American Journey is the house brand for Chewy.com, the online pet food and products retailer. American Journey is Chewy’s first foray into selling their own pet food brand.
Offering wet and dry food varieties, American Journey has been making waves in the dog food industry since its launch. It’s mostly due to the brand’s promise of sticking only to natural ingredients and its aversion to using wheat, soy, poultry by-products, and fillers in any of its products.
We’ve decided to write this article, American Journey dog food reviews, to see just why its dog food products are so popular and check what’s inside each of their lines. But before that, a little background info on the company.
Who makes American Journey Dog Food?
American Journey is owned by online pet product and food retailer, Chewy.com. It’s Chewy’s house brand and is made right here in the U.S. All meals are designed to cater to the specific and various needs of pups of varying life stages.
It manufactures and sells both grain free and rice-mixed as well as wet and dry dog food recipes, many of which feature sweet potato as a healthier alternative to grains for a pup’s carbohydrate needs.
Our analysis of each American Journey dog food recipe includes some of their nutrient content. Here are some quick facts about why each of these is considered important and to help you better understand each American Journey dog food review we wrote below.
1. Protein – As one of the most important nutrients in dog foods, protein provides energy, supports muscle development, aids in tissue repair and growth, and keeps bones healthier. Most good dog food recipes list meat protein as the first ingredient.
2. Fiber – Fiber in pet food aids in digestion, speeds elimination, and can reduce symptoms of constipation or diarrhea.
3. Fat – It’s a source of energy for pets. It can also be a source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which support healthy fur and skin.
4. Moisture – Moisture in dog food helps keep pets from dehydration, particularly those who don’t consume much water. A higher moisture content is especially ideal for furries who are prone to kidney problems or urinary tract infections. Dry foods have lower moisture content than wet ones.
5. Calories – Calories are good for the body and are used for energy. Too much, though, when a body can’t burn enough of it (through inactivity) can lead to weight gain. It’s good to check the calorie content of a dog food, particularly if your pet is on the heavy side.
The dry dog food category of the American Journey company is composed of several different ranges, including Grain Free, Healthy Weight, and Brown Rice. Each of the range targets a specific life stage, breed size and weight, or food preference.
Some pooches have a hard time digesting grains, while others suffer from skin allergies as a result of eating foods that have wheat, legumes, or rye. American Journey dedicated an entire line for sensitive pups to help them get their daily dose of complete and balanced nutrition without the grain that can make them ill.
The brand’s regular Grain Free line of pet food varies only in the main protein ingredients and slightly on the nutrient content.
They all feature superfoods like blueberries for its load of vitamin C and E, dried kelp for its contribution to skin and coat health, carrots as a great source of fiber and beta-carotene, and sweet potatoes for starch and complex carbohydrates.
Carrying the unique taste of both the sea and freshwater, the deboned salmon in the American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe offers pups an exceptional meal full of flavor.
The fish provides the kibbles with a good amount of omega fatty acids and DHA for the proper development of the eyes and brain plus a shiny coat and healthy skin.
There’s a high level of protein included — a minimum of 32% — with crude fiber at 5% max, crude fat at 14% minimum, and moisture at 10% max.
Note: If your pet is allergic to chicken or poultry, do note that the second ingredient in this dry dog food after salmon is chicken meal. There’s also chicken fat included as well turkey meal.
Chicken is a popular meat ingredient in pet foods because of its rich flavor. In this kibble, real deboned poultry meat is the topmost ingredient and the main protein source.
Chicken is a very popular meat ingredient in dog foods because it’s simply flavorful. In this recipe, real deboned poultry meat is the first ingredient and the main source of protein — pegged at a high 34% minimum.
Deboned chicken in the ingredients list is followed by chicken meal for your pup’s dose of glucosamine (a joint supplement that replenishes cartilages and provides relief from arthritic pain).
A crude fat percentage of 15% gives pets the needed calories to keep them active. Fiber is at 5% max and moisture at 10% max.
Beef has a savory and rich taste plus aromatic scent that meat eaters love. It is also worth noting that the 2nd ingredient here is chicken meal which makes this kibble irresistible.
