Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Authority Puppy Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Dogster_Authority Puppy Food Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Authority puppy food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

A new puppy can bring a lot of excitement into your life! Along with the adorable pictures and play, there are some tough questions, like what you will be feeding your new bundle of fur. If you are investigating puppy food, you may have encountered Authority dog food.

Authority is a veterinarian-recommended brand that PetSmart produces. They have various options for cats and dogs alike, including a line geared explicitly towards puppies.

If you are interested in learning about the history, the ingredients, and our favorite recipes from Authority, keep reading!

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

At a Glance: The Best Authority Puppy Food Recipes:

Rating Image Product Details
Our Favorite
Winner
Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken
  • High protein content
  • Boosts immune system
  • Maintains skin and coat
  • Second place
    Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food: Tender Blends Chicken Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food: Tender Blends Chicken
  • Supports healthy brain development
  • Aids digestive health
  • Offers dental support
  • Third place
    Authority Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food Authority Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
  • Helps joint function and mobility
  • Boosts immune system
  • Maintains skin and coat
  • Authority Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food Authority Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
  • Healthy ingredients
  • Options for all ages
  • Made in the United States
  • Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food - Beef Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food - Beef
  • Options for all ages
  • Made in the United States
  • Affordable
  • Authority Puppy Food Reviewed

    Who makes Authority and where is it produced?

    Authority was established in 2004 by PetSmart. It has been crafted and distributed by them ever since.  While PetSmart’s headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona, Authority is produced all over the United States.

    Which type of dog is Authority best suited for?

    Authority has options for dogs of all ages and breeds of all sizes. They offer age-specific recipes and recipes for all life stages, giving pet owners plenty of options to choose from. Their recipes are also appropriate for pregnant dogs.

    Which type of dog might do better with a different brand?

    If your puppy has specific allergens to some ingredients or needs a limited-ingredient diet, you may be better off with another brand. The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet – Puppy Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains may be a good option for you and your pup. This formula provides salmon, chicken, and lamb as the main protein sources.

    Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

    The primary ingredient in most Authority puppy foods is usually some form of deboned meat. This provides a healthy protein source for your puppy, giving them the fuel they need to be their lively self.

    A meat meal is usually the second ingredient in puppy formulas. Some believe that meat meals are lacking in nutrition, but that is actually not the case1. Meat meals are essentially the meat with the water and fat removed. That means that meat meals contain more protein than unprocessed meat.

    Brown rice is often included in Authority’s meals. It’s easy to digest and helps your puppy’s gastrointestinal tract remain healthy. Authority formulas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals and do not include artificial colors, additives, or preservatives. Unfortunately, many formulas include vegetable oil, which does not have many benefits. Vegetable oil is high in calories while not providing many healthy fatty acids for your dog.

    pouring dog food
    Image By: cottonbro, Pexels

    PetSmart’s Healthy Pet Advisory Council

    A great benefit to Authority is that PetSmart has a Healthy Pet Advisory Council to review their dog food.

    To ensure that Authority has balanced nutrition, PetSmart has partnered with veterinarians, researchers, and pet nutritionists who guide the creation of their pet food recipes. This added feature gives pet parents a sense of assurance when purchasing Authority products, as they know pet care professionals have investigated the recipes.

    Ora-Shield system

    When you examine Authority’s pet food packaging, you may notice that they advertise having an Ora-Shield System. What is that?

    The Ora-Shield System is a PetSmart invention that promotes dental health by combatting plaque and tartar. It provides puppies protection against dental conditions, which is an excellent added bonus.

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    A Quick Look at Authority Puppy Food

    Pros
    • Healthy ingredients
    • Options for all ages
    • Made in the United States
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Includes vegetable oil

     

    Recall History

    Although Authority has a recall history, it is limited. Authority has not seen a recall since 2007, when the FDA issued a recall of over 100 pet food products from various brands. The reason for the recall was that there was a melamine contamination.

    Other than that, there have not been any other recalls from Authority. Overall, they have a great track record and appear to be very trustworthy.

    divider-dog paw

    Reviews of the 3 Best Authority Puppy Food Recipes

    1. Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken

    Authority Everyday Health Puppy Dry Dog Food - Chicken

    Our number one pick is the chicken recipe from the Everyday Health Puppy Dry Dog Food.

    The main ingredients in this recipe are deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, corn, and corn gluten meal. With the first two ingredients being sourced from animals, the recipe is high in protein. This recipe contains DHA and EPA, two vital oils that support necessary brain development in growing puppies.

    The inclusion of important vitamins and minerals lends to a boosted immune system, and the fiber and prebiotics promote good digestive health.  Plus, the omega fatty acids allow for a shiner coat and healthier skin.

    Unfortunately, some pet owners complain that this formula doesn’t sit well on their puppy’s stomach. This could be because a specific ingredient does not agree with their puppy, so be sure to review the ingredients to see if there are any allergens that affect your pup.

    Pros
    • High protein content
    • Supports healthy brain development
    • Boosts immune system
    • Maintains skin and coat
    • Aids digestive health
    • Offers dental support
    Cons
    • Some pet owners complain about gassiness

    2. Authority Puppy Dry Dog Food: Tender Blends Chicken

    Authority Everyday Health Puppy Dry Dog Food Tender Blend

    The Tender Blends Chicken recipe is another excellent choice that provides many of the same health benefits as the recipe discussed above. However, it has a slightly higher protein content.

    The central ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, corn, and chicken fat. The recipe is packed with protein with two animal-based products for the first two ingredients. It also bolsters your puppy’s brain development, immune system, digestion, and skin and coat health.

