Exploring the realm of premium canine nutrition, Autarky stands out as a British brand focusing on natural ingredients for active and working dogs. With its name derived from “self-sufficiency,” this feed promises complete nutrition without unnecessary additives, catering particularly to dogs with sensitive digestive systems or allergies.
The philosophy behind Autarky
Autarky positions itself as a provider of holistic nutrition that mirrors what active dogs would naturally consume. The brand emphasizes self-sufficiency in canine diet, offering formulations that support overall wellness through carefully selected ingredients.
What distinguishes Autarky from competitors is its commitment to natural preservation methods, using rosemary extract instead of artificial preservatives. This approach aligns with their philosophy of minimal processing and maximum nutritional benefit.
Each recipe incorporates functional herbs and botanicals like milk thistle and yucca, which are traditionally associated with liver health and reduced stool odour respectively. These botanical additions reflect Autarky’s holistic approach to canine nutrition, addressing wellness beyond basic macronutrients.
Ingredient analysis
Examining Autarky’s ingredient list reveals a protein-forward approach with most adult formulas containing between 23-26% protein. The primary protein sources typically include poultry meal, chicken and salmon, depending on the specific formula.
For carbohydrates, Autarky often utilizes maize and rice, which may raise concerns for owners seeking completely grain-free options. However, their dedicated hypoallergenic range substitutes these with potato and sweet potato for dogs with grain sensitivities.
The inclusion of linseed and fish oils provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, supporting coat condition and reducing inflammation. Additionally, prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides promote digestive health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.
One notable inclusion is the addition of joint-supporting compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin in certain formulas, particularly beneficial for working breeds and senior dogs. Not sure whether to choose Autarky or Applaws? Read our other Applaws review to compare these quality brands.
Product range overview
Autarky offers a diverse selection catering to different life stages and dietary requirements:
Adult formulations
The adult range features protein-rich recipes like Delicious Chicken and Succulent Salmon, formulated to meet the energy requirements of active dogs. These contain approximately 23-24% protein and 12-14% fat, providing sustained energy release throughout the day.
Working dog formulas include additional taurine and L-carnitine to support heart function during intense activity. These formulations also contain higher fat content (14-15%) to fuel extended periods of exertion.
Puppy and senior specific formulas
For growing puppies, Autarky provides recipes with enhanced DHA content from fish oils, supporting cognitive development and growth. The protein percentage increases to 26% to accommodate rapid muscle development in young dogs.
Senior dogs benefit from the Mature Lite formula, which maintains adequate protein levels (23%) while reducing fat content to 12%, helping manage weight in less active older dogs. Added green-lipped mussel extract provides natural anti-inflammatory properties for aging joints.
Speciality formulas
Autarky’s hypoallergenic range caters to dogs with food sensitivities, eliminating common allergens like wheat and soy. These formulations use alternative carbohydrate sources and novel proteins to minimize allergic reactions.
For active working breeds, performance formulas include enhanced levels of B vitamins and iron to support oxygen transport and energy metabolism during prolonged activity.
Nutritional benefits
The balanced macronutrient profile in Autarky formulas supports muscle maintenance and energy requirements for active lifestyles. Protein levels remain consistently above 23%, meeting the needs of most adult dogs.
Antioxidants from natural sources like blackcurrant and pomegranate help combat oxidative stress, particularly relevant for dogs exposed to environmental stressors during outdoor work. These compounds support immune function and cellular health.
The inclusion of herbal supplements offers functional benefits beyond basic nutrition:
- Milk thistle aids liver detoxification processes
- Yucca schidigera reduces stool odour
- Rosemary acts as both a natural preservative and antioxidant
- Chicory root provides prebiotic fiber for digestive health
Joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin in select formulas help maintain mobility in active and aging dogs, potentially reducing the need for supplementation.
Value and pricing
At approximately £27-£36 for a 12kg bag, Autarky positions itself in the mid-premium segment, offering better ingredients than budget brands without reaching the price point of ultra-premium alternatives. This represents good value for owners seeking quality nutrition without excessive cost.
The cost per daily feeding works out at roughly £0.75-£1.20 for a medium-sized dog, varying based on weight and activity level. This places Autarky as a cost-effective option for working dog owners who require quality nutrition without premium pricing.
