For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a dog lover. Growing up, my family always had at least one furry four-legged friend running around the house. Now that I’m an adult living on my own, having a dog companion was at the top of my must-have list. About a year ago, I adopted the sweetest little terrier mix named Luna. She quickly became my pride and joy.

As a new pet parent, I’ll admit I was a bit clueless when it came to picking out the best dog food. I wanted to make sure I gave Luna top-notch nutrition to keep her healthy and happy. During a trip to my local pet store, I came across American Journey wet dog food. The ingredients sounded natural and wholesome, so I decided to give it a try. Well, let me tell you, Luna went absolutely crazy for this stuff! She gobbled up her first American Journey meal in seconds. I had never seen her devour her food that quickly before. Right then, I knew I had found a winner.

In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences with American Journey wet dog food and why it has become Luna’s favorite mealtime option. I’ll provide details on the key ingredients, compare it to other popular brands, discuss feeding guidelines, and cover where to buy it. If you’re searching for a nutritious wet dog food your pup will love, American Journey deserves a spot at the top of your list!

A Quick Overview of American Journey

Before diving into the wet food line specifically, let me give a brief background on American Journey as a brand. American Journey is the private label pet food line exclusively sold at Chewy.com. It offers a variety of products for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on providing premium nutrition at an affordable price point.

American Journey follows a “cold form” manufacturing process. This helps preserve nutrients that can be lost during traditional extrusion processes. Their formulations are crafted under strict safety procedures as well. All recipes are prepared in an organically certified kitchen too. These rigorous standards gave me confidence in feeding American Journey to my dog.

Deciphering the Ingredient List

Whenever I’m evaluating a new dog food, the first thing I look at is the ingredient list. This provides key clues into the quality and nutritional value of the food. For American Journey’s wet dog food varieties, here are some of the main ingredients:

• Beef, chicken, or fish: These high-quality animal proteins provide essential amino acids dogs need. The recipes I’ve purchased always list a specific meat source like beef, chicken, salmon, etc. as the first ingredient. This lets me know it makes up the majority of the food.
• Broths: The use of savory beef or chicken broths adds moisture and natural flavor. It helps make this food extra enticing for picky pups.
• Carbohydrates: Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal are digestible sources of fiber and energy. Sweet potatoes are also included which provide vitamin A, potassium, and beta-carotene.
• Fruits and veggies: Ingredients like carrots, blueberries, and cranberries add vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. These provide well-rounded nutrition.
• Oils: Canola oil and fish oils supply omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Flaxseed is another good source of dietary fat.

So in summary, the recipes have high-quality proteins, nutrient-rich fruits/veggies, digestible carbs, and beneficial oils. This nutritional profile mirrors what experts recommend for dogs. After examining the ingredients, I felt confident American Journey would meet Luna’s needs.

How Does It Compare to Other Wet Food Brands?

Being the savvy shopper that I am, I compared American Journey to other well-known wet dog food brands. I looked at options like Cesar, Purina, Iams, Pedigree, and Blue Buffalo. Here is how American Journey stacks up against the competition:

• Ingredient quality – The meat proteins and produce ingredients are superior to most other brands. Many leading companies use vague terms like “meat by-products” instead of naming specific protein sources.
• Less controversial ingredients – Some brands include fillers like corn, wheat, and soy which are linked to allergies in dogs. American Journey avoids these.
• Limited use of carrageenan – This common thickening agent found in wet pet foods has raised some health concerns. American Journey only uses carrageenan in a few recipes.
• No artificial preservatives – Controversial preservatives like BHA or BHT aren’t on the ingredient lists. They stick to all-natural preservation.
• Organic production – As mentioned earlier, American Journey is made in an organically certified facility which sets it apart.
• Budget-friendly price – Compared to premium-priced alternatives, American Journey provides amazing value for the quality.

When looking at all these factors, American Journey clearly stands out from the pack. The superior ingredients and strict safety standards give it a leg up on the competition.

An Impressive Variety of Formulas

Another aspect of American Journey I appreciate is the diverse lineup of wet food recipes. There are over a dozen grain-free and grain-inclusive options to choose from. This makes it easy to find varieties tailored to your dog’s needs. Here are some of the recipes they offer:

Grain-Free Recipes

• Beef & Sweet Potato Stew
• Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe
• Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
• Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew
• Beef Recipe with Carrots & Peas
• Chicken & Vegetable Stew
• Duck Recipe with Carrots & Peas
• Venison & Sweet Potato Recipe

Grain-Inclusive Recipes

• Beef & Brown Rice Stew
• Chicken & Rice Recipe
• Lamb & Lentil Stew
• Turkey, Chickpeas & Spinach Stew
• Beef & Barley Stew
• Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
• Pork & Sweet Potato Stew
• Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe

As you can see, there are a wide variety of proteins and ingredient combinations to satisfy any pooch. They have all the common options like chicken and beef, along with some unique flavors like duck or venison. There are also many grain-free and limited ingredient blends.

