Authority Cat Food Reviews: The Pros and Cons
You want the best for your feline friend, but with so many cat food options out there, how do you know what’s really good? Authority is a brand carried by the big-box pet store PetSmart—but is it worth buying into? Let’s take a real, honest look at the upsides and downsides of this affordable kibble.
First things first—what exactly is Authority cat food? This line is marketed as “expertly formulated” and made right here in the USA with some imported ingredients. The recipes aim to provide complete, balanced nutrition for cats tailored to different life stages and needs.
The Good Stuff: Pros of Authority Cat Food
One of the biggest pros is the price point. As a store brand, Authority is more affordable than many premium cat foods while still using higher-quality ingredients than some bargain options. If you’re on a budget but want to do better than the rock-bottom cheapos, it’s a decent middle ground.
The nutrient profiles also seem pretty on-point for obligate carnivores. Most Authority formulas are protein-rich with meat or fish as the first ingredient. They’re fortified with vital nutrients like taurine for heart and eye health, omega fatty acids for skin/coat condition, and prebiotics for digestion.
The Not-So-Good: Potential Cons
Like many mass-market cat foods, Authority does rely quite heavily on plant-based proteins and fillers. Things like corn, wheat, brewers rice, and pea protein show up further down on most ingredient lists. For kitties with food sensitivities, this could spell trouble.
There’s also the matter of quality control and consistency from batch to batch. As a big brand making food in huge volumes, sometimes quality can slip through the cracks. I’ve seen more than a few reports of cats refusing to eat Authority or having digestive issues after switching to it.
Another potential downside? The dry formulas are pretty high in carbs and could contribute to feline obesity and diabetes if overfed. Always measure portions carefully with kibble!
Some Top Authority Cat Food Recipes
While there are lots of flavors and formulas, a few of the most popular include:
- Authority Chicken & Rice Formula Adult Dry Cat Food
- Authority Hairball Control Chicken & Rice Adult Dry Cat Food
- Authority Turkey & Chicken Entree Canned Cat Food
The dry foods tend to run $0.50-1.00 per pound, while the canned wet foods are $0.75-1.25 per pound. Not the absolute cheapest, but reasonable for a mid-grade brand.
The Verdict: Is Authority Cat Food Any Good?
At the end of the day, Authority seems to fall right about in the middle of the road for cat food quality and value. It’s a step up from bottom-barrel supermarket brands, with better ingredients and stricter quality control. But it’s not quite at the premium, boutique level either.
If your cat does well on it and you’re okay with the ingredient list, then Authority can definitely work as an affordable option, especially for pet parents on a budget. The brand has been around for decades, so they’re clearly doing something right!
Just watch out for any potential allergens or intolerances if your cat has a sensitive stomach. And as always, make sure to transition to any new food slowly while monitoring for issues. A little due diligence goes a long way in keeping your kitty happy and healthy!