Compared to similar quality brands, Autarky typically costs 10-15% less while maintaining comparable ingredient standards. This competitive pricing makes it accessible to a broader range of dog owners seeking better nutrition.
Customer experiences
Feedback from owners consistently highlights improved coat condition, with many reporting reduced shedding and increased shine after switching to Autarky. This suggests the omega fatty acid content effectively supports skin and coat health.
Working dog handlers praise the sustained energy their dogs display on Autarky formulas, noting improved stamina during extended activity sessions. The balanced energy release appears to prevent the spikes and crashes associated with lower-quality feeds.
Some owners of particularly sensitive dogs report that while the hypoallergenic range helps, certain individuals may still react to specific ingredients. This indicates that even specialized formulas may not suit every dog with severe allergies.
Stool quality improvements feature prominently in customer reviews, with many noting firmer, less odorous waste. This suggests effective prebiotic action and appropriate fiber content in the formulations.
Potential drawbacks
The inclusion of maize in several Autarky formulas may concern owners researching grain-free diets, though scientific consensus on grain exclusion remains mixed. For truly grain-sensitive dogs, only their specialized hypoallergenic range would be suitable.
Some nutritionists question whether the protein quality (using meat meals rather than fresh meat as primary ingredients) meets the highest standards of canine nutrition. However, properly rendered meat meals can actually provide concentrated protein sources.
Limited wet food options may disappoint owners seeking variety or those with dogs requiring softer textures. Autarky primarily focuses on dry kibble formulations.
The availability, while improving, sometimes becomes limited at smaller retailers, potentially causing inconvenience for loyal customers when stock runs low.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Autarky particularly suits active working breeds and sporting dogs that require sustained energy release throughout the day. The balanced protein-to-fat ratio supports muscle maintenance while providing adequate fuel for extended physical activity.
Adult dogs with mild food sensitivities benefit from Autarky’s hypoallergenic formulations, which eliminate common allergens while maintaining nutritional completeness. The addition of digestive supplements further supports dogs with occasional gastrointestinal upset.
Puppies transitioning to adult food find Autarky’s life-stage specific formulas appropriate for healthy development, with enhanced DHA content supporting brain development and appropriate calcium-phosphorus ratios for skeletal growth.
Senior dogs and those beginning to show signs of joint stiffness particularly benefit from formulas containing glucosamine, chondroitin and green-lipped mussel extract. The reduced fat content in senior formulas helps manage weight while maintaining muscle mass through adequate protein.
However, dogs with severe allergies or highly specific protein requirements might need more specialized nutrition than even Autarky’s hypoallergenic range can provide. Similarly, extremely high-performance athletic dogs might require higher protein and fat percentages than standard Autarky formulations offer.
Is this dog food good? A specialist’s verdict
As a dog nutrition specialist, I consider Autarky to be a solid mid-tier option that balances quality and affordability effectively. It doesn’t reach the nutritional excellence of fresh-prepared or raw alternatives but significantly outperforms budget grocery brands.
The inclusion of functional herbs and joint supplements demonstrates thoughtful formulation beyond basic nutritional requirements. Few brands at this price point incorporate such targeted functional ingredients.
I appreciate Autarky’s transparency regarding ingredient sourcing and their commitment to natural preservation methods. The avoidance of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives aligns with current nutritional best practices.
However, I remain somewhat concerned about the reliance on maize in standard formulations, which provides less bioavailable nutrition than meat proteins or alternative carbohydrates like sweet potato. The protein quality, while adequate, could be improved by increasing fresh meat content relative to meat meals.
Overall, Autarky earns a respectable 7.5/10 in my assessment—good but not exceptional. It represents thoughtful nutrition at an accessible price point, particularly suited to active dogs without severe dietary sensitivities. For owners seeking quality without premium pricing, Autarky provides a reasonable compromise between nutritional ideals and practical constraints.
If you’re looking for truly outstanding nutrition, Butternut Box came out as number 1 in our comparison of the best dog food brands in the UK. Their fresh-prepared, human-grade ingredients and personalized portion control represent the gold standard in canine nutrition. For those wanting to give their dogs the absolute best, check out our comprehensive Butternut Box review to understand why this subscription service consistently outperforms traditional alternatives.