I usually alternate between a couple different recipes to keep things interesting for Luna. The stew-like textures also encourage her to slow down and savor mealtime. These soft, flavorful stews make feeding time extra fun!

Perfect for Pups of All Breeds & Sizes

With so many formulas to select from, American Journey wet food can match the needs of any dog. The recipes feature optimal protein levels to support muscle growth and energy. The digestible carbohydrates give sustained energy for active dogs. And the fruits/veggies provide antioxidants for whole-body health.

The stew-like consistency is easy for dogs of any breed or size to enjoy. Petite pups can lap up the chopped chunks and liquid sauce. Larger dogs can sink their teeth into hearty pieces of protein and vegetables. My 35-pound terrier mix has no problem polishing off an entire can!

I also asked my neighbor what she thinks of American Journey. She has two huge Labrador retrievers that weigh over 80 pounds each. She said American Journey is the only wet food that satisfies her big boys. They devour it at mealtime just like my little Luna.

So no matter if your dog is tiny, small, medium, large, or extra-large, American Journey wet food will be a hit. The recipes and textures cater to dogs across all breed types and sizes.

Plenty of Grain-Free Options

Grain-free diets have grown in popularity over the past decade. Some dogs seem to do better without grains if they have food sensitivities. Fortunately, American Journey offers a wide selection of grain-free wet food recipes.

As I mentioned earlier, they have several grain-free stews and recipes featuring sweet potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and pumpkin. These provide important carbohydrates but don’t contain traditional grains like wheat or corn. There are also many limited ingredient recipes made with just one animal protein and vegetable source. These singular protein and carb options help avoid ingredients that trigger allergies.

I like to rotate between the grain-inclusive and grain-free varieties depending on what’s on sale that week. Luna enjoys both types and her tummy seems less sensitive to grains than some dogs. But for owners who want to feed exclusively grain-free, American Journey has lots of options to choose from. The variety of proteins, fruits, veggies, and legumes used in the grain-free recipes keep meals exciting and nutritious for pups.

The Many Benefits for Your Dog

At this point, you’re probably convinced that American Journey provides top-notch nutrition. But what exactly are the benefits of feeding your dog this food? Here are some of the main perks:

• Shinier coat – The omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and give your dog’s coat a glossy shine.
• Improved digestion – Easily digestible protein sources and fiber prevent tummy issues like gas or diarrhea. The natural prebiotics support better digestion as well.
• Higher energy levels – Quality carbohydrates give your dog long-lasting energy to power through busy days. The high moisture content keeps them hydrated too.
• Better breath – Chunks of fruits and veggies freshen doggie breath. The tasty flavors motivate more thorough chewing which reduces plaque buildup.
• Weight management – The generous protein levels along with reduced calories and fats help dogs feel satisfied while maintaining a healthy weight.
• Muscle building – Abundant amino acids allow dogs to develop and maintain lean muscle mass. This supports joint health and mobility too.
• Immune support – Antioxidants from produce ingredients boost immunity and fight disease-causing free radicals.

As you can see, feeding American Journey provides benefits from nose to tail. I’ve noticed major improvements in Luna’s energy, coat condition, breath, and digestion since making the switch. The visible changes let me know this diet is providing complete and balanced nutrition.

Grab It at Chewy.com

If I’ve convinced you to give American Journey a try, your next question is probably where to buy it. As I mentioned earlier, American Journey is a private label brand made exclusively for Chewy. This online pet store provides the best prices and widest selection of American Journey products.

Chewy offers free 1-3 day shipping on all American Journey dog food. They also have an automatic ship option where you can schedule regular deliveries to your door. This ensures you never run out of your dog’s favorite meals. Chewy has phenomenal customer service too. You can reach their pet nutrition experts by phone, email, or online chat for feeding advice.

When I adopted Luna, I signed up for Chewy’s Puppy Starter Kit. It included a free bag of American Journey dog food along with toys and treats to welcome her home. Chewy is always running deals and promos to help save buyers money. Signing up for their rewards program gets you discounts and sale alerts too.

With free shipping, auto-delivery, stellar customer service, and routine sales, Chewy makes it easy and affordable to keep my dog supplied with American Journey. I recommend them to any pet owner looking for convenience and budget-friendly prices.

Free of Artificial Ingredients

One common concern I’ve heard from other pet parents is whether the food contains any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. I always examine the ingredient lists closely to check for these. I’m happy to report that American Journey wet dog food appears to be free of any controversial additives.

The recipes rely on natural preservatives like vitamin E and mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness. I don’t see any chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin in the ingredients. The sauces and gravies get their rich colors from fruits and vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, beets, and spinach. No artificial coloring agents are added. And instead of fake smoke or bacon flavors, they use real chicken or beef broth for a mouthwatering taste dogs love.

