American Journey Dog Food Review: Is It Right for Your Dog?

Introduction

Choosing the right dog food can feel like navigating a maze. With countless brands, formulas, and ingredient lists vying for your attention, the search for the perfect kibble for your furry friend can be overwhelming. If you’re on a budget, the options might seem even more limited. One brand that often surfaces in this quest is American Journey dog food, a Chewy exclusive known for its affordable price point. But is American Journey really a good choice for your dog? This comprehensive review will delve into the details, analyzing the ingredients, evaluating the pros and cons, and ultimately helping you decide if American Journey is the right fit for your canine companion.

A Look at the Brand: American Journey

American Journey is a house brand owned and exclusively sold by Chewy. This direct-to-consumer model allows them to offer dog food at a more competitive price than some other brands. While the brand’s history is relatively short compared to established names in the industry, American Journey has quickly gained popularity, particularly among pet parents looking for budget-friendly options.

The brand philosophy centers around providing high-quality nutrition at an accessible price. American Journey aims to offer a variety of formulas to cater to different dogs, including those with sensitivities or specific dietary needs. This includes grain-free options, limited ingredient diets, and recipes tailored for different life stages, from puppies to seniors.

One question often on pet owner’s minds is where the food is actually made. While Chewy does not explicitly state the manufacturing location on every product page, information generally available online indicates that American Journey dog food is manufactured in the United States. However, the sourcing of individual ingredients can be more opaque, and it’s important to carefully review the ingredient list and any available information to understand where the components of the food originate. Transparency regarding sourcing is a major concern for many dog owners, especially those focused on the highest quality ingredients.

Exploring the American Journey Product Line

American Journey offers a fairly wide range of dog food options, catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. To better understand what’s available, let’s break down the product line:

American Journey Dry Food Options

This section features a broad spectrum of dry kibble choices. You will find high-protein recipes designed for active dogs or those needing extra muscle support. Then you have limited ingredient diet options. These are formulated with fewer ingredients to minimize potential allergens and digestive upset. Grain-free recipes are, as the name implies, devoid of grains like corn, wheat, and soy, appealing to owners who believe their dogs have sensitivities to these ingredients. The line also includes specialized formulas for puppies needing the extra nutrients for growth, adult dogs for maintaining overall health, and senior dogs requiring support for aging joints and reduced activity levels.

American Journey Wet Food Choices

Beyond dry food, American Journey provides a selection of canned wet food. These wet food options can be used as a complete meal or as a tasty topper for dry kibble. They often come in a variety of flavors and formulations. Wet food can be particularly beneficial for picky eaters, dogs with dental issues, or those needing increased hydration.

American Journey Dog Treats

While perhaps not as extensive as the food offerings, American Journey also offers a line of dog treats. These treats can be used for training, rewarding good behavior, or simply as a special indulgence for your canine companion.

For a deeper dive, we will closely analyze a couple of American Journey’s popular formulas – one dry and one wet – to better understand their composition and nutritional value.

A Closer Look at Selected American Journey Formulas

To give you a better understanding of what American Journey offers, let’s take a closer look at two representative formulas: the American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe (Dry) and the American Journey Chicken & Vegetable Recipe (Wet).

American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe (Dry)

Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, Pea Protein, Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract.

Ingredient Analysis: The ingredient list begins with deboned turkey and turkey meal, which are excellent sources of protein. Peas and sweet potatoes provide carbohydrates and fiber. Canola oil provides fat. Pea protein is added to further boost the protein content. Some pet parents prefer to avoid pea protein as a main ingredient. Flaxseed is included for omega fatty acids, and dried beet pulp offers fiber for digestive health.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: minimum 24.0%, Crude Fat: minimum 12.0%, Crude Fiber: maximum 6.0%, Moisture: maximum 10.0%. This analysis shows a decent protein level and moderate fat content. The fiber content is relatively high, which could be beneficial for some dogs’ digestion. The AAFCO statement confirms that this formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Calorie Content: 3,430 kcal/kg or 356 kcal/cup. This is an important factor for managing your dog’s weight and ensuring you’re feeding the appropriate portion size.
Nutritional Adequacy: This formula is designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs.
Potential Benefits: The limited ingredient list may be beneficial for dogs with sensitivities to common allergens. Turkey is a novel protein for some dogs, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. The inclusion of flaxseed supports healthy skin and coat.

American Journey Chicken & Vegetable Recipe (Wet)

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas, Brown Rice, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals [Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid].

Ingredient Analysis: Chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver form the base of this wet food, providing high-quality protein and moisture. Carrots and peas offer vitamins and fiber. Brown rice provides carbohydrates. Guar gum is used as a thickening agent.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: minimum 8.0%, Crude Fat: minimum 5.0%, Crude Fiber: maximum 1.5%, Moisture: maximum 82.0%. This analysis shows a high moisture content, which can be beneficial for hydration. The protein and fat content are lower compared to the dry food, which is typical for wet food due to the higher moisture content. The AAFCO statement confirms that this formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Calorie Content: 995 kcal/kg or 372 kcal/can.
Nutritional Adequacy: This formula is designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs.
Potential Benefits: The high moisture content is beneficial for hydration, especially for dogs who don’t drink enough water. The palatable flavor of chicken and vegetables can be appealing to picky eaters.

