Authority is a popular brand of cat food sold in grocery stores and pet supply shops. Their product lines include dry food, wet food, and treats made with real meat and vegetables. Authority aims to provide nutritious and tasty foods that meet cats’ nutritional needs at affordable price points for owners. The company follows food safety regulations and quality control standards when manufacturing its cat food.
Is Authority cat food good? Many cat owners have asked this question when browsing the aisles of pet food options. Authority makes marketing claims about the quality and healthfulness of ingredients they use like real chicken, salmon, or tuna. some criticize the brand for using high amounts of plant protein, grains, and carbs as fillers instead of more expensive animal proteins.
The answer lies in examining the specific formula and ingredients compared to your cat’s needs and health condition. Consulting your vet can help determine if Authority is a good cat food choice or if you should explore other brand options that may be better suited for your feline companion.
Ingredients Used in Authority Cat Food
When choosing any pet food, the first thing to examine is the ingredient list. Authority uses these major ingredients in its cat food formulas:
- Animal Proteins Authority incorporates chicken, salmon, turkey, tuna, and other animal proteins as primary ingredients in both its dry food and canned wet food. These provide essential amino acids for strong muscles and organ function.
- Plant Proteins Peas, potatoes, chickpeas, and other plant proteins are also found in Authority recipes. While these do up the protein count, some experts believe they are lower quality than animal-sourced proteins.
- Grains Corn, wheat, rice, and grain by-products like brewer’s rice are common in Authority. Grains help with digestion but are also inexpensive fillers.
- Fruits and Vegetable Ingredients like carrots, apples, blueberries, cranberries, and spinach provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Assessing the Nutritional Adequacy
The next step in evaluating Authority is looking at how nutritionally complete and balanced the cat food is. All Authority formulas meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This table compares the nutritional adequacy of a few top-selling Authority recipe varieties:
|Authority Kitten Formula|Authority Indoor Adult Cat Formula|Authority Senior Cat Formula
Protein|34%|34%|34%
Fat|19%|13%|11%
Fiber|3%|5.5%|7%
Moisture|10%|10%|10%
Kittens need higher protein and fat for growth and development, while senior cats do better with increased fiber and lower calories. Authority tailors the guaranteed analysis percentages to life stages.
Evaluating Ingredient Sourcing and Safety
Authority states on its website that it sources high-quality ingredients and implements strict quality control measures. However, in March 2022, Authority was one of dozens of brands recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. No definitive connection was found, but it still impacts brand reputation.
Considering Affordability of Authority Cat Food
Given the natural and organic brands on the market, Authority is reasonably affordable. An 8-pound bag of Authority dry cat food costs approximately $12-15 depending on the formula. Authority also regularly offers coupons on its website. This makes it budget-friendly for owners who want higher quality than generic brands without the premium price tag.
The Consensus: Is Authority a Good Cat Food Brand?
So, is Authority a good cat food? The answer depends on your priorities:
- Ingredient quality. Authority includes both animal and plant proteins and has mixed reviews on filler content.
- Nutritional formulations. Authority meets AAFCO guidelines for stage-of-life nutrient levels.
- Safety protocols. The recent recall raises some questions about quality control.
- Price point. Authority is priced lower than premium and prescription brands.
Many cats enjoy Authority recipes and demonstrate good health when eating this brand. Consult your veterinarian for tailored dietary advice based on your cat’s needs. But for an affordable cat food that still offers quality nutrition, Authority remains a fine choice.
The Key Benefits of Feeding Your Cat Authority Food
If you do opt to feed your feline Authority cat food, here are some of the advantages:
Real Animal Proteins are the First Ingredient
Whether it’s chicken, salmon, tuna, or other proteins, Authority always lists an actual meat or fish first. Animal proteins provide essential amino acids for healthy muscle maintenance. The ample protein in Authority helps cats maintain lean body composition. It also keeps them feeling full and satisfied between meals.
Formulated for Each Life Stage
Authority offers kitten, adult, and senior cat formulas tailored to each life stage. The protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber levels are optimized based on an animal’s needs at that age. Kittens get calories for growth and development. Adult cat maintenance formulas provide balanced nutrition for everyday activity. Senior cats benefit from foods designed to support joint health and digestion.
