My contact with your company was professional, informative and personable. I’ve been impressed with your web site and range of foods. I’m currently trialing balance to see if it helps my dog's sensiti... See more
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I'm so pleased I was recommended Essential, and moved away from supermarket dog food. I thought our dog had simply mellowed as she'd gotten older, but the difference after starting this food was almo... See more
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Great quality dog food! My springer spaniel used to have issues with anything containing grains, but since we switched to Essentials 5 years ago everything has been great. Ordering and shipping is rea... See more
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My Labrador retriever has been on their foods since we got him at 8 weeks old, from the working dog puppy large breed up to the adult formulas. He has tried several flavours, all are devoured withou... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Why choose ESSENTIAL FOODS? There are many advantages to choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS. Our grain-free meal is crafted from high-quality ingredients – and guaranteed filler-free. In addition to our delectable line of tasty meals, you’ll find a large selection of irresistible treats prepared and packaged to the same high standard as the rest of the ESSENTIALS assortment. Our mission is to make a difference and help the dog get a healthier and better life through its eating habits. We simply feel committed to it. That's why we don't produce dog or cat food either; we produce meals. Meals packed with nutrition which keep a stable blood sugar level and which only contain ingredients that benefit and strengthen your best friend's health. Nutrition is essential for the dog's or cat's overall wellbeing. Explore our delicate meals, pâté, and treats at essentialfoods.com
Why choose ESSENTIAL FOODS?
Written by the company
- With the first bag of ESSENTIALS, a new lifestyle awaits
- ESSENTIAL FOODS grain-free meals are crafted from high-quality ingredients, with a high percentage of fresh meat and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Some of the benefits include improved digestion, a glossier coat, more balanced behaviour, and a healthier body weight.
- BOF-approved
- All meals are prepared using the BOF principle (Behavioural Optimizing Foods), meaning a meal should mirror the dog's natural diet and eating habits while helping to stabilize blood sugar.
- Grain-free meals, pâté and treats
- A grain-free diet helps sensitive digestion Although most dogs can digest grains without any problems, there are still some that struggle and are prone to digestive problems such as constipation. All our products are of highest quality and specially formulated using the right balance of key nutrients – just without the grains.
90 days guarentee
Very simple - It's a total satisfaction guarantee
Should there be anything that you're not happy with, simply get in touch and we'll arrange for a FULL refund.
Our guarantee covers all meal products bought online with us, up to 3 months from date of purchases. Just our very own confident way of saying: Give ESSENTIALS a go, you won't regret it!
Contact info
Ørnegårdsvej 16, 2870, Gentofte, Denmark
- +45 71 99 90 90
- support@essentialfoods.com
- www.essentialfoods.com
One mission
4.8
Excellent
933 reviews
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Replied to 100% of negative reviews
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Dog food excellent
Never had any issues except one which dealt with quickly,it was delivery issue.
The dog loves the product.
March 10, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Barclay,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we place great importance on both the quality of our meals and ensuring everything runs smoothly from order to delivery. Additionally we strive to ensure the best possible customer service each time.
We’re always committed to finding quick and effective solutions whenever something doesn’t go as expected, so it’s great to know this came through. Most importantly, we’re delighted to hear that your dog enjoys the meals – that is what it’s all about.
Warm regards from the team at ESSENTIAL FOODS. 🐾
Easter Egg
Saw an advert for the doggie's Easter Egg and was really surprised by the size of it. Have not open it up yet but I'm sure the quality will be good, as I have purchased bars and sausages from the site and my dog loves them.
March 10, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Fiona,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so glad the Easter Egg caught your attention—it's definitely designed to be a fun surprise with great activity purposes!
We completely understand waiting for the perfect moment to open it, but we’re confident your dog will love it just as much as the bars and sausages. It means a lot to us that you’ve come back to shop with us again and that your dog is already enjoying our products.
We hope the Easter Egg brings just as much excitement and tail-wagging joy when it’s finally unwrapped! Thank you again for your continued support—it truly means the world to us.
Kind regards from
ESSENTIAL FOODS
My dogs love the food
My dogs love the food. The ingredients are clearly marked and all top grade. The dogs are healthy with great coats on it. The treats have to be hidden so they aren’t stolen!
