recipe provides your pet with the exciting taste of the wild through the main ingredients — duck and turkey.

It’s a good choice for sensitive dogs since it steers away from chicken, which is a common allergy trigger in pups. The food is also pea-free to make it more enticing to pet parents who might be leery of legumes in their pet’s meal.

Duck meal and turkey meal head the list of ingredients. This means that two of the first five ingredients are meat products, and for dog food this is extremely ideal.

It also helps that both are in meal form, which is more nutrient-dense than fresh meat because fresh meat is comprised mostly of water.

Turkey and duck contain much the same nutrition as chicken (there is not much significant difference between the three), although duck tends to be a little higher in fat.

The AAFCO Dog Food Profile for dry dog food lists the minimum crude fat as 5.5% for adult pups, but there is no maximum limit yet.

However, fat is an essential part of a dog’s diet, and if your pet is not the type to just lie down all day, he’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight even with the higher fat content.

The carbohydrates are contributed by the sweet potatoes, green lentils, brown rice, and pearled barley. Carbohydrates play a vital role in a dog’s body.

These are the first to be used up if your dog needs quick bursts of energy. While protein and fat also work to provide your pup with energy, they take more time to break down.

Evanger’s Super Premium Game Bird recipe touts the use of coconut oil. It’s because coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils you can possibly provide your pup.

It encourages a healthy skin and a shiny coat. It’s also reputed to be good for digestion and boosting metabolism. Lastly, since coconut oil has lauric acid, it may help your dog reap antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal benefits.

Another ingredient that the brand promotes is the turmeric in the food. It’s purpose is to deliver anti-inflammatory properties. If your dog’s skin is itching or inflamed, the turmeric may help ease the symptoms.

We like the composition of this recipe. It contains two meat products within the first five list of ingredients as well as plenty of real fruits and vegetables, probiotics and prebiotics, and chelated minerals. It provides all of a dog’s daily nutrition needs and does not compromise on ingredients. And many reviewers agree. 

Pet owners who’ve bought this formulation for their fur babies are impressed at the list of ingredients. They also report that their pups don’t seem to tire of the taste, their dogs’ hair seem softer, and stomach upsets occur less frequently. 

2. Chicken with Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

First 5 ingredients: De-Boned Chicken, Sweet Potato, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Fish Meal

Rating: 4/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Canines who don’t do well on grains will probably find their ideal match in this grain-free formulation by the brand. It uses fresh chicken as its main protein source and mixes it up with real vegetables and fruits for a nutritious food medley.

The list of ingredients is overly long. But let’s just focus on the important ones. Brands list ingredients according to weight so a product that would be placed at the beginning of the list would have the most volume in the food. In this recipe, that would be deboned chicken. 

Since fresh chicken is made up of mostly water, a second helping of the ingredient is needed to raise the protein level up. The third ingredient (sweet potato comes second) is chicken meal. 

Chicken meal is a nutrient-dense form of chicken. What happens is fresh chicken gets cooked to reduce the moisture but not the nutritional value.

Compare a pound of fresh chicken with the same amount of chicken meal, and the chicken meal wins in terms of nutritional content. 

To help the formulation even further in terms of protein level, Evanger’s added fish meal too. If you’ll check the guaranteed analysis below, you’ll find that the minimum crude protein content of the food is pegged at 33%, quite high for dog food.

So let’s go back to the sweet potato. It’s a healthy carbohydrate that not only provides energy but vitamins A, B6, and C too. It’s low in fat but rich in calcium, iron, and potassium.

Carbs are also responsible for providing canine bodies with the fiber that they need to make digestion go smoothly. The fat (another macronutrient aside from carbs and proteins) comes from chicken fat, flaxseed, and canola oil.

Chicken fat is one of the healthiest fats you can provide your pup, and it’s from an animal which makes it more biologically-appropriate. Flaxseed and canola oil are good sources of omega fatty acids too, although canola oil is a lot more processed than the other two.

Aside from those mentioned above, the recipe has a long list of fruits and vegetables to balance the diet. These come in the form of blueberries, spinach, beet, parsley, and more.

