EVO 95 Percent (Canned)

by Mike Sagman
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Rating: ★★★★☆

EVO 95% line of canned dog food receives the Advisor’s above-average rating of 4 stars.

The EVO 95% product line includes five canned dog foods… each grain-free formula designed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

  • EVO 95% Beef
  • EVO 95% Duck
  • EVO 95% Venison
  • EVO 95% Chicken and Turkey
  • EVO 95% Salmon and Herring

EVO 95% Chicken and Turkey Dog Food was chosen to represent the others in the line for this review.

EVO 95% Chicken and Turkey

Canned Dog Food

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Protein = 41% | Fat = 46% | Carbs = 6%

Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, turkey, natural flavors, carrageenan, potassium chloride, ascorbic acid, beta carotene, biotin, calcium carbonate, calcium iodate, choline chloride, cobalt carbonate, cobalt proteinate, copper proteinate, d-calcium pantothenate, dicalcium pantothenate, dl-methionine, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, niacin, potassium chloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin C supplement (sodium ascorbate), vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement (alpha tocopherol), zinc proteinate, guar gum, choline chloride, herring oil, salt, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate, taurine, sunflower oil, sodium phosphate, beta carotene

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%

Red items when present indicate controversial ingredients

The first item in this food lists chicken. Chicken is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken”.1

Chicken is naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient is chicken broth. Broths are nutritionally empty. But because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food they are a common finding in many canned products.

The third ingredient is turkey. Like chicken, turkey is also rich in the same ten essential amino acids.

After natural flavor, we find carrageenan… a gelatin-like thickening agent extracted from seaweed. Carrageenan has been safely used as a food additive for hundreds of years.

We also note this food contains chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

EVO 95% Canned Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, EVO 95% looks to be an above-average canned dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 41%, a fat level of 46% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 6%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 40% and a mean fat level of 44%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 8% for the overall product line.

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

Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a canned food containing a generous amount of meat.

EVO 95% presents an exceptionally simple design… what many refer to as a limited ingredients diet.

With no milk, no eggs, no corn, no wheat, no soy, no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, this dog food could be helpful to those trying to determine the cause of a specific food sensitivity.

On the other hand, all the EVO 95% products reveal an unusually high fat content. So, on a calorie-weighted basis, the fat content (at 67%) would be even higher.

This fact could pose a potential problem for those dogs prone to pancreatitis. Without this higher fat content, we would have been compelled to award this product our highest rating.

Bottom line?

EVO 95% is a grain-free meat-based canned dog food using a generous amount of beef, poultry, venison or salmon as its main sources of animal protein… thus earning the brand 4 stars.

Highly recommended.

Those looking for a quality kibble from the same company may wish to check out our review of EVO Dry Dog Food.

A Final Word

This review is designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in specific health benefits for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyzed this product, please be sure to read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews”

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food brand… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Notes and Updates

11/25/2009 Original review
07/10/2010 Review updated
01/30/2011 Review updated (no changes)
07/04/2011 Added Chicken and Turkey recipe, reduced to 4 stars due to high fat content

  1. Association of American Feed Control Officials ↩
Dog Food Advisor IconThe Dog Food Advisor publishes independent reviews to help pet owners make better choices when shopping for dog food.


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  • Linda Wunschel

    Just bought a couple cans of EVO 95% Beef the other day.  I think something has changed from when I used to get it 6 months or so ago.  The color is quite lighter than the original.  It used to be consistently a richer/darker color.  Anyone find this to be true?  Also, just a couple tsp. mixed in with TOTW kibble caused runny stool.  Won’t buy again.  Will stick with *real* add-ins such as chicken, chicken liver, eggs, turkey, ground beef, etc.

  • Annie Kilton

    We use “Taste of the Wild” food. It is a nutritious food and our dogs LOVE it! I highly recommend it to any dog/puppy owner or breeder.

  • Kellye

    Sandy,
    I have decided to give the BalanceIt system a try. I got two recipes using “cold” foods and ordered the supplement to add to the mix. I am officially giving up on duck! I don’t think the stuff found in commercial dog foods is what I want to use and there is not any fresh duck available around here.
    (what I’ve found is injected with sodium and other yucky stuff)

    I will let you know how it goes. The holistic vet says food therapy is always the last thing people try and, in his experience, is usually the thing that works. In my case he leapfrogged over all the usual stuff and suggested food therapy first. Fingers crossed!!

    Thank you again for all your help!!! I told the boy that smart people in cyberspace are now trying to help him. All the brains working on his case are the best of the bunch, and yet he finds ways to confound everybody. :)

  • sandy

    Kellye,

    Interesting. Do come back and let me know the results of the chinese therapy if you dont mind.

  • Kellye

    To be a bit more clear, the holistic vet who suggested the TCM food therapy feels that we might get off insulin completely if we can just “cool” him down. He is “hot” literally and also in the TCM definition of having a hot condition. His skin looks red and he is hot to the touch. Vets always think he has a fever when they touch him, but he never does. If diet can help, I am willing to try. The holistic vet has treated dogs with food therapy for 25 years and says he’s seen amazing results. The other four vets say it can’t hurt so everybody is on board…but I am still searching for that perfect mix.
    BalanceIt.com shows promise.

