This article is an American Journey dog food review.

As a canine Nutritionist and pet owner, I have bought various types of foods for my dogs. My main concern always was how to provide the best nutrition for my pets. 

I believe that our pets deserve the best possible food that we can provide.

This American Journey Dog Food Review will show:

• what ingredients are in branded pet food
• how this affects your loved canine friend

So you can make an informed choice if a particular dog food is best for your pet.

With so many options available on dog food shelves, it is easy to be overwhelmed, which is the best dog food overall.

I have researched American Journey dog food products in-depth to help you determine if this dog food brand is the best diet for your dog.

American Journey is a dry and wet dog food brand, which provides balanced nutrition for most dogs.

Also, they have an extensive range of treats for training and snacking while out and about.

This pet food brand was Launched in 2017, manufacture its products in the USA, using domestic and globally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers. Available exclusively at Chewy.com and PetSmart.

According to their website, their dog food never has corn, wheat, or soy.

This comprehensive dog food review will analyze this brand’s ingredients and nutritional content. We will also discuss customer reviews, possible recalls, and potential alternatives for this pet food from American Journey.

Keep reading for more details about the American Journey Dog Food review.

American Journey Dog Food Review Overview

American Journey dog food makes a dry and wet food product. This dog food includes real, deboned meats and fruits and vegetables, with no poultry by-product meal or artificial preservatives.

• They use complex carbohydrates in their formula instead of grains, corn, soy, and wheat.

• Real meat protein is always the first ingredient on the list.

• The wet food range comes in Stews in gravy and Premium Loaf.

•  A range of dog treats and a salmon oil supplement are available for dogs.

American Journey dog food review shows that this brand specializes their range in 4 product lines:

Grain-Free

Grain-free dog food free of corn, wheat, and soy help food-sensitive pets avoid fillers that might upset their stomach.

Designed for all life stages and is high in protein.

Active Life

For dogs with an active lifestyle. 

Every recipe provides a balanced diet starting with real protein as the first ingredient plus nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. 

Every bite delivers a precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing and balanced omegas to keep healthy skin and coat.

Limited ingredient

This limited ingredient dog food range has a single animal protein source. It is also grain-free, making it an excellent option for dogs that may experience itchy skin and have a sensitive stomach.

Landmark and Treats

Oven-baked, Training bits, Jerky, Snacking sticks, Dental treats.

They also make limited ingredient treats if your dog has a specialized diet and sensitive skin and stomach issues.

All formulas meet AAFCO Guidelines for pet food.

Here are their most popular options for American Journey dog food:

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best American journey Dog Food Overall)

American Journey Stews Poultry & Beef Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food (Best Wet American journey Dog Food)

American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best American Journey Dog Food For Puppy)

American Journey Senior Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best American journey Dog Food For Senior)

American Journey Limited Ingredient Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best American Journey Dog Food For Sensitive Digestion)

American Journey Active Life Formula Large Breed Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food (Best American journey Dog Food For Hip And Joints Support)

American Journey Active Life Formula Healthy Weight Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food (Best American Journey Dog Food For Healthy Weight)

We select American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for detailed analysis.

This dog food is designed for adult dogs. Suitable for Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, and Large Breeds.

Also, the American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula is the most popular option in the American Journey food range.

Label Analysis.

Below we have a detailed analysis of the American Journey dog food label.

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 

Ingredients list: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Meal, Blueberries, Carrots, Salt, Salmon Oil, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Kelp, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Selenite, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Total caloric content:

390 kcal/cup

Ingredients Analysis

This American Journey dog food review finds that this formula is made without grains. This kibble features real, deboned Salmon as the first ingredient, wholesome fruits and vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. 

No poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives. 

Deboned Salmon:

Salmon is a very rich source of protein.

It also provides the essential Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids required for a healthy coat and good immunity.

Turkey and Chicken Meal:

Dry product from a combination of clean flesh and skin with and without accompanying bone, derived from whole carcasses of turkey and chicken, which might include feathers, heads, feet, and entrails.

It’s high in protein and amino acids to help strengthen and maintain your pet’s muscles. It’s also a high-quality source of glucosamine for joint health.

Peas:

Peas are a good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. 

Other nutrients, such as vitamins A and B and coumestrol, can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Sweet Potatoes: great source of fiber to encourage regular, healthy bowel movements, alleviate constipation and diarrhea.

