Authority Dog Food Review
Table of Contents
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
The right dog food helps your pets be healthy, not just satiated. In this article, we will review the Authority dog food brand.
Authority dog food offers nutritionally rich and balanced diets for dogs created by pet nutritionists. Since 1995, Authority has been a pet food industry leader, providing pet owners with dog food, cat food, and pet treats they can feel confident about.
If you are looking for a portion of trustworthy dog food at an affordable price, keep reading. We will talk about the Authority brand and thoroughly review some of its most popular dog food formulas. Finally, we will discuss the ingredients the brand uses.
Authority Dog Food Review at a Glance
Onevet.ai Rating: 4.5
Authority Adult Dog Food – Best for Dogs of All Ages
Authority Small Breed Adult Dog Food – Best for Small Dogs
Authority Puppy Food – Best for Puppies
Authority Sensitive Stomach & Skin All Ages Dry Dog Food – Best for Sensitive Stomachs
- Authority dry adult small breed dog food, lamb and rice flavor, 6lbs and Especiales Cosas mixing spatula bundle
- This dog food has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and comes packaged in a 6 (six) pound bag. It's main ingredient is deboned lamb and the food is made in the USA
- One 7 inch Especiales Cosas plastic mixing spatula (colors may vary). The spatula can be used for mixing water in with the dry food, adding toppings, etc.
Authority Dog Food Company Information
Authority dog food is made by PetSmart – one of the top pet store chains in the United States. It was founded in 1986, and today the brand is dispersed in over 1.300 retail locations.
The Authority brand was developed in 1995 in collaboration with veterinarians, nutritionists, and pet experts. The Authority food was sold under the motto “optimally balanced recipes made with high-quality ingredients and healthy nutrients to bring out the best in all pets.”
Today, Authority offers dry dog food for different life stages (puppy and adult), sizes (large and small breeds), and even special grain-free formulas for pets with sensitive tummies and food allergies. Authority dog food also has canned food and dog treats that focus on high-quality animal protein.
When it comes to high-quality yet not overly expensive food, Authority is an excellent choice for pet parents. The wide array of options ensures the perfect dietary fit for every dog’s nutritional needs and tastes.
Where is Authority Dog Food Made?
The official Authority website states all pet foods are manufactured entirely in U.S. facilities. Also, each Authority pet food product carried the “Made in the USA” label. While the PetSmart headquarters are located in Phoenix, Arizona, the Authority dog food is made in manufacturing facilities on various U.S. locations.
Types of Authority Dog Food
Authority dog food offers dry and canned dog food, as well as tasty treats. Here is a list of the different Authority Dog Food formulas:
Dry Food
- Authority Adult Dog Food
- Authority Small Breed Adult Dog Food
- Authority Puppy Food
- Authority Sensitive Stomach & Skin All Ages Dry Dog Food
- Authority Large Breed Adult Dog Food
- Authority High Performance All Life Stages Dog Food
- Authority Small Bites All Life Stages Dog Food
- Authority Large Breed Mature Dog Food
- Authority Large Breed Puppy Food
- Authority Tender Blends Adult Dog Food
- Authority Everyday Health Weight Management Adult Dog Food
Canned Food
- Authority Cuts in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
- Authority Ground Entrée Adult Wet Dog Food
- Authority Ground Entrée Mature Adult Wet Food
- Authority Ground Entrée Wet Puppy Food
- Authority Gut Health Adult Wet Dog Food
Dog Treats
Authority Dog Food Formulas
Below we have reviewed some of Authority’s most popular dog food formulas so you can decide which food is best for your dog.
Authority Adult Dog Food
Summary: With lamb and lamb meal as the first two ingredients, the Authority Lamb and Rice dog food formula is rich in high-quality protein sources and features an excellent protein to fiber ratio. The formula is loaded with vitamins and minerals and has added taurine, fiber, probiotics, and vegetable oils, thus fulfilling the nutritional needs of healthy adult dogs. Last but not least, the kibble texture has an abrasive effect and prevents tartar buildup.
- Lamb as the first ingredient
- Supports lean muscles and a healthy heart
- Natural fiber and prebiotics for GI health
- Unique antioxidant mix (Se, Zn, and vitamin E)
- Crunchy kibble for dental health
- Includes cheap fillers (wheat, wheat germ meal, oat groats)
- Contains corn oil (bad omega-6 to omega-3fatty acid ratio)
Review: Customers say their dogs love the taste of this food, and there is “always a clean bowl” after mealtime. Some complain the formula is often out of stock due to high demand. All facts and reviews considered, we rate the Authority Adult Dog Food as the best for dogs of all ages.
Authority Small Breed Adult Dog Food
Summary: The Authority Chicken and Pea dog food formula contain chicken, chicken meal, dried peas, dried potatoes, and dried chickpeas as the first five ingredients. This grain-free diet is ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies, and all included carbohydrate sources are readily digestible. Designed for small breed dogs, the kibble is size-appropriate, and the unique texture prevents the common small dog teeth issues.
