What's actually in American Journey?
We analyzed American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Grain-Free, one of Chewy's flagship house-brand formulas. The first five ingredients are deboned salmon, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and peas.
Leading with deboned salmon is a strong start — it's a whole, named protein. Chicken meal and turkey meal follow as concentrated protein sources, each packing roughly three times the protein of their whole-meat equivalents since the water has already been removed. That's three animal proteins before any carbohydrate, which is genuinely impressive for a budget-friendly brand. Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, grain-free carb source with real fiber and beta-carotene. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
The triple-protein approach is the standout here. Having deboned salmon, chicken meal, and turkey meal in the first three positions means this food is genuinely protein-dense from animal sources — not relying on pea protein or other plant-based fillers to inflate the guaranteed analysis numbers.
The omega-3 profile is also noteworthy. Salmon oil provides EPA and DHA (the forms dogs can actually use directly), while ground flaxseed adds ALA for additional omega-3 support. That dual-source approach covers both marine and plant-based fatty acids, which is excellent for skin, coat, and joint health.
Dried chicory root provides inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Blueberries and pomegranate are legitimate antioxidant sources — not just marketing window dressing, but ingredients with documented free-radical scavenging properties. Dried beet pulp is a good moderate-fiber source that supports digestive regularity without being a filler.
The not-so-good stuff
The grain-free formula relies on peas and chickpeas as its primary carbohydrate sources. Multiple legumes in a single formula is worth flagging — the FDA has been investigating a potential link between legume-heavy, grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The research is ongoing and not conclusive, but it's a factor to weigh, especially if your dog is a breed predisposed to heart issues.
There are no chelated (proteinated) minerals visible in the ingredient list. Chelated minerals are bound to amino acids for better absorption, and most premium-tier foods include them. Their absence doesn't mean the food is deficient — it meets AAFCO standards — but it's a missed opportunity at this price point.
There's also no clearly named preservative system. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols or rosemary extract are standard in quality kibble and provide transparency about how the fats are kept from going rancid. Canola oil is a reasonable fat source but less species-appropriate than animal-based fats.
How it compares
American Journey's B/75 puts it in a tie with Blue Buffalo Wilderness and just below the B/78 cluster of Taste of the Wild and Diamond Naturals. That's respectable company for a house brand that typically costs 20–30% less per pound.
Where American Journey wins is on value. It outperforms Purina Pro Plan (C/62) by a full grade letter while costing less. The triple animal protein base and omega-3 coverage put it ahead of most mid-tier brands that charge more. If you're shopping at Chewy anyway, this is one of the better deals in dog food.
Read the full breakdowns in our head-to-head comparisons: American Journey vs Taste of the Wild, Wag vs American Journey, and American Journey vs Diamond Naturals.
The bottom line
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato earns a B grade (75/100) from KibbleIQ. The triple-protein formula, dual omega-3 sources, and prebiotic fiber make it a genuinely good food — not just good "for a store brand." The legume-heavy carb base and missing chelated minerals are the main drawbacks. If you want a grain-free salmon formula without paying premium prices, American Journey delivers more than its price tag suggests. Shop on Amazon →