
Evolve pet foods are made by Sunshine Mills, Inc., a company that was founded in 1949 as a true American family business. This company was developed in a rural town in northern Alabama, getting its start as a producer of animal feed.
After a decade or so, the brand made its way into the pet food industry and has been gaining speed in the decades since.
Today, Evolve dog food is known as an affordable brand of pet food that offers pet parents wholesome product choices for their pets. This brand claims a mission of “feeding the world’s love of their pets” and they have been sticking to it for more than fifty years.
Not only is this brand committed to keeping their products affordable, but they take the quality of their production methods very seriously as well.
If you’re looking for an affordable brand of pet food made with quality ingredients, this might be a brand to consider. Read on for our comprehensive Evolve dog food review.
Brand Quick Look
Parent Company: Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Founded in: 1949
Made in: Alabama
Available at: Chewy, Amazon
Types of Food: Dry, canned, treats
Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients: Yes
Recalled in Past: Yes
Manufacturer Information
The Evolve brand of pet food is produced and manufactured by Sunshine Mills, Inc. This company has been family-owned and -operated for more than five decades and they provide pets all over the world with a variety of high-quality options at affordable prices.
This brand owns multiple plants across the USA which allows them to control the quality of their products from start to finish.
The Evolve brand is committed to using only the highest quality, wholesome ingredients to create products that pet parents are proud to feed their pets.
Made in the USA?
Sunshine Mills, Inc. is a company based in Red Bay, Alabama, though they have manufacturing facilities in several locations throughout the United States. This being the case, Evolve is definitely a brand that is made in the USA.
Not only do they own and operate their own manufacturing facilities, but they adhere to the strictest standards for quality and safety in their products as well.
Their facilities are SQF Level 3 Certified which is the highest level of food safety certification. In fact, this brand is so sure of their products that they offer their customers a 100% money back guarantee.
Evolve Dog Food Reviews
This may not be the absolute best brand on the market, but Evolve dog food reviews are consistently positive for most of their products.
This brand offers pet owners the ideal combination of quality and affordability – they also offer a decent selection of products without going overboard.
When you purchase this brand for your dog, you can feel good knowing that it will be made with quality ingredients and that it is produced by the same company that sells it in clean, safe, and certified facilities located in the United States.
1. Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
First five ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Sweet Potatoes, and Garbanzo Beans
This dog food recipe features salmon and chicken meal as protein sources, aiding in lean muscle maintenance. Its grain-free formula incorporates easily digestible carbohydrates from vegetables like sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and tapioca starch for sustained energy.
The inclusion of nutrient-rich plant-based ingredients such as dried fruits benefits immune and digestive health. Prebiotics and probiotics support digestion, enhancing nutrient absorption and strengthening the immune system.
Free from corn, wheat, and soy, with no artificial additives, this salmon recipe has garnered praise from pet parents for its palatability and health benefits.
Many report improvements in weight management, stool quality, skin, and coat health, making it great for dogs with food allergies.
2. Classic Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
First five ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Rice Flour, and Chicken Fat
This classic recipe is a grain-inclusive dry dog food suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes, boasting 25% protein content.
Featuring real chicken and chicken meal as primary ingredients, it promises high-quality protein in every meal.
Additional flavors from fish meal, dried cheese product, and dried skim milk enhance its palatability. Chicken fat adds both flavor and essential fatty acids.
Wholesome grains like ground brown rice, rice flour, and ground barley offer easily digestible carbohydrates and fiber. Superfoods such as cranberries, blueberries, carrots, and spinach provide antioxidants for cellular health and immune support.
Free from wheat, corn, soy, unnamed animal by-products, or artificial enhancers, it's well-received by pets, though some owners of toy breeds find the kibbles a bit large.
Overall, it's recommended for pet parents seeking a high-quality, grain-inclusive option for their discerning dogs.
3. Maintenance Formula with Lamb
First five ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, and Barley
This is a grain-inclusive dry food designed for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, boasting 24% protein content and nutrient-dense plant-based ingredients for overall health support.
Real boneless lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal offer flavorful and lean protein sources. Wholesome grains like ground brown rice, barley, and peas sustain energy levels while aiding digestion and stool quality.