It’s reassuring to know Luna isn’t ingesting any synthetic additives with her meals. American Journey uses wholesome ingredients to provide great nutrition without artificial junk. This gives me peace of mind at feeding time.

Budget Prices for Premium Quality

I’ll wrap up this post by talking about the cost of American Journey wet dog food. When it comes to my dog’s nutrition, I’m willing to pay more for quality. But I also appreciate finding an affordable option. I’d rank American Journey as moderately priced when compared to other leading brands.

Here is an overview of the price range:

• 5.5 oz. cans: $1.79 – $2.49
• 12.5 oz. cans: $3.79 – $4.99
• 24 oz. tubs: $4.99 – $7.99
• Variety packs: $17.99 – $22.99

As you can see, the smaller cans and tubs come out to about $2-$3 per pound. The larger containers and bundles offer even better value at under $2 per pound. Considering the top-notch ingredients and manufacturing standards, this seems very reasonable.

The prices are cheaper than many veterinarian-recommended and natural brands. But you still get similar levels of quality and nutrition. So for owners like myself looking for premium dog food on a budget, American Journey hits that sweet spot.

Customer Reviews Praise Taste and Value

In addition to my own glowing opinion, American Journey wet dog foods receive rave reviews from other buyers too. On Chewy’s website, most varieties have over 500 customer ratings with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Here are some examples of the positive feedback:

“My dog loves this food! He licks the bowl clean every night. His coat looks great and eyes are bright. I will definitely buy this food again.”

“This is very high quality dog food for the price. My pup’s tummy issues cleared up after switching to this.”

“I have three large dogs who all enjoy the flavor. It’s affordable enough to feed to my whole pack.”

“This keeps my active dog’s energy levels up all day. The chunks are perfect size for his smaller mouth.”

“My picky eater actually loves this stuff! I’m so happy to have found a wet food she enjoys.”

As you can see, other dog owners are just as happy with American Journey as I am. They agree it’s tasty, nutritious, easy to digest, and budget-friendly. With hundreds of satisfied customers, it’s clear this brand offers quality people can trust.

Formulas for Specific Health Needs

In addition to general nutrition, American Journey also crafts recipes to address specific canine health concerns. They offer formulas that promote better digestion, skin/coat health, joint strength, heart health, and immunity.

For example, the digestive care recipes contain prebiotics, pumpkin, and fiber for regular digestion. The skin and coat care formulas feature omega oils and vitamins for skin vitality. And the hip and joint care recipes have glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants to cushion joints.

It’s great knowing I can reach for an American Journey variety designed to benefit my dog in a particular way. Luna loves the digest and joint care stews. The tailored nutrition keeps her tummy happy and her joints limber as she ages. American Journey makes it easy to support your dog’s unique needs.

Generous Amounts of High-Quality Protein

Protein is arguably the most important nutrient in your dog’s diet. It provides amino acids that support nearly every bodily function. When reviewing a dog food, I always check that the protein sources and levels are optimal.

For their wet foods, American Journey includes generous amounts of digestible animal proteins. The protein typically makes up 7-10% of the total recipe. And the first two or three ingredients are always specific whole meat sources like beef, chicken, salmon, turkey, etc.

These high-quality animal proteins provide all ten essential amino acids in ratios that perfectly meet your dog’s needs. The proteins help maintain muscle mass, strengthen immunity, boost energy, and so much more. Your dog gets both the quantity and quality of protein they require for good health.

Transitioning Your Dog Smoothly

Changing up your dog’s diet can sometimes upset their stomach or cause digestive issues. To help avoid problems, it’s important to transition slowly when switching to a new food like American Journey.

I recommend starting by mixing a small amount of American Journey with your dog’s old food. Gradually decrease the old and increase the new over a period of 7-10 days. This gives your dog’s body time to adapt to the new recipe.

Make sure to watch for any diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of appetite which could signal issues. If your dog seems uncomfortable, you may need to transition more slowly. I’ve found going extra slow prevents any stomach troubles. Within a couple weeks, your dog will be happily eating just American Journey!

Formulas for Both Puppies & Adult Dogs

A common question I get from other pet owners is whether American Journey has options for puppies. I’m pleased to share that they offer both puppy and adult dog recipes. This makes it easy to feed American Journey products tailored to your dog’s life stage.

The puppy recipes contain higher protein levels to support growth and development. Added calcium and phosphorus strengthen growing bones and teeth. DHA from fish oil benefits brain and vision development. And antioxidants from fruits/veggies give young immune systems a boost.

Once your pup reaches adulthood, you can transition to the adult dog formulas. These provide balanced nutrition for dogs 1 year and older. The lower calories prevent unhealthy weight gain but still deliver complete nutrition. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health for maturity dogs as well.