The formula is also full of supplemental vitamins, additional sources of protein, and probiotics and prebiotics. 

The ingredients list of Evanger’s Grain-Free Chicken with Sweet Potato and Pumpkin is a bit overwhelming. It can be hard to track ingredients, particularly if your pup is allergic to something.

But looking at it, there aren’t any real problematic ingredients included. Canola oil is a bit controversial but safe. It is, however, highly processed which you may want to consider first. 

So far, it gets a high rating of 90% recommended from pet parents. Most are happy that the recipe has enticed their pup to put their finicky days behind and eat.

A few have also mentioned that their dogs have gained weight, grown shiny and healthy hair, and have stopped experiencing digestive issues once put on this diet.

3. Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Oatmeal

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Evanger’s Super Premium Chicken & Brown Rice recipe is a complete and balanced meal that starts with real and fresh chicken and recognizable ingredients like watercress, beets, celery, and more. It’s crafted to meet the AAFCO dog food profile for all life stages.

Chicken and chicken meal contribute the most volume in the food. It’s good that there’s chicken meal right next to the fresh chicken because fresh meat, while always recommended as an excellent ingredient in dog food, is made up mostly of water. The chicken meal, on the other hand, is much the same except it no longer contains as much moisture.

Since chicken meal has most of the water content removed but not the nutrients that chicken contains, you can expect that it will raise the protein level of the food and it does. The 26% crude protein level of the meal is already high and can provide your dogs with all the long-lasting energy he needs.

The carbohydrate content comes from brown rice and oatmeal — two very healthy types of grains. Brown rice still has its hull, unlike white rice, and this hull contains a lot of nutrients. It’s also more fibrous, which helps dogs with their digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Oatmeal contains vitamin B6 and omega-6 fatty acids, both good for skin and coat health.

Fat in a dog’s diet does a lot of things. It’s one of three macronutrients (the others are protein and carbohydrates) responsible for giving dogs energy. Fat also provides cushioning during cold weather and it contains omega fatty acids necessary for shiny fur and healthy skin in dogs. One more 

In this recipe, the fat comes from chicken fat. Chicken fat is a highly digestible fat source that contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. It is species appropriate and far more desirable than fat that comes from a plant source. It doesn’t trigger allergies in dogs normally allergic to chicken since dogs with chicken allergy will only react to the proteins. Chicken fat contains no proteins. 

There’s a quick succession of real vegetables and fruits right after the dried egg (additional protein source). There are carrots, parsley, celery, cranberries, and more.

These assure that plenty of the vitamins and minerals in the meal are naturally-sourced, although the brand did add supplemental vitamins and chelated minerals into the mix as well.

This all life stage formula provides all of the essentials and none of the disagreeable ones. There are no preservatives, artificial ingredients, or byproducts in the recipe. Just real meat, fresh fruits and veggies, and the prebiotics and probiotics dogs need to combat tummy sensitivities and irritable bowels.

This food has garnered a 97% rating score as of the moment with pet owners. Many of them found that gas problems and intestinal troubles have either been reduced in frequency or completely disappeared. It also helps that plenty of dogs love the taste and are not finicky over the flavor.

4. Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe with Salmon Meal

First 5 ingredients: Whitefish Meal, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Peas, Buffalo Meal

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Evanger’s grain-free whitefish formulation is a holistic one that balances meat and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to achieve optimal health for your pet.

It’s crafted to be low in fat but high in protein to help dogs maintain an ideal weight and give them lots of energy to move around. It is also 100% chicken-free to appeal to dogs with chicken sensitivities.

Whitefish meal makes up the bulk of this recipe. It’s a healthy choice for canines with sensitivities as it rarely triggers allergies.

Although not as oily as salmon, whitefish contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids that are responsible for keeping a dog’s skin and coat healthy and supporting stiff joints.

Whitefish meal is already rich in protein but it is further supported by the inclusion of buffalo meal (a novel protein) and salmon meal. These three combined contribute most of the protein content here, bringing the crude level up to a very good 30%. 

Sweet potato, lentils, and peas contribute the required carbohydrate content. Remember when we said protein supplies the energy?

