When it comes to feeding our furry canine companions, we want to provide them with quality nutrition in a form they enjoy. As pet parents, we know our dogs deserve the very best. I’m always on the lookout for dog foods that offer optimum health benefits within an appetizing, protein-packed formulation. Recently I came across American Journey – specifically, their canned dog food options.
After doing some research, I realized American Journey’s canned food contains many of the premium ingredients I look for in my own dog’s diet. I decided to give their products a try and see if my pup would enjoy this brand as much as his previous canned foods. Read on for my full review detailing my experience with American Journey’s canned dog food line.
A Closer Look at American Journey Canned Dog Food
American Journey is one of the pet food brands offered by trusted retailer Chewy. It’s marketed as a high quality, affordable option for pet parents seeking grain-free nutrition. According to the company, American Journey recipes are formulated by animal nutritionists to meet and exceed AAFCO standards. Their canned foods come in a range of flavors and formats to suit different dogs’ needs.
Ingredients Offer Nutritious Whole-Food Sources
Glancing at the label, I was pleased to see the first ingredients in American Journey’s canned recipes are meat-based proteins or fish. For example, the beef recipe lists beef, chicken liver, and beef broth as the first three components. These whole-food protein sources provide the amino acids adult dogs require in their diet.
The canned foods also contain digestible carbohydrates from healthy roots and veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas. These provide natural sources for dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. American Journey avoids using cheap fillers like corn or wheat.
Importantly, all formulas are grain-free – great for pups like mine with sensitive digestion. Barley, rye, and other gluten grains are replaced with fiber-rich lentils, chickpeas, and dried potatoes.
Free of Harmful Preservatives and Additives
I’m very mindful to avoid preservatives like BHA or BHT, as well as artificial colors and flavors. These unnecessary additives only risk triggering allergies or intolerance in some dogs. I was relieved to see the ingredient panels free of these concerning extras.
Instead, American Journey makes use of natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness. Overall, the canned recipes contain no by-products, corn, soy, or wheat. This brand opts for wholesome additions like blueberries, cranberries, papaya, and pumpkin.
Customized Recipes for Each Life Stage
American Journey offers an array of canned recipes tailored to dogs based on their age, size, and dietary needs. Their puppy formulas supply the right balance of protein, fat, and calories to support development in small and large breed puppies. These recipes also contain DHA for healthy brain function.
For adult maintenance, American Journey canned foods provide complete and balanced nutrition in ratios of protein, fat, and carbs suitable for sustaining an active lifestyle. From turkey and chicken to beef and lamb, they offer various savory proteins.
Senior dogs also have special formulas designed with lower calories and phosphorus levels. These support aging joints and organs. My own senior dog has thrived with this recipe recommended by my vet.
Tasty Flavors Dogs Can’t Resist
I think one reason my pup took to American Journey so quickly is their enticing range of flavors. From hearty Beef Stew to zesty Pork & Sweet Potato, these wet foods provide a rich culinary experience dogs love.
Other top recipes include Chicken & Rice for sensitive tummies, Salmon & Brown Rice for a fishy twist, and Lamb & Pumpkin for something deliciously different. They even have limited ingredient formulas for dogs with food allergies.
Convenient Packaging in Different Sizes
American Journey’s canned dog food comes in a few different packaging options to suit pet owners’ needs. The recipes are available in individual 5.5 oz tins. These are great for testing out samples before committing to a large case.
For pets who eat canned food daily, the 12-pack cases offer a more economical choice. The canned food cases contain 12 tins in the same recipe. Importantly, there are no variety pack cases – just single flavors.
For small dogs or occasional use, the 13 oz cans provide ample portions. I can feed my pup the 13 oz size for a few days before opening a new can. Reducing air exposure keeps the contents fresh longer.
Affordable Quality at a Reasonable Cost
Given the high-quality ingredients and grain-free formulas, I expected American Journey canned food to carry a hefty price tag. Fortunately, the brand lives up to its goal of providing premium nutrition at an affordable cost.