Beef has a rich and savory taste that meat eaters love. It’s a common protein ingredient in feeds, right up there with chicken in popularity, because the taste is powerful enough that a dog can enjoy the beef in kibbles even without artificial flavors added.
In this recipe, American Journey uses real deboned beef to provide 32% minimum crude protein. A fiber amount of 5% minimum keeps furry tummies happy. The fat content is pegged at 14% minimum, while moisture is at 10% max.
Note: The second ingredient in this dog food after beef is chicken meal. There’s also chicken fat inside. It’s best to avoid it if your pup is allergic to poultry.
Among the various kinds of meat, lamb provides one of the most digestible forms of protein for our furry companions. This is formula is good for pets who suffer from poultry allergy, Lamb is a novel protein.
Pups that are allergic to beef products but want the taste of red meat will do well with the American Journey Lamb and Sweet Potato recipe. Among the various kinds of meat, lamb provides one of the most digestible forms of protein for our furry companions.
The first ingredient is deboned lamb, which offers a good 30% minimum amount of crude protein. The fat content is at 12% minimum — the lowest among the recipes in the regular Grain Free line — which may be a good thing if your pup needs to lose a little weight. The max percentage for moisture is set at 10%, while for fiber it’s 5%.
Note: Chicken meal is the second ingredient in this recipe, and there’s also chicken fat content. Although the poultry ingredients are considered healthy, it’s best to note this for dog owners whose fur companions are allergic to fowl.
Limited Ingredient
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American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
American Journey’s Limited Ingredient line keeps it simple for pet owners whose pups may be sensitive to many types of foods. The animal protein in these formulations come from a single source, so you’ll know at a glance if it will work for your dog or not.
The list is blissfully short. Sweet potatoes and peas take the place of problematic grain as sources of carbohydrates. There’s plenty of omega fatty acids in each recipe, taken from flaxseed and sunflower oil.
And while it promises balanced nutrition, you can be sure there are no common allergens like wheat, soy, corn, poultry by-products, and artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors in the mix.
Deboned Salmon is a healthy alternative to meat, but it’s not bland by any means. It has a refreshing taste that differentiates it from other fish meats, which is why a lot of dogs go gaga for it.
Salmon provides the only animal protein source in this delicious combo of salmon and sweet potato. The deboned fish is a healthy alternative to meat, but it’s not bland by any means. Salmon has a subtle and refreshing taste that differentiates it from other fish meat, which is why a lot of dogs go wild for it.
The protein is pegged at 25% minimum, not as much as other flavors in this range, but it makes up for it with the high levels of omega fatty acids the food contains. (1.8% min for omega-6 and 1.2% minimum for omega-3). Fat is 12% minimum, while crude fiber and moisture are at 6% max and 10% max respectively.
A novel animal protein source for canines who are tired of the usual, duck provides quite a tasty alternative. It’s a frequent ingredient in hypoallergenic dog foods because of its novelty, and it is much richer in flavor when compared to chicken.
Duck also contains lots of fat and is high in nutrients like iron. Crude fat is at 12% minimum, for example. The crude protein is listed at 25% minimum, while crude fiber and moisture are at 6% and 10% respectively.
Lamb has a similar taste to beef but it has a far gamier flavor. It is rich in essential amino acids that are necessary for promoting good skin and coat health.
Lamb is similar in taste to beef but it has a much tangier flavor. It’s a great addition to any flavor rotation, and it can be an excellent option for canines who have food sensitivities from other animal protein sources. Besides, lamb is rich in essential amino acids that are necessary for growth and beautiful skin and coat.
The crude protein content in the American Journey lamb recipe is listed as 22% minimum, while fat is at a minimum of 12%. Crude fiber and moisture are the same as the other flavors in this range, which is 6% max for fiber and 10% max for moisture.
Turkey is another popular meat, it has a lower caloric value than chicken, making it more suitable for older doggies or canines who are on the heavy side and wants to trim down.
Turkey is another popular meat in dog food recipes. Usually, dogs that are allergic to chicken do fine with turkey. And if you compare the caloric value, turkey meat has a lower value than chicken, making it more suitable for older doggies or canines who are on the chubby side.
