American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies

According to our data, this American Journey recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 45 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  4. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  5. Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.

  6. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  7. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

  8. Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.

  9. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  10. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  11. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  12. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

  13. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  14. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  15. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  16. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  17. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

  18. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  19. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in your dog. They may help support your dog's digestive and immune health.

  20. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  21. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  22. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  23. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  24. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  25. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  26. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  27. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

  28. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  29. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  30. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  31. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  32. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  33. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  34. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  35. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  36. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  37. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  38. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  39. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  40. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  41. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  42. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  43. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  44. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  45. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 30.00%: The high crude protein content is primarily contributed by the animal-based ingredients such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and have most of the moisture removed, which means they contain a higher percentage of protein than fresh chicken. Additionally, menhaden fish meal and the inclusion of legumes like peas and chickpeas also contribute to the overall protein content, although to a lesser extent compared to the animal sources.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The crude fat in the food largely comes from the chicken fat, salmon oil, and to some extent from the animal proteins like deboned chicken and meals. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the puppy's skin, coat, and overall health. The combination of these fats ensures a balanced profile of essential fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The fiber content is mainly provided by the plant-based ingredients such as peas, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, dried plain beet pulp, and dried kelp. Beet pulp is a common fiber source in pet foods and is known for its beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. Sweet potatoes and legumes also contribute to the dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps promote a feeling of fullness.

Calories of 3630.00 per kg: This energy density is influenced by the combined macronutrients in the food – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. While protein and carbohydrates typically have similar caloric values per gram, fat is more energy-dense. Therefore, the chicken fat, salmon oil, and the protein-rich ingredients significantly contribute to the calorie content. Carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, and tapioca starch also add to the caloric value, providing energy for the active lifestyle of puppies.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $2.30 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $8.70
10 lbs $14.64
15 lbs $19.84
20 lbs $24.62
30 lbs $33.37
40 lbs $41.40
50 lbs $48.94
60 lbs $56.11
70 lbs $62.99
80 lbs $69.63
90 lbs $76.06
100 lbs $82.31

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally express satisfaction with American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food for puppies, highlighting the positive reactions of their pets to the taste. One puppy, previously uninterested in its old food, now enjoys mealtime with American Journey. The variety of flavors, such as chicken and lamb blends, is appreciated for keeping meals interesting.

Many reviewers note health benefits, including improved coat quality and reduced itching, suggesting that the grain-free formula may be beneficial for dogs with sensitivities. A customer mentioned that their older dog's allergies improved after switching to this brand, indicating that it might be suitable for dogs with similar issues.

Despite some instances of digestive upset, which is not uncommon when transitioning to new foods, the overall consensus is that puppies thrive on this diet. Owners observe good weight gain and healthy development in their puppies. The food's affordability and quality ingredients are frequently praised, with one customer planning to continue using the brand into their dog's adulthood.

A few negative experiences, often related to individual taste preferences or digestive disagreements, are balanced by the majority of dogs enjoying the food. Some owners had to donate the food due to their dogs' finicky eating habits, but this is more reflective of individual dog preferences rather than the quality of the product.

In summary, American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food for puppies is well-received for its taste, nutritional benefits, and quality ingredients. It appears to be a favorite among many dogs and is often credited for positive health outcomes such as better coats and reduced allergies.