March 10, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your dogs love both the food and the treats. It means a great deal to us that you notice and appreciate the quality and transparency of our ingredients—this is something we work very hard to maintain and one of our key values as a brand at ESSENTIAL FOODS!
Hearing that your dogs are healthy, happy, and have such beautiful coats is the best feedback we could ask for. That’s exactly what we strive to achieve with every product we make.
And the fact that the treats have to be hidden so they don’t get stolen—what a compliment! It sounds like they’ve truly earned their favorite status in your home.
Thank you again for your trust and support—we’re so happy to be part of your dogs’ daily routine and look forward to delivering their future treats and meals!
Good quality cat food,very fast…
Good quality cat food,very fast delivery,I keep ordering as my cat is feeling well and almost no shedding!
March 9, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear V,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we focus on creating carefully balanced meals with high-quality ingredients that support cats’ wellbeing from the inside out. Hearing that your cat is feeling well and that you are seeing positive changes is always wonderful to know.
We’re also pleased that the ordering and delivery experience has worked smoothly for you. Making it easy to keep the bowls filled with nutritious meals is an important part of what we aim to do every day.
With warm regards from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Excellent delivery service and customer…
Excellent delivery service and customer services
Food is only kibble our fussy dog has eaten
However could do with having large kibble in small bags and discounted subscription prices
March 9, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Sharon,
Thank you so much for your review and your feedback.
It is a joy to hear that you have found an ESSENTIAL FOODS recipe that works for your fussy dog. When our pets don't eat it can become quite stressful, so finding something they enjoy is crucial, and we are honoured that our meals were what your dog needed.
We also appreciate the feedback you give us and I will make sure to forward it to the team! We always strive to deliver the best quality and service, and the feedback from our customers is of the greatest importance to us.
Should you need assistance in the future or have questions then do not hesitate reaching out to us, we are always happy to help.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
We have been feeding essential dry food…
We have been feeding essential dry food for several years now. We feed 50% essential and 50% butternut box.
Our 4 year old Border Collie is thriving. We get lots of comments on his overall condition and shiny coat.
We tend to order direct from the website and love that we get a free bag of treats with our order.
I will be visiting the stand at crufts next week and hoping to buy a few tins of the pate to try.
February 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Sarah,
Thank you so much for your review!
How wonderful to hear that your 4-year-old Border Collie is doing so well on ESSENTIAL FOODS kibble. It really means a lot to us to know that you are experiencing both great general condition and a shiny coat – and that others are also noticing it.
We are also happy that you have good experiences ordering directly from our website, and that the little extra treats like a free bag of treats are well received. It is important to us that you get an experience of a little extra when you have food delivered to your best friend!
How exciting that you are visiting our stand at Crufts next week! We hope you have a really good experience – and we are crossing our fingers that the pâté will be a hit at home. Please come by and say hello if there is anything we can help with or recommend.
Thank you for sharing your experience – and for choosing us over the years. We really appreciate that.
Kind Regards,
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
The dog loves the food.
A very easy to use online ordering of quality dog food with fast free delivery plus a gift for the dog and the dog loves the food which is the main reason for buying.
February 3, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Philip,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we’re passionate about creating meals that dogs love, made with high-quality, recognisable ingredients. Making it easy for owners to order and receive their food quickly is equally important, so we’re delighted that our online service and thoughtful extras add a little extra enjoyment for both dogs and their humans.
Knowing that the food is being enjoyed and supporting happy, healthy dogs is always the greatest reward for us.
With warm regards from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS
All 5 dogs are doing really well on Esseentials
This company deliver their products with remarkable speed. I have 5 rescue dogs, and now order all of my food from Essentials. I like both their ethos, and the quality of the food. All my 5 girls are doing remarkably well on it. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Tina,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Supporting dogs’ wellbeing through carefully prepared meals and a strong set of values is at the core of what we do, so it’s wonderful to hear that this is coming through.
We’re proud to work with thoughtfully selected ingredients and a clear approach to quality, while ensuring that orders arrive quickly and reliably. Knowing that our meals are helping dogs thrive is always the greatest reward for us and keeps us passionate about what we do.
