Unbiased American Journey Cat Food Brand Review
Here at the Daily Cat, we strive to provide cat owners with the most relevant information possible. Our job is to make sense of this for you, and present it in a manner that is easily digestible, just like the food you should be getting for your cat.
American Journey Cat Food – The Best Nutrition for Every Adventure
If you’re shopping around for the purrr-fect cat food for your feline friend, then you’re probably coming up against a lot of different brands. You’re trying to find something both affordable and nutritious—but how can you be sure that the quality matches up with the price? At the end of the day, not all cat food brands are created equal.
As a cat owner, it’s important to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing food that fuels your cat’s health and happiness. Ideal cat food should provide your feline friend with all the essential nutrients he or she needs to live a long life by your side.
Finding a brand that meets your cat’s dietary needs is no easy feat; there’s an overwhelming variety of options on the market today. But talking to your veterinarian and reading online brand reviews are a good starting point.
American Journey is Chewy.com’s exclusive brand of natural pet foods. Although it’s a relatively newer brand, cat owners are already raving about its results. But is it a good choice for your cat? Read our in-depth, unbiased brand review on American Journey to find out.
Top American Journey products
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Dry food
Price per 100 calories: $0.12 per
Best for: Cats of all life stages; Sensitive cats; Indoor cats; Outdoor cats
Overall grade: N/A
American Journey Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Dry food
Price per 100 calories: $0.13
Best for: Cats of all life stages; Sensitive cats; Active cats
Overall grade: N/A
Best choice
What we like
- provides 40% solid animal protein
free from meat by-products, corn, wheat, soy and artificial preservatives
contains taurine for heart and eye health
manufactured in the US and carefully exports ingredients from around the world
contains probiotics to support good health
affordable price
Things to consider
Low moisture content
A large amount of peas and pea protein is added. While these are quality carbohydrates there is an above average amount at around 22-24%
Tapioca starch is used as a gluten and corn free thickening agent
It’s a hard, crunchy kibble
The reviews are in and this recipe is a hit with so many cats. Owners will appreciate the price tag and cats will appreciate the taste: win-win! The first thing we love about this product is that the first ingredient is deboned turkey. This already signals that it’s rich in animal protein, not to mention, turkey is a good protein source for cats.
What makes this dry cat food product even stronger is that the first three ingredients are protein sources: deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal. As such, it stands to reason that there is 40% crude protein present in the composition. The formula also contains menhaden fish and dried egg protein to boost your cat’s nutrient intake. This means that your cat will receive the amino acids necessary for optimum health.
Many grain-free kibbles use pea protein and peas, and this product is no different. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, fiber and probiotic strains to support your cat’s immune system, digestion, and skin health. Other exceptional ingredients include flaxseed, spinach, blueberries, apples and pumpkin. We’re also happy that this formulation has less carbohydrate content than some of its dry counterparts.
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food contains 395 calories per cup.
Dry Matter Composition:
Protein: 44.44%
Fat: 16.67%
Fiber: 4.44%
Guaranteed analysis
| Crude Protein (min) | 40.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 15.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 10.0% |
Common allergens: Chicken, eggs, fish
Best suited for: All-life stages
We compared the American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dry Recipe’s protein, fat, carb, fiber and omega levels against the average of all American Journey dry foods and the average of all Chewy dry foods in the graph below.
Best value
What we like
Provides solid high-quality 40% protein for the amino acids and nutrients your cat needs
Deboned salmon is the first ingredient which provides flavor and makes a species-appropriate diet
Free from grains, artificial colors, preservatives and
Contains taurine for heart and eye health
Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Things to consider
Canola oil is included as the main fat source
A strong fish odor for those who are sensitive to smell
This dry food product from American Journey is very similar to the last one we reviewed. Rather than deboned turkey and chicken, deboned salmon and salmon meal are the first two ingredients. This helps to deliver essential Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that are important for skin and coat health. And like the last product mentioned, this is a premium, above-average dry cat food that your feline friend will love.
While there are plant-based sources of protein, the fresh mix of salmon muscle meat, menhaden fish meal and dried egg product packs the recipe with enough meat to make it a well-balanced and ideal cat food.
It’s also packed with antioxidant rich foods like fruits, vegetables, in addition to the probiotics and minerals that will effectively boost your cat’s health.
