Chris Evans reflects on 'eye-opening' partnership with Jinx, goal to make quality dog food affordable for all dogs

Chris Evans might play a superhero in the movies, but he’s also made it his mission as an actor to use his platform to give back and make a difference in the real world where he's just as much a hero as his Marvel counterpart.

Evans has partnered with many incredible organizations and companies over the years, and in 2022 he embarked on what has become one of his most fulfilling partnerships when he and his dog, Dodger, partnered with Jinx. 

Jinx was founded on one simple philosophy: our dogs deserve better. This is a mission statement the company has been built upon from Day 1 and it’s a mission that Evans has personally taken up since partnering with Jinx as they look to make quality dog food available to pet owners and dogs on a budget, because as Evans best puts it “rich dogs shouldn’t be the only ones that eat well.” 

Since teaming up in 2022, Evans and Jinx have been an unstoppable force working together on a variety of projects including an adorable commercial in which Dodger stars alongside Evans, and the Limited Edition Dog Dream Box at Walmart which featured Dodger front and center. They’ve also continued to redefine dog wellness through healthier, tastier, and affordable food, while also working to give back to communities and help dogs in need. 

In fact, this August, 5% of every purchase of Jinx products at Walmart will go to supporting the USO and the life-saving work they do day in and day out, including through the USO Canine Program. This summer, hero dogs are powered by Jinx. Whether serving in the military, staying loyal to their best friend, or at home with their families dogs are heroic in every aspect of our lives, showing us courage, love, and determination every day, and they deserve the best nutrition. 

In just two short years, Jinx has made just as equally big of an impact on his life as Evans has made in partnering with the brand and they’ve only just begun! Bam Smack Pow had the chance to catch up with Evans to discuss his work with the company and their mission to bring quality food to all dogs! 

Chris Evans is dog dad goals and wants to help your pets live their best lives too! 

It’s been 2 years since you teamed up with Jinx, looking back can you tell us what initially drew you to partner with Jinx?

Well, a number of things. I'm always looking for good partnerships, things that make sense, not just to give you time and effort, but things that resonate with you. So obviously anything having to do with dogs is going to be something I gravitate towards.

But their mission statement, the people involved, the fact that they're trying to bring nutrition and health to dogs for people that maybe can't afford those real high-end luxury dog foods [all drew me to Jinx]. You know, rich dogs shouldn't be the only ones that eat well.

How has being a dog dad and working with Jinx changed your perspective on pet wellness and nutrition?

It's been great working with the people that make that their mission that that's their job.

You really respect the efforts, the science, the teams of people that go into putting together something that's gonna be dissected that people are gonna ask the tough questions.

Even when we first were exploring the possibility of teaming up, you do your due diligence and you see if this company checks all the boxes in terms of what would be branded healthy dog food, and it passed with flying colors.

So, it's  been eye-opening in that sense, but rewarding in the fact that I get to be around a lot of dogs, 

It's only been a few years but in that short span of time, you've already done so much in working with Jinx from launching the Limited Edition Dog Dream Box at Walmart to helping rescue pups through Jinx’s partner shelter, Animal Haven. Has there been a highlight or moment that stands out as a moment that will always stay with you?

Oh, yeah, the Dodger Box. I mean, anytime you put Dodger on a set, it's hilarious because he's actually fantastic. He's a real social butterfly.

So the first time we were on a photo shoot, I was worried how's he gonna be? But he was not just good, he was better than most film dogs I've worked with. He was so attentive and really engaged and so happy he was almost posing at times for the camera. But the actual box that he's on, you know, I got a whole stack of them somewhere in the house now. It's solidified and crystallized in time now. And it's just a really sweet special thing.

What it was like getting to blend these two worlds of yours together?  being a dog de and then also as an actor, you're of course used to doing press and photo shoots.

It's incredible. I mean, it certainly makes me at ease. He's almost like a therapy dog anytime Dodgers with me, I feel a little bit better. And we're a dog-loving country, you know what I mean? People love dogs. So it gives something for people to connect with instantly.

You know there's a commonality right out of the gate when people see me and Dodger, he's the one they go to greet first and, and I can connect with that.

What do you hope to achieve through your partnership with Jinx in the next few years?

I've learned so much about how you grow a brand and getting into those big stores, the Walmarts, the Whole Foods, and the Petcos, and these companies are critical in terms of expanding the brand. It's just satisfying, not just because I'm invested personally, but because it's a good thing and it actually feels good to be helping.

Switching gears a bit, what advice would you give to other pet owners who want to ensure their pets are living their best lives?

Get Jinx. 

Well, speaking of Jinx does Dodger have any personal favorite Jinx treats that you make sure to always keep stocked up on? 

The jerky. I mean, that's a tough call. It's tough to know which one he prefers. He knows the sound of the bag though.

Prior to partnering with Jinx, I've gone through tons of different types of treats and, you know, usually shaking of the bag is what activates him. But like any dog food, over time they kind of lose interest. You have to kind of keep switching it up since we started working with Jinx, he has not lost [interest], in fact, his interest has almost increased. He hears that bag and it doesn't matter what he's doing, he's running.

I've had the chance to attend some cons and listen to you speak about the relationship you have with Dodger, but what can you tell us about that connection?

I mean, I'm a big dog lover. I can talk about my relationship with Dodger all day.

He's just so pure. I know that might be sort of reductive or something, but there's just something about him that's just so honest and can't be corrupted. He has no idea who I am in terms of the public eye, his love for me is just based on me. It's not based on box office success or anything like that. 

It’s cleansing. Whether it's a rough day at work or just a rough day in your own head, spending time with Dodger just clears all that up.

Between, filming, working with Jinx, etc, when you're not on the go, what are your favorite activities to do with Dodger?

Hiking in the woods. It's tough in the summer. I'm in Massachusetts and it’s tough in the summer with all the ticks, which I don't remember being a thing as a kid. I don't know what the hell's happened, but this proliferation of ticks is out of control. What purpose do they serve? We gotta figure this tick thing out here. But, you know, aside from my negative tick rant, yeah, hiking in the woods. He loves it, so do I, so it's a perfect activity.

If you had 60 seconds to just sell someone on Jinx, what would be your pitch?

You're really putting my feet to the fire. Just go watch this interview. That’s the 60-second pitch. It's good nutrition at an affordable price.

I mean, fancy dog food. Quality ingredients are kind of everywhere right now, but it'll break the bank. Jinx is something that everyone can afford. Like I've always said it shouldn't only be rich dogs that eat well.

You can watch our complete interview with Chris Evans below to hear all about his amazing partnership with Jinx and the work they're doing to help all dogs live their best lives: