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Discover what real customers say about Evanger's dog and cat food in 2024. With a low 1.2-star rating from 106 reviews, explore recalls, complaints, and safer alternatives for your pets. Get expert advice on choosing grain-free wet foods.
Quick Pick: Top Alternative for Pet Owners
For reliable dog supplies without the risks, our top recommendation is the Best Dog Supplies of 2026 - Expert Tested Reviews. It features vetted options for food, toys, and more.
Evanger's has been a name in the pet food industry since 1935, specializing in grain-free, limited-ingredient wet dog and cat foods. Their lineup includes pates, stews, chunks in broth, organ meats, chews, and freeze-dried treats—all made in the USA. While the brand appeals to pet owners seeking natural options, customer feedback in 2024 paints a concerning picture.
Overall company rating: 1.2 out of 5 stars based on 106 reviews. Many pet parents report serious health issues in their animals, leading to widespread caution. This article dives into real customer experiences, historical context, and actionable tips to help you make informed choices for your furry friends.
Here's a breakdown of popular Evanger's products based on customer sentiment and reported issues. Ratings are aggregated from user reviews (scale: 1-5 stars).
| Product Line | Type | Avg. Customer Rating | Key Pros | Key Cons/Reported Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.A.P.P.Y. Jack | Wet Food (various) | 1.1 | Grain-free, affordable | Illnesses, potential contamination |
| Hunk of Beef | Chunks in Broth | 1.0 | High protein | Recalls for pentobarbital, pet deaths |
| Beef Lover's Delight | Pate | 1.2 | Limited ingredients | Salmonella concerns, digestive upset |
| Braised Chicken | Stew | 1.1 | Real meat chunks | Tainted batches reported |
| Duck & Sweet Potato | Formula | 1.3 | Novel proteins | Health scares post-recall |
| Super Premium | Various | 1.2 | USA-made | Multiple recalls, low trust |
Data sourced from 2024 customer reviews. Always check FDA recall lists for updates.
Check our expert picks in Best Dog Supplies for higher-rated alternatives.
Pet owners in 2024 continue to voice strong concerns about Evanger's. Common themes include:
Severe Health Reactions: Numerous accounts describe dogs and cats experiencing vomiting, lethargy, and worse after consuming products like Hunk of Beef or H.A.P.P.Y. Jack Liver and Potato. Some report veterinary autopsies revealing barbiturates like pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug.
Recall History Impacting Trust: Major recalls in 2016-2017 affected lines such as Hunk of Beef, Braised Chicken, Chicken Tenderloin, and Duck & Sweet Potato. Issues included salmonella and chemical contaminants. While the company issued apologies and refunds, skepticism lingers.
Company Response: Evanger's often provides refunds, but many customers feel this doesn't address deeper quality control problems.
Despite these, a small subset of reviews praise the taste appeal and natural ingredients (about 10% positive). However, the overwhelming 90% negative feedback advises avoidance.
For pet owners dealing with shedding from dietary issues, pair your food choice with tools like the Shark ION Robot Vacuum S86.
Given the data, we recommend proceeding with extreme caution. The low rating and history suggest higher risks compared to brands with 4+ star averages. Key safety tips:
Evanger's scores low on reliability (2/10), taste appeal (4/10), and value (3/10) per aggregated reviews.
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Don't risk your pet's health—explore trusted options:
Evanger's holds a 1.2 out of 5-star rating from 106 reviews, primarily due to health complaints.
Products like Hunk of Beef, Braised Chicken, Beef Lover's Delight, and Duck & Sweet Potato were recalled in 2016-2017 for salmonella and pentobarbital.
Yes, most formulas are grain-free with limited ingredients, but safety issues overshadow this benefit.
Customer reviews suggest ongoing concerns, though no new major recalls reported.
Contact your vet immediately, save the can/receipt, and request a refund from the company.
Prioritize your pet's well-being with data-driven choices.