American Journey Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food contains 410 calories per cup.
Dry Matter Composition:
Protein: 44.44%
Fat: 16.67%
Fiber: 4.44%
Guaranteed Analysis
| Crude Protein (min) | 40.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 15.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 10.0% |
Common allergens: Fish, eggs
Best suited for: All-life stages
We compared the American Journey Salmon Grain-Free Dry Recipe’s protein, fat, carb, fiber and omega levels against the average of all American Journey dry foods and the average of all Chewy dry foods in the graph below.
Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Peas, Natural Flavor, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Inulin, Taurine, DL- Methionine, Salt, Spinach, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Carnitine, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract.
Best other
What we like
Bits of real chicken or turkey covered in gravy for a palatable and protein rich meal
Cats love the minced, flaky texture
Taurine is added for eye and heart health
Free from grains, animal by-products and artificial preservatives
High quality sourced protein to promote lean muscle mass
Things to consider
Guar gum is an ingredient which some cats might be sensitive to
Some cats may not like the flavors provided
Whether your cat is a picky eater or you just like having variety on hand, this variety pack is perfect. It offers three flavors: Chicken, Turkey, and Chicken & Turkey. The minced wet food formula is meaty, rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals needed for the daily nutrition of adult cats and kittens.
Each recipe contains real animal meat covered in delicious creamy gravy that your cat . The flavorful food is enhanced by the fact that it includes bites of real chicken or turkey so it closely mimics their diet in the wild.
These recipes are nutritionally complete and well balanced to feed on their own or as an addition to the kibble that your cat usually enjoys. It’s rich in fiber thanks to the addition of blueberries and cranberries. We also love that it’s grain-free and moisture intensive.
The formulation also contains flaxseed, sunflower oil and Omega fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat.
Dry Matter Composition:
Protein: 50%
Fat: 22.22%
Fiber: 5.56%
Guaranteed Analysis
All three recipes have the same results.
| Crude Protein (min) | 9.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 4.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 1.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 82.0% |
Common allergens: Chicken, eggs
Best suited for: All-life stages
We compared the American Journey Minced Poultry Variety Pack Recipe’s protein, fat, carb, fiber and omega levels against the average of all American Journey wet foods and the average of all Chewy wet foods in the graph below.
Chicken Recipe
76 calories per 3 oz can
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg White, Peas, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Guar Gum, Flaxseed, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sunflower Oil, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Cranberries, Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Inulin, DL-Methionine, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Turkey Recipe
77 calories per 3 oz can
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Dried Egg White, Peas, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Guar Gum, Flaxseed, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Cranberries, Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Inulin, DL-Methionine, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Chicken & Turkey Recipe
76 calories per 3 oz can
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Dried Egg White, Peas, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Guar Gum, Flaxseed, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Cranberries, Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Inulin, DL-Methionine, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Other American Journey products
American Journey Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
American Journey Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
American Journey 100% Chicken Freeze-Dried Grain-Free Cat Treat
American Journey Pate Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Canned Food
American Journey Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid SupplementAmerican Journey Cat Food Buying Guide
When you choose American Journey products, you’re getting premium food without the high price tag. Here are some of the central motivations for feeding your furry friend American Journey:
- Nutrients in every bite
They ensure that every product has only the best ingredients, including real, deboned animal meats, wholesome fruits and vegetables, as well as taurine, Omega fatty acids and folic acids. There are no meat by-products, all animal fat sources are preserved naturally and the recipes are all grain-free.
Because of this, each bite your cat takes will be fueled with rich antioxidants and powerful nutrients for a healthy immune system, lean muscles and good energy overall. - Reasonably priced products
American Journey is one of the most affordable, high-quality brands on the market today. All of their products are nutritionally similar to other premium cat food companies, yet at a slightly lower price. - Quality and safety
They’ve ensured quality and safety by carefully selecting ingredients from trusted suppliers around the world. Then they manufacture the products here in the U.S. so they can oversee the process and make sure it adheres to quality standards. For this reason, all American Journey products are AAFCO approved. - Well balanced formulas
Each product is made with all of the essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids your cat needs and without all of the unnecessary ingredients your cat doesn’t need (grain, animal by-products, highly allergic components, etc.). To top it off, you can expect high protein, moderate carbohydrates and low to moderate fat content in all recipes.
