You’re standing in the pet store aisle, staring at 47 different bags of kibble, and wondering: “Is this actually good for my dog, or am I just buying whatever’s on sale?” That’s where authority dog food comes in. It’s one of the most accessible mid-range brands out there, sold primarily at Tractor Supply Co., and it’s designed to give your dog solid nutrition without breaking the bank. But here’s the real talk: not all authority dog food formulas are created equal, and knowing which ones actually deliver is the difference between a thriving dog and one that’s just… getting by.
I’ve been a vet tech for over a decade, and I’ve seen dogs on authority dog food do really well—and I’ve seen others develop digestive issues or dull coats. The brand itself isn’t the villain; the problem is that most dog owners don’t know how to read a label or match the right formula to their individual dog’s needs. That’s what this guide is for.
What Is Authority Dog Food?
Authority dog food is Tractor Supply’s private-label brand. It’s not made by a boutique company or a heritage pet food manufacturer. Instead, it’s produced by various manufacturers and formulated to hit a specific price point while meeting baseline nutritional requirements. Think of it like the store-brand cereal at your grocery store—it’s not fancy, but it’s designed to do the job.
The brand offers multiple product lines: grain-inclusive kibble, grain-free options, limited ingredient diets, and puppy/senior formulas. Availability is limited to Tractor Supply locations and their website, which means you can’t grab it at your local Petco. That’s actually part of why the price stays reasonable—lower distribution costs.
Here’s what matters: authority dog food meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards, which means it contains minimum levels of protein, fat, fiber, and essential nutrients. But “meeting standards” and “thriving” are two different things. A dog can survive on a bare-minimum diet. You want your dog to thrive.
Ingredient Breakdown: What You’re Actually Feeding
Let’s talk ingredients, because this is where most dog owners get confused. When you flip over a bag of authority dog food, you’ll see a list that looks like this: chicken meal, corn, soybean meal, chicken fat, etc. The order matters—ingredients are listed by weight, so whatever’s first is what your dog’s eating most of.
The typical authority dog food formula looks like this:
- Protein source: Usually chicken meal or chicken by-products. Chicken meal is concentrated protein (rendered chicken), while “chicken by-products” can include beaks, feet, and organs. Not glamorous, but nutritionally valid.
- Carbs: Corn, corn meal, or wheat. These are cheap fillers that dogs don’t actually need, but they bind kibble together and add calories without cost.
- Fats: Chicken fat or animal fat (sometimes listed as “poultry by-product fat”). This is where the omega-6 comes from, though omega-3 is often lacking.
- Fiber: Soybean meal or corn fiber. Helps with digestion and stool consistency.
The real issue with authority dog food isn’t that it’s toxic—it’s not. The issue is that it relies heavily on grain-based fillers and lower-quality protein sources. Compare the ingredient list to a premium brand like Orijen or Acana, and you’ll see way more meat, fewer grains, and better omega-3 balance. But you’ll also pay 2-3x more.
Here’s my honest take: if your dog has a healthy coat, good energy, solid poops, and no digestive issues on authority dog food, you’re doing fine. If your dog is itchy, has dull fur, or gets loose stools, it might be time to switch or supplement.
Best Authority Dog Food Formulas
Not all authority dog food is the same. Some formulas are genuinely better choices than others. Here are the ones I’ve seen work best in practice:
- Authority Adult Health Formula (Grain-Inclusive): The basic line. Decent protein levels (around 22%), reasonable ingredient list. Good for adult dogs with no sensitivities. It’s the bread-and-butter option.
- Authority Chicken and Rice (Limited Ingredient): If your dog has a sensitive stomach or suspected food allergies, this is a safer bet. Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential triggers. I’ve seen this work well for dogs with chicken allergies—wait, that’s backwards. If your dog is allergic to chicken, skip this. But for dogs with mystery sensitivities, limited ingredient diets can help you identify the culprit.