Superfoods such as carrots, cranberries, and coconut oil provide antioxidants for immune support. Chicken fat and fish oil supply essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coats.
With prebiotics and probiotics for digestion and nutrient absorption, this recipe is free from wheat, corn, soy, artificial enhancers, and unnamed animal by-products.
It's well-received by dogs and praised by pet parents for its positive effects on sensitive dogs, particularly those with skin allergies or digestive issues.
Overall, it's recommended for its tasty and high-quality natural ingredients, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
4. Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe
First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Tapioca Starch, Sweet Potatoes, and Garbanzo Beans.
This sweet potato recipe dog food is a grain free kibble suitable for all life stages and breeds. It's rich in protein from real boneless turkey, chicken, and fish, promoting lean muscle development.
The recipe is free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, making it ideal for sensitive dogs. Complex carbs from sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, and peas provide energy, while fruits and vegetables bolster the immune system.
Prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber-rich papaya support digestive health. Free from artificial additives, this formula has garnered praise from pet parents for improving their dogs' overall health, alleviating digestive issues, and enhancing skin and coat condition.
However, it's important to note that it contains chicken, so it may not be suitable for dogs with chicken sensitivities.
5. Duck, Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe
First five ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Turkey Meal, and Peas
This duck and sweet potato dog food is a holistic super-premium dog food suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. It features high-quality protein from fresh duck and chicken meal, along with digestible carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes.
The formula is rich in essential nutrients and natural flavors, with no unnecessary ingredients. Garbanzo beans and ground peas provide complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while supplementary carbohydrates like sweet potato and flaxseed add more energy and fiber.
Chicken fat and flaxseed ensure a balance of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The recipe also includes chelated minerals, vitamins, and probiotics for overall health and digestive support.
With fresh duck as the main ingredient and supplemented by chicken meal, fish meal and venison, this kibble offers a nutritious and balanced diet for dogs.
6. Evolve Classic Chicken & Rice Recipe
First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Lamb, and Carrots
This grain-inclusive wet food caters to the nutritional needs of adult dogs, featuring real chicken, chicken liver, and lamb for high-quality protein and rich flavor. Enriched with vitamins and minerals, it offers complete and balanced nutrition.
Carrots add texture and nutrients, while chicken broth enhances moisture and taste. Free from common allergens and artificial additives, except for carrageenan, it's a popular choice among dogs for its appealing aroma and meaty texture.
Boasting natural chicken flavor, it is ideal for picky eaters and can be served as a standalone meal or mixed with dry food to entice reluctant eaters.
7. Classic Turkey & Rice Recipe
First five ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Lamb, and Carrots
This classic turkey & rice recipe is a nutritionally balanced wet food for dogs. It features fresh turkey as the main ingredient, slow-cooked in broth for maximum flavor and moisture.
Supplementary proteins include chicken liver, fresh lamb, ocean fish, and dried egg product. The recipe uses digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, rice flour, carrots, peas, and oat bran.
Guar gum and carrageenan are used as thickeners. While chelated minerals are included for nutritional balance, natural sources for essential nutrients would be preferable.
Overall, it’s a good source of nutrition and natural flavor for dogs, though there’s room for improvement.
8. Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Jerky Bites
First five ingredients: Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Salmon Meal, Pea Flour, and Garbanzo Bean
Jerky Bites are suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Made with real salmon and salmon meal, these treats offer an intense fishy flavor that dogs enjoy.
The high-quality proteins from salmon are easy to digest and rich in omega fatty acids, promoting heart, skin, and coat health. Chicken fat adds natural chicken flavor.
These soft and chewy treats are ideal for all breed sizes, including small pups. They also contain healthy fruits like blueberries and apples, providing antioxidants for cellular health and immune support.
Free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, these Evolve treats are a favorite among pet parents.
While they may not suit dogs seeking tougher meat jerky, they break easily into smaller pieces for training rewards.
Allergy-prone pups benefit from the single animal protein source: salmon. Plus, they’re grain, gluten, and poultry-free!
Ingredient Sourcing
The Evolve food brand states that they care about the nutritional needs of pets and, as such, they make all of their products with the highest quality ingredients and enriched whole foods available.
They avoid by-product meals and artificial colors and ensure their recipes are free from corn, wheat, and soy. Their formulations focus on quality proteins, wholesome fruits, fresh vegetables, and beneficial supplements for nutritional balance.