Protein does that and so does fat, but these two take much longer to break down compared to carbohydrates. For quick bursts of energy, pups rely on the carbs. They only go through their fat and protein stores if carbs are not available.

Many dog foods utilize sweet potatoes and it’s not hard to see why. Sweet potatoes are low in fat but rich in minerals (potassium and iron) and vitamins A, B6, and C.

These particular nutrients are critical for properly functioning eyes, nerves, immune system, and maintaining a healthy skin. In fact, studies show that canines have a greater resistance to diseases when supplemented with vitamin C.

There are three kinds of fat in this food. Sunflower oil, menhaden fish oil, and coconut oil. Is this good? Yes. Sunflower oil is a superfood oil that promotes heart health and proper organ function.  It’s a bit low on arachidonic acid, though, which is only found in animal fat.

Menhaden fish oil contributes the omega-6 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA. These offer anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial to canines suffering from arthritis.

And lastly, coconut oil is high in medium-chain triglycerides — good fats that provide many benefits when it comes to cognitive function and the immune system.

Although this Evanger’s recipe contains less vegetables and fruits than those we’ve reviewed above, it can compete on the same level when it comes to nutrition. The protein is high at 30%, but the minimum crude fat content is lower at 12%.

The calories are lower too. This is ideal for pups who need to do move more (gives them sufficient energy) and maintain or lose a little weight.

The smaller kibble size makes it perfect for smaller dogs, but should not present a problem for bigger ones. Most dogs who were put on this diet seem to thrive on it, which is why the recipe has received a 97% recommend rating from pet owners.

5. Meat Lover's Medley with Rabbit 

First 5 ingredients: Pork Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Buffalo Meal, Lentils, Peas

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This meat lover’s formulation by Evanger’s features three unique meats for a sumptuous medley your little carnivore can get behind.

Instead of grains, this recipe relies instead on nutrient-laden vegetables and fruits to provide canines a balanced nutrition. This is crafted to provide complete nutrition for all breeds and life stages.

Pork meal, buffalo meal, and rabbit meal make up the three animal proteins in the food. (Disregard the beef mentioned by the brand and Chewy. Beef is different from buffalo, and the label says buffalo.)

These are three proteins that may be considered novel and not listed in the common triggers for allergy in dogs. If you have a sensitive pet, this meaty food may be best for him.

Pork meal starts the recipe. Buffalo meal is third, and rabbit meal can be found further down the list. The combination of these three raise up the protein level of the food to a very respectable 30%. That amount is enough to give canines long-lasting energy throughout a day of intense play. 

Since there are no grains, alternative carbohydrate ingredients have been included such as sweet potatoes, lentils, and peas. These three are excellent sources of plant-based protein as well as health-promoting antioxidants and nutrients. Also, they’re quite high on fiber, which is responsible for firming up stools and in regulating bowel movement.

Sunflower oil, flaxseed, and coconut oil supply the fat that is essential in fueling a canine’s muscles and keeping his skin and coat in good health.

A lack of fat in a dog’s diet can show up as dull fur or itchy and flaky skin. Fat is also needed in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K, and D) and in providing insulation during cold weather.

Flaxseed and the two oils mentioned above are some of the healthiest types of fat ingredients you can give your pet. Unlike other oils that may be highly processed using synthetic means, these are usually minimally-processed only. 

Let’s also talk about the other noteworthy ingredients. Less mentioned in dog food reviews are the dried kelp and yucca schidigera, which is sad because these two play an important role in dog food.

Dried kelp is full of amino acids (21 to be exact) and about 60 minerals and vitamins. It’s also laden with iodine that helps with thyroid activity.

Yucca schidigera, while not as full of nutrients, is still important because it can alter the availability of hydrogen sulfide in the intestine.

Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for those stinky stools, and the saponins that yucca schidigera carries reduces the stool odor.

The three novel proteins in this will delight your sensitive pup so that he won’t feel like he’s missing on anything his non-sensitive pals can eat.

It’s a fully complete meal that takes care of everything your dog needs for his day-today life and adventures. There’s a lot of protein, a good amount of fat, enough fiber, and a nice dose of probiotics to keep your pup’s digestive system healthy.