- Deboned chicken as ingredient number one
- Grain-free formula for sensitive dogs
- Easily digestible carbohydrates
- Rich in vitamin E, selenium, and zinc
- Extra crunchy and small kibbles
- Chicken fat adds empty calories
- Beet pulp is a troublesome ingredient for dogs
Review: Satisfied customers say the food is “suited for picky eaters” and “great for sensitive stomachs.” However, some users complain about changes in the kibble size and shape. All facts and reviews considered, we rate the Authority Small Breed Adult Dog Food as the best for small dogs.
Authority Puppy Food
Summary: The Authority Chicken & Rice Puppy Formula features deboned chicken as the first ingredients and various protein sources (dried chicken, corn gluten meal, dried egg product). The main carbohydrate source is easily digestible and suited for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The diet is specifically formulated to meet the rising nutritional demands of growing puppies and to support healthy development.
- Protein-rich formula (29%)
- Fish oil as an omega-3 source
- Added natural fiber and prebiotics
- Supports proper growth and development
- Contains health-boosting antioxidants
- Allergens and fillers in the top five ingredients
- Canola oil is usually made from GMO grapeseed
Review: Customers describe this formula as an “excellent food for the price” and “dogs like it.” Some pet owners even report improvement in stomach issues after switching to this diet. All facts and reviews considered, we rate the Authority Puppy Food as best for puppies.
Authority Sensitive Stomach & Skin All Ages Dry Dog Food
Summary: The Authority Lamb & Rice Grain-Free dog food formula is made of deboned lamb as the first ingredient, menhaden fish meal as the second, and brown rice as the third ingredient. It also contains wheat and wheat germ meal which add to the nutritional profile of the diet as well as fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. The unique Ora-Shield System ensures the right kibble texture and crunchiness.
- Grain-free formula for sensitive stomachs
- Excellent protein to fiber ratio
- Supports proper digestion
- Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Boosts the immune system
- Contains brewers rice (low-quality carbohydrate)
- Corn can be tricky for some dogs
Review: Happy dog owners say “doggies love it,” and the diet “helps with sensitive stomach issues.” Some customers say their dogs have been “farting a whole lot less” with this food. All facts and reviews considered, we rate the Authority Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food as the best for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Authority Dog Food Ingredient Analysis
Pet owners cannot always rely on brands, as branding can be deceptive, and the quality often varies from product to product. Therefore, to ensure you are familiar with what you are feeding your dog, we will go through the ingredients in the Authority dog food formulas.
Authority uses real meat as the first ingredient – usually deboned lamb and deboned chicken. Both types of meat are lean and healthy, and chicken is an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, thus supporting joint health. The second ingredient in most Authority dog food diets is easily digestible brown rice. Also, the formulas feature a good amount of protein and fiber, thus satisfying the needs of the average, moderately active dog.
Each Authority diet contains an array of added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin E supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, calcium carbonate, copper sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, niacin supplement, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, biotin, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, tocopherols, selenium, etc.
Authority pet food does not use artificial colors, additives, and other preservatives and adds natural flavors for taste enhancement. Plus, the dry food is made using a special Ora-Shield System that makes the kibble extra hard and crunchy. This is important since it prevents plaque buildup and maintains optimal dental health.
On the downside, some Authority food formulas contain dried plain beet pulp, chicken fat, lamb meal, and chicken meal, which are frowned upon ingredients. With the exception of the grain-free diet, most dog foods contain cheap fillers and allergens (corn gluten meal), which are hard to digest and cause stomach upsets. Finally, most Authority foods include vegetable oil (corn or canola oil) which is high in calories while not extra rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Authority Dog Food Recalls: What You Need to Know
PetSmart is considered a trustworthy and reliable company. The recall history of the Authority dog foods is proof of the company’s high ranking. Namely, there is only one Authority food recall.
Over a decade ago, in March 2007, the FDA announced a giant recall that involved various pet food products (canine and feline recipes) from over 100 different brands (including Authority). The products were recalled due to melamine contamination.
Melamine is an organic, nitrogen-based compound used in the production of tableware, utensils, countertops, and plastic products. In greater amounts, melamine has toxic effects and can cause kidney damage.
Is Authority Food Right for Your Dog?
The Authority dog food is the right choice for your dog if you are looking for a formula with decent-quality ingredients while on a tight budget. The quality to affordability ratio makes this dog food popular and accessible for all dog owners.
Buying a 30-pound dog food bag will cost you between $30 and $35, even if purchasing the grain-free variety. As for the wet foods, you should expect to pay around $0.89, $1.35, or $2.50 depending on the can size (6-ounce, 13-ounce, and 15-ounce options). The treats cost between $3.99 to $13.99 per bag.
If interested in Authority dog food, just visit the nearest PetSmart store or make an online order. For added convenience, the Authority line is also available on Amazon. Both Petsmart and Amazon give discounts when signing up for scheduled food shipments.
Our Final Thoughts on Authority Dog Food
Authority offers rich and nutritionally balanced dog food formulas with real meat as the first ingredient and added health-boosting nutrients. Of course, you can find pet food brands with more superior features, but their price tags will be much heftier.
In simple terms, the main thing describing the Authority brand is the excellent quality to affordability ratio. If you are not sure whether this brand offers the ideal diet choices for your dog, do not hesitate to consult with your trusted veterinarian.