    It is important to note that the recipe contains peas. A recent study suggests that peas may be linked to serious heart conditions in dogs, so talk to your vet before making any significant dietary decisions for your puppy.

    Pros
    • Supports healthy brain development
    • Boosts immune system
    • Maintains skin and coat
    • Aids digestive health
    • Offers dental support
    Cons
    • Contains peas

    3. Authority Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken

    Authority Everyday Health Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food - Chicken

    Authority’s Everyday Health chicken recipe for large breeds is an excellent choice for the bigger dogs.

    This recipe helps with brain development, the immune system, and the maintenance of the skin and coat, but it also supports the health of your puppy’s joints with the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin. The main ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, corn, and oat groats. The deboned chicken and chicken meal provide plenty of protein for your bigger puppy.

    This could be the perfect fit for you if you have a large breed puppy, but you will need to look elsewhere if your puppy is not a large breed dog.

    Pros
    • Supports healthy brain development
    • Helps joint function and mobility
    • Boosts immune system
    • Maintains skin and coat
    Cons
    • Large breeds only

    What Other Users Are Saying

    If you want to hear what others have to say about Authority, take a look at some of these reviews!

    • Veterinarians.org – Veterinarians.org commends Authority, stating, “In simple terms, the main thing describing the Authority brand is the excellent quality to affordability ratio.”
    • Good Puppy Food – Good Puppy Food says that Authority is “one of the main veterinary-grade brands for dog owners on a budget.”
    • Amazon – As pet owners, we always double-check with Amazon reviews from buyers before we buy something. You can read these by clicking here.

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    Conclusion

    Authority is a great pet food for your growing pup. It contains plenty of protein to fuel your puppy’s energetic day, plus various other health benefits such as supporting brain development, digestive well-being, and dental health. Another great benefit is that if your puppy loves Authority, you can move them up to the adult formulas once they are old enough. Authority is a great brand all around, not just for puppies!

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    How Often Should Puppies Eat? Vet-Approved Guide & Scheduling

    Raising puppies is not for the faint of heart. It’s a tough gig, not unlike raising a newborn baby, but it is extremely...

    Male vs Female English Springer Spaniel: The Differences (With Pictures)

    If you have been shopping around for your newest partner in crime, you might have settled on the English Springer Spaniel. We don’t...

    Why Does My Dog Bark at Other Dogs? 10 Vet Reviewed Reasons Explained

    Dogs are unique in their ability to communicate with humans, something they and our closest relatives, the wolf and chimpanzee, do not share....

    Did The Pope Say That Dogs Go to Heaven? Declaration & Biblical Beliefs

    We all know the movie All Dogs Go to Heaven. The more we have dogs and experience them, we likely agree that the...

    More related

    Beware of Over-Vaccinating Your Dog: Vet-Reviewed FAQ & Recommendations

    As a responsible dog owner, you always follow your vet’s recommended vaccination schedules to ensure that your pet is protected year-round. This underscores...

    Do Dogs Like Cold Water? Vet-Reviewed Drinking, Swimming & Bathing Temperature

    Do dogs like cold water? Indeed, most dogs prefer to drink cool water, and this remains true in both cold and warm environments!...

    10 Cocker Spaniel Grooming Tips (With Pictures)

    Cocker Spaniels are a beautiful, funny, sweet dog breed with some intensive grooming requirements. Cocker Spaniels require regular grooming to prevent matting and...

    How Long Can a Puppy Be Left Alone? Vet-Approved Care Facts

    You didn’t get a puppy just to leave them alone at home all the time! That said, you also can’t be expected to...

    Keep reading

    Why Does My Dog Eat My Hair? 10 Possible Reasons (Vet-Reviewed)

    Ever caught your canine companion munching on your hair and wondered why? It’s not a gourmet meal, after all. This behavior, while strange to us, is anecdotally quite common and can be attributed to various causes. From their inherent grooming...

    woman carrying smiling dog

    Can Dogs Eat Chinese Food? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

    Dogs and Chinese food can be a tricky combination, but the short answer will be a big “No, dogs cannot eat Chinese food”. While dogs may love the savory flavors of Chinese food, it is important to remember that most...

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Chinese Food

    Can You Add Water to Dry Dog Food? Vet-Approved Benefits & Tips

    Many dog owners feed their dogs a combination of wet and dry food, though dry food is definitely more common. Why? Because dry food is cheaper to buy and it’s much easier to prepare. However, dogs of all ages do...

    dry dog food with water

    8 Best Wet Dog Foods in the UK in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    We want to give our dogs the best life, and part of that means providing nutritious food. If you are searching for the best wet food to give your pup or are thinking about switching from dry food to wet,...

    shih tzu dog getting wet food from owner at kitchen

    Can Dogs Eat Deviled Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition, Risks & Alternatives

    Deviled eggs, sometimes also called stuffed or curried eggs, are a popular appetizer for holiday dinners and potlucks. These creamy and tangy treats are made with basic ingredients most people already have in their pantry, so they’re not only delicious...

    Can Dogs Eat Deviled Eggs

    Merrick Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary Garth Merrick founded Merrick Pet Care in 1988 out of a desire to create homemade food for his dog, Gracie. He crafted his recipes in Hereford, Texas, where the company still has offices. Merrick prides itself on producing...

    Dogster_Merrick Dog Food Review

    Can a Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

    Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience. Plenty of responsibilities are involved, like ensuring your new pup gets the proper nutrition for a long, happy, and healthy life. But what exactly should you be feeding your puppy? Is...

    Can a Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food

    Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary Kibbles ‘n Bits has a range of dry dog foods and a limited range of wet foods for dogs. The food is low priced and generally well received by owners, but a lot of its ingredients are considered...

    Dogster_Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food Review