This formulation gets a 91% rating on Chewy. Reviewers feel that this formula works with sensitive tummies, is tempting to picky eaters, and helps with making itchy skin get better.

And since it’s an All Life Stage formula, it can benefit multiple-pet households where dogs vary in age. 

6. Organics Turkey with Potato & Carrots Dinner

First 5 ingredients: Organic Turkey, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Potatoes, Organic Carrots, Organic Egg

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This Evanger’s Organics Turkey with Potato & Carrots Dinner is made with certified-organic ingredients – not many pet food manufacturers can say that about their products. Not only is this recipe organic, but it is protein-rich and nutritionally balanced for dogs in all life stages.

This organic formula features organic turkey as the main ingredients, supplemented with several fresh fruits and vegetables (organic as well).

As a whole, this formula offers excellent nutritional value for dogs in all life stages as well as plenty of natural flavor. It is even certified kosher!

As promised the first ingredient in this recipe is organic turkey. Not only is this ingredient protein-rich, but it is guaranteed to be of high quality in order to be certified-organic.

The next ingredient in this formula is organic chicken broth. While this may not provide much in the way of nutrition, it helps to maintain the moisture content of this formula while also contributing some natural flavor.

The main sources of carbohydrate in this Organics Turkey with Potato & Carrots Dinner are organic potatoes and organic carrots.

In addition to being organic-certified, these ingredients are also gluten-free and grain-free which makes them highly digestible and a great source of energy for dogs who suffer from food allergies or sensitivities.

The remaining ingredients in this canned food consist of thickeners and supplements. Guar gum is primarily used as a thickener in this recipe, though it may contribute some fiber as well.

Most of the fat in this recipe comes directly from the turkey which is why the crude fat content is a little low. There are a number of synthetic supplements in this recipe which work with the fresh carrots and potatoes to fill in the nutritional gaps.

Unfortunately, synthetic supplements offer limited bioavailability for dogs. It would be better if some of the minerals were chelated – that would make them more usable for your dog.

Overall, this Evanger’s Organics Turkey with Potato & Carrots Dinner is a quality source of balanced nutrition for dogs in all life stages. In addition to being protein-rich, this formula is made with certified-organic ingredients and it is grain-free.

It is also a bonus that this formula contains a limited number of ingredients – that makes it a great choice for dogs that suffer from food allergies and sensitivities.

It could be improved with the addition of some animal fat and chelated minerals but, all in all, it is a great choice for dogs from puppies to adult.

7. Classic Recipes Senior & Weight Management Dinner

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Brown Rice, Guar Gum, Dried Kelp

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This canned food recipe by the Evanger’s brand is crafted specifically for mature dogs who aren’t very active. It’s a meat-based formula that helps older canines manage their weight while providing them with a delicious meal that will satisfy. 

It is free from fillers, corn, pea, soy, salt, and preservatives. It’s a simple grain-inclusive formula that is not only holistic but also kosher-certified.

There are only about six main ingredients here. The rest is made up of minerals and vitamins that have been supplemented by the Evanger’s brand. Let’s talk about all six.

Chicken is the sole source of animal protein in this dinner. Yet it manages to bring up the crude protein content to a respectable 7% (for a canned recipe, this is average not low).

The chicken broth that comes in second in the list offers a little more protein and lots of moisture. (If your dog doesn’t drink a lot, canned food may help him get hydrated better.)

Brown rice provides the required carbohydrates. You might often see brown rice headlining dog foods and wonder why. In terms of nutrients, brown rice has more compared with white.

The hull that makes brown rice brown contains most of the nutrients your pet needs, such as vitamins B and D for heart health. It also has lots of fiber for better digestion and bowel movement.

The guar gum here isn’t included to provide nutrition. It plays a few different roles in canned food. First, guar gum supplies a thicker consistency in dog food. Second, it can reduce fat migration in the meal and aid in the digestion of amino acids. Third, it stabilizes the placing of heavier ingredients. It is fully safe when used in moderation.

In fifth place is dried kelp. Dried kelp may look simple, but it is packed with so much vitamins and minerals that it may put your canine multivitamins to shame. Add to that the presence of amino acids, and it’s a superfood for your pet. 

