Is Evo Cat Food Still Available? The Complete Guide for Pet Owners

For cat owners who prioritize high-protein, grain-free diets, the name Evo cat food may evoke memories of a premium, biologically appropriate option. Known for its minimalist ingredient lists and emphasis on meat-centric nutrition, Evo carved out a niche in the premium pet food market during its peak. However, in recent years, confusion has grown among pet parents wondering: is Evo cat food still available? This comprehensive guide answers that question while diving into the brand’s history, its current standing in the pet food landscape, and offering alternatives for cat owners seeking similar nutritional profiles.

The Rise of Evo: A Brand Born from Innovation

To understand whether Evo cat food remains on store shelves, it’s essential to examine its origins. Evo was introduced in the mid-2000s by Wellness Pet Company, a subsidiary of the larger pet food manufacturer J.M. Smucker Company. The brand was a response to the growing demand for raw-inspired and grain-free diets in pet nutrition. Its philosophy centered on the idea that pets thrive on diets rich in animal protein and low in carbohydrates—mirroring what they would eat in the wild.

Core Principles of Evo Nutrition

Evo cat food was formulated with several key principles in mind:

• High animal protein content: Formulas often led with named meats such as chicken, turkey, or duck as the first ingredient.
• Grain-free: Free from corn, wheat, and soy, catering to cats with sensitivities or owners preferring ancestral diets.
• Low carbohydrate levels: Designed to support lean body mass and reduce risks associated with obesity.
• Minimal processing: Some lines, particularly Evo’s freeze-dried raw options, aimed to preserve natural nutrients.

Fueled by clean labeling trends and the raw food movement, Evo quickly garnered a loyal following across the United States and in specialty pet stores globally.

Product Lineup: What Evo Offered Cats

Evo’s lineup for feline diets included dry kibble, wet food, and freeze-dried raw products, each tailored to meet specific dietary goals:

Dry Cat Food

The Evo dry formulas were especially popular. They typically contained around 42–50% crude protein on a dry matter basis—substantially higher than many mainstream brands. Their turkey and duck recipe was a standout, marketed as ideal for cats with sensitivities to poultry like chicken.

Freeze-Dried Raw Diets

Perhaps the brand’s most innovative contribution was its freeze-dried raw cat food. These products didn’t require refrigeration and could be rehydrated, offering a convenient alternative to a strictly raw diet. They contained organ meats, bone, and raw muscle meat, closely approximating a whole-prey model.

Wet Food and Treats

Though less prominently marketed than the dry and freeze-dried lines, Evo also offered grain-free canned food and treats. These were well-received for their rich texture and meat-forward ingredient lists.

The Decline and Discontinuation of Evo Cat Food

Despite its strong reputation, Evo experienced a significant transformation in the late 2010s and the early 2020s. The central question remains: Is Evo cat food discontinued? The answer, unfortunately, leans toward yes.

Corporate Restructuring and Brand Consolidation

The WellPet parent company (which owns brands like Wellness, Old Mother Hubbard, and Sojos) underwent strategic changes starting around 2020. As part of J.M. Smucker’s broader vision for its pet food portfolio, several brands were evaluated for performance and synergies. Evo’s small market size relative to competitors like Wellness Core or Blue Buffalo led to its gradual phase-out.

By 2021, major distributors began reporting dwindling Evo inventory. Petco and PetSmart, once reliable sources for Evo products, quietly removed them from online and in-store inventories. Independent pet supply stores followed suit as supply chains were disrupted.

The Role of Regulatory and Market Pressures

Another influencing factor in Evo’s fade from prominence was the rising scrutiny over grain-free diets in pets. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation into a possible link between grain-free pet foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, primarily due to legumes and potatoes as main ingredients. Though the studies focused largely on canine diets, the ripple effect damaged consumer confidence in grain-free formulations across species.

Cats, however, have different dietary requirements and were not the primary concern in these studies. Nevertheless, the negative media coverage led many retailers and manufacturers to rethink the viability of grain-free offerings. Evo’s positioning as a grain-free brand became a liability rather than a strength.

Manufacturing Challenges and Supply Chain Disruptions

The global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic further pushed Evo into obscurity. High-cost specialty raw products, such as freeze-dried formulas, were most vulnerable to production halts and ingredient shortages. As manufacturing capacity was prioritized for higher-volume brands, Evo production slowed and eventually ceased.

The Current Status: Is Evo Cat Food Still Available in 2024?

As of 2024, the unfortunate truth is that Evo cat food has been officially discontinued by WellPet. While there may still be isolated instances of old stock appearing on third-party websites like Amazon, eBay, or Chewy, these are likely stale inventory or expired batches.

It’s crucial to note that purchasing discontinued or expired food poses risks to your cat’s health. Nutrient degradation, rancid fats, or moisture contamination can compromise food safety. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid sourcing Evo cat food from unofficial channels.

Signs That Evo Has Left the Market

Here are key indicators that Evo is no longer actively produced:

• The official Evo website redirects to WellnessPet’s homepage.
• No new product codes or batch numbers have been issued for Evo items since late 2021.
• Pet industry databases like Petfood Manufacturer’s Association list Evo as inactive.
• WellnessPet’s press releases and investor reports make no mention of Evo in recent product portfolios.

While a temporary discontinuation could theoretically happen, all signs point toward a permanent end to the Evo brand for cats.

Why Cat Owners Loved Evo: The Legacy Lives On

Even though Evo is no longer available, its legacy is evident in today’s pet food marketplace. Many of the nutritional standards it promoted—high protein, low carbohydrate, grain-free—are now integrated into numerous leading brands.

Core Beliefs That Influenced the Modern Cat Food Industry

When Evo launched, it was part of a pioneering wave that challenged conventional pet food formulas. Traditional diets often relied on plant-based proteins and fillers to reduce costs. Evo demonstrated that there was a market for premium, transparent, species-appropriate cat food.

The adoption of freeze-dried raw diets as a mainstream option, once considered niche, can be partially attributed to Evo’s early innovation. Brands like Stella & Chewy’s, Primal, and Nature’s Logic now dominate this segment, but Evo helped legitimize the category.

Consumer Trust and Transparency

Evo stood out by emphasizing ingredient transparency. The brand listed specific meat sources and avoided artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. This earned trust from consumers who wanted to avoid the “mystery meals” common in lower-tier commercial foods.

Though the brand is gone, its commitment to clean labels continues to influence industry standards.

Alternatives to Evo Cat Food: What to Try Now

If you’ve been a long-time supporter of Evo cat food, you may be wondering what brands offer similar profiles. Thankfully, several high-protein, grain-free, and raw-inspired alternatives are available today.

Top High-Protein, Grain-Free Dry Cat Foods

When replacing Evo dry formulas, cat owners should focus on products that match the high crude protein, low carbohydrate benchmarks. Here are some of the best current options:

1. Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Cat Food: Made by the same parent company, Wellness Core offers formulas with up to 40% protein and no grains. Their Ocean Recipe, featuring whitefish and herring, closely mimics Evo’s high-meat philosophy.
2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free: This formula leads with real roasted bison and venison, providing a rich protein source and a variety of amino acids. It’s a favorite in raw-inspired kibble markets.
3. Merrick Grain-Free Indoor Formula: Merrick uses deboned chicken as a first ingredient and includes omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. A great choice for less active indoor cats looking to maintain lean muscle.

Best Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Foods (Evo’s True Successors)

For those who used Evo’s freeze-dried line, several brands now offer superior or comparable nutrition:

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties

Available in multiple protein options (chicken, beef, lamb, duck), these patties are minimally processed and can be fed dry or rehydrated. They meet AAFCO standards for all life stages and are free from grains, corn, and soy.

Primal Freeze-Dried Formulas

Primal’s feline blends include raw muscle meat, organs, and ground bone—mirroring a carnivore’s natural diet. Their chicken and rabbit formulas are particularly high in animal protein and closely replicate the nutrient density Evo once offered.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Freeze-Dried

This brand includes probiotics and taurine-enriched formulas. Its “Ultimate Protein” line offers a 95% meat and organ content, making it one of the most species-appropriate commercial options.

Wet Food Alternatives with Evo-Like Profiles

For wet food lovers, brands like Tiki Cat, Weruva, and FirstMate deliver high-protein, grain-free meals with a focus on quality ingredients.

Comparison: Evo vs. Modern Alternatives

To assess how today’s options stack up, let’s consider Evo’s original Turkey & Duck Recipe compared to current alternatives:

Evo Turkey & Duck Dry Cat Food (Legacy Formula):

• Crude Protein: 42%
• Crude Fat: 18%
• Carbohydrates: ~15% (estimated)
• Key Ingredients: Turkey, duck, turkey meal, duck meal, peas, tapioca

Wellness Core Ocean Recipe:

• Crude Protein: 40%
• Crude Fat: 18%
• Carbohydrates: ~17%
• Key Ingredients: Whitefish, menhaden fish meal, peas, potato starch, pea starch

While not an exact match, Wellness Core’s Ocean Recipe offers comparable protein levels and species-appropriate fish-based nutrition. The ingredient profile is slightly more starch-heavy due to sourcing limitations, but it remains a strong substitute.