This recipe includes a minimum crude protein content of 25% and a minimum crude fat content of 12%. A moisture content of 10% max and and a max crude fiber of 6% are contained in the formulation.
Venison has lower cholesterol content when compared to other meats, while rich in B vitamins and omega fatty acids. It’s also got an earthy taste that dogs love.
Venison is lower in cholesterol when compared to other meats, while rich in B vitamins and omega fatty acids. This recipe contains more omega-6 fatty acids than any other recipe under the same range, and its omega-3 fatty acid content is comparable to the salmon flavor.
It’s also got an earthy taste that dogs love and can be a good option for pet parents whose fur companions suffer from food sensitivities.
This formulation has a minimum crude protein content of 25% and a minimum crude fat content of 12%. A moisture content of 10% max and and a crude fiber of 6% maximum are contained in the formulation.
Large canines have a whole lot of love to give but they also have a whole lot more needs than regular-sized pets when it comes to nutrition. A range of dog food specifically-formulated for these biggies will give them all the fuel and nutrients they require to go on their big-sized adventures. This is where the American Journey Large Breed comes in.
The Large Breed range supports doggos with their daily food needs by supplying them with large amounts of high-quality protein from real meat. Superfood ingredients like sweet potatoes, kelp, carrots, and blueberries deliver all the powerful nutrients a doggie needs for wellness from his nose to his tail.
Just like with the brand’s other ranges, you won’t find any soy, wheat, or corn in this line. It’s also grain free.
The main protein source is from salmon, pea protein, and turkey meal, which is also a good source not only of protein but also of chondroitin and glucosamine.
Because big breeds deserve big nutrients, this salmon formulation keeps the crude protein level at a high 30% minimum.
The protein is taken from salmon, — the number one ingredient — pea protein, and turkey meal, which is also a good source not only of protein but also of chondroitin and glucosamine (supports healthy cartilage).
The crude fiber is pegged at 5% max, crude fat at 12% minimum, and moisture at 10% maximum. Each cup contains a caloric content of 370 kcal. This recipe is designed to meet all the needs of big pups of all life stages.
This Large Breed recipe calls for real deboned chicken as its topmost ingredient with turkey meal providing additional and rich sources of animal protein.
Chicken meat is one of the top ingredients in plenty of dog foods because it’s tasty, and it’s considered a lean meat. This Large Breed recipe calls for real deboned chicken as the first ingredient with chicken and turkey meal providing additional and abundant sources of animal protein.
Chicken fat in the mix provides a natural source of omegas, plus it makes the food taste better.
Pea protein contributes to bring the crude protein content to 30% minimum. The crude fat is at 12% minimum, while the crude fiber and moisture are at 5% and 10% maximum, respectively.
The omega-3 fatty acid here (0.7% minimum) is slightly lower compared to the salmon recipe which has 1% minimum, although both enjoy a 2.5% minimum when it comes to omega-6 fatty acids.
Healthy Weight
While chunky doggos are overwhelmingly cute, a good balanced weight is still best if we want what’s healthy for them. This range aims to cover all the nutritional bases that canines need while keeping the calories at a minimum. It’s designed to keep doggies fitter, healthier, and a lot more active.
Each Healthy Weight kibble is packed with lots of fibers (from natural sources) to help dogs feel fuller after meals (a necessity for dogs struggling with obesity), plenty of protein for building lean muscles, and all the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants every pup needs to maintain a healthy weight.
The kibbles contain L-Carnitine for fat metabolism and glucosamine + chondroitin for overall mobility and joint health. They also have flaxseed, which provides natural fiber and omega-3 fatty acids; pumpkin for Vitamin A and fiber; sweet potatoes for carbohydrates; and blueberries for immune support.
As always, there are no grains, wheat, soy, corn, poultry by-products, or any artificial flavor, color, or preservative.
This recipe takes most of its protein from yummy deboned salmon that gives each kibble a refreshing taste of the sea. Chicken and turkey meal provide additional sources of animal protein, while pea protein helps bring the total crude protein of each feed up to 30% minimum.