    As always, thanks for your help!

  • Kellye

    Sandy,
    The diabetes is linked to the Cushing’s and as we get a better handle on his cortisol, his insulin needs go down. In fact, we are currently concerned that the 1 unit he gets twice a day is too much. All the vets involved — two holistic, two specialists and one regular — feel that the diabetes is well controlled and we just need to make sure we don’t go hypoglycemic with the 1 unit of insulin. That is another reason I want to find the perfect food. (no potatoes or anything high in carbs)

    I looked at all the foods you so kindly suggested. I like Pet Tao but fear the turkey may be a deal breaker, but I can get the prescription to at least try it. I have not observed a reaction to turkey but the allergy test indicated it is an allergen. On the other hand, many vets say there is no true allergy test, only watching to see if anything changes as new foods are introduced.

    Thanks again!

  • sandy

    Kellye,

    Go! Sensitivity & Shine Duck Recipe at http://www.petcurean.com

  • sandy

    Kellye,

    What are you doing for the diabetes, if you don’t mind me asking. Uncontrolled diabetes or poorly controlled diabetes can affect other body systems/organs. I would think that you would need to get this under control before worrying about hair loss. But I’m not a holistic vet. What is your vet’s take on this? Just curious.

  • Kellye

    Oh wow, thanks!! Thanks a million!!

    I spend so much time trying to find the right food. You obviously hold the key to the info I need!! I want to try the TCM food therapy for six months just to see if it works. It’s so sad to have a cute little poodle with super thin hair from his neck to his totally bare (top of) tail. Besides the fact that he’s cold now that it’s winter, he used to be the cutest thing and now he looks old and gray way before his time.

    Thank you, Sandy!!!
    And Jan, thanks for the info on Pet Tao. I will look to see what they mix together even though it seems they won’t have my perfect formula. Any and all info helps me a lot. :)

  • sandy

    Kellye,

    Primal (primalpetfoods.com) has duck. MyPerfectPet.net you can order some custom food (not sure if they have duck). DarwinsPet.com has duck and vegetables. BravoRawDiet.com has a Basic Formula Duck (add your own veggies). CanineCaviar.com has Gourmet Duck. UrbanWolf.cc you can add your own duck. HonestKitchen.com Preference – add your own duck. And GrandmaLucys.com Artison – add your own duck.

  • Jan (Mom to Cavs)

    Sandy, even though the Pet Tao diets are using the Chinese method none of them contain duck as their protein, so I’m not sure this is what Kellye is looking for…..nice that a company does the work for you, though.

  • sandy

    Kellye,

    Pet Tao uses Chinese Medicine Foods. https://pettao.com/

  • Kellye

    Sandy,
    My boy can eat other proteins but our current goal is to try the Traditional Chinese Medicine food therapy for Cushing’s/diabetes and that requires “cool/cold” foods, which means either duck or turkey for the protein and my guy is allergic to turkey. Also, many diabetic diets use yams and that is a “hot” food on the TCM chart. I have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that to try this food therapy, I will have to make my own food or have it made by a place like JustFoodForDogs.com.

    My holistic vet says he has seen Cushing’s dogs grow back their hair and make great improvements with the change of diet. We are not changing any meds or doing anything risky — just trying to find a suitable diet that is comprised of cool/cold foods.

    It is HARD!!!

    Thanks!! :)

  • sandy

    Kellye,

    Can your dog only eat duck? Or can you feed other novel proteins? Or does your dog have a food allergy/intolerance? I’m just asking because there are foods out there for diabetes.

  • Kellye

    Thanks Mike! My greatest fear is that I will cause a new problem while trying to do something to help a current problem. I cannot risk pancreatitis so I will not be buying EVO. I really appreciate everybody’s input on this. I take my poodle mom responsibilities very seriously and with this little guy, I need help!
    Let me add that I thought Evanger’s duck canned was the answer and this site pointed me to the FDA letter which said the duck was not actually duck. Another vital bit of info!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Kellye… The “true” percentage of fat depends on which standard you use. On a dry matter basis, and with 10% fat (“as fed” per the EVO website for 95% Duck) and 78% moisture, the dry matter fat content is 45%. while protein in just 34% in this recipe.

    No matter how you look at this Guranteed Analysis, this food is notably over-weighted in fat — especially as I mentioned previously, when you convert to calorie-weighted basis. This would probably not be a good choice for a dog prone to pancreatitis.

    Planning to take another look at many of our ratings as we begin to post energy-weighted stats on each nutrient profile. And some fat notably heavy foods brands could possibly be downgraded in the future.

  • Kellye

    Lindsay & Sndy,

    Thank you for the information. I don’t understand how fat is actually calculated. Why is EVO telling me the true percentage of fat is 11.43%?

    I looked at Great Life and it might work. My holistic vet wants me to find a food with only cold/cool foods from the Traditional Chinese Medicine food therapy chart. My tiny poodle is “hot” with Cushing’s and diabetes. I am having a very hard time!!

