Bringing a new furry family member home is an exciting time, and ensuring they have the best nutrition is paramount. For cat owners, navigating the vast array of cat food options can be overwhelming. This review delves into American Journey cat food, a brand gaining attention, particularly for its dry food offerings. We’ll examine its ingredients, marketing claims, and overall nutritional profile to help you make an informed decision for your feline companion. Explore a wide range of pet food options and reviews.
What the Marketing Promises
American Journey cat food presents a refreshingly straightforward approach to packaging. Unlike some brands that feature elaborate imagery of gourmet ingredients, American Journey opts for simplicity. The front of the bag clearly displays the recipe name, highlights key features like “Grain Free,” and showcases basic nutritional claims alongside a picture of a typical, appealing cat. Importantly, the brand states that its recipes meet the nutritional requirements for all life stages, making it a versatile option for kittens, adults, and senior cats alike.
Deconstructing the Ingredients
The ingredient list for American Journey cat food is extensive, featuring a diverse range of components. The brand’s commitment to meat-based nutrition is evident from the outset. The primary ingredient in the Turkey & Chicken Recipe is deboned turkey. While the packaging uses the term “real turkey,” which typically signifies fresh, wet turkey, the second ingredient is turkey meal. Pet food terminology can be nuanced; “meal” refers to a dry protein powder that has undergone a cooking process to remove moisture. Although some may question the quality of meat meal compared to fresh meat, its significance lies in its protein density. The presence of turkey meal, alongside chicken meal as the third ingredient, indicates that a substantial portion of the protein in American Journey’s formula is derived from animal sources, which is ideal for a carnivorous species like the domestic cat.
This focus on meat-based protein distinguishes American Journey from many supermarket brands, which often rely heavily on grains as fillers. The inclusion of deboned chicken and various other meat and fish components further reinforces the brand’s emphasis on a high-protein diet.
Understanding Fillers and Binders
As with most dry cat foods (kibble), American Journey includes certain ingredients that act as binders, necessary for holding the kibble shape. These binders, such as tapioca, pea protein, and peas, are common in the industry. While they can also serve as sources of protein and carbohydrates, their presence in moderation is generally acceptable in a well-formulated dry food.
Nutritional Breakdown: Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrates
The American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe boasts a guaranteed protein content of at least 40% and a minimum of 15% fat. Based on these figures, the estimated carbohydrate content is around 27%, representing roughly one-third of the food. This carbohydrate level is considered decent for a dry cat food.
Additional Beneficial Ingredients
Beyond the core meat ingredients, American Journey incorporates several other beneficial components. Dried egg product provides additional protein and nutrients. Menhaden fish meal contributes to omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health. Flaxseed is another source of healthy fats and fiber. The inclusion of select fruits and vegetables provides a small but valuable source of vitamins and minerals.
Furthermore, the formula contains prebiotics and probiotics, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The brand also opts for rosemary as a natural preservative, a preferable alternative to artificial chemical preservatives.
Where to Purchase American Journey
American Journey cat food is exclusively available through Chewy, an online pet supply retailer. This direct-to-consumer model allows for competitive pricing, contributing to the brand’s value proposition.
Comprehensive Ingredient List (Turkey & Chicken Recipe)
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Peas, Deboned Chicken, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Salt, Spinach, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Carnitine, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis (Turkey & Chicken Recipe)
| Component | Minimum/Maximum | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | min | 40% |
| Fat | min | 15% |
| Crude Fibre | max | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | Estimated | 27% |
Note: Carbohydrate content is an estimation. Refer to how to calculate carbohydrates in a pet food for detailed methods.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Feline Nutrition
Overall, American Journey cat food, particularly its dry food formulas like the Turkey & Chicken Recipe, presents a compelling option for cat owners seeking quality nutrition at a reasonable price. The emphasis on high-quality meat ingredients, a good balance of protein and fat, and the inclusion of beneficial additives like prebiotics and probiotics make it a strong contender in the pet food market. While no single food is perfect for every cat, American Journey offers a well-rounded and responsibly formulated choice that supports the dietary needs of a carnivorous pet.
User Rating: 5 (2 votes)
Total Score: 8
Pros:
- Decent meat content
- High protein levels
- Good quality ingredients overall
This review of American Journey cat food aims to be informative for pet owners. If you found this helpful, please consider sharing it to assist others in their pet food choices.