- Authority Grain-Free Formulas: These swap corn and wheat for peas and potatoes. Are grain-free diets necessary? No. Are they bad? Not inherently, though there’s been some concern about grain-free diets and heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy). Talk to your vet if your dog has a genuine grain allergy. Otherwise, grain-inclusive is fine.
- Authority Puppy Formula: Higher protein and fat for growing dogs. If you have a puppy, use a puppy-specific formula—not adult food. Large breed puppies need even more careful nutrition to prevent joint problems.
The formulas I’d avoid: anything with “meal by-products” as the first ingredient, or anything with artificial colors (like Red 40). Authority generally avoids these, but always read the label.
Meeting AAFCO Nutritional Standards
AAFCO sets minimum standards for dog food, and authority dog food meets them. That’s good. But let’s be clear about what that means: it means your dog won’t develop a nutritional deficiency disease like scurvy or rickets. It doesn’t mean the food is optimal.
Here’s what you should look for on any dog food label:
- Crude Protein: At least 18% for adults, 22% for puppies. Authority typically hits 20-24%, which is solid.
- Crude Fat: At least 5% for adults. Authority usually has 8-15%, which is good.
- Fiber: No minimum requirement, but 3-5% is reasonable. Too much fiber can cause loose stools; too little can cause constipation.
- AAFCO Statement: Look for “This product is formulated to meet AAFCO standards” or “This product is tested to meet AAFCO standards.” Authority includes this. If it’s missing, the food isn’t meeting legal requirements.
One thing authority dog food sometimes lacks: transparency about specific nutrient levels. Premium brands often list exact percentages of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Authority typically doesn’t. This matters for skin and coat health.
Pro Tip: Call Tractor Supply’s customer service and ask for the guaranteed analysis sheet for the specific formula you’re considering. They can often provide detailed breakdowns that aren’t on the bag.
Common Digestive Concerns and Solutions
The most common complaint I hear about authority dog food: “My dog gets diarrhea on it.” Why does this happen?
Usually, it’s one of three things:
- Too much corn/grain: Some dogs have trouble digesting high-grain diets. If your dog does well on grain-free or limited ingredient foods, this is probably the issue. Switch to Authority Grain-Free or their limited ingredient line.
- The transition was too fast: If you switched from another brand to authority dog food overnight, your dog’s gut bacteria haven’t adapted. Always transition over 7-10 days, mixing the old and new food in increasing ratios.
- Fat content jumped: If your old food was 5% fat and authority dog food is 12%, that’s a big shift. Your dog’s digestive system needs time to adjust.
Here’s how to transition properly:
- Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new (authority dog food)
- Days 4-6: 50% old, 50% new
- Days 7-10: 25% old, 75% new
- Day 11+: 100% new food
If your dog still has issues after a proper transition, it might not be the right food for them. Some dogs genuinely do better on higher-quality brands or prescription diets.
One more thing: if your dog has chronic diarrhea or vomiting, see your vet before switching foods. It could be parasites, pancreatitis, or something else entirely. Food is rarely the only answer.
Cost vs. Quality: Is It Worth It?
Let’s do the math. A 30-lb bag of authority dog food costs around $25-35, depending on the formula. That’s roughly $0.80-1.20 per pound. Compare that to:
- Purina Pro Plan: $1.50-2.00/lb
- Royal Canin: $2.00-2.80/lb
- Orijen: $3.50-4.50/lb
Authority dog food is the budget option, full stop. But here’s what you need to know: cheaper food doesn’t always mean you’re losing money. Some dogs thrive on it. Others need the higher-quality stuff and will develop skin issues, digestive problems, or poor coat quality on budget brands—which then costs you vet bills and supplements.
My advice: try authority dog food. If your dog does well on it, stick with it and pocket the savings. If your dog struggles, the “extra cost” of a better brand is actually an investment in their health. A $10/month difference in food is nothing compared to a $500 vet visit for chronic allergies.