And lastly, yucca schidigera. It’s distinctive for altering the availability of hydrogen sulfide in your pet’s body. Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for those stinky stools, and yucca schidigera reduces the smell of waste. This canned recipe can keep your older pet fuller longer without loading him with calories.

It has all the nutrition he needs to maintain a healthy body but is carefully balanced to keep his weight at an optimal level. All of the meat are sourced domestically, so you can be sure that these have passed strict US food standards.

93% of reviewers believe in the product. According to previous buyers, the dog food has a nice texture and does not at all smell like dog food usually does (a little too overwhelming).

Most of them say that they had no trouble getting their pets to wolf down on their meal. Some have also reported that their pooches have lost some weight when put on this diet.

8. Grain-Free Hand Packed Whole Chicken Thighs

All ingredients: Whole Chicken Thighs, Chicken Broth

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Evanger’s Hand-Packed line is focused on providing your pet with maintaining the nutrition of each recipe’s content. Unlike other canned food products, those in the Hand-Packed range contain not only recognizable ingredients, but also in its same original shape. 

There are just two ingredients here, making it perfectly easy for pet owners to identify possible allergy triggers for their dogs. The first ingredient is whole chicken thigh. It’s uncut, and cooked in its own juices.

The bones have not been removed but have been slow-cooked using Evanger’s own special process to soften them fully and make them splinter-free so as not to harm your pet.

The bones not only add texture to the meal, but they also add a ton of flavor. Bones are also excellent sources of iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. 

Chicken broth is the second ingredient. It gives the food its moisture content, keeps your pup extra hydrated, and adds more palatability to his meal. 

Because the chicken cut is big plus the bones were included, the crude protein content for this canned food is 16%. It might seem low when compared to dry food, but for canned food, this is a high figure. Dog food brands usually offer around 7-10% protein content only for wet foods. 

One of this food’s unique benefits is that it’s also kosher-free, which is certified and endorsed by the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc).

Dog food can’t be any simpler than this. It features fresh and whole meat without any preservatives whatsoever. The food only relies on the canning process to preserve the ingredients in its freshest state.

Despite the very minimal ingredients, it does not lack nutrition. Your dog will feel full and satisfied, and his overall health will be your thanks.

92% of pet owners recommend this. Dogs (and even cats love!) the taste of the food. The cooking process has really softened everything up because the bones can easily be crushed (if you prefer), while the meat falls apart and can be shredded without difficulty. 

One common misconception by reviewers, however, is the “grease” in the meal. It’s not grease but chicken fat. Rather than throwing it out, your dog will benefit from the fat and all the nutritious goodness it contains.

Most companies deliberately add chicken fat to dog food, but the fat in this recipe is naturally-occuring. 

9. Grain-Free Rabbit Formula

First 5 ingredients: Rabbit, Water Sufficient for Processing, Liver, Guar Gum

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Evanger’s Rabbit recipe offers up an exotic game meat for your pups (and cats! It’s designed to meet the nutrition requirement of both).

It’s grain-free and uses a novel animal protein source to keep sensitive pups from missing out. You can use it both as a full meal or as a delicious topper for dry food.

It’s a holistic formula that’s packed into an easy-to-use 6-ounce pop-can to make each meal serving handy. Not only is it grain-free, but the recipe also does not contain fillers, preservatives, soy, wheat, or corn. 

The recipe is quite simple and is made up of only four natural ingredients. Rabbit is the first ingredient and thus makes up the bulk of the food. If you’re not familiar with rabbit meat in dog food, there are several reasons why your dog should try it at least once.

Rabbit is a novel protein, which means that chances are your dog probably has not been exposed to it yet. Animal protein allergy usually develops from feeding on the same kind of meat over and over again. Since rabbit is not commonly used in dog food, your sensitive pup might not have encountered it yet nor built an allergy to it.

Rabbit meat is high in protein yet low in calories, just like white meats are. When compared to fish, chicken, pork, or even beef, rabbit meat will emerge as the clear winner in terms of protein levels. It is also high in the healthy kinds of fats that are essential in procuring shiny coats and fur. Plus, it is low in cholesterol. 

