Embarking on the journey of selecting the right nutrition for your canine companion can be a daunting task. With a plethora of options available, discerning the best quality for your dog’s health and happiness is paramount. This review delves into the American Journey Protein & Grains Dry Dog Food line, a range that has garnered attention among pet owners seeking a balance of quality ingredients and affordability.
The American Journey Protein & Grains dry product range offers a variety of recipes, each designed to cater to different life stages and dietary needs. These recipes aim to provide a comprehensive nutritional profile, ensuring your dog receives essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients for optimal well-being. This review will dissect the ingredients, analyze the nutrient content, and consider the brand’s history to provide a clear picture of what this dog food offers.
Recipe and Label Analysis
The American Journey Protein & Grains dry food line includes 16 distinct recipes. The overall rating for the range is an impressive 4.5 stars, with individual recipes scoring between 4 and 5 stars. This consistency suggests a strong commitment to quality across the board. The table below provides an overview of each recipe, its rating, and its AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profile designation: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| American Journey Protein and Grains Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | U |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Beef, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | A |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Salmon, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | U |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4 | M |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Lamb, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4 | A |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Healthy Weight Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | M |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Senior Salmon, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | M |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Large Breed Salmon, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | A |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Small Breed Salmon, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 5 | M |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Small Breed Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 5 | M |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | A |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Senior Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | M |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Large Breed Puppy Salmon, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | G |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Puppy Salmon, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | G |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | G |
| American Journey Protein and Grains Large Breed Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables | 4.5 | G |
For a detailed analysis, the “American Journey Protein and Grains Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables” recipe was chosen to represent the entire product line.
Ingredients Analysis
The primary ingredient in this formulation is deboned chicken. While chicken is a high-quality protein source, it’s important to note that raw chicken has a high moisture content, which is significantly reduced during the cooking process. Consequently, the actual percentage of chicken in the finished kibble is lower than it might initially appear.
The second ingredient is chicken meal, a concentrated source of protein derived from rendered chicken, providing a much higher protein content than fresh chicken. Following this is brown rice, a digestible complex carbohydrate that offers energy. However, its nutritional value beyond carbohydrates is moderate.
Rice bran, a fiber-rich by-product of rice milling, follows brown rice. It contains valuable nutrients like starch, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Peas are the fifth ingredient, offering carbohydrates and natural fiber. It is noteworthy that peas contain approximately 25% protein, which needs to be factored into the overall protein calculation of the food.
Barley, another starchy carbohydrate, provides fiber and other nutrients, though its overall nutritional contribution to a dog’s diet is considered moderate. After natural flavor, the ingredient list features chicken fat, a quality source of omega-6 fatty acids, essential for canine health.
Flaxseed is the ninth ingredient, recognized as an excellent plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. When ground, it also offers soluble fiber. However, like peas, flaxseed contributes about 19% protein, which should be considered when assessing the total meat protein content.
Further down the ingredient list are several other components. While ingredients found this far down are generally less impactful, there are a few notable exceptions:
- Alfalfa meal: High in plant protein and fiber, though more commonly associated with horse feed.
- Beet pulp: A source of fiber that some consider controversial due to its filler potential, while others highlight its benefits for digestive and blood sugar health. In reasonable amounts, it is generally considered acceptable in dog food.
- Taurine: An essential amino acid crucial for heart health. Its inclusion is a positive addition, especially as taurine deficiency can be more prevalent in dogs on grain-free diets.
- Chicory root: Rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports healthy gut bacteria.
- Chelated minerals: Minerals chemically bonded to protein, making them more easily absorbed by the dog. This is often found in higher-quality dog foods.
- Sodium selenite: A form of selenium that is considered nutritionally inferior to more natural sources like selenium yeast.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredient profile, American Journey Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables appears to be an above-average dry dog food. On a dry matter basis, it contains an estimated 28% protein, 17% fat, and 48% carbohydrates.
Across the entire American Journey Protein & Grains line, the average protein content is approximately 28%, with an average fat level of 15% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 49%. The fat-to-protein ratio averages around 55%. These figures indicate that the brand generally offers above-average protein, near-average fat, and near-average carbohydrates compared to typical dry dog foods. Even accounting for the protein contribution from ingredients like peas, flaxseed, and alfalfa meal, this kibble appears to contain a significant amount of meat.
American Journey Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, there are no recorded recalls for the American Journey brand. This is a positive indicator of the brand’s commitment to product safety and quality control. A comprehensive list of all dog food recalls since 2009 is available elsewhere for further reference.
Our Rating of American Journey Protein & Grains Dog Food
American Journey Protein & Grains is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that stands out for its significant use of named meat meals as the primary animal protein source. This focus on quality ingredients, combined with a balanced nutritional profile, earns it a highly recommended rating of 4.5 stars.
This range offers a commendable balance of quality, nutrition, and value, making it a strong contender for pet owners looking for reliable and beneficial food options for their dogs.
