Authority Cat Food Brand Review
As cat parents, we’re constantly seeking the best nutrition to ensure our feline companions live long, healthy, and vibrant lives. With countless cat food brands vying for our attention, making an informed decision can be overwhelming. Authority Cat Food, a PetSmart exclusive brand, positions itself as a science-backed and expertly formulated option. But does it live up to the hype?
Our comprehensive Authority cat food review dives deep into this brand to uncover everything you need to know. We’ve meticulously analyzed Authority, grading it against the Cats.com standard, which evaluates crucial factors such as species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. This unbiased assessment will help you determine if Authority cat food is the right choice for your beloved cat.
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Our Ratings for Authority Cat Food:
- Species-Appropriateness: 6/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Product Variety: 7/10
- Price: 9/10
- Customer Experience: 7/10
- Recall History: 6/10
Overall Score: 7/10
Cats.com Grade: B (42 out of 60)
Authority Cat Food: Brand Overview
Authority is PetSmart’s proprietary pet food brand, introduced in 1995 by the leading North American pet specialty retailer. PetSmart, established in 1986, boasts over 1,500 retail locations, making it a readily accessible brand for many pet owners.
Positioned as a step above PetSmart’s more basic brand, Grreat Choice, and less focused on “natural” trends than Simply Nourish, Authority aims to appeal to pet parents seeking scientifically formulated, quality nutrition at a reasonable price. It strategically competes with brands like Hill’s Science Diet, often found in veterinary clinics and pet stores, by offering a store-brand alternative focused on expert formulation.
Where is Authority Cat Food Made? Sourcing and Manufacturing
Authority proudly states that all its cat food products are manufactured in the USA using both domestic and globally sourced ingredients. While Authority doesn’t publicly disclose its specific manufacturing partners, a 2016 news report indicated a partnership with various manufacturers, including American Nutrition, Inc., based in Ogden, Utah. This suggests Authority utilizes established pet food manufacturing facilities to produce its recipes.
Authority Cat Food Recall History: Is It Safe?
Understanding a brand’s recall history is vital for pet owners concerned about safety and quality. Authority cat food has experienced one recall in its history. In March 2007, Authority, along with numerous other pet food brands, issued a recall due to melamine contamination. This widespread recall stemmed from tainted ingredients sourced from China that affected various pet food manufacturers that year.
It’s important to note that this recall occurred over 15 years ago, and Authority has maintained a clean recall record since then. This lengthy period without recalls may offer some reassurance to pet owners concerned about product safety.
Authority Cat Food Product Line: Exploring the Range
Authority offers a diverse range of approximately 50 different cat food recipes, encompassing both dry and wet food formats. Their product lines cater to various feline life stages and specific health needs, demonstrating an effort to provide targeted nutrition.
Key Authority Cat Food Product Lines:
- Everyday Wellness: This is Authority’s core product line, featuring a wide array of recipes tailored to different life stages, including kitten, adult, and senior cats. They also offer specific formulas for indoor cats within this line.
- Grain-Free: For cats with sensitivities or owners preferring grain-free diets, Authority provides a grain-free line. These recipes are formulated without corn, wheat, soy, or other grain-based ingredients. The grain-free options are primarily found within their wet food selections.
- Advanced Wellness: This specialized line focuses on addressing common feline health concerns. The Advanced Wellness recipes target issues such as hairball control, weight management, skin and coat health, and digestive sensitivities. This line includes both wet and dry food options.
While Authority offers some grain-free choices, the majority of their dry and wet cat foods incorporate grains like rice in their formulations. This reflects a more traditional approach to cat food formulation, while still providing options for owners seeking grain-free alternatives, particularly in wet food.
Authority’s branding and packaging emphasize a focus on expertise and scientific formulation. Each package prominently features the Healthy Pet Advisory Council™, a team of veterinarians, pet nutritionists, and researchers who are stated to guide the brand’s nutritional decisions and provide pet owners with expert-backed advice. This council aims to enhance the brand’s credibility and appeal to discerning cat owners.