Water is the second ingredient, bringing in moisture. Liver (from rabbit) is the third, and it supplies a lot of extra nutrients in the recipe.

If you think muscle meat is already nutritious, organ meat is doubly so. Last is guar gum, which is a safe substance used mostly for stabilizing canned food and giving it a rich consistency. 

This formula offers dogs a delicious and nutritious meal that is low in calories. At 337 kcals per can, it is just enough to give your dog energy to keep him moving but not too much calories that he can go past his optimal weight. 

The rabbit formulation is designed for all breed types. It’s in pate form so it’s easy to mix in with other food if you’re going to use it as a topper.

Since it uses a single animal protein source and is a novel protein, it can be fed to different pooches with different sensitivities if you live in a multi-pet household.

It gets high marks from plenty of reviewers for being suitable for dogs with many food allergy triggers.

10. Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner

First 5 ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Water Sufficient for Processing, Brown Rice, Carrots

Rating: 4/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Done right, vegetarian meals can sustain dogs and even help them thrive. Dogs are omnivores, and they can stay healthy on a vegetarian diet.

This loaf recipe makes use of vitamin-, mineral-, and antioxidant-packed fruits and veggies to create a meal that will entice both dogs and cats.

Sweet potatoes and potatoes lead the recipe list. These two contain a good amount of protein, but they’re mostly carbohydrates.

These are good for giving your dog a sustained amount of energy for his everyday activities. Since sweet potatoes or potatoes are also full of fiber, they can help bulk up stools and increase the feeling of fullness dogs get after feeding.

As is usual for canned food, there is either broth or water included to provide moisture. Water is the third ingredient, and right after it comes brown rice. Since brown rice retains the hull where a lot of nutrients reside, it’s much healthier than white rice, which is mostly just carbs. 

A great mixture of vegetables and fruits are included. There are carrots, tomatoes, peas, cranberries, and blueberries to provide your dog with the full nutrition that he needs to maintain good health. The calories are carefully balanced to ensure that while your pup has enough, there isn’t too much to make him gain a lot of weight.

There are dried eggs here too. Since eggs are not technically animal flesh, they’re considered okay for vegetarian diets. The eggs help raise up the protein level to a respectable 7%. 

Lastly, since this is a vegetarian formulation, the fat that is required is supplied by olive oil and vegetable oil. Ever seen a dog with dull or lifeless hair? He may not have enough fat in his diet.

Fat keeps the skin healthy and free from itch/scaling, gives the body enough cushion, and provides dogs with insulation to keep them warm through cold temperatures.

At 276/kcal per can, you will be feeding your pup guilt-free. It’s a low calorie diet that can help keep your pet in shape. It doesn’t come with any fillers, preservatives or salt. What it does come with is taurine, calcium, phosphorus, and a whole lot more. 

Out of 197 reviews (currently), the majority recommend this Evanger’s Low-Fat Vegetarian Diet. For dogs who are allergic to all meat products, this recipe is extremely helpful.

Several dogs who have experienced itchy skin and upset tummies from regular dog food are reported to thrive on this one. Some pups who suffer from various diseases and were told to go on low-fat diets also did well on this.

11. Nothing But Natural Venison with Fruits & Vegetables Jerky

First 5 ingredients: Natural Venison, Potato Flour, Dried Chicory Root, Gelatin, Palm Glycerin

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

There’s nothing wrong with making sure that even the treats you dole out are just as healthy as the regular food you supply your pups.

In fact, it’s ideal. Evanger’s Nothing But Natural Jerky in Natural Venison are low-calorie snacks that are a clever way to sneak in all those fruits and veggies you want your pup to be munching on. 

The jerky treats are oven-baked but designed to be semi-moist to make it easy to break off into little pieces for training or to feed small mouths.

There isn’t any artificial ingredient included nor any soy, wheat, corn, or grain. It’s perfect for all dogs, whether suffering from sensitivities or not.

Natural Venison headlines the snacks. And there’s lots of it, which is the reason why the treats garner a 17% minimum crude protein content.

Venison is one of the best choices of meat for pups who are sensitive. It’s not linked with food allergies in dogs like beef or chicken are, it’s leaner, and it’s a delicious meat that many canines seem to love.

