Authority is a brand owned and distributed by PetSmart. Authority was formed in 1986 as a pet accessories brand, but it entered the pet food industry in 1995. The brand was created to provide low-cost foods high in protein and fat that were manufactured with all-natural ingredients whenever possible.
For those who are unfamiliar with PetSmart, it is the largest pet retailer in North America, with over 1600 locations.
However, Authority has now become available through PetSmart’s partner company Chewy.
Authority supplies wet, canned meals, and dry kibble for different sizes of dogs, as well as special grain-free recipes for dogs with delicate tummies and food allergies. Authority dog food also offers high-quality animal protein dog treats.
The food claims to be manufactured in the United States, but no further information is provided. It’s more likely that it’s made at several locations rather than one core location.
In this post, I will go through the findings of my study on this product and discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of Authority Dog Food.
Reviews of Our 6 Best Authority dog food Recipes
Dry Food
1. Authority® Everyday Health All Life Stage Dry Dog Food – Chicken & Rice
This is suitable for all life stages, whether your dog is a puppy, adult, senior, spayed, neutered, intact, working, active, couch potato, pregnant, lactating, teacup, toy, small, medium, large, or giant. This diet contains Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc, which help to maintain a healthy immune system. It also has Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids that promote healthy skin and a s hiny coat. I appreciate how the kibble texture is abrasive and prevents tartar formation.
Brown rice, which is strong in vitamin B and simple to digest, is also included in the mix, making it an excellent alternative for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
However, as with the majority of their products, it contains potentially dangerous substances such as vegetable oil which is high in calories.
Pros
- Vitamin E, Selenium & Zinc
- Fit for all ages and sizes
- Contains Omegas
- Free of preservatives
- Crunchy kibbles reducing tartar and plaque
- Free of preservatives
Cons
- Corn can be tricky for some dogs
- Chicken fat adds empty calories
- Beet pulp is not a great ingredient for dogs
Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Corn, Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salmon Oil, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, and vitamin A supplements.
Not-so-great ingredients: Chicken fat, chicken meal, and dried egg product.
2. Authority® Everyday Health Puppy Dry Dog Food – Chicken & Rice
It is critical to feed your dog a high-quality diet appropriate for his age, especially during puppyhood, to ensure healthy brain, eye, bone, and joint development. The first ingredients in this formula are deboned chicken and various protein sources (dried chicken, corn gluten meal, dried egg product).
This is a natural dog food that contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives but it does contain potential allergens such as dried egg products.
It has a high protein level, making it appropriate for your energetic puppy. The primary carbohydrate source is easily digestible and suitable for sensitive stomach dogs.
DHA, EPA, and other essential omega fatty acids are added to these kibbles to help your dog’s brain and eyes develop, strengthen its immune system, and give them a beautiful coat.
Crunchy Kibble is made with the Ora-Shield System to help with dental concerns.
Pros
- Dried chicken cartilage for joint support
- Fairly affordable
- Added natural fiber and prebiotics
- Rich in vitamin E, selenium, and zinc
- Contains EPA and DHA for eye and brain development
- Extra crunchy and small kibbles
Cons
- Contains chicken fat
- Contains salt
- Contains allergens
Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Corn, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Dried Egg Product, Ground Whole Flaxseed, Rice Bran, Tapioca Starch, Dried Carrots, Freeze Dried Peas, Glycerin, Corn Syrup, Salt, Salmon Oil, Pea Flour, and Dried Potato.
Not-so-great Ingredients: Chicken meal, corn, dried plain beet pulp, and dried egg product.
3. Authority Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Though a large-breed adult dog may do well on an all-breed formula, a size-specific recipe is strongly advised. This formula contains Calcium and phosphorus minerals which are essential for large dogs to avoid bone and joint problems later in life. This formula has more protein for muscle building and less fat and calories to avoid fast growth. It contains Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc to maintain a strong immune system, as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty. Like many of the Authority dog foods, it is made with Ora-Shield System Crunchy Kibble helps reduce dental issues.
Other potentially hazardous substances include corn, corn gluten meal, dried egg product, and vegetable oil. All of them provide a lot of empty calories while also having the potential to irritate sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- A good amount of protein inside
- Contains minerals and vitamins
- Contains omega
Cons
- Filled with possible allergens
Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Corn, Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Egg Product, and Canola Oil.
Not-so-great ingredients: Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, and canola oil.
Wet Food
4. Authority® Everyday Health Adult Wet Dog Food Turkey & Rice
This food is available in four flavors ( Turkey & Rice, Beef& Rice, Lamb & Rice and Chicken& Rice)
It contains high-quality protein that helps to maintain lean muscles, a healthy heart, and a shiny coat.
Just like other Authority dog foods, it is free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
They also contain omegas which have been proven by studies to help control inflammation and aid with wound healing making it crucial to dogs with injuries.
This diet provides Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc, all of which aid in the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Our main issues with this product are the usage of problematic components such as corn, corn gluten meal, canola oil, carrageenan, and dry egg product. All of them could be easily replaced without breaking a sweat.
Pros
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Available in a variety of flavors
- Rich in vitamin E, selenium, and zinc
- Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat
Cons
- Sticky texture
- Contains allergens
- Lack smaller packaging
Main ingredients: Turkey Broth, Turkey, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Brewers Rice, Canola Oil, Rice Flour, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dried Egg Product, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, and Carrageenan.