Top 3 Authority Cat Food Recipes: A Detailed Review
To give you a clearer picture of Authority cat food quality, we’ve selected three popular recipes for in-depth review:
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken & Rice, With-Grain | Dry | $2.39 per lb | C |
| Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken, Rice, & Turkey with Grain | Dry | $0.21 per lb | C+ |
| Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Chicken Entree Wet Food | Wet | $0.16 per oz | A- |
#1 Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken & Rice, With-Grain Review
Authority® Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken & Rice, With-Grain
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This dry cat food from Authority’s Everyday Health line is formulated for indoor cats and aims to address both hairball control and weight management.
Ingredient Analysis:
Deboned chicken and chicken meal are listed as the primary protein sources, which is a positive start. However, the ingredient list also reveals a significant reliance on plant-based proteins and carbohydrates, including corn protein concentrate, ground corn, and brewers rice. Brewers rice, a less nutritious rice byproduct, is a prominent carbohydrate source.
To address hairball and weight management, the formula incorporates powdered cellulose and dried beet pulp for added fiber. While fiber can aid in digestion and hairball control, and contribute to a feeling of fullness for weight management, it’s less biologically appropriate for obligate carnivores like cats in large quantities.
Animal-sourced fat is present in the form of chicken fat, along with fish oil, providing essential fatty acids. The food is supplemented with synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to ensure nutritional completeness. L-carnitine is included, an amino acid that some believe may assist in fat metabolism.
Overall Impression:
This dry food has a moderate protein level, low fat, and high carbohydrate content. The focus on fiber and grains makes it geared towards weight management, but it deviates from a species-appropriate diet that prioritizes high protein and moisture from animal sources. Dry food, in general, is not ideal for providing cats with the moisture they need.
Caloric Content: 3,548 kcal/kg or approximately 363 kcal/cup.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Concentrate, Ground Corn, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Beet Pulp.
Common Allergens: Chicken, Eggs.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 33%
- Crude Fat: 12%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 10%
- Ash: 6.5%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 36.67%
- Fat: 13.33%
- Fiber: 5.56%
- Carbs: 37.22%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 34.5%
- Fat: 30.47%
- Carbs: 35.03%
Pros:
- Contains animal-sourced fat.
- Free of animal by-products.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content.
- Dry food format is not optimal for feline hydration needs.
- Relies on plant-based proteins.
#2 Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken, Rice, & Turkey with Grain Review
Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Food
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This is another dry food recipe from Authority’s Everyday Health line, also formulated for indoor cats. It’s a standard kibble recipe featuring a blend of poultry proteins.
Ingredient Analysis:
Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey are the primary animal protein sources, followed by supplemental protein from dried egg product. Similar to the previous recipe, this formula includes high-carbohydrate grains like ground corn and brewers rice, with corn protein concentrate as an additional source of plant-based protein.
Chicken fat and salmon oil serve as the primary fat sources, providing beneficial animal-derived fats and omega fatty acids. The recipe uses “natural flavor,” a common palatant in pet food, instead of artificial flavors. It is fortified with synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Overall Impression:
This dry food has moderate protein, moderate fat, and high carbohydrate content. While it utilizes multiple animal protein sources and beneficial animal fats, the heavy reliance on grains and plant proteins makes it a typical plant-heavy dry food. It’s a step above budget grocery store kibble but doesn’t stand out significantly in terms of ingredient quality compared to other dry food options.
Caloric Content: 3,763 kcal/kg or approximately 371 kcal/cup.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Fat, Turkey, Salmon Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Brewers Rice, Corn, Corn Protein Concentrate, Dried Plain Beet Pulp.
Common Allergens: Chicken, Eggs.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 35.56%
- Fat: 17.78%
- Fiber: 4.44%
- Carbs: 42.22%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 29.4%
- Fat: 35.7%
- Carbs: 34.91%
Pros:
- Free of animal by-products.
- Made with animal-sourced fat.
- Made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content.
- Dry food format is not optimal for feline hydration needs.
- Relies on plant-based proteins.
#3 Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Chicken Entree Wet Food Review
Authority® Everyday Health Indoor Cat Wet Food
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This canned paté from Authority’s Everyday Health line focuses on chicken as the primary protein source, designed for adult indoor cats.
Ingredient Analysis:
Chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver are the top three ingredients, indicating a strong foundation of animal protein. Ocean whitefish is also included, though the specific species is not identified, making it difficult to assess its quality and potential mercury levels. Dried egg product provides another source of animal protein.