How to Choose the Right Replacement for Evo Cat Food

When transitioning away from a beloved brand like Evo, the process can feel daunting. Here’s how to find the best fit for your cat:

Understand Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal-based protein and specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A that cannot be synthesized from plant sources. Any replacement for Evo should prioritize meat as the first ingredient and meet AAFCO standards for feline nutrition.

Consider Life Stage and Activity Level

Kittens, senior cats, and indoor versus outdoor cats have different caloric and nutrient requirements. For example, active cats may thrive on higher-fat, higher-protein diets, while senior cats may benefit from joint-support supplements.

Avoid Ingredient Pitfalls

Even within high-protein brands, some include fillers like:

• Pea protein isolate
• Chickpeas
• Guar gum or carrageenan (in wet food)

While not inherently dangerous, these can cause digestive upset in sensitive cats. Always examine full ingredient lists and consult your veterinarian when in doubt.

Introduce New Food Gradually

When switching from Evo to a new brand, use a 7–10 day transition plan:

• Days 1–2: 25% new food, 75% old food
• Days 3–5: 50% new, 50% old
• Days 6–8: 75% new, 25% old
• Day 9+: 100% new food

Monitor for signs of allergies, vomiting, or changes in stool consistency.

The Future of Premium Cat Food: Where Do We Go From Here?

The discontinuation of Evo cat food reflects larger trends in the pet food industry: consolidation, response to health concerns, and shifting consumer preferences. However, the demand for high-quality, transparent, and biologically appropriate diets shows no signs of waning.

Brands that emphasize whole-food ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and veterinary nutrition input are gaining traction. Innovations in air-dried, cooked raw, and even lab-grown meat diets suggest that the legacy of Evo—pushing for better feline nutrition—will continue to evolve.

The Rise of Fresh and Cooked Raw Alternatives

A growing number of companies now offer fresh, human-grade cat food delivered weekly. Brands like The Farmer’s Dog (for dogs), Nom Nom, and Sundays for Cats provide custom meal plans and freeze-fresh packaging. Though more expensive, these options offer unmatched ingredient transparency and palatability.

Increased Regulation and Labeling Clarity

In response to concerns like the DCM investigations, regulatory bodies are pushing for more rigorous pet food labeling. The term “grain-free” is being scrutinized, but so is the use of terms like “natural” and “holistic.” As transparency becomes standard, cat owners can expect better tools to differentiate between marketing and genuine nutritional value.

Final Thoughts: Honoring Evo’s Contribution to Feline Nutrition

To conclude, Evo cat food is no longer available as of 2024. The brand has been officially discontinued due to corporate restructuring, changing market dynamics, and supply chain challenges. While it’s sad to see such a forward-thinking option fade away, Evo’s impact on the pet food industry endures.

For cat owners seeking high-protein, grain-free, or raw-inspired diets, numerous high-quality alternatives exist today. By staying informed, reading labels, and prioritizing your cat’s individual needs, you can continue to provide the same level of nutritional excellence that Evo once championed.

Although the Evo bag may no longer grace your pantry shelf, the principles it promoted—quality ingredients, species-appropriate nutrition, and transparency—remain more important than ever. In that sense, Evo’s mission lives on in every bowl of well-chosen cat food served with care.

Is Evo Cat Food still being manufactured and sold?

No, Evo Cat Food is no longer being manufactured or sold. The brand, originally produced by Wild Calling, was discontinued several years ago due to a combination of corporate restructuring and strategic shifts within pet food markets. While the exact timeline varies by region, most retail outlets ceased carrying Evo products around 2019–2020. As a result, consumers can no longer purchase new bags or cans of Evo Cat Food through standard channels such as pet stores or online retailers.

The discontinuation was confirmed by pet food distributors and parent companies involved with Wild Calling at the time. Although the brand once gained popularity for its high-protein, grain-free formulas targeted toward active and carnivorous cats, it was phased out to streamline product portfolios. Currently, there are no announced plans to revive the Evo Cat Food line, and any remaining stock found online or in stores is likely old inventory or from third-party resellers, which pet owners should approach with caution due to potential spoilage.

Why was Evo Cat Food discontinued?

Evo Cat Food was discontinued primarily due to business realignment within the parent company and shifting priorities in the premium pet food sector. Wild Calling, the manufacturer, faced increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny regarding grain-free diets, particularly after the FDA began investigating potential links between grain-free foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Although cats were not the focus of the investigation, the associated negative publicity impacted consumer confidence in grain-free pet foods across the board.

