If you’re looking for a brand of dog food that offers the ideal balance of quality and affordability, I recommend that you consider Authority as one of your options.
I’ve checked Authority recipes thoroughly, and I have to say that most of its products pass the test.
Learn more about this brand by going through our detailed review below.
Before I get on with my comprehensive Authority dog food review, let’s clarify a few things.
Authority Dog Food is manufactured by PetSmart, one of the leading pet store chains in the United States. Petsmart was founded in 1986 and has grown to include more than 1,300 retail locations.
You can’t find it anywhere except on the Petsmart website, which is the exclusive distributor of the Authority food brand in the country.
The production adheres to strict safety and quality standards, ensuring that your furry friend receives wholesome nutrition.
Authority Dog Food Reviews
For the most part, this brand receives positive reviews, and many of its products earn a 4-star rating from me. It scores by prioritizing high-quality animal protein as the primary ingredient in all recipes, guaranteeing complete and balanced nutrition.
This is a grain-free dry dog food that's formulated for adult dogs, featuring real deboned chicken as the primary ingredient.
It offers natural flavor and high-quality protein, although fresh chicken contains about 70% moisture. Chicken meal is added to boost the protein content.
The recipe includes grain- and gluten-free carbohydrates such as dried peas, potato starch, and flaxseed meal, along with supplementary fibers like dried plain beet pulp and dried potatoes to support digestive health.
Dried peas contribute to the protein content, making some of the protein plant-based. Flaxseed meal provides fiber and healthy fats, while chicken fat enhances palatability.
This hard and crunchy kibble is a good option for dogs with food allergies or dietary restrictions. It features high-quality ingredients and lacks fillers.
However, the presence of dried peas as a protein source might be a concern for those who prefer most protein to come from meat.
This Authority wet food formula offers savory flavors from turkey and rice and is rich in protein to support strong muscles and a healthy heart. The first ingredient is turkey broth, followed by fresh turkey, which is typical for wet dog food.
The formula compensates for this by including three protein-rich ingredients: fresh turkey, chicken, and nutritionally dense chicken liver.
Additionally, a dried egg product provides supplementary protein. The 8% protein content in wet food equates to 36% on a dry matter basis, making it quite substantial.
Carbohydrates include brewer's rice and rice flour, with supplementary fibers and thickeners like dried beet pulp, guar gum, and carrageenan.
The main fat source is canola oil, rich in omega fatty acids but less biologically valuable than animal fat. The presence of non-organic canola oil and carrageenan, which some experts claim can cause gastric inflammation, are points of concern.
Additionally, the use of brewer's rice, a less nutritious and cheaper grain ingredient, is not ideal. Despite being a wet food, the recipe contains several problematic ingredients that may make it less desirable.
3. Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Rice Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Wheat, Wheat Germ Meal
This pet food is designed for dogs with food sensitivities, avoiding common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and chicken.
It features deboned salmon and fish meal as primary protein sources, which are gentle on sensitive stomachs and rich in omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation and boost dog's skin and coat health.
The recipe includes brown rice, ground wheat, wheat germ, oatmeal, rice bran, brewer’s rice, and flaxseeds for carbohydrates and fiber, providing necessary energy. Fish and canola oils supply fats, supporting higher energy levels and overall performance.
According to research, this formula is effective for dogs with sensitive stomachs, helping them avoid vomiting and digestive issues.
It's a good option for dogs allergic to proteins other than fish, as it contains no poultry products. However, the inclusion of canola oil, which is highly processed, is a downside compared to other oil options.
4. Tender Blends Chicken & Rice Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Corn, Brown Rice, Oat Groats
This chicken and rice formula dry dog food combines various textures and flavors, including chewy bits, crunchy kibbles, and garden vegetables. Made with real deboned chicken, it provides a high-quality, easily digestible protein that dogs favor.
The recipe features a unique antioxidant blend of selenium, zinc, and vitamin E to support the immune system, along with prebiotics and natural fiber for better digestion and nutrient absorption.