The potato flour that comes in second in the list acts as the binding agent in the snacks. Without it, the treats wouldn’t form. It also has lots of vitamins like B6 and C and minerals like potassium and calcium.

At third is chicory root, a recent favorite of dog food manufacturers. It’s an effective probiotic and is found to contain up to 20% inulin.

You might wonder about the gelatin and palm glycerin. Gelatin is made from animal by-products like bones and tendons. It’s completely edible and safe for dogs and can even be beneficial for your pooch’s joints. Palm glycerin is also completely safe. It’s primary purpose in food is to control moisture so that it will keep fresher longer.

Blueberries, carrots, cranberries, and peas make up the fruit and vegetable content. If you’ve ever wanted your furry friend to snack on these healthy foods but they have other ideas, this is the perfect way to do it without them knowing any better.

These are really healthy treats that not only supply pets with a good amount of nutrition, they’re also guilt-free. Each treat only contains 6 calories so you can keep doling a few out in-between meals without worry that your pet will put on the pounds.

98% of reviewers highly recommend these snacks. According to comments, they’re happy that they can give quality treats to their pets without breaking the bank.

They’re also quite satisfied that they with these treats, they don’t feel that they are withholding anything from their chubby pets.  

12. Nothing but Natural Beef Hearts 

Only ingredient: Beef Hearts

Rating: 5/5

These gently-dried treats with the tagline of Nothing but Natural are composed of only one ingredient! It’s about as simple and pure as you can get when feeding your furry pet, especially those who are finicky or with food sensitivities. 

There absolutely no preservatives included, natural or otherwise. The hearts are preserved through Evanger’s special drying process. You can also use these as rewards, snacks, or toppers. They can be given dry or reconstituted in water for dogs who might prefer softer food.

Beef hearts are the star here. Organ meats are nutrient-dense and beef hearts are one of the best organ meat parts. The dark red muscle meat is packed with essential amino acids, iron, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus, which are responsible for your pup’s healthy bone structure, decrease of oxidative stress, and more.

Because it’s pure meat, the protein content is at a very high 67%. Since beef heart also contains fat parts, there is 1% fat in it too. It’s meaty and tasty so that your finicky pets can’t say no. And if you live in a multi-pet household, you can give it to your cats too, if you have one.

With a 92% recommended rating, these beef hearts are hits in both the canine and feline community. The single ingredient is perfect for pups who have several food allergies, and the no preservative crafting makes it even better. These are also easy to break up so you can feed depending on the size of your dog. 

Made in the USA?

The Evanger’s company is a U.S.-based company that has been producing and manufacturing pet foods for more than 75 years. What began as a small one-man operation has blossomed into a major pet food company, though its pet products are still made in the company’s original canning facility at the original site.

The business is headquartered in Wheeling, Illinois, which is also where its product are made. Not only does the company make its own products in the company-owned cannery, but it also manufactures some private label pet foods as well.

Where do they get their Ingredients from?

Evanger’s states that its products are made with human-grade, highly nutritious and palatable ingredients. The company website states that the products are free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as harmful additives, artificial ingredients, preservatives, and by-products.

Evanger’s is adamant that its production processes are superior to those of other pet food manufacturers, citing the fact that its canned foods are hand-packed with raw, natural ingredients in their own natural juices.

What the brand doesn't say is exactly where it gets its “raw, natural ingredients”. Evanger’s talks about the wholesome nutrition of its products but doesn’t go into detail about the ingredients that go into those products.

Evanger’s Recall History

In February 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated an investigation of a manufacturing plant owned by Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. Inc.

This was the result of a report that a dog died after Evanger’s Hunk of Beef canned dog food. The resulting testing found that the dog’s stomach and the can of food the dog had eaten from contained pentobarbital, a barbiturate used in euthanasia. 

According to the FDA, when ingested the drug can cause side effects such as dizziness, loss of balance, drowsiness, excitement, nausea nystagmus (jerky movement in the eyes), inability to stand and coma.  