Additionally, Wild Calling opted to consolidate its brand offerings, focusing on other product lines that aligned better with current market trends and manufacturing capabilities. The decision to discontinue Evo was part of a larger strategy to streamline operations and redirect resources. While the brand had a loyal following, declining sales and distribution challenges ultimately made it unsustainable, leading to the official halt in production.

Are there any safe alternatives to Evo Cat Food?

Yes, several high-quality cat food brands offer formulas comparable to what Evo once provided, particularly in terms of high-protein, grain-free, and low-carbohydrate nutrition. Brands like Taste of the Wild, Wellness CORE, Instinct by Nature’s Variety, and Blue Buffalo Wilderness have grain-free wet and dry options that emphasize animal-based proteins, appealing to pet owners who sought Evo for its carnivore-focused approach. It’s important to research ingredient lists and consult your veterinarian to find the best match for your cat’s dietary needs.

When selecting an alternative, consider your cat’s age, health conditions, and activity level. For instance, indoor cats may require lower calorie intake, while active or outdoor cats may benefit from the higher protein content found in Evo-style diets. Transition gradually to any new food to avoid digestive upset, and monitor your cat for any adverse reactions. Ultimately, while no brand is an exact replica of Evo, many reputable options offer similar nutritional profiles with updated formulations to meet today’s safety and quality standards.

Is it safe to feed my cat leftover Evo Cat Food from my pantry?

If you still have unopened bags or cans of Evo Cat Food in your pantry, it may not be safe to feed them to your cat, especially if the expiration date has passed. Pet food shelf life depends on formulation, storage conditions, and packaging integrity. Once a product is discontinued, manufacturers stop quality monitoring and support, meaning there’s no way to verify the safety or nutritional value of old stock. Expired food can lose essential nutrients and may develop harmful bacteria or mold over time.

Even if the food appears and smells normal, consuming expired cat food can lead to gastrointestinal issues or long-term health problems. Check the packaging for the “best by” or expiration date; if the food is past that date, it’s best to discard it. Given that Evo is no longer produced, it’s also difficult to obtain lot-specific recall information or contact support if problems arise. For your cat’s well-being, it’s safer and more responsible to switch to a current, vet-approved alternative rather than relying on discontinued products.

Can I find Evo Cat Food on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay?

While you may come across listings for Evo Cat Food on online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, or specialty resale sites, these are typically sold by third-party sellers and not officially supported by the manufacturer. These products are often leftover stock, and due to the discontinuation, they may be significantly past their expiration date. Buyers should exercise extreme caution, as there is no guarantee of freshness, proper storage, or safety.

Purchasing discontinued pet food online carries risks, including exposure to degraded nutrients or contaminated products. Additionally, these sellers do not provide manufacturer warranties or customer service support. If you do find Evo Cat Food online, verify the expiration date and packaging condition before considering a purchase. However, due to the unavailability of official quality control, it is strongly recommended to avoid these listings and instead choose a current, reputable brand to ensure your cat receives safe, nutritious meals.

What made Evo Cat Food unique compared to other cat food brands?

Evo Cat Food stood out in the pet food market for its high-protein, low-carbohydrate, and grain-free recipes designed specifically for carnivorous feline diets. The brand aimed to mimic a natural prey-based diet by including high percentages of animal proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish, appealing to pet owners focused on biologically appropriate nutrition. It also avoided common fillers like corn, soy, and wheat, which attracted consumers seeking minimalist and clean-label ingredients.

Another distinguishing feature was Evo’s emphasis on active and performance nutrition—marketing its products to energetic or highly active cats, similar to how performance diets are formulated for athletic dogs. This niche positioning helped it build a loyal following among cat owners who wanted more robust, meat-centric options. However, with evolving pet food science and safety concerns around grain-free diets, the market shifted, and Evo’s distinctive approach eventually became less aligned with current industry standards.

Should I consult a veterinarian before switching my cat from Evo to another food?

Yes, it is highly advisable to consult your veterinarian before switching your cat from Evo Cat Food or any discontinued diet to a new brand. Cats can be sensitive to dietary changes, and abrupt transitions may lead to digestive issues, refusal to eat, or nutrient imbalances. A veterinarian can evaluate your cat’s health, age, weight, and potential allergies to recommend a safe, nutritionally balanced alternative tailored to their individual needs.

Your vet may also consider underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or food sensitivities that influence the best choice of replacement food. Professional guidance ensures that the new diet meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards and supports your cat’s long-term health. As pet food options vary significantly in quality and formulation, expert input helps you avoid guesswork and make informed decisions in the absence of Evo Cat Food.