As a grain-inclusive diet, it includes brown rice, oat groats, and oatmeal, with brown rice being particularly nutrient-dense and fiber-rich.
The crunchy kibbles, formulated with Authority’s Ora-Shield, help reduce plaque and tartar buildup due to their abrasive texture.
Customer reviews indicate that dogs of all ages enjoy the mix of textures and flavors, with some previously wet food-only dogs switching to this formula.
However, the recipe contains canola oil, which is highly processed, and corn syrup, which adds unnecessary sugar to the food, making it less ideal for those who prefer minimally processed ingredients and no added sugars.
This Authority pet food is designed for high-performance dogs of all breeds and ages, making it convenient for multiple-dog households. Despite its name, chicken is more prevalent than salmon, which is the 13th ingredient.
This formula boasts real meat and is ideal for active or working dogs, with a protein content of 30% and healthy fats from chicken and salmon oil making up 20%.
These ingredients support strong muscles, a healthy metabolism, and provide longer-lasting energy. Carbohydrates from peas, lentils, and dried potatoes offer quick energy sources.
The food includes chicken fat and salmon oil, rich in omega fatty acids and DHA, supporting the immune system, heart, brain, skin, and coat.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate from dried chicken cartilage promote joint health. The Ora-Shield System helps reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Dog owners appreciate the high-quality ingredients and health benefits. The formula is gentle on sensitive stomachs, preventing issues like vomiting.
This is a grain-inclusive wet dog food designed to offer complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.
It features meaty cuts of beef and chicken in a savory gravy, with beef as the primary protein and chicken adding flavor. The recipe includes beef broth and liver for additional richness.
Carbohydrates and fiber are provided by rice, potato starch, corn starch, and dried beet pulp, which aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
The inclusion of nutrient-dense organs enhances the flavor and appeal for dogs. While the food is high in protein and appropriately caloric, the use of canola oil is a drawback for the reviewer, who prefers less processed ingredients.
This puppy food is crafted to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies, with a soft texture for easy chewing and digestion.
It features real lamb and chicken, providing a rich source of protein for muscle development, enhanced by the flavor of lamb broth and lamb liver.
Rice and beet pulp supply carbohydrates and fiber, promoting intestinal health and nutrient absorption. The inclusion of DHA and EPA supports brain and eye development, while added vitamins and minerals ensure complete and balanced nutrition. This food can be served alone or with kibble.
Puppies typically enjoy the taste, making it effective for even picky eaters. However, the presence of canola oil and carrageenan is a drawback for the reviewer.
Canola oil is seen as too processed, and carrageenan, used as a thickener, is controversial due to potential health risks. The reviewer prefers to avoid these ingredients for their dogs.
A grain-inclusive dry dog food tailored to the nutritional needs of small-breed senior dogs. The kibble is small for easy chewing and digestion and includes the Ora-Shield System to reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Chicken is the primary ingredient, offering high-quality, easily digestible protein, enhanced with chicken fat for flavor. Additional protein sources include corn gluten meal and dried egg product.
Carbohydrates and fiber are provided by brown rice, corn, dried beet pulp, and flaxseed, aiding digestion and regular bowel movements.
It contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate from dried chicken cartilage to support joint health, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health and inflammation reduction. An antioxidant blend of vitamin E, selenium, and zinc boosts the immune system.
This product is well-received by many senior dogs, who enjoy the savory chicken flavor and small, easy-to-chew kibbles. I like the use of fish oil as a source of fat, and I wish it were the only one used by the brand.
However, they decided to pair fish oil with another type of oil that I would prefer not to see in this recipe — canola.
Authority Dog Food Products
This brand of dog food offers a wide selection of dry and canned food options as well as an assortment of treats. This pet food brand always uses real meat as the first ingredient for all of its formulas and flavors, plus its recipes are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Their food reviews are generally pretty positive, though you still need to make your own evaluation of any product you are thinking about buying.
Dry Products
This brand offers a decent assortment of dry food recipes for dogs in all life stages. Their products can be divided into several different product lines, including original, grain-free, and tender blend formulas.