While generally low in carbohydrates compared to dry food, this recipe does contain brewers rice, a less desirable ingredient. Ground flaxseed and guar gum are also present, with guar gum acting as a thickening agent. Brewer’s dried yeast is included as a source of B vitamins.
Overall Impression:
This wet food has high protein content, moderate fat, and low carbohydrate content, making it a more species-appropriate option compared to Authority’s dry food recipes. It’s positioned as a step up from basic paté-style wet foods like Friskies, using clearly labeled meat sources and avoiding artificial additives.
Caloric Content: 1,028 kcal/kg or approximately 160 kcal per 5.5-ounce can.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Menhaden Fish Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Brewers Rice, Guar Gum.
Common Allergens: Chicken, Fish, Eggs.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 9%
- Crude Fat: 4.5%
- Crude Fiber: 2.5%
- Moisture: 78%
- Ash: 3%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 40.91%
- Fat: 20.45%
- Fiber: 11.36%
- Carbs: 13.64%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 39.25%
- Fat: 47.66%
- Carbs: 13.08%
Pros:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein.
- Made without animal by-products.
- Contains a mix of muscle meat and organs (liver).
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
- Contains vaguely-named ocean fish.
- Contains brewers rice.
What Customers Are Saying About Authority Cat Food: Reviews and Feedback
Customer reviews for Authority cat food are mixed. While online retailers like Chewy and PetSmart primarily show positive reviews, a broader search reveals a more nuanced picture.
Many positive reviews highlight palatability and affordability. Customers often mention their cats enjoying the food and appreciate the value pricing.
However, negative reviews mention issues such as cats refusing to eat the food or experiencing digestive upset after consumption. These mixed reviews suggest that while some cats thrive on Authority, it may not be suitable for all felines.
Examples of Customer Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
“My kitty loves this food. She’s been on Authority her whole life… and I started noticing a decrease in hairballs within a month. I would definitely recommend…” – Ashley, reviewing Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken & Rice, With-Grain
“My cats really liked this food… a quality food at an affordable price point means a lot to me. I hope and pray they don’t change this food!” – Mary, reviewing Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Chicken Entree Wet Food
Negative Reviews:
“I have 7 indoor/outdoor cats and they all would not eat this food. This if the first dry food they all refused to eat… I would not buy this food again.” – Charlie, reviewing Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken & Rice, With-Grain
“One of my cats ate this but the others wouldn’t. Sticking to my regular brand even thought it’s expensive.” – Tracy, reviewing Authority Everyday Health Indoor Cat Dry Food – Chicken & Rice, With-Grain
Authority Cat Food Price: Is It Budget-Friendly?
Authority cat food is positioned as a budget-friendly brand. Prices range from approximately $0.17 to $0.27 per ounce, with dry food being the most economical option. Feeding a 10-pound cat would cost roughly $0.40 to $1.86 per day, depending on the specific recipe and food type.
Compared to other brands, Authority dry food is similarly priced to PetSmart’s Simply Nourish brand. However, Authority’s wet food formulas are significantly more affordable, aligning with budget brands like Fancy Feast and Friskies in terms of cost. This makes Authority a potentially attractive option for owners seeking affordable cat food, particularly wet food.
Final Verdict: Is Authority Cat Food a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Authority cat food can be a reasonable option, especially considering its affordability and accessibility. If you’re considering trying Authority, their wet food recipes are the more recommendable choice. They offer a better nutritional profile, being lower in carbohydrates and higher in animal protein compared to their dry counterparts. Authority’s canned food line can be seen as an upgraded alternative to budget-friendly brands like Friskies or Fancy Feast, offering better ingredients at a competitive price point.
Authority’s dry food, while potentially a step above some other budget kibbles, doesn’t particularly stand out in terms of ingredient quality or species-appropriateness. However, with only one distant recall in its history and no recent controversies, Authority appears to be a relatively safe and reliable option within its price range.
Where to Purchase Authority Cat Food:
Authority cat food is exclusively sold at PetSmart stores throughout North America and online at PetSmart.com. This makes it readily available for purchase for pet owners in these regions.