These tubers are a good source of vitamin A, promoting a healthy coat, eyes, and muscles in dogs.

BUT, sweet potato is a carbohydrate. Carbs might increase sugar levels in your dog, which can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain.

However, if you use strict measures on how much your dog eats designed around their lifestyle, this should not be a problem. For example, an active dog who gets taken for long walks and physical activity will use carbs for energy. 

See our article How Much I Should Feed My Dog for valuable tips.

Chickpeas:

They are a source of fiber and make your dog feel fuller for longer. It is also a great source of protein, but this should be used as the main or only protein in dog food.

Pea Protein:

It’s typically used to increase the protein content in pet foods.

Pea protein is a high-quality protein and a great source of iron. It can aid muscle growth, weight loss, and heart health.

Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols): this is an excellent source of high-quality fat and Omega Fatty Acids for your dog. Preserved in natural vitamin E, Tocopherols keep your dog food from spoiling.

Dried Plain Beet Pulp:

This is a natural product added to dog food to give fiber content to the formula. It is a source of Vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.

Natural Flavor: these are not regulated for pet food. 

They usually are added to enhance the meaty flavor in pet food.

The natural flavoring in this formula is derived from Salmon.

Flaxseed:

It contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which can benefit your dog’s coat health.

In pet foods, it might aid digestive health and ease constipation. However, there is no conclusive evidence about dogs.

Menhaden Fish Meal:

The clean, dried ground tissue of the small, marine fish. 

This meal provides an excellent source of amino acids and fatty acids that can help to improve:

• Skin and hair coat, 
• Digestion,
• Immune system, 
• Bone health, 
• Metabolic function.

Blueberries:

Complete with antioxidants for immune system support and urinary tract health.

Carrots are added to dog food for fiber content, and they are low in calories. These help dogs stay satiated longer and can help with dog obesity.

Salt is a source of essential minerals needed for maintaining good health and excellent metabolism in dogs.

It is composed of sodium and chloride, two essential minerals for dogs. They maintain the balance of body fluids.

Salt can be added to pet food to make the food taste better. Added salt might increase thirst and water consumption. But not to worry, extra salt is excreted in the dog’s urine.

Salmon Oil is an excellent source of protein and has Omega 3, which is perfect for your dog’s skin and coat.

Benefits:

• Healthy skin and coat,
• Reduce inflammation, 

(research shows a diet high in omega-3s can help protect against inflammation-related diseases)

• Can improve the body’s blood flow and oxygen circulation.

Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product:

This is a probiotic. Probiotics are natural, live micro-flora enzymes and beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion.

Dried Kelp:

High in fiber to help with the overall digestive system. Maintains dental health by removing plaque from teeth.

Fructooligosaccharides are non-digestible sugar that acts as a food source for the beneficial bacteria in your pet’s large intestine. A healthy beneficial bacteria colony forms a good defense against harmful bacteria.

Vitamin E Supplement

It helps form red blood cells supports the immune system.

Choline Chloride

A building block for the nervous system, however too much of it can have adverse effects like vomiting in your dog.

Taurine

This amino acid is found exclusively in animal-based proteins. Taurine is essential for normal vision, digestion, heart muscle function, and immune system health.

Mixed-tocopherols are a natural form of Vitamin E.

Essential vitamin for dogs.

• Helps maintain optimal health,
• Antioxidant to protect cells from damage (helps add oxygen to the cell body),
• Improves immune system and fertility,
• Heart health.

Ferrous Sulfate is an iron supplement for dogs. 

Executes essential functions like carrying oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells throughout the body so cells can produce energy.

Zinc Proteinate

They are used as a nutritional dog food supplement to prevent and correct zinc deficiency in dogs and other animals.

Zinc Sulfate is a mineral.

Zinc is vital for immune system function and thyroid function. However, it is essential to give your dog the right amount of this mineral. Ensure that you feed your dog the proper kibble for his age and weight.

Iron Proteinate

Another essential mineral compound in your dog’s diet provides oxygen to the blood and helps digest fatty acids.

Yucca Schidigera Extract

Yucca is an edible, starchy plant from which cassava and tapioca are made.

Primarily added to pet food to help reduce the odor of their waste, which might benefit you and your dog.

Niacin Supplement

This is a B vitamin used by dogsbody to turn food into energy. It helps keep your dog’s nervous system, digestive system, and skin healthy.

