Choosing the right dog food is a critical decision for any pet owner, impacting their health and longevity. American Journey Protein & Grains Dry Dog Food has emerged as a popular option, promising a balance of quality ingredients and nutritional value. This review delves into the specifics of the American Journey Protein & Grains line, analyzing its recipes, ingredients, and overall nutritional profile to help you make an informed choice for your canine companion.
Founded on the principle of providing transparent and reliable dog food reviews, Dog Food Advisor aims to empower pet owners. The creator, Mike Sagman, established the website after a personal tragedy, underscoring the importance of scrutinizing commercial dog food. This commitment to independent analysis is carried forward by the team, including Content Director Julia Ogden and Pet Nutritionist Laura Ward, who contribute to ensuring the accuracy and impartiality of each review.
Recipe and Label Analysis
The American Journey Protein & Grains line offers a variety of recipes, with the “Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables” formula serving as a representative example for in-depth analysis. This particular recipe provides an estimated dry matter nutrient content of 27.8% protein, 16.7% fat, and 47.5% carbohydrates.
The primary ingredients in this formula include deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, rice bran, peas, and barley. Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, offering a quality source of protein. Chicken meal, a meat concentrate, significantly boosts the protein content. Brown rice and barley provide complex carbohydrates for energy, while peas contribute additional protein and fiber.
Key beneficial ingredients include chicken fat, a quality source of omega-6 fatty acids, and flaxseed, which offers omega-3 fatty acids. The inclusion of taurine is a positive aspect, supporting heart health, especially as it’s sometimes lacking in grain-free diets. Chicory root is present, providing inulin, a prebiotic that supports digestive health. Furthermore, the food incorporates chelated minerals, which are more easily absorbed by the dog’s body, and a range of essential vitamins and minerals.
However, some ingredients warrant closer attention. Alfalfa meal, while rich in plant protein and fiber, is more commonly associated with horse feed. Beet pulp, a by-product of sugar beet processing, is included; while it offers fiber and can benefit gut health, its inclusion can be controversial among some pet nutritionists. Lastly, the presence of sodium selenite, a form of selenium, is noted as potentially less nutritionally valuable than more natural sources like selenium yeast.
Nutrient Analysis
When compared to the average dry dog food, American Journey Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice and Vegetables demonstrates an above-average protein content (28% on a dry matter basis) and a near-average fat level (17%). The estimated carbohydrate content stands at approximately 48%. Across the entire product line, the average protein content is around 28%, with an average fat level of 15% and a carbohydrate content of roughly 49%.
The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 55%, which is typical for many dry dog foods. Considering the protein-boosting effect of ingredients like peas, flaxseed, and alfalfa meal, the overall nutrient profile suggests that this kibble incorporates a significant amount of meat-based protein, positioning it favorably within the market.
American Journey Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, American Journey Protein & Grains Dry Dog Food has no recalls noted in its history. This absence of recalls is a positive indicator of the brand’s commitment to safety and quality control.
Our Rating of American Journey Protein & Grains Dog Food
American Journey Protein & Grains is rated as Highly Recommended with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This grain-inclusive dry dog food line stands out for its use of named meat meals as a primary animal protein source. The careful selection of ingredients, balanced nutritional profile, and lack of recalls contribute to its strong standing.
Final Word
American Journey Protein & Grains Dry Dog Food presents a compelling option for owners seeking a high-quality, well-balanced diet for their dogs. The brand’s commitment to using named meat sources, beneficial supplements like taurine and chicory root, and easily absorbable chelated minerals, contribute to its favorable rating. While some ingredients like beet pulp and sodium selenite are noted, their inclusion in this formula does not detract significantly from the overall quality. With no recalls on record and a highly recommended rating, American Journey Protein & Grains is a trustworthy choice for supporting your dog’s health and vitality.
