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American Journey Cat Food Ingredients


According to our research, American Journey manufactures 46 cat food recipes using 117 unique ingredients. To evaluate the quality of ingredients used by American Journey, we've studied all 117 ingredients. In this article, we'll share our findings on American Journey ingredients.

Cat Food Recipes46
Unique Ingredients117
Artificial Colors0
Animal By-Products0
Anonymous Meats0
Controversial4
Harmful1

First 5 Ingredients

Cat food ingredients in the United States are listed in descending order of pre-cooked weight. The first 5 ingredients typically constitute a significant portion of the recipe.

For American Journey, these are the most common ingredients found within the first 5 cat food ingredients.

  1. chicken
  2. chicken broth
  3. chicken broth
  4. chicken liver
  5. sunflower oil

As you can see, the most common first ingredient in American Journey is chicken. The most common 2nd ingredient is chicken broth, followed by chicken broth, chicken liver, and sunflower oil.

Artificial Food Coloring Dyes

American Journey does not use any artificial food coloring dyes. According to our records, none of the 46 American Journey cat foods contain artificial food dyes.

Artificial food coloring dyes are unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients. In general, we not not recommend feeding any pet foods that contain artificial dyes.

In 2010, the CSPI raised serious concerns regarding the safety of many artificial dyes. Most of the studies referenced by the CSPI involved prolonged or excessive consumption. Since most cats consume the same foods throughout their lives, concerns raised by the CSPI are alarming to say the least.

To read more about Artificial Food Dyes, click here.

Animal By-Products

According to our records, American Journey does not contain any animal by-products.

Animal by-products are basically the leftover parts of the the carcass after its been processed for meat. AAFCO defines by-products as the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals.

Although by-products are still fairly nutritious ingredients, consumers have equated them with slaughterhouse waste. Therefore, most premium brands, including American Journey have decided to remove by-products and instead use named organ meats (beef liver, chicken gizzards).

For further reading on the controversy over animal by-products, click here.

Anonymous Meat Ingredients

Anonymous meats are inexpensive low-quality ingredients that can come from practically any animal. These type of ingredients are often used to produce very inexpensive cat foods.

In general, we prefer ingredients which specify the animal source used to derive the ingredient. For example, ingredients such as duck fat are much better than animal fat or poultry fat.

In our analysis, we've looked through all 117 American Journey ingredients. According to our data, American Journey does not contain any anonymous animal-based ingredients.

Cereal Grains

Certain American Journey cat food recipes contain one or more grains. The specific ingredients are listed below.

For cats, we typically recommend choosing a grain-free recipe. Cats are obligate carnivores and therefore grains are not species appropriate.

The kibble production requires a binding agent. Grains are commonly used for this purpose in cat food. When purchasing grain-free cat food, grains are often replaced with another starchy source. This is also not ideal.

To avoid grains and other starchy additions, consider feeding wet or frozen recipes.

brewers rice
2 Recipes

Brewer's rice is the small fragments of rice kernel that are separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. The fragments do not contain the same nutrition profile of the whole kernel and therefore brewer's rice is a lower quality grain. Brewer's rice is typically regarded as an inexpensive and low quality filler.

The following recipes contain brewers rice:

Controversial Ingredients

In most cases, ingredients which are given the controversial classification can be substituted with higher-quality alternatives. You should evaluate each controversial ingredient independently to see if there is truly a valid cause for concern.

Keep in mind, certain sacrifices often must be made to produce cat foods at a reasonable price. In general, the more expensive the product, the fewer controversial ingredients you'll find.

In our analysis, we've identified 4 controversial ingredients inside American Journey products. These controversial ingredients are listed below. Click on each ingredient for more information.

brewers rice
2 Recipes

Brewer's rice is the small fragments of rice kernel that are separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. The fragments do not contain the same nutrition profile of the whole kernel and therefore brewer's rice is a lower quality grain. Brewer's rice is typically regarded as an inexpensive and low quality filler.

The following recipes contain brewers rice:

canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
3 Recipes

Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.

The following recipes contain canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols):

Potentially Harmful Ingredients

Harmful ingredients are those which have been linked to adverse health effects. In general, we do not recommend feeding any product which contains any harmful ingredients.

There are certain situations where these ingredients may be necessary. We always recommend contacting American Journey for further clarification regarding any harmful or controversial ingredient.