Copper Sulfate

Dogs need copper, but they cannot make it themselves, so it must be taken in through the diet. Raw meat has this essential mineral but is added to commercial diets for dogs to make sure your dogs get the amount needed for balanced nutrition.

Also, Copper sulfate is used to fortify foods and is used as an antimicrobial agent and anti-caking agent.

Potassium Chloride

Source of mineral in your dog’s food. Potassium Chloride maintains water balance in the blood and is necessary for electrical activity in nerve and muscle cells.

Sodium Selenite

Sodium selenite can be a controversial substance used in dog food formulas. This is because this mineral is necessary for normal cell function in animals, but in high doses can be toxic.

It is crucial to feed your dog the right food for their age and weight.

d-Calcium Pantothenate

Also known as vitamin B5, pantothenic acid is essential for making blood cells and helps convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.

Copper Proteinate

Copper helps dogs’ form bones, connective tissue, collagen, and myelin, which coats and protects nerves. Dogs can not make this mineral themselves and need it from their diet. Copper is naturally occurring in meat, fish, legumes, whole grains, among other ingredients. 

Commercial food formulas will add this to ensure your dog gets balanced nutrition. 

As with all the minerals in excessive doses, it can be toxic, so feed your dog appropriate meals for their weight and age.

Riboflavin Supplement

This is one of 8 B vitamins.

Supports digestion by helping break down proteins, carbohydrates and fat, and turn them into energy.

Manganese Sulfate and Manganese Proteinate- micronutrients or trace nutrients

Dogs need manganese to produce energy, metabolize proteins and carbohydrates, and make fatty acids. Maintains an essential role in overall health and maintenance of bone and cartilage in joints.

Vitamin A Supplement

Supports vision, bone growth, reproduction, cellular differentiation, and immune response.

Thiamine Mononitrate

Vitamin B1 is imperative that your dog’s food has the right amount to maintain overall health. The brain and other high-energy organs require thiamine for proper function because it is used for carbohydrate metabolism.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride for utilization of energy in the foods dogs eats production of red blood cells and proper functioning of nerves.

Vitamin B12 Supplement

It helps create and improve the protective tissues that coat the nerves in the brain, leading to healthy development and maintenance of your dog’s spine.

Calcium Iodate

Iodine is needed for the cells to change food into energy. Dogs might benefit from iodine for normal thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones.

Vitamin D3 Supplement

It helps dogs regulate the balance and retention of calcium and phosphorus.

Unlike humans, dogs get almost no vitamin D from sunlight on their skin, so nearly all of their vitamin D must come from their diet.

However, too much Vitamin D can be harmful to your dog. Speak to your veterinarian for advice if your dog could benefit from additional supplementation.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is necessary for normal metabolic functions such as DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.

Although it is an essential vitamin for dogs, the amount needed is minimal.

Rosemary Extract:

A natural preservative that helps prevent oxidation and maintain product quality.

American Journey uses natural vitamins and minerals from trusted suppliers tested to meet our rigorous quality standards. 

The vitamins and minerals are not sprayed on the kibble but come from a pre-mix supplement blended with the other ingredients in the recipe to ensure dogs get all the nutrients they need.

American Journey dog food review shows that Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog’s overall wellbeing and healthy body. Commercial dog food is made with balanced nutrition and added vitamins and minerals for healthy dogs. 

However, too much of a good thing can also become harmful. Make sure to follow feeding instructions tailored for your dog’s weight, age, and physical activity. 

If in doubt or noticing signs of discomfort in your dog, speak with your veterinarian for advice regards your dog’s meals.

Nutrient analysis.

American Journey dog food review shows that this formula is made with quality meat protein as its first ingredient. 

Additional benefits include Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, High-Protein.

AAFCO requirements for protein and fat in dog food are only advised for minimum amounts, but not maximum. This might mean that dogs can tolerate a high protein diet. Some research also shows that high protein diets might benefit overweight dogs to lose weight.

You might be interested in our article How to help your dog lose weight.

Crude protein 32.0% min

Puppies

The recommended protein range for healthy puppy growth is a minimum of 22.5% on a dry matter basis. Large and giant breed pups should consume diets that contain at least 30% high-quality protein.

These levels sustain optimal puppy growth.

Choose a high-quality protein like real meat and fish. 

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has Salmon as their first ingredient, which means high-quality real fish protein is the main and highest % of your dog’s meal.