Safety Warning: In 2023, there were no major recalls of Authority dog food, but always check the FDA’s recall database before buying any new batch. Recalls happen, and it’s your job to stay informed.
How to Transition Your Dog to Authority Food
You’ve decided to switch to authority dog food. Good. Now let’s do it right, because a botched transition is the fastest way to convince yourself the food is bad when the real problem is your dog’s gut bacteria freaking out.
Beyond the 7-10 day schedule I mentioned earlier, here are some extra tips:
- Start on a day when you’re home: If your dog gets diarrhea, you want to notice and adjust quickly, not come home to a disaster.
- Feed at the same times every day: Consistency helps digestion. If you were feeding at 7 AM and 5 PM, keep that schedule.
- Don’t add anything else during the transition: No treats, no table scraps, no new supplements. You want to isolate the variable.
- Watch the poop: I know it’s not glamorous, but stool quality tells you everything. Firm and brown = good. Soft or mucusy = slow down the transition.
- Consider adding a probiotic: Brands like Proviable or FortiFlora can help your dog’s gut bacteria adapt faster. Ask your vet.
If your dog develops diarrhea during the transition, go back to the previous ratio for a few more days before advancing again. There’s no prize for speed here.
One more thing: if you’re switching from a prescription diet (like Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin prescribed by your vet), talk to your vet first. Some dogs need prescription food for a reason, and authority dog food won’t cut it.
Should You Supplement Authority Dog Food?
Authority dog food is “complete and balanced,” which means it has everything your dog needs by AAFCO standards. But that doesn’t mean supplementing is a bad idea.
Supplements worth considering:
- Fish oil (Omega-3): Authority dog food is usually low in omega-3. A fish oil supplement can help with skin, coat, and joint health. Dose: 1000 mg EPA+DHA per 50 lbs of body weight daily.
- Probiotics: Especially if your dog has occasional digestive issues. FortiFlora is the gold standard.
- Joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin): Only if your dog shows signs of joint issues or is a large breed prone to dysplasia.
- Vegetables: Cooked carrots, celery, and artichoke hearts are cheap, healthy toppers that add fiber and nutrients without breaking the bank. Just keep them to <10% of daily calories.
Skip the expensive “superfood” toppers and grain-free treats. If you’re on a budget with authority dog food, you don’t need to spend $30/lb on premium treats. Regular boiled peanuts (unsalted) or plain chicken are fine.
Authority Dog Food for Special Populations
Not all dogs are the same, and authority dog food has formulas for different life stages. Here’s what you need to know:
Puppies: Use the puppy formula. It has higher protein and fat for growth. Don’t use adult food for a puppy—they’ll either not grow properly or grow too fast (which causes joint problems). Large breed puppies need even more careful feeding; consider a large-breed puppy formula.
Senior dogs: Authority has senior formulas with lower calories (to prevent obesity) and sometimes added joint support. If your older dog is gaining weight on adult food, switching to senior might help.
Small breeds: Small breed formulas have smaller kibble size, which is easier for small mouths to chew. Not essential, but thoughtful.
Dogs with health issues: If your dog has kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease, authority dog food probably isn’t the right choice. Your vet will recommend a prescription diet. Authority is for healthy dogs.
Real-World Results: What to Expect
I want to be honest about what you’ll see if you switch your dog to authority dog food:
If your dog does well: You’ll notice stable weight, good energy, firm stools, and maybe a slightly lower vet bill because you’re saving money. Coat quality might not be as shiny as on premium brands, but it’ll be healthy. Your dog will thrive.
If your dog struggles: You might see loose stools, itching, a dull coat, or excessive shedding within 2-4 weeks. These are signs that authority dog food isn’t the right fit. Don’t push it; switch to something else.