We have identified 1 harmful ingredient used in certain American Journey recipes. To learn more, click on the ingredient's name.

menadione sodium bisulfite complex
3 Recipes

Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."

The following recipes contain menadione sodium bisulfite complex:

American Journey Cat Food Ingredient Lists

American Journey

Grain-Free Limited Ingredient
Duck & Pea Recipe For Cats
American Journey
Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Duck & Pea Recipe For Cats
First Five Ingredients
duck
duck meal
pea
pea protein
tapioca starch

American Journey

Grain-Free Limited Ingredient
Salmon & Pea Recipe For Cats
American Journey
Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Salmon & Pea Recipe For Cats
First Five Ingredients
salmon
salmon meal
pea
tapioca starch
pea protein

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Chicken Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken meal
tapioca starch
turkey meal
dried egg product

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Chicken Recipe For Kittens
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe For Kittens
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken meal
tapioca starch
turkey meal
dried egg product

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Duck Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Duck Recipe
First Five Ingredients
duck
chicken meal
duck meal
tapioca starch
dried egg product

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Salmon Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Salmon Recipe
First Five Ingredients
salmon
salmon meal
tapioca starch
menhaden meal
dried egg product

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Turkey & Chicken Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Turkey & Chicken Recipe
First Five Ingredients
turkey
turkey meal
chicken meal
tapioca starch
dried egg product

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
With Chicken For Indoor Adult Cats
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food With Chicken For Indoor Adult Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken meal
turkey meal
pea
pea protein

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
With Salmon For Indoor Adult Cats
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food With Salmon For Indoor Adult Cats
First Five Ingredients
salmon
salmon meal
pea
turkey meal
tapioca starch

American Journey

Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
With Turkey & Chicken For Indoor Adult Cats
American Journey
Grain-Free Dry Cat Food With Turkey & Chicken For Indoor Adult Cats
First Five Ingredients
turkey
turkey meal
chicken meal
pea
pea protein

American Journey

Total Health
Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Indoor Adult Cats
American Journey
Total Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Indoor Adult Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
brown rice
barley
chicken meal
turkey meal

American Journey

Total Health
Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe (Sensitive Stomach) For Adult Cats
American Journey
Total Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe (Sensitive Stomach) For Adult Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
brown rice
barley
chicken meal
turkey meal

American Journey

Total Health
Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe For Indoor Adult Cats
American Journey
Total Health Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe For Indoor Adult Cats
First Five Ingredients
salmon
brown rice
barley
chicken meal
turkey meal

American Journey

Total Health
Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (Sensitive Stomach) For Adult Cats
American Journey
Total Health Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (Sensitive Stomach) For Adult Cats
First Five Ingredients
salmon
menhaden meal
brown rice
barley
chicken meal

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Chicken Recipe In Gravy For Indoor Cats
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Chicken Recipe In Gravy For Indoor Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
water sufficient for processing
chicken liver
dried egg whites

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Chicken & Tuna Recipe In Gravy
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Chicken & Tuna Recipe In Gravy
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
fish broth
chicken liver
tuna

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Chicken & Tuna Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Chicken & Tuna Recipe
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
chicken liver
tuna
natural flavor

American Journey

Landmark
Chicken Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
American Journey
Landmark Chicken Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
sunflower oil
potassium chloride
tricalcium phosphate

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Turkey & Salmon Recipe In Gravy
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Turkey & Salmon Recipe In Gravy
First Five Ingredients
turkey
turkey broth
fish broth
turkey liver
salmon

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Salmon Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Salmon Recipe
First Five Ingredients
salmon
chicken
chicken liver
chicken broth
natural flavor

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Chicken Recipe In Gravy
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Chicken Recipe In Gravy
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
turkey broth
chicken liver
dried egg whites

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Chicken & Salmon Recipe In Gravy
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Chicken & Salmon Recipe In Gravy
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
fish broth
chicken liver
salmon

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Chicken & Turkey Recipe In Gravy
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Chicken & Turkey Recipe In Gravy
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
turkey broth
chicken liver
turkey

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Turkey Recipe In Gravy
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Turkey Recipe In Gravy
First Five Ingredients
turkey
turkey broth
chicken broth
turkey liver
dried egg whites

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Chicken Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Chicken Recipe
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken liver
chicken broth
natural flavor
ground flaxseed