No matter your dog’s age, American Journey offers the right recipes to meet their nutritional requirements. Both my neighbor’s puppy and senior dog thrive when fed age-appropriate American Journey wet foods.

Good Options for Bulk Buying

One tip I have for other American Journey buyers is to take advantage of the bulk options. This allows you to stock up on your dog’s favorite recipes at a discount.

The 24 oz. tubs are a great choice for medium or large breed dogs. A tub lasts Luna about week and is cheaper per ounce than the smaller cans.

You can also save by purchasing the combo packs with 8-12 cans or tubs. The variety packs let you sample different proteins and recipes too.

I like to buy the biggest bundles I can store easily. My favorite is the 12-pack of 12.5 oz. cans which lasts Luna almost 3 months! Buying the larger quantities saves me at least 10-15%.

So if you have the pantry or freezer space, go for the bulk deals. This ensures you get the lowest price per pound on American Journey wet dog food.

Veterinarian Recommendations

I always feel better about a pet food if veterinarians also recommend it. So I asked Luna’s vet what she thought about American Journey during our last checkup. She said she recommends American Journey to many of her patients, especially those with food sensitivities or allergies.

My vet praised the brand for using high-quality ingredients while avoiding common allergens. She said the recipes provide balanced nutrition suitable for long-term feeding. Her own staff even feeds American Journey foods to their personal pets!

Getting a thumbs up from my trusted vet gave me more confidence in my choice. It’s reassuring to know veterinary professionals approve of American Journey’s recipes too. This brand clearly provides stellar nutrition backed by expert opinions.

Feeding Guideline Tips

To make sure you’re feeding the right amount, check the feeding guidelines on the package. American Journey provides charts with recommendations based on your dog’s weight. Here are some tips for getting the portions right:

• Base it on your dog’s ideal weight rather than actual weight if overweight. This prevents overfeeding.
• Start with the minimum amount listed for your dog’s weight and adjust up if needed. It’s easier to increase than decrease portions.
• Feed adult dogs once or twice daily. Puppies may need 3-4 small meals.
• Use a measuring cup to portion out the recommended volume. Cans contain roughly 2 servings.
• Monitor your dog’s body condition and energy levels. Increase or decrease amounts if their weight or energy changes.

Adhering to the guidelines ensures your dog gets all the nutrients they need without consuming excess calories. Pay attention to their health cues and adjust portions accordingly.

Lasts 7-10 Days After Opening

Once you open a can, pouch, or tub, it’s recommended to use it within 7-10 days.Transfer any leftover wet food into a sealed container and store in the fridge.

I’ve noticed the stews and shredded recipes stay fresher longer than the pâtés or loafs. But any opened container should be consumed within a week or two.

Any change in smell, texture, or appearance means it’s time to throw it out. And always follow the “best by” date printed on the packaging as well. Taking these simple precautions prevents spoilage.

Allergy-Friendly Formulas Available

Food allergies and sensitivities are common in dogs. Reactions are typically triggered by proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs. Or ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy. Symptoms range from mild like itchy skin to severe like vomiting or diarrhea.

Luckily, American Journey offers several formulas free of common allergens. The limited ingredient recipes only contain one protein and carb source, avoiding mixing different foods. Any proteins and grains used are less likely to trigger allergies.

If your dog has food allergies, I recommend trying an American Journey recipe with either novel or hydrolyzed proteins. Novel meats like venison, duck, or lamb have proteins your dog’s body may not recognize as allergens. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken into smaller fragments less likely to cause reactions. Either of these options may help dogs with sensitivities.

Canned Tins, Tubs, and Pouches

The final topic I want to cover is the types of packaging American Journey wet food comes in. You can find it in:

• Cans: The 5.5 oz. and 12.5 oz. cans are designed for smaller portion sizes. These are better for dogs under 30 lbs. The pop-top cans make these easy to open and store leftovers.
• Plastic tubs: The resealable 24 oz. tubs allow for convenient larger servings. The wide openings let you easily scoop out food. These are great for big dogs or multiple pets.
• Pouches: Some recipes come in 12.5 oz. or 24 oz. foil pouches. The standing pouches take up less fridge space. You can squeeze out portions as needed.

All of the packaging options keep the food fresh while offering great convenience. The variety allows you to choose the type and size that best suits your needs.

To Sum It Up…

Well, there you have it – everything you could want to know about American Journey wet dog food! As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of this brand. The natural ingredients and stellar nutrition have done wonders for my little Luna. She eagerly devours every bowl like it’s her last.

I hope this detailed review gave you all the details to decide if American Journey is right for your pup. If you’re looking for an affordable but high-quality wet food, I highly recommend giving it a try. Your dog’s taste buds and stomach will thank you!