The Upsides and Downsides of American Journey Dog Food

As with any dog food brand, American Journey has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s weigh the pros and cons:

The Good Points

Affordability: One of the biggest draws of American Journey is its price point. It’s significantly more affordable than many other brands of comparable quality.
Variety of Formulas: The brand offers a range of formulas, including grain-free, limited ingredient, and life-stage specific options, catering to a diverse array of needs.
Convenient Availability: Being a Chewy exclusive, American Journey is readily accessible online, making it easy to order and receive.
Good Protein Levels in Certain Formulas: Many of the American Journey formulas boast high protein content, which is essential for muscle development and overall health.
Generally Positive Customer Feedback: While individual experiences may vary, many customers report positive results with American Journey, citing improvements in their dogs’ coat, energy levels, and digestion.

The Not-So-Good Points

Ingredient Quality: While not necessarily bad, the ingredient quality may not be on par with premium brands. Some formulas may contain lower-cost ingredients or fillers.
Presence of Fillers and Questionable Ingredients: Some formulas contain ingredients like pea protein or beet pulp, which, while not inherently harmful, may be considered fillers by some pet owners.
Limited Information Regarding Ingredient Sourcing: The brand could be more transparent about where its ingredients are sourced. Knowing the origin of ingredients is important to many consumers.
Palatability: Some picky eaters may not find all American Journey formulas appealing. It can be a matter of trial and error to find a flavor that your dog enjoys.

What Are Customers Saying?

Customer reviews offer valuable insights into the real-world experiences of other pet owners. In general, American Journey receives mixed but mostly positive reviews. Many customers praise the food for its affordability and the positive impact it has had on their dogs’ health. Some specific comments include:

“My dog loves this food! His coat is so shiny, and he has so much energy.”
“I switched to American Journey because my dog has allergies, and this limited ingredient formula has made a huge difference.”

However, some customers have reported negative experiences, particularly with certain formulas:

“My dog didn’t like the taste of this food at all. He wouldn’t eat it.”
“This food gave my dog digestive issues. I had to switch to a different brand.”

It’s important to consider these reviews as just one piece of the puzzle. Every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another.

Exploring Alternatives to American Journey

If you’re not sure if American Journey is the right choice for your dog, it’s worth considering some alternatives.

Purina One: This brand is another budget-friendly option that offers a good balance of quality and affordability. Purina One offers a wide range of formulas, including options for different life stages and specific health needs.
Wellness Complete Health: If you’re willing to spend a bit more for higher-quality ingredients, Wellness Complete Health is a great choice. This brand uses wholesome ingredients and avoids artificial additives.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula: Blue Buffalo is another popular option that focuses on natural ingredients and provides a variety of formulas tailored to different needs. Blue Buffalo often comes with a higher price tag than American Journey.

The best alternative will depend on your dog’s specific needs and your budget.

Who Benefits Most from American Journey?

American Journey can be a good option for:

Budget-conscious pet owners: The affordability of American Journey makes it an attractive choice for those looking to save money on dog food.
Dogs with mild sensitivities: The limited ingredient diets can be helpful for dogs with mild allergies or sensitivities to common ingredients.
Owners looking for grain-free options: The brand offers a variety of grain-free formulas for dogs with grain sensitivities.

American Journey may not be suitable for:

Dogs with severe allergies: If your dog has severe allergies, you may need to choose a more specialized formula with even fewer ingredients and a novel protein source.
Owners seeking the highest quality ingredients: If you’re looking for the absolute best ingredients and are willing to pay a premium, you may want to consider a different brand.

Tips for Feeding American Journey

If you decide to try American Journey, here are a few tips:

Transition slowly: Gradually introduce the new food over a period of several days to avoid digestive upset.
Follow feeding guidelines: Use the feeding guidelines on the bag as a starting point, but adjust the portion size as needed based on your dog’s activity level and weight.
Store properly: Store the food in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Consult your veterinarian: Always talk to your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Final Thoughts on American Journey

American Journey dog food offers a decent value for its price. It’s an accessible option for pet parents seeking affordability and a reasonable level of nutrition. While it might not boast the highest quality ingredients available, the brand provides various formulas catering to diverse needs, including grain-free and limited ingredient diets. However, it’s crucial to remember that every dog is unique. What suits one may not be ideal for another. Before switching to American Journey or any other dog food, take the time to research, read customer reviews, and, most importantly, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs, health status, and dietary requirements. Ultimately, the best dog food is one that keeps your furry friend happy, healthy, and thriving.