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Turkey Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Turkey Recipe
First Five Ingredients
turkey
turkey liver
turkey broth
natural flavor
ground flaxseed

American Journey

Landmark
Chicken & Vegetables Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
American Journey
Landmark Chicken & Vegetables Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
sweet potato
kale
sunflower oil

American Journey

Landmark
Mackerel & Tuna Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
American Journey
Landmark Mackerel & Tuna Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
First Five Ingredients
fish broth
mackerel
tuna
sunflower oil
potassium chloride

American Journey

Landmark
Salmon Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
American Journey
Landmark Salmon Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
First Five Ingredients
salmon
fish broth
sunflower oil
potassium chloride
tricalcium phosphate

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Chicken Recipe In Gravy For Kittens
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Chicken Recipe In Gravy For Kittens
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
water sufficient for processing
chicken liver
dried egg whites

American Journey

Grain-Free Minced
Salmon & Tuna Recipe In Gravy
American Journey
Grain-Free Minced Salmon & Tuna Recipe In Gravy
First Five Ingredients
salmon
fish broth
chicken broth
chicken liver
tuna

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Beef & Chicken Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Beef & Chicken Recipe
First Five Ingredients
beef
chicken
chicken liver
beef broth
natural flavor

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Chicken Recipe For Indoor Cats
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Chicken Recipe For Indoor Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
chicken liver
natural flavor
ground flaxseed

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Chicken Recipe For Kittens
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Chicken Recipe For Kittens
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken liver
chicken broth
ground flaxseed
fish oil

American Journey

Grain-Free Pate
Turkey & Salmon Recipe
American Journey
Grain-Free Pate Turkey & Salmon Recipe
First Five Ingredients
turkey
turkey liver
turkey broth
salmon
natural flavor

American Journey

Landmark
Chicken & Turkey Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
American Journey
Landmark Chicken & Turkey Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chicken broth
turkey
sunflower oil
tricalcium phosphate

American Journey

Landmark
Tuna & Tilapia Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
American Journey
Landmark Tuna & Tilapia Recipe Shredded In Broth For Cats
First Five Ingredients
tuna
fish broth
sea bream
tilapia
sunflower oil

American Journey

Landmark
Chicken, Carrots & Pumpkin Recipe Broths
American Journey
Landmark Chicken, Carrots & Pumpkin Recipe Broths
First Five Ingredients
chicken broth
chicken
sunflower oil
carrot
pumpkin

American Journey

Landmark
Salmon, Tomatoes & Kale Recipe Broths
American Journey
Landmark Salmon, Tomatoes & Kale Recipe Broths
First Five Ingredients
fish broth
salmon
tomato
kale
sunflower oil

American Journey

Landmark
Tuna, Anchovies & Whitefish Recipe Broths
American Journey
Landmark Tuna, Anchovies & Whitefish Recipe Broths
First Five Ingredients
fish broth
tuna
anchovy
bream
sunflower oil

American Journey

Landmark
Tuna, Shrimp & Whitefish Recipe Broths
American Journey
Landmark Tuna, Shrimp & Whitefish Recipe Broths
First Five Ingredients
fish broth
tuna
shrimp
tilapia
sunflower oil

American Journey

Soft & Chewy Cat Treats
Chicken Recipe
American Journey
Soft & Chewy Cat Treats Chicken Recipe
First Five Ingredients
chicken
chickpea
coconut glycerin
pork gelatin
natural flavor

American Journey

Soft & Chewy Cat Treats
Duck Recipe
American Journey
Soft & Chewy Cat Treats Duck Recipe
First Five Ingredients
duck
chicken
chickpea
coconut glycerin
pork gelatin

American Journey

Soft & Chewy Cat Treats
Salmon Recipe
American Journey
Soft & Chewy Cat Treats Salmon Recipe
First Five Ingredients
salmon
chicken
chickpea
coconut glycerin
pork gelatin

American Journey

Grain-Free Cat Treats
Freeze-Dried Chicken
American Journey
Grain-Free Cat Treats Freeze-Dried Chicken
First Five Ingredients
chicken

American Journey

Grain-Free Cat Treats
Freeze-Dried Salmon
American Journey
Grain-Free Cat Treats Freeze-Dried Salmon
First Five Ingredients
salmon