While crude protein is up, crude fat is down to 9% minimum to keep each meal leaner. The fiber is at a high 9% maximum, while moisture is at 10% max.
The calorie content is measured at 315 kcal/cup only.
Deboned chicken provides much of the flavor and the largest source of animal protein in this dog food recipe. Turkey and chicken meal lend supplemental protein while chicken fat offers a richer flavor into the mix.
Although it has slightly more calories than the salmon flavor, each cup of this recipe still offers a caloric content that is a good deal lower than that of the other ranges at 337 kcal per cup.
The protein is a good 30% minimum, crude fat at 10% minimum (a little higher compared to the salmon flavor), crude fiber at 10% max, and moisture at 10% max.
Landmark is American Journey’s take on pet food that is patterned after the protein-rich diet of our dogs’ ancestors. It’s a purposeful blend that’s inspired by the wild, with 70% of the meal consisting of natural protein and fat from meat and fish sources and the rest of the feed from nutrient-dense ingredients.
This prey-based 70-30 diet keeps the protein high for sustained energy, a healthier immune system, active growth, and lean muscles.
Along with protein, each kibble is filled with naturally-occuring vitamins, minerals, and a broad array of amino acids. There are also prebiotic and probiotic ingredients thrown in for good digestive health.
Unlike the other American Journey dog food ranges, Landmark does not contain potatoes. It also does not have corn, grains, soy, gluten, or poultry by-product meals.
Made for adult dogs, this recipe uses premium livestock such as US Angus beef and pasture-raised pork as the first ingredients. Since pork is considered a novel meat (less commonly fed to dogs), this formulation can be a great option for pets who are not allergic to beef but can’t tolerate some meat sources.
Deboned beef is the first ingredient followed by deboned pork and turkey meal. The three meats provide the bulk of the protein in the food, bringing it to a high 40% minimum. Crude fat is listed at 15% minimum, crude fiber at 2% maximum, and moisture at maximum of 10%.
Let me bring your attention to our personal review about this particular product. The cutie doggo, Alaina is not used to eating dry dog food alone, her normal diet is dry mixed with wet food. However when given this blend, she chowed it down eventually and even ate more after the video was recorded according to Dennis.
Check out Alaina the Husky's video below:
Note: It has to be noted that this recipe contains chicken fat, dried egg product, and salmon oil, which can be allergens.
2. Landmark Delta Blend with Rainbow-Trout and Herring
This features wild-caught herring and farmed rainbow trout as the first two ingredients. The blend of ocean and river fish gives this formulation a rich and distinct taste.
Adult canines who love fish will be wagging their tails with this fishy dog food recipe. It features farmed rainbow trout and wild-caught herring as the first two ingredients. The blend of ocean and river fish gives this formulation a distinct and rich taste.
Turkey meal provides an additional source of protein in this mix, along with pork meal, bringing the total to 40% minimum crude protein. The crude fat and moisture composition is the same as that of the Plateau Blend (15% and 10% respectively), but the max fiber is a little bit higher at 3%.
Note: There’s also poultry fat and dried egg product in the formula, which could be a cause for concern for doggies with food sensitivities to poultry.
3. Landmark Trailhead Blend with Cage-free Chicken & Turkey
Itty-bitty puppies need their mega dose of proteins too, and this American Journey puppy food provides all they need to help them grow beautifully. Cage-free chicken and turkey top the list of ingredients, providing the main source of protein in this puppy formulation.
It is heavy on the protein with the crude minimum listed as 40%. The max fiber is 2%, max moisture is 10%, and minimum fat is 15%.
Note: It also contains Pork gelatin, dried egg product, duck meal, and salmon oil.
Brown Rice
Everyday is an adventure for our furry companions, and the Brown Rice range aims to provide all the energy our pets need for their explorations.
It offers a complete and balanced diet that uses protein-filled meats accompanied by healthy grains and wholesome veggies and fruits for excellent health inside and out.
Protein coming from real deboned meat is always the first ingredient in every recipe. Wholesome grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley provide fiber and lots of sustained energy for active pups. Brown rice is also good for the heart.
