American Journey Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Large Breed Puppies Review

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Review of American Journey Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Large Breed 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 Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Large Breed 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 Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Large Breed Puppies, we'll examine all 50 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. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  4. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and it's a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support your dog's digestive health. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

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

  6. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Sun-cured alfalfa meal is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's digestive health and overall well-being.

  11. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  12. 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.

  13. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  14. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  15. 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.

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

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

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

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

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

  22. 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.

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  30. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

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

  32. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

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

  34. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

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

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

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

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

  43. 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.

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

  45. 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.

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

  47. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

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

  49. 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.

  50. 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

The guaranteed analysis of 25.00% minimum crude protein is likely attributed to the deboned chicken and chicken meal, which are the first two ingredients listed and are high-quality sources of protein. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken protein because it has been rendered to remove moisture, making it a denser source of protein compared to fresh chicken. The inclusion of other protein-rich ingredients like fish oil and dried egg product also contribute to the overall protein content.

The minimum crude fat content of 15.00% is primarily provided by the chicken fat and fish oil. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) to maintain freshness. Fish oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the skin and coat health of puppies.

The maximum crude fiber content of 6.00% comes from ingredients such as brown rice, rice bran, peas, barley, and dried plain beet pulp. These are all sources of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Beet pulp, in particular, is a common fiber source in pet foods and is known for its beneficial effects on intestinal health and stool quality.

The caloric content of 3474.00 kcal/kg is influenced by the combined contributions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the diet. The energy density is a result of all the ingredients, but fats like chicken fat and fish oil are particularly calorie-dense, providing more energy per gram than proteins or carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in the formula, such as brown rice, barley, and sweet potatoes, also contribute to the overall caloric content, offering energy for active puppies.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis reflects the nutritional composition of the pet food, with specific ingredients contributing to each analyzed nutrient value. The balance of these nutrients is formulated to meet the dietary needs of large breed puppies.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, American Journey Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Large Breed Puppies costs approximately $1.89 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the positive effects on their puppies' coats and digestion. One reviewer noted that their Standard Poodle puppy's coat became shiny and soft, and she was gaining weight appropriately, though they experienced some inconsistency in stool quality, which they hoped might improve with a switch to the salmon flavor.

Many reviewers reported that their puppies loved the taste of American Journey's Large Breed Puppy food, and some used it as training treats due to its palatability. The food was also praised for causing no gastrointestinal upset, even when switching from different brands, which is a testament to its digestibility.

Some puppies, however, seemed to lose interest in the food over time or had difficulty with the kibble size, particularly if they were smaller breeds. In contrast, others, like a Great Dane and German Shepherd mix, found the combination of this food with the salmon version to be ideal for their growth and activity levels.

There were instances where puppies exhibited loose stools, which some owners were unsure if it was due to the food or other health issues. Despite this, the general consensus was that the food supported alert and healthy puppies.

A few customers experienced their dogs refusing to eat the food after initial acceptance, but these reviews are balanced by others who saw their dogs thrive on the product, indicating that taste preferences can vary widely among individual dogs.

Overall, the sentiment is that American Journey Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Large Breed Puppies is a well-regarded choice for its quality and value, with many puppies enjoying the taste and experiencing benefits to their health and well-being.