If you’re searching for a budget-friendly cat food that doesn’t compromise on quality, you’ve likely come across American Journey. This Chewy-exclusive brand has been gaining attention since its launch in 2017, promising premium nutrition at an accessible price point. But does it deliver on that promise? In this comprehensive American Journey cat food review, we’ll analyze everything from ingredient quality and nutritional value to real customer experiences and cost-effectiveness, helping you decide if this food is the right choice for your feline companion.
The Cats.com Standard: How We Rate American Journey
To provide an objective evaluation, we’ve assessed American Journey according to our rigorous Cats.com standard, which evaluates brands across six critical categories. Here’s how American Journey performed:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 6/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 7/10 |
| Product Variety | 7/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
| Customer Experience | 9/10 |
| Recall History | 9/10 |
Overall Score: 7.6/10 (B+ Grade)
These ratings reflect a brand that excels in affordability and customer service but shows room for improvement in formulation and ingredient sourcing. Let’s explore what these numbers mean for your cat’s health and your wallet.
About American Journey: A Chewy-Exclusive Brand
Launched in 2017, American Journey was created specifically for Chewy.com, the popular online pet retailer. The brand positions itself as a high-quality, natural pet food line that remains accessible to the average pet owner. With sleek packaging and trendy grain-free formulations, American Journey ticks many boxes for modern cat owners. However, as any knowledgeable pet parent understands, attractive packaging and fashionable marketing don’t guarantee nutritional excellence.
Where Is American Journey Cat Food Made?
American Journey cat food manufacturing varies by product line. The majority of their dry and wet recipes are produced in Kansas, USA, by an undisclosed manufacturer. However, there’s an important exception: the Landmark line is manufactured in Thailand. This distinction matters for pet owners who prioritize domestically produced foods.
The brand sources ingredients primarily from the United States, with additional sourcing from several countries including Mexico, China, Chile, Canada, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. This diverse sourcing network allows for competitive pricing but may raise questions about ingredient traceability.
American Journey Cat Food Recall History
One of American Journey’s strongest selling points is its clean safety record. Since its launch in 2017, American Journey has never issued a single recall. This spotless history contributes significantly to its high recall history rating of 9/10 and provides peace of mind for safety-conscious cat owners.
Product Range: What American Journey Offers
American Journey specializes in grain-free formulas available in both wet and dry varieties. Their product lineup includes:
- Wet Cat Food: Available in paté or minced in gravy consistency
- Dry Cat Food: Grain-free kibble formulations
- Protein Options: Single and multiple-protein recipes featuring chicken, turkey, beef with chicken, and salmon
This variety allows cat owners to choose based on their cat’s preferences, age, and specific dietary needs. The brand caters to cats with common protein sensitivities by offering alternatives to chicken-based formulas.
Top 3 American Journey Cat Food Recipes Reviewed
1. American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
This grain-free kibble combines two palatable protein sources in a formulation designed for adult cats. With turkey as the first ingredient, this recipe provides high-quality animal protein to support lean muscle maintenance. The recipe includes added vitamins and minerals to ensure complete nutrition.
2. American Journey Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
An excellent option for cats with chicken sensitivities, this salmon-based formula offers a single protein source that may be easier to digest. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health. The grain-free formulation makes it suitable for cats with grain sensitivities.
3. American Journey Turkey & Salmon Recipe Paté Wet Food
This wet food combines turkey and salmon in a smooth paté texture that many cats find appealing. The high moisture content helps support urinary tract health, a crucial consideration for cats prone to urinary issues.
Real Customer Experiences: What Owners Are Saying
Customer feedback on American Journey cat food reveals a pattern of strong satisfaction with value, though palatability can be hit-or-miss.
Positive Customer Reviews
“My cat absolutely LOVES this dry cat food!!! I was pleasantly surprised when I fed her and she immediately started eating it. Only needed a short period of time to transition. Hope that her love for it lasts. So far, so good! Thank you, Chewy!!!” – Nancy, reviewing American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food on December 23, 2025
“Our cat is allergic to chicken so we had to find an alternative without any chicken derivatives. This food has worked great. He loves it and has had no adverse gastrointestinal effects. We are all very happy.” – Christine, reviewing American Journey Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food on January 3, 2026
These testimonials highlight two common positive experiences: cats enthusiastically accepting the food and the brand successfully accommodating dietary restrictions.
Critical Customer Reviews
“My cats hated it, and they will eat just about anything?!” – Gary, reviewing American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food on October 28, 2025
“Buyer beware! Just went on a trip for 10 days. My cat normally eats wet food, but we had to switch to try food in the automatic feeder while we were away. About 3 days after we got home, one of our cats got a blockage. He’s been in the ER since Thanksgiving (about 4 days now). We have left for trips and put our cats on dry food, many times. I normally go out of my way to buy top tier dry food for them. Never an issue. Gave this brand a try and now my cat has a $6k vet bill, and growing. Shame on me for wanting to try a cheaper route. This is what I get I guess. But I hope I can help someone else’s cat out in the future. DO NOT BUY THIS FOOD!!!” – Chelsea, reviewing American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food on November 30, 2025
These negative reviews illustrate two important considerations: some cats simply won’t eat the food, and individual cats may have adverse reactions. The serious health concern reported by Chelsea is particularly noteworthy, though it’s essential to remember that individual cases don’t necessarily indicate a widespread problem with the brand.
American Journey Cat Food Cost Analysis
One of American Journey’s most appealing features is its affordability. Here’s the cost breakdown:
- Dry Food: Approximately $0.30 to $0.38 per day to feed an average adult cat
- Wet Food: Approximately $1.63 per day
When compared to premium competitors like Wellness Complete Health, American Journey offers similar nutritional profiles at a slightly lower price point. The dry food is particularly economical, costing just a few cents per ounce less than comparable grain-free kibble options.
Is American Journey a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, American Journey cat food presents a mixed picture that ultimately depends on your priorities and your cat’s individual needs.
Strengths:
- Excellent affordability without drastic nutritional compromise
- Spotless recall history since brand launch
- Strong customer service through Chewy
- Grain-free options available
- Multiple protein choices, including limited-ingredient options
Considerations:
- Species-appropriateness rating of 6/10 indicates room for improvement in formulation
- Ingredient quality rated 7/10, suggesting good but not exceptional ingredients
- Mixed palatability reviews from customers
- Manufacturing location varies by product line
For budget-conscious cat owners seeking a reasonably nutritious option with a strong safety record, American Journey represents a solid choice. The brand particularly appeals to owners with cats who don’t have severe sensitivities or specific medical conditions requiring specialized diets.
However, for cats with known urinary tract issues, the reported blockage case warrants caution. Additionally, picky eaters may reject the food, so purchasing a small quantity initially is advisable.
Where to Buy American Journey Cat Food
American Journey is exclusively available through Chewy.com. The online retailer offers the complete product line with convenient home delivery. Currently, Chewy ships to addresses within the contiguous United States only, so international customers and those in Alaska or Hawaii will need to explore alternative options.
Final Verdict
American Journey cat food delivers on its promise of providing decent quality at an accessible price point. With a 7.6/10 overall rating and a spotless recall history, it’s a brand worth considering for cat owners prioritizing value without completely sacrificing nutritional standards.
That said, it’s not the optimal choice for cats with specific health concerns or for owners seeking the absolute highest ingredient quality. As with any dietary change, consult with your veterinarian before transitioning your cat to American Journey, particularly if your cat has existing health conditions.
If you’re looking for additional cat food recommendations based on your specific budget and your cat’s health needs, explore our comprehensive guide to choosing the right nutrition for your feline companion.