The scores
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato: B (75/100) - Above average. Three animal proteins in the top three positions with dual omega-3 coverage and antioxidant-rich fruits.
Wag Chicken & Lentils: C (73/100) - Average. Whole chicken and chicken meal provide a solid double-protein base, but pea protein padding and no real produce hold it back.
How the ingredients compare
The top five ingredients tell the story:
American Journey: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Wag: Chicken, Lentils, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Chicken Fat
American Journey has three animal proteins before any carbohydrate. Wag has one protein, then lentils, then a second protein, then tapioca starch. That ordering matters - it means Wag's formula is more carb-dependent by weight. American Journey also brings three different animal species (salmon, chicken, turkey) compared to Wag's single species (chicken only).
The carb sources differ too. American Journey uses sweet potatoes - a nutrient-dense complex carb with fiber and beta-carotene. Wag leads with lentils and tapioca starch, which are functional but less nutritious. Both formulas include legumes, putting them in similar territory for the FDA's DCM investigation.
Where American Journey pulls ahead
Protein depth: Three different animal proteins - deboned salmon, chicken meal, and turkey meal - all before position four. That's not just more protein, it's more diverse protein with a broader amino acid profile. Wag uses chicken and chicken meal (same species) plus pea protein at position 6 to inflate its numbers. The difference between three named animal proteins and two-plus-a-plant-filler is exactly the kind of thing that separates a B from a C.
Omega-3 coverage: American Journey includes both salmon oil (EPA/DHA - the forms dogs can use directly) and ground flaxseed (ALA). That dual marine-and-plant approach is excellent for skin, coat, and joint health. Wag has flaxseed and salmon oil too, but American Journey's salmon-first formula means omega-3s are baked into the primary protein, not just added as supplements.
Fruits and vegetables: Blueberries and pomegranate in American Journey provide real antioxidants and phytonutrients. Wag has zero named fruits or vegetables - just tomato pomace, which is a processing by-product used for fiber. This is one of the clearest quality gaps between the two formulas. Shop on Amazon →
Where Wag holds its own
Wag's double chicken base is straightforward and effective. Whole chicken first and chicken meal third means the primary protein is coming from named animal sources, not plant fillers. For dogs that do well on chicken, it's a clean, simple protein profile without the complexity of multiple species.
The preservative system is also a plus - chicken fat preserved with mixed tocopherols is a natural, transparent approach. Dried chicory root provides prebiotic fiber for gut health, which is a thoughtful inclusion at this price point.
Convenience is Wag's practical advantage. It's available on Amazon with Prime shipping, Subscribe & Save discounts, and the frictionless ordering that comes with the Amazon ecosystem. If you're already an Amazon household, the ease of auto-delivery is a real factor in long-term feeding consistency. Shop on Amazon →
The bottom line
American Journey is the better food, and the grade difference tells the story. A B versus a C isn't just about 2 points - it reflects American Journey's triple-protein formula, real fruits and vegetables, and dual omega-3 sources versus Wag's simpler approach with pea protein padding and no produce. Both are budget-friendly grain-free options from major retailer house brands, but American Journey delivers noticeably more nutritional depth.
If you're choosing between Amazon and Chewy for your dog food, Chewy's house brand outperforms Amazon's on ingredients. Read our full reviews of American Journey and Wag for the complete breakdown.