Contains Probiotics for Digestive Health
All Authority recipes contain guaranteed live probiotics. These active cultures promote healthy and regular digestion in cats. Probiotics help nutrient absorption by maintaining proper intestinal flora. They also boost overall immune function through good gut health. Finicky eaters with sensitive stomachs often improve stool quality and frequency when fed Authority foods with probiotics.
Has Essential Fatty Acids like Omegas
Authority incorporates omega fatty acids into dry and wet cat foods. Known for shiny coats and healthy skin, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also reduce inflammation. Additionally, they benefit cognitive function and ocular health. From kittenhood through the senior years, these essential fats keep cats happy and healthy.
Quality Standards and Safety Protocols
Authority has strict supplier screening standards to ensure ingredient safety and purity. Their quality control testing procedures also significantly reduce the likelihood of contamination risks. All manufacturing facilities must meet hazard prevention and food safety protocols. So pet owners can have confidence in the brand’s commitment to quality.
Potential Downsides to Feeding Authority Cat Food
While Authority has many positives, it isn’t the right choice for every cat. Potential downsides include:
Contains Corn, Wheat, Soy, and By-Products
Authority does include inexpensive grain fillers and by-product meals in certain recipes. These veer from the natural, preservative-free ingredients championed by premium brands. Cats with food sensitivities sometimes demonstrate improved coat quality, digestion, and litter box habits when fed a grain-free ingredient cat food instead.
Questions About Quality Control Standards
The 2022 voluntary recall mentioned previously did shake some customers’ trust. Outsourcing and importing ingredients opens some vulnerability for contamination. However, the Authority thoroughly tests finished products before shipping. So the odds of a safety issue are quite low.
Not Tailored to Special Dietary Needs
Authority doesn’t offer any veterinary therapeutic diets for medical conditions. Cats with kidney disease, urinary tract problems, allergies, diabetes and more do best on prescription formulas. So Authority wouldn’t be the best choice if your cat has been diagnosed with certain health problems. Checking with your vet would be recommended.
The Bottom Line: Trust Your Vet’s Guidance
What constitutes a “good” cat food comes down to your cat’s unique nutritional needs and health status. While Authority makes a reasonably priced quality product, premium and prescription brands may be required for pets with health conditions. Regular veterinary checkups and bloodwork help determine if Authority is maintaining your cat’s well-being or if dietary adjustments are warranted. Armed with your vet’s nutritional recommendations, you can determine if Authority is a good choice or if another brand is preferable. With so many products available, consulting an animal health expert is key to picking the ideal cat food. One consideration is that Cat Food Cans Recyclable aluminum is reusable, which is an eco-friendly benefit over plastic pouches.
FAQ’s:
What ingredients are in Authority cat food?
Authority cat foods contain animal proteins like chicken and salmon as well as plant proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, and supplements.
Does Authority meet nutritional standards for cats?
Yes, Authority formulas meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles.
Is Authority cat food subject to quality testing?
Authority states that it sources safe ingredients and implements quality control measures to test finished products.
Is Authority a prescription cat food?
No, the Authority does not offer any veterinary therapeutic formulas for medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.
Is Authority cat food recalled recently?
In March 2022, Authority was one of dozens of brands recalled for potential salmonella contamination risks.
Conclusion:
When deciding if Authority is a good cat food choice, there are a few key factors to consider. Authority does include animal proteins as first ingredients and meets AAFCO nutritional standards. The brand also has reasonable pricing compared to premium cat food. However, the Authority has faced recent questions over quality control due to a voluntary recall. Additionally, its use of grains, by-products, and lack of prescription formulas limits its suitability for cats with certain health conditions.
Is Authority cat food good? has no definitive yes or no answer. Many healthy cats enjoy Authority formulas and do well when eating this brand. pet owners should consult their veterinarian, evaluate ingredients based on their cat’s needs, and monitor their pet’s condition. Together with your vet’s guidance, determining if Authority is a good option or if another brand is preferable comes down to your individual cat’s dietary requirements and health status.