Evanger’s issued a limited recall, which was expanded into a full recall encompassing three different varieties of pulled-beef by Evanger’s and Against the Grain (a dog food line manufactured at the affected Evanger’s plant).

The recalls involved the following:

• Evanger’s Hunk of Beef (Item #776155)
• Evanger’s Braised Beef (Item #776150)
• Against the Grain Pulled Beef (Item #776107)

Are their products Expensive?

The Evanger’s brand is a little more expensive than your average kibble, primarily because it is made with quality ingredients and it is hand-packed.

Because the brand offers so many different types of canned food, you can find one that is affordable for you. Prices vary from one recipe to another, but the cost for a 33-pound bag of their dry food is about $50 to $100.

Cans of the wet food vary in size and price from one product line to another. For the Grain-Free line of products, 6-ounce cans come in 24-packs for $40 to $68 and 12-ounce cans of Grain-Free Hand Packed recipes come in cases of 12 for $38 to $53. The Classics line of recipes is the most affordable, averaging about $2.10 a can.

List of Evanger's Products

The Evanger’s brand began as a wet recipe company and, while it has expanded over the past few decades, wet foods remain the company’s specialty. In addition to offering a wide variety of canned foods for dogs, they also offer a limited selection of dry foods and treats.

Many of the same products available for dogs are also available for cats, and Evanger’s is unique among pet food manufacturers for offering products designed for ferrets as well.

Dry Products

Evanger’s is  primarily a canned food company, though it does offer a limited selection of dry foods. These products are all made in the USA with quality proteins and digestible carbohydrates – no by-products or harmful additives. Here is a list of dry food recipes:

• Super Premium Chicken & Brown Rice
• Super Premium Game Bird Recipe with Coconut Oil
• Grain-Free Chicken with Sweet Potato & Pumpkin
• Grain-Free Whitefish and Sweet Potato
• Grain-Free Meat Lover’s Medley Entree

Wet Products

Compared to the brand’s dry food offerings, the variety available in its canned foods is enormous. The wet recipes can be divided into six different product lines, each one made with quality ingredients.

Many of its products are grain-free and all of them are rich in premium proteins. Some of the canned foods are even formulated for both dogs and cats. Here is a list of the wet recipes:

Classic Dinners Recipes:

• Senior & Weight Management
• Chicken & Rice
• Cooked Chicken
• Beef & Bacon
• Beef
• Beef with Chicken & Liver
• Beef with Chicken
• Lamb & Rice
• Puppy

Super Premium Recipes:

• 100% Duck & Sweet Potato
• 100% Beef Dinner
• 100% Lamb & Rice
• 100% Chicken Dinner
• 100% Venison & Beef Dinner

Grain-Free Game Meats Recipes:

• Beef
• Buffalo
• Chicken
• Duck
• Rabbit
• Pork
• Pheasant
• Quail

Grain-Free Hand Packed Recipes:

• Whole Chicken Thighs
• Hunk of Beef
• Roasted Whole Chicken Drummets
• Braised Beef Chunks
• Whole Uncut Sardines
• Chunky Chicken Casserole

Organics Recipes:

• Turkey with Potato & Carrots
• Cooked Chicken
• Beef Dinner
• Chicken & Turkey Dinner

Signature Series Recipes:

• Slow Cooked Beef Stew
• Slow Cooked Chicken Stew
• Slow Cooked Lamb Stew
• Slow Cooked Turkey Stew

Treats

In addition to all of those canned foods, Evanger’s offers two different types of dog treats – jerky treats and freeze-dried treats. Here is a list of their treats:

Nothing But Natural Jerky Treats Recipes:

• Grain-Free Pheasant with Fruits & Vegetables
• Cage-Free Quail with Fruits & Vegetables
• Grain-Free Organic Chicken with Fruits & Vegetables
• Grain-Free Buffalo with Fruits & Vegetables
• Grain-Free Venison with Fruits & Vegetables

Freeze-Dried Treats Recipes:

• Raw Gently Dried Beef Liver
• Raw Gently Dried Beef Tripe
• Raw Gently Dried Wild Salmon
• Raw Gently Dried Beef Lungs
• Raw Gently Dried Beef Hearts
• Raw Gently Dried Beef Tongue