Each of the products in the Brown Rice range contain guaranteed levels of DHA included for proper eye and brain development, balanced omegas for coat health and the immune system, and a ton of antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Deboned salmon and menhaden fish meal provide the main sources of protein here, amounting to a total of 25% minimum. There is much fiber in here at 6% maximum, all the better to help dogs with digestion and elimination.
Energetic pups are fully supported with complex carbohydrates found in the brown rice, bran, and other grains in this recipe.
Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) in the ingredients list contributes to the total crude fat in each meal, which is listed as 15% minimum. Moisture is listed as 10% maximum, and the DHA level is .08% minimum.
The first ingredient here is deboned chicken, fully supported by chicken meal for additional protein. It is a tasty recipe that utilizes whole foods like cranberries, blueberries, and carrots for complete nutrition.
The first ingredient here is deboned chicken, fully supported by chicken meal for additional protein, which is listed as 25% minimum. It’s a tasty recipe that utilizes whole foods like cranberries, blueberries, and carrots for complete nutrition.
The 6% minimum crude fiber content is excellent for keeping the colon cells and the whole digestive system healthy. There’s also crude fat at 15% minimum for extra fuel and a moisture content of 10% maximum.
American Journey Wet Dog Food Reviews
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American Journey Stews Beef & Vegetables Recipe in Gravy
There are currently three ranges under the wet dog food category: Stews in Gravy, Limited Ingredient, and Premium Loaf. These are all canned dog food that vary in texture and number of Stews In Gravy
Gravy makes food that much more delicious for humans, and it’s the same thing for dogs. The Stews in Gravy range by American Journey feature morsels of real meat in hearty gravy for a truly satisfying meal rich in moisture, protein, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Each recipe in this range lists real high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient. There are also potatoes to provide the needed carbs without resorting to grains. Fish oil and flaxseed, meanwhile, provide levels of DHA & EPA for healthy coats and skins.
The meals contain an appetizing broth that does not resort to artificial flavoring to give a satisfying taste. There are also no artificial colors or preservatives, grains, wheat, soy, or corn included.
Beef and beef broth are the main ingredients here, providing the main flavor. However, chicken broth, meat, and liver also contribute some to the taste and the nutrients.
Beef and beef broth are the main ingredients here, providing the main flavor. However, chicken broth, meat, and liver also contribute some to the taste and the nutrients, bringing the total amount of crude protein to 8% minimum.
The minimum crude fat content is a low 5%, perfect for old doggies or chonky canines in need of a diet. The fiber, however, is only 1.5% maximum, but it’s made up for by a high amount of moisture set at 82% max.
Real chicken starts off the recipe list here followed by broth and liver for additional doses of poultry flavor. There’s also beef broth added in to make the taste of this dog food recipe more complex.
Real chicken starts off the recipe list here followed by broth and liver for additional doses of poultry flavor. There’s also beef broth added in to make the taste of this dog food recipe more complex, and there are plenty of superfood ingredients to provide a whole balanced meal.
The nutrient content is the same in this formula as the Gravy Beef flavor with protein at 8% minimum, crude fat at 5% minimum, crude fiber at 1.5% maximum, and moisture at 82% maximum.
A pooch that enjoys the soft texture of wet dog food will probably enjoy the smooth texture of each American Journey Premium Loaf meal. Real animal proteins taken from chicken, beef, or turkey start off each wholesome recipe for a substantial feed.
Vegetables and fruits such as carrots, peas, and potatoes are thrown into the mix to give your dog a wide range of health benefits including the development of lean muscles, healthy coat and skin, and sustained energy for daily activities.
Each ingredient has been carefully selected to provide all the beneficial nutrition a dog needs while ensuring that it comes in a tasty package that he will crave
There are plenty of essential amino and omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and added vitamins and minerals but no grains, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, or artificial flavors and preservatives.
The combination of beef and chicken provide a more complex but delicious taste in this American Journey dog food recipe. The two meats are accompanied by chicken liver and beef broth for a richer flavor and texture.