American Journey offers four dry kibble recipes that are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. They are good for all life stages and available in the following flavors:
- Grain-Free Salmon
- Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken
- Grain-Free Duck
- Grain-Free Chicken
American Journey offers wet canned food in three different textures and a variety of flavors:
- Landmark – consists of up to 95% real shredded fish or poultry gently cooked in a hydrating broth
- Minced – a good choice for picky eaters; contains pieces of meat in gravy. Available in Turkey & Salmon, Chicken & Salmon, Chicken & Tuna, Chicken & Turkey, Salmon & Tuna, Chicken, and Turkey formulations.
- Pate – a smooth, high protein and moisture recipe that is good for cats of all ages. Available in Chicken, Turkey, Turkey & Salmon, Beef & Chicken, and Salmon flavors.
Beyond these central product lines, they also offer chicken treats and freeze-dried products.
The average price of the 25 sampled American Journey products is $25.87 per item or $1.05 per 100 calories. The sampled American Journey wet food products average at $21.16 per item or $1.20 per 100 calories, whereas the dry food products average $26.49 per item or $0.13 per 100 calories.
To date, American Journey has never had a recall.
Judging from the high ratings and mostly positive reviews on Chewy, it seems American Journey is cherished by cat owners and their feline friends. A lot of owners report back satisfied with the products and their cat’s reaction. Moreso, all of their top recipes have received 4 to 5-star ratings on Chewy.
Below are some real customer reviews on their Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food recipe, which has an unbelievable 4.6 / 5 stars based on 1473 reviews. And 94% of those reviewers would recommend the product.
Any negative reviews seem to be from cats that don’t touch the food because of indifference to the flavor. However, this is a subjective characteristic and since all the recipes are made with only natural flavors (instead of flavoring agents), some cats may be indifferent to the palatability at first.
Here’s what a few real customers had to say about it.
Positive reviews
“My four were getting sick of their Solid Gold crunchy snacks. They’d beg and then leave it sit. We had the stand off for a while, but I got tired of tossing stale food and my little guy was losing weight. I decided to try a bag of this, after reading the good reviews. All of them like it, and it makes a good snack to go with their American Journey and Wellness and Dave’s canned food. Thank you, Chewy! -Mia, Shiloh, Dragomir, and Dimsi <3”
-by catmomma1 on October 22, 2020
“I have two 15+ year old boys who love this. I feed them mostly canned as it’s better on their kidneys and overall heatlh but I do supplement with a little dry. One of my boys has a VERY sensitive stomach and tends to vomit easily, especially right after eating. Since switching from Iams to American Journey, he has only vomited one time- huge improvement! They also seem to like the smaller size kibble. This is also cost effective as they don’t need much since it’s not full of fillers. They also seem to poop less. Will continue to buy this.”
-by Luvmycats on November 11, 2020
Negative reviews
“My cat won’t eat this. The food has a very strong odor so this may be what he doesn’t like. This is first food I have tried after Kitten Chow.”
-By Catlover on September 30, 2020
“I have two cats. One is a Siberian mix and the other is a Balinese. Nicki the Siberian will eat most anything that isn’t people food. Skye the Balinese is a bit more finicky but eats most things. Neither one will touch this stuff.”
-by AmJo on November 21, 2020
American Journey cat food is sold exclusively on Chewy’s online pet store.
Using a standard 8-ounce measuring cup, the recommended feeding amount is based on your cat’s weight. Cats weighing 3 pounds get 1/3 cup daily, cats weighing 5 pounds get 1/2 cup daily, cats weighing 10 pounds get 2/3 cup daily and cats weighing 15 pounds get 1 cup daily. Keep in mind that kittens might require 2-3x the amount that adults need.
Conclusion: Is American Journey a good brand of cat food?
Based on all the information gathered, we’ve determined based on the price, ingredient quality, positive reviews and species-appropriate products that American Journey is an excellent choice.
Their dry food has a good ratio of protein to carb content and the wet products are high in protein and moisture. All of their recipes contain premium animal protein, wholesome vegetables, fiber-rich ingredients and plenty of vitamins and minerals to boost optimum health.
Hopefully this gave you more information to choose cat food you can be confident with. Before switching your cat to any new food, add a small amount to your cat’s current diet while gradually reducing it and increasing the new food.