    Thanks again.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Lindsay… Good point. Actually, the average fat content found in our database for a canned dog food is about 23% dry matter. This EVO fat figure is truly high. Plus if you switch from dry matter basis to a calorie weighted basis, the percentage is even higher.

    Our upcoming dashboard improvements will provide readers with more enlightening information about fat. And it could change a few of our ratings (especially for canned or raw products). Exceedingly high fat can be a tip-off of a lower quality meat (trimmings and connective tissue).

    Thanks for bringing this topic to Kellye’s (and other readers’) attentions. :)

  • sandy

    Kellye,

    Great Life and Back to Basics have a grain free duck kibble. Pinnacle has a duck & potato formula (but not grain free).

  • Lindsay

    Kellye, I looked that food up, the dry matter fat percent would be around 45.5%. IMO, that is one of the highest fat contents I’ve seen in canned food. I’m sure others would be able to advise you better about whether that is an appropriate fat content, I just did the math :)

  • Kellye

    I have a poodle who needs to eat duck as his protein source due to many allergies. His allergies make it very difficult to find a food that fits his needs. Your review mentions the very high fat content of this food so I called EVO to ask what they say the actual fat content of EVO 95% Duck is and I was told it’s 11.43%. It that percentage considered high? I do not want to do anything to cause pancreatitis. EVO says the protein content is just over 10%. I can’t find fresh duck around here so this food may be my best hope. I am hoping the fat content is not high enough to be harmful. Thanks!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Carol… The effect of dehydration on this food all depends upon how aggressive you are with the drying process itself. High temperatures tend to denature some of the protein. As well as the more subtle nutrients, like bioflavinoids.

    But your method probably creates much healthier treats than a significant number of the commercial versions out there.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor Carol

    I dehydrate EVO 95% venison canned dog food and use the dry pieces as treats for our dog. Are there any health issues that could be associated with doing this. She loves them

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Bryan… EVO is a very good dog food. However, the only way I know to keep an eye on any company is through the reports posted by the readers on my website. As soon as I hear of a recipe change, I revisit the affected product line. However, for a real life, up close look at changes, please be sure to scan the comments here. Good luck with your dog’s “knee”. And go easy with that Frisbee. :)

  • Bryan

    Mike,
    I took my dog to the vet the day before yesterday over injuries she caused to herself while catching her frisbee. She is very spazzy even in her older age. It ended up being a rupture to her (and I hope I spell this the right way) cranial cruciate ligament. I’ve always called it a dog knee. I was thinking displaced hip so it’s good news because this condition can be treated with pretty basic pain medicine. But, alas, we also found out she has a kind of lymphoma that (if untreated) could become life threatening. The vet suggested super low carbohydrates and told us this is a good food. We have several dogs. My 3 huskies eat Diamond Naturals (they live outside). Our two inside dogs, this includes the lymphoma pooch, have been on TOTW for many years now. My mother still uses California Naturals for her allergic Collie but I’ve been trying to talk her out of it for months because…well I’m sure you’re tired of hearing it by now. So I “had” to start using EVO today and in a lot of ways I’m scared of using it. We don’t have enough freezer space or money for raw foods all the time. She gets raw beef or lamb 3-5 nights a week because I can keep that in my fridge. Anyway, I guess my question is this…would you still personally trust this food with a sick pooch? I’m lucky I could even find this stuff. I live in the middle of nowhere and only recently got a natural pet food store. Before we bought the best stuff we could from Tractor Supply…of your 5 star foods with very low carbs this is the only one that seems to fit the bill and that I can easily find. I’m sure you’re eagle eying this company right now so I’ll check every few weeks to see if there have been any changes. I know so far it’s all speculation that the company is going to pieces but that can fuel worries. Please keep us in the “know”. =)

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Sarah… Proctor and Gamble acquired Natura Pet back on May 5, 2010. However, in the spirit of fairness to all (including pet food manufacturers), it’s unreasonable and unscientific to assume a merger will automatically produce inferior products.

    In any case, we try our best to intentionally ignore the never-ending barrage of unverifiable rumors and pet food industry politics. And we focus on the only source of information we feel we can reliably trust… government-regulated pet food labels. To see why we ignore almost everything else, you may wish to visit our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews“.

    To see what others have to say, why not browse the Comments section after each review in which you might have some personal interest. In any case, whether or not you choose to pay attention to the reports and opinions you read there is a decision you’ll ultimately have to make for yourself. Hope this helps.

  • Sarah

    Just a question – I looked up EVO on another site and it was said that Proctor and Gamble has acquired EVO and that the food is no longer the quality it was. Your take on this?

  • Carol Rainer

    Very expensive, but excellent – they love it.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Nojstc4u… We do not track the pH of any of the foods in our database. You’ll need to contact the manufacturer for that information.

  • Nojstc4u

    What’s the pH in these canned pet foods? My Shih Tzu has urinary and pH problems.

  • Beeah

    My Vet recommended this for my pet who has allergies to grain products in his food (rice, corn, wheat, etc). Since eating EVO 95% he rarely has an outbreak, high recommend although expense.