Grain Free Deboned Chicken, Pea & Sweet Potato Kitten Dry Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a grain-free dry kitten food based on deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal, providing a high 36% protein and 18% fat to support growth and energy needs. Peas, chickpeas, and sweet potato supply carbohydrates and fiber, while added DHA, taurine, and omega fatty acids support healthy development. It’s formulated for growing kittens and for pregnant or nursing mother cats as a complete and balanced diet.
Nutritionally, this is a high-protein, energy-dense option that fits the needs of growing kittens and reproducing females quite well. I like that it uses multiple animal protein sources, includes DHA and taurine at solid levels, and adds probiotic cultures and some whole-food ingredients. The main caution is that it’s a grain-free, legume-heavy formula, which I tend to watch more closely, especially in light of emerging research in dogs, even though that link hasn’t been clearly established in cats.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (36%) and fat (18%) levels are appropriate for active, growing kittens and nursing queens.
- Multiple animal protein sources (deboned chicken, chicken meal, fish meal, turkey meal, egg) provide a robust amino acid profile.
- Good inclusion of key nutrients for kittens, including DHA from fish oil, taurine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and adequate calcium and phosphorus.
- Contains added probiotic fermentation products and prebiotic chicory root, which can help support a healthy digestive tract.
Considerations
- Grain-free and relies heavily on peas, chickpeas, and pea starch as carbohydrate sources; while the DCM concern is best documented in dogs, some owners may prefer a non–legume-heavy option for caution’s sake.
- Chicken, egg, and fish are all common feline allergens, so this formula would not be a good choice for kittens with known sensitivities to those proteins.
- Uses menadione (a synthetic vitamin K source), which is considered safe at regulated levels but is sometimes avoided by more conservative formulators.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
04
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
05
Fish
Fish is commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible animal protein and an excellent source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support skin and coat health, joint function, and cognitive development in both dogs and cats. It also supplies B vitamins and minerals but can be a common allergen, may contain environmental contaminants or mercury depending on species and sourcing, and raw fish can contain thiaminase—so choose properly processed, nutritionally balanced, and sustainably sourced fish ingredients.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Evolve Pet Food is a premium pet food brand by Sunshine Mills offering natural pet foods made with high-quality proteins and wholesome ingredients, free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The brand targets health-conscious pet owners seeking affordable premium nutrition.
Visit EvolveManufacturer
Manufacturing is conducted in the United States under FDA and USDA oversight. Facilities are SQF- and HACCP-certified to ensure compliance with national food safety standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Evolve Grain Free Deboned Chicken, Pea & Sweet Potato Kitten Dry Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Evolve ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Evolve. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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