American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe Review

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Review of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe

According to our data, this American Journey recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe, we'll examine all 54 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 high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.

  3. Tapioca Starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source used in cat food. It's easily digestible and can provide energy for your cat.

  4. Turkey Meal is a high-quality protein source made from dehydrated and ground turkey meat. It provides essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.

  5. Dried Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance. It also offers important vitamins and minerals.

  6. Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.

  7. Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.

  8. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  9. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.

  10. Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.

  11. Menhaden Meal is a high-quality protein source derived from menhaden fish. This ingredient provides essential amino acids for your cat's overall health, supports muscle growth, and contains omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat.

  12. Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.

  13. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

  14. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut, supporting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  15. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  16. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

  17. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.

  18. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  19. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains antioxidants, which support your cat's immune system and help maintain a healthy weight.

  20. Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.

  21. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.

  22. Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

  23. Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.

  24. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.

  25. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

  26. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  27. Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.

  28. Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.

  29. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  30. Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.

  31. Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.

  32. Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.

  33. Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.

  34. Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.

  35. Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.

  36. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  37. L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by supporting the metabolism of fats and promoting lean muscle mass.

  38. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  39. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  40. Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.

  41. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.

  42. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  43. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  44. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  45. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.

  46. Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.

  47. Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.

  48. Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

  49. Yeast Culture is a source of live probiotics and enzymes that help promote healthy digestion and support a strong immune system in cats.

  50. The Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product is a probiotic ingredient that promotes healthy digestion and supports your cat's immune system. It helps maintain a balanced gut flora, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.

  51. Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's gut, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health.

  52. Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in your cat's diet, promoting optimal digestive health.

  53. Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of enzymes which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.

  54. Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract is a probiotic ingredient that supports your cat's digestive and immune health. It helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 40.00%: The high protein content is most likely contributed by the deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, dried egg product, and pea protein. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and contain less water than whole meat. Dried egg product is also a high-quality protein source. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that can boost the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat content in the food is likely coming from the deboned chicken, chicken fat, and menhaden fish meal. Chicken fat is a common source of animal fat in pet foods and is rich in essential fatty acids. Menhaden fish meal is another concentrated source of both protein and fat. The inclusion of flaxseed may also contribute a small amount of fat, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: Fiber in this cat food is likely provided by ingredients such as pea fiber, flaxseed, and various fruits and vegetables like spinach, apples, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, and pumpkin. These ingredients contain varying levels of soluble and insoluble fiber, which can aid in digestion and maintain gastrointestinal health.

Calories of 3760.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the proteins (from meats and pea protein), fats (from chicken fat and fish meal), and carbohydrates (from tapioca starch and peas). Tapioca starch is a carbohydrate source that also serves as a binder in grain-free foods, contributing to the overall calorie content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe costs approximately $3.43 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKittenAdult
5 lbs $12.50$19.52
10 lbs $21.02$32.84
15 lbs $28.48$44.51
20 lbs $35.34$55.22
30 lbs $47.90$74.85
40 lbs $59.44$92.88
50 lbs $70.27$109.80
60 lbs $80.57$125.88
70 lbs $90.44$141.31
80 lbs $99.97$156.20
90 lbs $109.20$170.62
100 lbs $118.18$184.65

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed a high level of satisfaction with American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe, noting that not only their own cats, but also neighborhood cats and even local wildlife, such as possums, are drawn to the food. The grain-free formula is appreciated for its high protein content and has been credited with improving health issues in some cats, such as reducing vomiting and aiding in weight management.

Many reviewers have highlighted that their cats, including picky eaters, have taken to the food with enthusiasm. They report that their cats' coats have become shinier and that their overall health seems to have improved since switching to American Journey. The food is also recognized for being a good option for cats at all life stages and is particularly lauded for its simple ingredient list that focuses on essential nutrients without fillers.

However, there is a notable amount of feedback regarding the packaging, with customers expressing disappointment over the removal of the Velcro seal which was previously a convenient feature for maintaining freshness. While the food itself receives praise, the new packaging has led some customers to consider alternative brands or to find additional storage solutions to keep the food fresh. Despite these concerns, the food's quality and the positive impact on their cats' health have kept many customers loyal to the brand.