The key is paying attention. Most dog owners just buy a bag and don’t think about it again until it’s empty. That’s a mistake. Watch your dog’s body condition, energy level, and coat quality. If something changes, it might be the food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Authority dog food made by Purina?
– No. Authority is Tractor Supply’s private label brand, made by various manufacturers under contract. It’s not made by Purina, Mars, or any of the “big three” pet food companies. That’s actually why it’s cheaper—it’s a direct-to-consumer private label product.
Can I mix Authority dog food with my dog’s current food permanently?
– You can, but there’s no benefit. Mixing is only for the transition period. After 10 days, go all-in on the new food. Mixing permanently just complicates portion control and makes it hard to tell if the food is working.
Why is my dog’s poop different on Authority dog food?
– Poop changes when diet changes. Softer stools usually mean the food has more fiber or fat than your dog’s used to. Firmer stools might mean less fiber. If it’s just different but still healthy (brown, formed), it’s fine. If it’s diarrhea that lasts more than 3-4 days, the food probably isn’t right for your dog.
Is grain-free Authority dog food better than grain-inclusive?
– Not necessarily. Grain-free is only better if your dog has a genuine grain allergy, which is rare. Most dogs do fine on grain-inclusive food. Grain-free is more expensive and doesn’t offer nutritional advantages for most dogs. Unless your vet recommends it, stick with grain-inclusive.
How much Authority dog food should I feed my dog?
– Check the bag for the feeding guide based on your dog’s weight. It’s a starting point, not gospel. Adjust based on your dog’s body condition. If your dog is gaining weight, feed less. If your dog is losing weight, feed more. Aim for a waist you can feel but not see.
Can I feed Authority dog food to a dog with a chicken allergy?
– Most Authority formulas have chicken as the main protein. If your dog is allergic to chicken, avoid Authority unless they have a limited ingredient formula with a different protein source (like fish or lamb). Even then, read the label carefully for cross-contamination warnings.
Is Authority dog food good for weight management?
– Authority has a weight management formula with lower calories and higher fiber. It works if you stick to the portions and don’t give treats. But honestly, weight management is 80% portion control and 20% food choice. You can make any food work for weight loss if you feed the right amount.
Where can I buy Authority dog food?
– Tractor Supply Co. stores and their website (tractorsupply.com). It’s not available at Petco, PetSmart, or Amazon. If you don’t have a Tractor Supply nearby, you might be out of luck unless you order online.
Has Authority dog food ever been recalled?
– Authority has had recalls, though not recently (as of 2024). Always check the FDA recall database before buying. Recalls are rare but they happen to every brand, including premium ones.
Can I switch directly from another brand to Authority without a transition period?
– You *can*, but you’ll likely regret it. Your dog’s digestive system needs time to adapt to a new food. Even if the new food is fine, switching too fast causes diarrhea. Do the 7-10 day transition. It takes minimal effort and prevents problems.
Is Authority dog food better than grocery store brands?
– Yes. Authority is better than most grocery store brands (like Ol’ Roy or Alpo). The ingredient quality is higher, and the nutritional profile is more balanced. Authority is mid-tier—better than budget brands, not as good as premium brands. It’s a solid middle ground.
What’s the difference between Authority and Taste of the Wild?
– Taste of the Wild is a premium grain-free brand with more meat and fewer grains. It costs 2-3x more than Authority. If your dog does well on Authority, there’s no reason to upgrade to Taste of the Wild unless your dog has specific health issues. The extra cost isn’t worth it for most dogs.
Can puppies eat Authority adult dog food?
– Technically yes, but they shouldn’t. Puppies need higher protein and fat for growth. Use the Authority puppy formula. Using adult food on a growing dog can lead to improper development, especially in large breeds.
Does Authority dog food contain any artificial preservatives?
– Authority uses mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) as a natural preservative, not BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. That’s good. However, it may contain artificial colors in some formulas. Check the label. If you want to avoid artificial colors entirely, choose a formula without them or go with a premium brand.