Not-so-great ingredients: Canola Oil, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Guar Gum, and Carrageenan
5. Authority® Hip & Joint Adult Wet Dog Food
Authority® Hip & Joint Adult Wet Dog Food is a novel, functional meal supplement that blends the joint-health benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin with chicken flavor. They begin with shredded real chicken in chicken broth and then add chicken cartilage, a natural and nutritious source of glucosamine and chondroitin, two key substances for supporting your dog’s hips and joints.
Perfect for topping any type of food, including kibble, freeze-dried food, and even wet food. Shredded chicken and hydrating broth may transform even the blandest diet into a feast while also strengthening your dog’s hips, joints, and mobility.
This food contains other ingredients that are not very recommendable in dog food like guar gum and sunflower oil.
Pros
- It contains omega-3 to promote healthy skin and coat.
- Made with real chicken
- Contain glucosamine and chondroitin
Cons
- Contain sunflower oil
- Contain Guar gum
Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Cartilage (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate), Sweet Potato, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Guar Gum, and Vitamins.
Not-so-great ingredients: Sunflower oil and guar gum.
Treats
6. Authority® Dog Training Treat
If you have a cherished dog who keeps you company at home and you want to spoil or train him, you’ll need dog treats.
As a responsible dog owner, you want to find something your dog would like while still keeping them healthy.
Authority® Dog Training Treats are a fantastic pleasure. The main ingredient is high-quality beef, which is high in protein and minerals.
They are ideal for dog training and contain nutrients that assist the immune system as well as brain and eye development.
These gluten-free snacks are made with vitamins and minerals to help boost your dog’s immune system, digestion, and skin. They are available in two flavors; bacon and chicken.
They are made with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Pros
- Soft
- Free of artificial flavors and colors
- Contains vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Strong smell
Main ingredients: Chicken, Bacon, Potato Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Bacon Fat, Gelatin, Lecithin, Natural Flavors, and Citric Acid.
Authority Recalls
Authority dog food had only one recall in its whole production history, in 2007. The food was included in the massive melamine recall, which affected over 100 dog and cat food brands. Melamine is a nitrogen-based organic chemical used in the manufacture of tableware, cutlery, countertops, and plastic items. Melamine is poisonous in high concentrations and can harm the kidneys.
However, this recall occurred over a decade ago, and they have been a recall-free brand since then. The fact that there have been no recent recalls demonstrates that Authority has taken its safety and quality operations seriously.
We constantly recommend pet owners be vigilant of any future recalls from Authority or any other pet food brand, regardless of their past or present recall record, to ensure their pets remain healthy and safe.
Where is Authority Dog Food Made?
According to the Authority’s website, all pet food is manufactured only in the United States. Furthermore, each Authority pet food product featured the “Made in the USA” label. While the PetSmart headquarters are in Phoenix, Arizona, the Authority dog food is manufactured in multiple locations across the United States.
Authority Dog Food Customers Reviews
Positive Reviews
- It was loved by their picky eaters
- The treats are perfect for training
- Helped with joint and joint problems
- Helped with digestion problems
Negative Reviews
- It was too hard for some puppies
- Caused allergic reactions in some dogs
- Caused diarrhea in some dogs
- Some dogs didn’t like the food
What We Like About Authority Dog Food
1. Made in the United States
Each Authority dog food contains a label indicating it is made in the USA.
2. Recipes do not include artificial coloring, preservatives, or artificial flavors
This is a smart choice because dogs can be allergic to them. Although “natural flavor” is preferable to artificial taste in some recipes, it would be ideal if the producer indicated the specific source.
3. Recipes are available for various needs and life stages (Puppy to Senior)
The Authority brand produces food for all stages of life, as well as for large and small breeds. They also prepare specialized meals for pets with special needs. If your puppy or older dog has joint issues, they have glucosamine-rich formulations with chondroitin which can be very helpful. If he’s gaining weight, Authority Targeted Solutions also contains calorie-controlled solutions. They even have dog food that combines weight control and joint care requirements!
4. Not quite as expensive as other name brands
Compared to other brands, Authority dog food is relatively cheap.
5. Crunchy kibble
The company uses an exclusive Ora-Shield System to make their kibble extra hard and crunchy.
This is significant because crunchy kibble can help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and gums. Because periodontal disease is such a common problem in dogs (and can potentially lead to life-threatening illnesses), keeping your pup’s teeth clean is critical.
Nevertheless, if you have an elderly dog with dental issues, this may be too difficult for them to consume comfortably.
What We Don’t Like About Authority Dog Food
- Was recalled once in 2007 ( Contamination)
- Non-chelated minerals may be difficult for your pet to absorb
- Some ingredients used in their formulas are still unclear as to their origin
Is Authority dog food good for your dog?
After researching and using Authority dog foods, I can confidently say that they are good and worth giving a try. They are not only some of the most affordable foods on the market, but they also contain nutritious protein sources as key ingredients. In addition, the brand was not among the dog foods recalled in 2018.
When possible, Authority dog food products use all-natural ingredients, and they seek to supply your canine with all the nutrients he or she needs for a healthy life and optimum development.
Conclusion
The Authority line from PetSmart is good dog food. The products are reasonably priced, ensuring that your dog receives high-quality ingredients and full nourishment. Unfortunately, to keep costs down, they utilize a lot of cheap filler components like corn. This isn’t hazardous, but it’s also not ideal because it provides your dog with a lot of empty calories. They are also more likely to use allergens such as eggs and gluten.
Although I have used it on my dog, I believe that a discussion about this food with your vet would be useful.