Adult dogs require a minimum of 18% protein in their diet.

A good diet will meet those needs by using high-quality, easily digested ingredients.

However, a dog’s lifestyle should be taken into consideration. For an active dog, a higher protein count will help build muscles and maintain overall health.

Is it possible to feed too much protein to a dog? Generally, if a dog has a shiny coat, is alert, has normal stool and skin, ideal weight. It probably means that the food is okay.

Senior dogs

AAFCA does not specify how much protein should be in senior dog food, but veterinarians’ recommended average ranges between 28%-32%.

It can be tricky to determine how much protein a senior dog needs. The difficulty is that elderly dogs might develop heart and kidney disease. A high protein diet could harm the kidneys further. On the other hand, a low protein diet will mean muscle mass loss.

On average healthy senior dogs might need more protein than and adult dogs. 

The best things to do in this case:

• Have regular check-ups with your dog’s veterinarian,
• Focus on quality rather than quantity in protein,

For example, if your dog’s food label has chicken or Salmon as the first ingredient. This means that your dog is getting quality lean protein.

• Maintain your dog’s ideal weight.

Crude Fat 14.0% min

According to AAFCO, puppies require 8.5%, and adult dogs need 5.5% fat content as a minimum in their food. 

Dogs get their energy from protein and fat and flavor a meal where protein and fat are high.

Some owners might be tempted to feed a dog a low-fat diet to ensure obesity is not a problem. However, dogs might overeat low-fat food to meet their nutritional needs.

Look for actually named animal fat in your dog’s food label. In American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, chicken fat is described in the ingredients overview.

Crude Fiber 5.0% max

It is not strictly specified how much fiber is best for a dog’s diet. I believe that each case should be seen individually. The fiber needed is 2%-4%, making this formula in the high fiber range.

Fiber helps our dog’s digestive health. However, not all products containing fiber are equal.

When choosing food for your dog, look for high-quality fiber like brown rice, legumes, and vegetables.

We can see that peas, chickpeas, carrots, and kelp are used in this formula, providing high-quality fiber content.

It is always important to speak to your veterinarian for advice on your dog’s diet if digestive problems occur.

American Journey Dog Food Review:

94% of dog owners on Chewy would recommend American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula. Over 2900 reviews give the product 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Most American Journey dog Food reviews share that the food is:

• Easy switch to this formula
• Sensitive stomach resolved with this formula
• Seen improvement in coat quality
• Food bags quite small for large dog households

By JayShud on Jul 7, 2021

“Chewy has an incredible dog food in American Journeys. Our min pins had trouble moving around with most small dogs’ known hip issues. We noticed them sleeping more recently and not acting like the old days. Still, after a couple of weeks of feeding them American Journeys dog food, I noticed a huge difference in both dogs’ dexterity and overall demeanor. It’s like they are young again. They’re back enjoying life, playing with their toys, and overall better quality of life! AWESOME PRODUCT! Lifelong American Journey User!!!”

You can read more on American Journey Dog Food.

Recalls

While researching the American Journey dog food review, there is no current recall of this product.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) require that all animal foods, like human foods, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled. In addition, canned pet foods must be processed in conformance with the low acid canned food regulations to ensure the pet food is free of viable microorganisms. (2)

You can find a complete list of FDA recalls here.

Alternatives

After reading this American Journey dog food review.

Suppose you think American Journey dog food is not ideal for your dog. There are a few alternatives to consider.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

This formula starts with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit, plus added a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with antioxidant-rich ingredients.

 This Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients for a healthy meal your dog will love.

ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Features fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish, and cage-free chickens. Crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey, this recipe is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients. 

Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn No Wheat No Soy

Natural Balance LID. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Natural Balance LID. Chicken and Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food contain all of the essential nutrients she needs and no grains that many dogs have sensitivities to. Recommended by vets and animal nutritionists during all of your dog’s stages of life.

No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Pea-Free.

In Conclusion

After careful American Journey dog food review.

We recommend American Journey Dog Food for owners looking for a balanced nutrition product for their pets.

This American Journey dog food review shows that other dog owners and their dogs love this dog food brand, with real protein as the first ingredient. 

They also pride themselves on the promise that their recipes are: Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, and High-Protein.

Speak with your dog’s veterinarian today to determine if American Journey dog food would be an excellent formula for your dog.