American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food Review

The American Journey Grain-Free dry dog food line has earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars from Dog Food Advisor. This range offers a wide variety of recipes, all formulated without grains, corn, wheat, or soy, making them a suitable choice for dogs with food sensitivities. With real meat or fish as the primary ingredient in every formula, and an affordable price point, American Journey Grain-Free aims to provide quality nutrition for your canine companion.

The brand boasts 17 different recipes within its grain-free dry product line. Each of these recipes has been awarded Dog Food Advisor’s highest rating. The table below details each specific recipe and its suitability for different life stages according to AAFCO nutrient profiles: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis: American Journey Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato

To provide a detailed analysis, the American Journey Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe was selected as representative of the entire product line. Based on its ingredients, this dry dog food is estimated to contain 36.4% protein, 16.3% fat, and 33.9% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

The primary ingredient is deboned salmon, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. This is followed by chicken meal and turkey meal, both considered high-protein meat concentrates. Peas and sweet potatoes provide quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Chickpeas, another pulse vegetable, contribute additional fiber and protein.

The inclusion of pea protein, while boosting the overall protein content, should be considered in conjunction with the meat-based proteins, as it may have a lower biological value than animal protein sources. Chicken fat is a quality source of essential omega-6 fatty acids. Flaxseed and menhaden fish meal further contribute to the omega-3 fatty acid content and protein.

Notable additions include salmon oil, rich in EPA and DHA, and fructooligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics to support gut health. The recipe also features chelated minerals, enhancing nutrient absorption, and taurine, an amino acid important for heart health, particularly beneficial for dogs on grain-free diets. However, the presence of sodium selenite, a form of selenium, is considered controversial by some, as selenium yeast is often viewed as a more natural and potentially superior source.

Nutrient Analysis

When comparing the American Journey Grain Free line to other dry dog foods, it stands out with above-average protein (average 34%) and below-average fat (average 14%) and carbohydrate content (average 44%). The selected Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe, with its 36% protein and 16% fat, aligns with this profile, suggesting a substantial meat content even when accounting for plant-based protein boosters like peas and chickpeas. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 41%.

American Journey Dog Food Recall History

As of January 2026, there are no recalls noted for the American Journey dog food brand.

About American Journey

Established in 2017, American Journey is an exclusive brand distributed by Chewy. The brand focuses on deboned proteins and offers a variety of grain-free and limited-ingredient options for both dogs and cats, including dry and wet foods, as well as treats. Their commitment is to provide accessible, quality pet nutrition.

Final Word

American Journey Grain Free dry dog food has earned a highly recommended 5-star rating due to its significant use of named meat meals as the primary protein source. The brand offers a diverse range of formulas suitable for various dietary needs and life stages, without the inclusion of corn, wheat, or soy. This makes it a commendable choice for pet owners seeking quality, grain-free nutrition for their dogs.