American Journey Protein & Grains Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of American Journey Protein & Grains Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables 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 Protein & Grains Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables 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 Protein & Grains Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 46 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. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  2. 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.

  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. 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. 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.

  6. 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.

  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. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  17. 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.

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

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

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

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

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

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

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

  26. 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.

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

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

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

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

  40. 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.

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

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

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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 crude protein content of at least 25.00% in this puppy food is primarily derived from the deboned salmon and menhaden fish meal listed as the first two ingredients. These are high-quality sources of animal protein that also provide essential amino acids necessary for a puppy's growth and muscle development. The peas may also contribute to the overall protein content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the animal sources.

Crude fat content is at a minimum of 15.00%. This is likely contributed by the chicken fat, which is a common source of animal fat in pet foods and is rich in energy. The deboned salmon and menhaden fish meal would also contribute to the fat content, as fish are typically good sources of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, flaxseed is known for its oil content and would contribute some fat as well.

The maximum crude fiber content of 6.00% comes from the inclusion of fibrous ingredients such as brown rice, rice bran, peas, dried tomato pomace, suncured alfalfa meal, dried plain beet pulp, and dried chicory root. These ingredients provide the necessary dietary fiber which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

The caloric content of 3439.00 kcal/kg indicates the energy density of the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The high-calorie count can be attributed to the fat content from the chicken fat and the oils from the fish and flaxseed, as fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The carbohydrates from brown rice, peas, and other plant-based ingredients also contribute to the overall caloric content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, American Journey Protein & Grains Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $1.86 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $7.40
10 lbs $12.45
15 lbs $16.88
20 lbs $20.94
30 lbs $28.38
40 lbs $35.22
50 lbs $41.63
60 lbs $47.73
70 lbs $53.58
80 lbs $59.22
90 lbs $64.69
100 lbs $70.01

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have shared that their puppies eagerly consume the American Journey Protein & Grains Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe, indicating that the taste is well-received by their pets. Positive reviews often highlight the high quality of ingredients and the noticeable health benefits, such as improved coat condition and healthy digestion.

Several pet owners have successfully transitioned their puppies to this food, even those with sensitive stomachs or allergies. They appreciate the absence of common allergens like chicken and the inclusion of salmon, which is known to support skin and coat health. The affordability of the product compared to other premium brands is also frequently mentioned as a plus.

Despite some negative experiences, where puppies experienced loose stools or showed a lack of interest in the food, the overall sentiment remains positive. Owners of picky eaters or dogs with specific dietary needs have found this formula to be a suitable and cost-effective option, with many noting that their puppies are thriving on it.

Some reviewers have noted that the kibble size and smell of the salmon-based food were either particularly appealing or off-putting to their dogs. However, those who have observed positive health changes in their puppies, such as better weight gain and shinier coats, tend to overlook these minor issues.

The brand loyalty is evident among customers who have used American Journey for other pets, with some choosing this puppy formula based on previous positive experiences. They express satisfaction with the consistent quality and value offered by the brand across different life stages of their pets.