American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe For Kittens Review

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

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

American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe For Kittens is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe For Kittens, we'll examine all 53 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. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

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

  17. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.

  18. 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.

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

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

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

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

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

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

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

  38. 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.

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

  40. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  47. 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.

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

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract is a source of enzymes that can help improve the digestibility of your cat's food. These enzymes break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, promoting optimal nutrient absorption and supporting your cat's overall digestive health.

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

  53. 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 in this cat food is primarily contributed by the deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, dried egg product, and pea protein. Chicken and turkey meals are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered products with most of the moisture and fat removed. The dried egg product is also a high-quality protein source. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that supplements the animal proteins in the recipe.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat content is likely derived from the deboned chicken, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), and menhaden fish meal. Chicken fat is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids for cats. Menhaden fish meal also contributes not only protein but also omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a kitten's coat and skin health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber in this food comes from ingredients such as pea fiber, flaxseed, and various fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, pumpkin, and spinach. Fiber is important for gastrointestinal health, and while cats require a low-fiber diet, the inclusion of these ingredients provides the necessary fiber to support proper digestion without being excessive.

Calories of 3914.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) in the food. The protein and fat are the most calorie-dense components, with the carbohydrates from ingredients like tapioca starch and peas also contributing to the total calorie count. This high-calorie content is suitable for the energy needs of growing kittens.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Chicken Recipe For Kittens costs approximately $4.63 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKitten
5 lbs $16.23
10 lbs $27.29
15 lbs $36.99
20 lbs $45.90
30 lbs $62.21
40 lbs $77.19
50 lbs $91.25
60 lbs $104.62
70 lbs $117.44
80 lbs $129.81
90 lbs $141.80
100 lbs $153.46

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally appreciate the quality ingredients and nutrient-rich profile of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food for kittens. One reviewer noted that their older kitten relishes the flavor, suggesting it's a hit even with more discerning feline palates. Another mentioned that their underweight kitten took a day to adjust to the new food but now enjoys it, indicating that it can be a good choice for kittens needing additional nutrients and calories.

Several reviewers have praised the food for its positive impact on their kittens' health and energy levels. A breeder of rare cats highlighted that American Journey's ingredients surpass those of other brands and that their kittens thrive on it, suggesting it's an excellent choice for those concerned with the wellbeing of their young felines. Others have found that even picky eaters are enticed by the food's texture or flavor, and some have observed their adult cats also developing a fondness for the kitten formula.

While some reviews mention that their kittens weren't as passionate about this dry food as wet food, it still served the intended purpose of supplementing their diet for added calories during growth spurts. Additionally, the small kibble size has been positively noted for being suitable for tiny mouths, indicating that it's a good fit for kittens and even senior cats.

There are instances where the food didn't agree with some kittens, causing digestive issues or simply being less appealing to them. However, these experiences seem to be the exception rather than the rule, and many reviewers have successfully switched to American Journey from other brands. The brand's cost-effectiveness compared to similar premium foods has also been highlighted, suggesting it's a value-for-money option for kitten owners.