There is also a line of GNC Pets products to provide specialized nutrition for certain things such as healthy joints, healthy weight, and healthy skin and coat. Here is a list of their dry recipes:
Dry Products:
Puppy Chicken & Rice
Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice
Adult Chicken & Rice
Adult Lamb & Rice
Mature Adult Chicken & Rice
Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice
Large Breed Mature Chicken & Rice
Weight Management Adult Chicken & Rice
Large Breed Weight Management Adult Chicken & Rice
Small Breed Adult Chicken & Rice
Small Breed Adult Lamb & Rice
Small Breed Mature Adult Chicken & Rice
Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Pea Formula
Grain-Free Adult Chicken & Pea Formula
Grain-Free Large Breed Adult Chicken & Pea Formula
Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Chicken & Pea Formula
Tender Blends Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula
Tender Blends Puppy Beef & Rice Formula
Tender Blends Adult Beef & Rice Formula
Everyday Health Adult Chicken & Rice Formula
GNC Pets Healthy Weight + Joint Support Adult Turkey & Chickpea Formula
GNC Pets Skin, Coat + Digestive Healthy Support Formula
Wet Products
When it comes to the brand’s canned products, this brand offers three sizes – 15-ounce, 13-ounce, and 6-ounce cans. Its wet foods can be divided into several product lines, including GNC Pets, Savory Cuts, Ground Entrees, and Patés. These recipes feature real meat ingredients like beef, chicken, and lamb. Here is a list of canned dog food recipes:
In addition to dry and wet food products, this brand also offers ten different options of treats. These treats take the form of dental treats, training treats, and chewy treats in different flavors, such as chicken and beef.
Here is a list of Authority’s dog treat recipes:
Treats:
Chewy Wraps Dog Treats
Beef Meatball Chewy Treats
Puppy Teething Sticks
Dental Stick Dog Treats
Puppy Teething Rings
Training Soft Bites Treats
Dog Food Recall History
Though the brand doesn’t provide much information about where its products are made or how the ingredients are sourced, they do offer its customers a satisfaction guarantee.
PetSmart is generally considered a trustworthy company, though that doesn’t necessarily guarantee the quality of their products. It does bode well, however, that there are not many Authority recalls – here are the details for the only recall in the brand history:
In March 2007, the FDA issued a massive recall for many pet food brands, including this one. The recall was issued for multiple products, including both canine and feline recipes, due to concerns about potential melamine contamination.
Does Corn Gluten Meal Contain Gluten?
Corn gluten meal is a staple in many Authority formulas. For dog owners whose dogs have sensitivities to gluten, this can be concerning. But I will address that worry here.
It may sound surprising, but corn gluten meal is actually gluten-free. The stuff is 60%-70% protein, and none of the corn gluten meal is gluten. In fact, corn in its natural state does not contain gluten.
So how did corn gluten meal get its name? The story goes that the word “gluten” got attached to corn because one worker in a wheat gluten processing facility just started calling everything with protein in it as “gluten.”
Final Verdict
Authority is a reputable dog food brand known for its food quality, catering to various nutritional needs of dogs at different life stages.
The food is made with high-quality ingredients, often including real meats and nutrient-dense organs, ensuring balanced nutrition for your dog.
Their products are formulated to support pet health, incorporating essential vitamins, minerals, and beneficial additives like DHA, EPA, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate.
Pet owners can confidently provide their dogs with this food, knowing it is designed to promote overall well-being without artificial colors.
The brand's commitment to using wholesome ingredients makes it a reliable choice for maintaining the health and happiness of your canine companion.
However, some recipes do contain ingredients that I do not wish to see in dog food. In particular, canola and, most worrying of all, carrageenan. If you can steer away from those recipes with carrageenan, I feel that your dog will be in good hands with this as part of his regular diet.
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Noreen possesses a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Informatics International College. While this credential might not elucidate her passion for pets, it does demonstrate her technical expertise and diverse character.
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