The scores
American Journey: B (75/100) — Above average. A multi-protein grain-free formula with good protein diversity from salmon, chicken, and turkey.
Diamond Naturals: B (78/100) — Above average. A clean grain-inclusive formula with named chicken protein and quality whole grains at an unbeatable price.
A 3-point gap in the upper B range means both brands are delivering genuinely good nutrition. Diamond Naturals edges ahead not because American Journey does anything wrong, but because the grain-inclusive approach has a slight scoring advantage over grain-free formulas that rely on legumes as their primary carbohydrate source.
How the ingredients compare
The top five ingredients reveal two different approaches to budget-friendly quality:
American Journey: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Diamond Naturals: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, White Rice
American Journey leads with an impressive protein lineup. Deboned salmon at #1 provides omega-3 fatty acids that most dog foods can’t match, and chicken meal plus turkey meal at #2 and #3 deliver concentrated animal protein from two additional named sources. Three distinct animal proteins in the top three positions is genuinely strong. The carbohydrate base, however, shifts to sweet potatoes and peas — grain-free staples that are nutritionally adequate but have come under some scrutiny in recent years.
Diamond Naturals takes a more traditional path. Chicken leads as a named whole meat, and chicken meal at #2 adds concentrated protein. The remaining three positions are all grains: brown rice, barley, and white rice. This is a grain-heavy formula, but these are quality grains. Brown rice and barley provide fiber, B vitamins, and slow-release energy. The inclusion of white rice alongside brown rice is slightly less impressive, as white rice is a more processed, lower-nutrient grain.
The fundamental tradeoff is clear: American Journey wins on protein diversity (three named animal proteins vs. two), while Diamond Naturals wins on carbohydrate quality (whole grains vs. legumes). For most dogs, that carbohydrate difference gives Diamond Naturals the slight edge in our scoring.
Where Diamond Naturals pulls ahead
Grain-inclusive carbohydrate base: The most significant advantage Diamond Naturals holds is its use of whole grains rather than grain-free alternatives. Brown rice and barley are among the most well-studied, well-tolerated carbohydrate sources in dog nutrition. They provide steady energy, support healthy digestion with their fiber content, and have decades of feeding history behind them. The FDA’s ongoing investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs hasn’t reached definitive conclusions, but it has made many owners and veterinarians more cautious about grain-free formulas that lean heavily on peas, lentils, and chickpeas.
Value for money: Diamond Naturals is consistently one of the least expensive B-grade foods on the market. It’s available at most pet stores and farm supply chains at a price that competes with C-grade foods like Purina Pro Plan and Hill’s Science Diet. Getting B-grade ingredients at a C-grade price is an exceptional deal. American Journey is also a good value through Chewy, but Diamond Naturals’ wider retail availability gives it a practical edge for many shoppers.
Simplicity: Diamond Naturals’ formula is straightforward — chicken and grains, done well. There’s something to be said for a simple, proven formula that doesn’t try to be everything at once. Fewer protein sources also means fewer potential allergens, which can matter for dogs with food sensitivities. Shop on Amazon →
Where American Journey holds its own
American Journey’s protein diversity is its standout feature. Having deboned salmon, chicken meal, and turkey meal in the top three positions means your dog is getting animal protein from three distinct sources. Salmon in particular brings omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support skin health, coat quality, and joint function. Most kibble formulas rely on added fish oil for omega-3s; American Journey gets them from a primary ingredient.
For dogs that thrive on grain-free diets — and many do, despite the DCM headlines — American Journey is one of the better options available. Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense complex carbohydrate, and peas provide additional protein and fiber. Not every grain-free formula is created equal, and American Journey’s version is more thoughtfully constructed than most.
American Journey is also Chewy’s house brand, which means it benefits from Chewy’s convenient auto-ship program, frequent sales, and the ability to bundle it with other pet supplies. For owners who already shop at Chewy — and many do — American Journey is an easy, high-quality default choice that delivers to your door on schedule. Shop on Amazon →
The bottom line
Diamond Naturals wins this matchup by 3 points, and the margin is earned. Its grain-inclusive formula with brown rice and barley provides a more traditional, well-tested carbohydrate foundation that gives it a slight nutritional edge. But American Journey is right behind it with superior protein diversity, and the gap is small enough that neither choice is wrong.
If your dog does well on grains and you want the best value in dog food, Diamond Naturals is hard to beat. If your dog has grain sensitivities, or if you specifically want the omega-3 benefits that come from salmon as a primary ingredient, American Journey is an excellent grain-free option. Both brands prove that great dog food doesn’t have to cost a premium. Read our full reviews of American Journey and Diamond Naturals for the complete breakdown.