American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Adult Dogs Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Adult Dogs

According to our data, this American Journey recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Adult Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of American Journey Grain-Free Dry Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Adult Dogs, we'll examine all 43 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. 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.

  5. 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.

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  10. Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

  11. 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.

  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. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

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

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

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

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

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

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

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

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

  23. 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.

  24. Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.

  25. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  26. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  27. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

  28. 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.

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  33. Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.

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

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

  36. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

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

  38. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  42. 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.

  43. 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: The guaranteed analysis indicates a minimum of 36.00% crude protein, which is quite high and suitable for small breed adult dogs with high energy needs. The primary contributors to this protein content are the deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal, which are all high-quality sources of animal protein. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and contain less water than whole meat. Pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content, although it is a plant-based source and may not have the same amino acid profile as animal proteins.

Crude Fat: The minimum crude fat content is 16.00%. This fat likely comes from the chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of energy and also provides essential fatty acids for skin and coat health. Chicken fat is preserved with mixed tocopherols, which are natural forms of vitamin E and act as antioxidants. Additionally, flaxseed and sunflower oil contribute to the fat content, providing a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber: The maximum crude fiber content is listed at 5.00%. Fiber is essential for digestive health, and the ingredients contributing to this content include sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, and dried plain beet pulp. These are all sources of complex carbohydrates and provide dietary fiber which aids in digestion. Dried chicory root is also included, which is a source of inulin, a prebiotic that can help support gut health.

Calories: The food contains 3566.00 calories per kilogram, which is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. Higher protein and fat contents typically mean higher calorie content, making this food energy-dense, which is appropriate for small breed dogs that may require more calories per pound of body weight compared to larger breeds.