However, while manufactured in the USA, the brand's website lacks specific information about manufacturing locations and ingredient sourcing.
Recall History
The Evolve brand dedicates an entire section of their website to speaking about their quality assurance program. This brand owns and operates their own manufacturing facilities which means that they have complete control over the quality and safety of their products.
Their kitchens have been awarded the highest level of food safety certification and they maintain a commitment to producing safe, quality foods that any consumer or retailer can trust.
There is, however, one recall of kitten food that dates back to 2007 – here are the details of that recall:
- In March 2007, the FDA issued a recall for one lot of kitten food due to potential melamine concerns.
Just recently (July 29, 2021), however, Sunshine Mills issued a voluntary recall on their products due to potentially elevated levels of Aflatoxin. And 1 product from Evolve is affected: Evolve Classic Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe with UPC code of 073657 380320.
How Expensive Are Their Products?
In addition to their commitment to quality, the Evolve brand is also committed to keeping their products affordable. For the level of quality this brand delivers, their products are more moderately priced than many brands on the market.
Keep in mind, however, that you will pay more for quality no matter what the brand. A 28- or 30-pound bag of original dry food will cost you between $35 and $50 while a 12- or 14-pound bag of grain-free dry food costs closer to $25.
The Simply Six recipe sells for about $15 for a 12-pound bag. Wet foods are sold in 13.2-ounce cans and you can purchase a case of 12 for between $20 and $30 which averages to about $2.08 per can.
List of Current Products Available
The Evolve brand doesn’t offer quite the same degree of selection as some other pet food manufacturers, but they still have a decent array of products to choose from. This brand offers mostly dry dog foods, but they have a few wet foods and some treats as well.
This brand offers both original and grain-free recipes, all of which are free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients. Each product is complete and balanced in terms of nutrition and manufactured in keeping with the brand’s commitment to quality and safety.
Dry Products
Evolve dry dog foods can be grouped into several different categories. They have five original recipes for puppies, adults, and senior dogs as well as three grain-free recipes.
There is one Simply Six formula as well that is made with a limited number of ingredients for dogs that suffer from food allergies or sensitivities. Here is a list of their dry recipes:
Dry Recipes:
- Chicken & Rice Formula Puppy Food
- Chicken & Rice Formula
- Chicken & Rice Formula Senior
- Lamb & Rice Formula
- Beef, Barley, & Brown Rice Formula
- Grain-Free Duck, Chickpea & Sweet Potato
- Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Grain-Free Turkey, Garbanzo Bean & Pea Recipe
- Simply Six Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal, Brown Rice & Pea
Wet Products
This brand has a selection of wet foods in addition to their dry food options. There are three original recipe products made with chicken, turkey, and lamb as well as four recipes in the Nature’s Menu product line which features premium meats and other natural ingredients cooked in stew or gravy. Here is a list of their wet recipes:
Wet Recipes:
- Chicken Formula Wet Food
- Lamb Formula Wet Food
- Turkey Formula Wet Food
- Nature’s Menu Chicken & Pasta Dinner in Gravy with Chicken & Spiral Pasta
- Nature’s Menu Hearty Stew with Beef, Carrots & Potatoes
- Nature’s Menu Holiday Harvest with Turkey, Duck, & Cranberries in Gravy
- Nature’s Menu Mountain Range Medley with Salmon & Venison in Sauce
Treats
In addition to their dry food and wet food options, this brand also offers an assortment of dog treats. There are two original and two grain-free options, each made with premium proteins like chicken, lamb, salmon, and turkey. Here is a list of their treat recipes:
Treats:
- Chicken & Cranberry Flavor Wafers
- Lamb & Blueberry Flavor Wafers
- Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Jerky Bites
- Grain-Free Turkey, Pea & Berry Recipe Jerky Bites
Final Say
Evolve Pet Food offers a range of products for both dogs and cats. Their commitment to safety is evident through SQF certification, ensuring that the same high standards apply to pet food as to human food.
With a focus on avoiding by-product meals and artificial additives, the brand aims to meet the nutritional needs of dogs while prioritizing their health and well-being.
Customers appreciate the quality and variety, such as grain-free options and soft treats suitable for training.