The combination of beef and chicken provide a more complex but delicious taste in this American Journey dog food recipe. The two meats are accompanied by chicken liver and beef broth for a richer flavor and texture.
The crude protein content of this formula is listed at 9% minimum. Crude fat is at 6% minimum, crude fiber at 1.5% maximum, and moisture at 78% max. The caloric content for this formulation is 443 kcal/12 oz can.
Chicken and turkey offer plenty of nourishment for poultry-mad doggies. Together, the two provide much of the protein content in this meal, reaching 9% minimum. There’s also liver for a richer and more savory taste, not to mention it’s a good source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
The fat is listed at 6% minimum, crude fiber at 1.5% max, and moisture is at 78% maximum. It’s mostly the same nutrition content as the Premium Loaf Beef flavor, except for the caloric count, which is lower at 426 kcal/12 oz can.
Recall History
We did not find any recalls for American Journey foods in the FDA database. These products have been around for quite some time and there haven’t been any recalls yet as of this writing.
There are various comments online from buyers that they had to stop feeding the food because their dog had some gastrointestinal distress but you can find similar comments for many dog food brands.
Is This Food Good For My Dog?
When considering whether any food is good for your dog you need to think about several different factors. First and foremost, you should determine your dog’s nutritional needs. His basic dietary needs will be affected by his health, age, size, and other unique traits.
Then you need to consider the dog food. Are the ingredients high in quality? Does the company have good quality control measures? Do you know much about the manufacturing processes? Does the company have a history of recalls?
The company’s reputation also comes into play, along with how the dog food is marketed. Be careful, however, that you don’t allow brilliant marketing to convince you that a mediocre food is a great food.
At the end of the day, there are only a couple of things that really matter: 1) Does your dog like the food and eat it willingly? And, 2) Is the food nutritious for your dog? It doesn’t matter if your friend’s dog loves the food and thrives on it. Your dog is the one that matters to you.
Our Verdict
Based on our American Journey dog food reviews of each line of pet food offered by the company, we have to say that the brand’s products all pass with flying colors.
The wide range of choices available combined with premium ingredients, lack of grains (in most of the pet foods offered), and the non-use of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors in the recipes are all excellent points in our book.
From little pups to big ones and from lean fur buddies to heavy canines, there’s a range for every need. And because we didn’t want to rely on just our own dog food review to come out with our verdict, we also checked customer product reviews to gather more information.
A large majority of American Journey buyers have found these dog foods more than satisfactory.
But while everything else looks good, there’s one caveat. Except for the Limited Ingredients wet or dry dog food range, most products include animal ingredients that come from sources other than those listed as the flavors.
For example, the Trailhead Blend in Chicken & Turkey flavor contains pork gelatin, salmon oil, and duck meal, and the Grain Free Beef & Sweet Potato recipe has chicken meal in it.
It’s always best to check the full ingredient list when buying pet food to avoid giving our pups anything that they might be sensitive to.
Dry Dog Food vs. Wet Dog Food
It’s a long-running debate, but the truth is, each type of dog food has its pros and cons. It all boils down to the individual requirements and preference of each dog and his owner.
The advantages of dry dog food products:
The hard texture is great for maintaining oral hygiene.
Usually packed with more protein and carbohydrates
Less messy than wet food
Easy to store
Lasts longer when left out
Less expensive than wet food
The disadvantages of dry dog food are the following:
Can be harder to chew for young puppies or old ones
Doesn’t contain much moisture
Wet dog food products, meanwhile, has these as its pros:
Less processed than dry food
Contains more moisture, making it more hydrating
Can be better for pups who need to lose weight because the moisture helps satiate bellies faster
Often more flavorful which can entice picky eaters
The drawbacks to wet dog food are as follows:
Shelf life is short once opened
Exclusive wet food eaters need more dental maintenance
Many pet owners find that mixing these two types of dog foods can also be a good compromise. In fact, doing so can provide your dog with the benefits of both.
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Noreen possesses a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Informatics International College. While this credential might not elucidate her passion for pets, it does demonstrate her technical expertise and diverse character.
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