The canned recipes range from $2 – $3 per 13 oz can. Cases of 12 x 5.5 oz cans are $25 and up. For the ingredients and production standards, I think these prices are very reasonable compared to similar canned brands.
Veterinarian-Recommended for Optimal Health
My own vet was familiar with American Journey and gave the thumbs up when I asked her opinion. She confirmed the recipes provide complete and balanced nutrition to keep dogs healthy. The portioned cans make it easy to follow daily feeding guidelines as well.
Her only tip was to transition slowly when introducing any new food, mixing it in over a week or so. This gives your dog’s tummy time to adjust. Follow instructions on the can based on your pup’s weight and life stage.
Ideal for Supplementing Kibble or Feeding Alone
There are a few ways pet owners can incorporate American Journey canned food into their dog’s diet. Some people like to use it as a topper to make kibble more enticing. The savory wet food makes the crunchy bits more appetizing.
You can also mix a portion of canned food into their usual kibble to increase flavor and moisture. This helps picky pups eat all their servings.
For dogs that prefer a soft, canned diet, American Journey recipes can be fed alone without kibble. The formulas provide complete nutrition in a texture many dogs love.
Easy Transition to American Journey Canned Food
Switching foods suddenly can upset some sensitive dogs’ stomachs. That’s why veterinarians recommend gradually transitioning to a new brand over 5-7 days. Here are some tips for smoothly switching your pup:
- On day 1, mix a little (25%) new food into your dog’s regular meals.
- On day 2, increase the new food ratio to 50% of their meal portion.
- On day 3, bump up the new food to 75% of the mix.
- Finally on days 5-7, feed 100% new food.
Monitor your dog during the change. If any digestive upset occurs, slow the transition by keeping ratios stable for a few extra days. Offering smaller but more frequent meals can help as well.
Properly Storing Canned Dog Food After Opening
Like any wet pet food, American Journey’s canned recipes must be stored carefully once opened. Any unused portion should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated.
An acceptable rule of thumb is keeping refrigerated wet food for 3-5 days after opening, provided it hasn’t been contaminated. Discard any leftovers that exceed this timeframe.
Don’t mix fresh portions back into the original can, as this introduces bacteria. Throw away any cans where the ring pull seal has detached from the lid.
For unused cans that haven’t been opened, storage below room temperature helps prolong shelf life. Keep extras in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight.
Canned Varieties to Suit Dogs of All Sizes
American Journey offers canned food tailored to dogs of different sizes. This helps ensure every pup gets perfectly portioned nutrition.
Small breed recipes are designed for petite pooches under 25 pounds. These provide the right concentrations of key nutrients in each bite.
For large and giant breeds, there are canned formulas with optimal protein, fat, and calories for their substantial energy needs. These support big dogs’ joint health too.
Standard canned recipes are suitable for average medium sized breeds from 25-50 pounds. Nonetheless, discuss your dog’s unique needs with your veterinarian.
Purchasing American Journey Wet Food on Chewy
As American Journey is one of Chewy’s exclusive brands, purchasing their canned dog food is most convenient through Chewy online or the mobile app.
Chewy provides advantages like free 1-5 day shipping on orders over $49, and their 24/7 customer service makes problem-solving a breeze. You can even set up autoship subscriptions for effortless recurrent delivery.
When buying American Journey canned food on Chewy, you can take comfort in their 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your pup doesn’t like it, returns and refunds are easy. Check the latest deals and discounts before ordering!
American Journey Canned Dog Food Hits All the Marks
In conclusion, I’m delighted to have discovered American Journey canned dog food! After sampling a range of their grain-free recipes, it’s clear this brand offers optimal nutrition and taste at a budget-friendly price point.
The ingredient quality is evident upon inspecting the label. I appreciate the absence of harmful filler and preservatives as well. My dog scarfed down every meal with gusto once we transitioned slowly. Based on his enthusiasm and my own analysis, American Journey canned food earns my wholehearted recommendation!