Your recommendation truly means a lot, and we’re grateful to be a trusted part of so many dogs’ daily lives.
With warm regards
Sofie
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
I have used essential dog food for over…
I have used essential dog food for over two years now. The dogs love it. The Web site is easy to navigate around now I've got use to it. The only problem I did have was when the prices went up and I clicked on re-order it would not let me ,without me looking through the foods again. Would have been nice to have been informed. Everything goes up so I believe people will understand and I would not then experienced the confusion when reordering.
Delivery alway quick and the information on this is updated regularly.
January 28, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Kelly,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We are beyond pleased to hear that the meals continue to be enjoyed and that delivery work well with you.
We know how important clarity and ease are when ordering online, and we are always working to improve both communication and the overall experience on our website. Feedback like yours helps us identify where we can do better and ensures we keep things as clear and straightforward as possible going forward.
Thank you for your continued trust. Please let us know if we can help with any thing in the future!
Wishing you a good day from the team at ESSENTIAL FOODS
Healthy dog food , and value for money.
When we collected our current wire-haired Vizsla as a 12 week old pup, he had been fed Essentials by his dedicated gamekeeper breeder here in Scotland. So we continued him on the puppy meal, thinking that we’d make a change to another more economical brand when he was a little older. But we never did change!
The helpful feeding guidance included the fact that if his poo was a little less than firm then we should cut back a little on the recommended quantity for weight and age. We took that advice to help work out the right quantity for Buddy, enough but not too much, and so the cost per meal reduced slightly.
Given that we now have a very lively, bright, keen young dog of 2 years of age, who is quick to learn, sleeps well, can run like the wind after deer, hare and pheasant, and enjoys good health, I’m so glad we’ve stuck with Essentials. He’s a happy dog, so I’m a happy owner.
We have a limited budget and so we do of course occasionally review expenditures across the board. I recently contacted the company, after a price increase , and was helpfully directed to a slightly cheaper product in their range, still a very good quality product. The person I spoke with could not have been more helpful.
I especially love that the ingredients are named and recognisable, that percentages of ingredients are given, and that the meal pellets are not fatty!
I have added reviews on Trust Pilot for a few other experiences and services when service has, in my view, been exceptionally good. But I haven’t ever read the guidance on writing a useful review; this is my honest view of Essentials dog food and the words are all my own!
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Anne,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, quality, transparency, and exceptional customer service are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every dog deserves meals made with recognisable, high-quality ingredients, balanced for health, energy, and wellbeing.
It’s also wonderful to hear that our team was able to offer advice and guidance around choosing the right product for your budget while maintaining the high standard of nutrition ESSENTIAL FOODS is known for. Exceptional customer service and transparency are as important to us as the food itself, and your feedback reaffirms the effort we put into both.
Thank you again for your kind words and trust. We look forward to continuing to provide meals that keep Buddy – and dogs like him – healthy, happy, and thriving.
With warm regards from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS
Essential foods is good quality
Essential foods customer support provided great advice on which of their food was best for my dogs (one large and one small). Both dogs love their food and the contour food designed to help weight control really works. Also made in U.K. that’s a bonus. I would highly recommend.
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Paul,
Thank you so much for your kind review. It means a lot to us to hear that both your large and small dogs enjoy our food, and that the Contour meals have had a positive impact on weight management. That is exactly what Contour is for!
We’re also glad to hear that you appreciate our meals being made in the UK, as quality and origin are very important to us.
Your recommendation really means a lot, and we look forward to continuing to make both you and your dogs happy with every order.
Warmest regards,
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Melanie,
Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re thrilled to hear that you’re happy with our product, service, and delivery. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we take pride in creating high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals for dogs of all sizes, made in the UK with care and attention.
It’s wonderful to know that our commitment to quality and convenience is making a difference for you and your pets. We look forward to continuing to provide meals that keep your dogs and cats happy, healthy, and excited for every meal.
Warmest regards
Sofie
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
My Labrador loves all their formulas
My Labrador retriever has been on their foods since we got him at 8 weeks old, from the working dog puppy large breed up to the adult formulas. He has tried several flavours, all are devoured without a pause! His gut health seems well balanced with no faecal issues throughout. The only additional foods he gets are a few bonios or treats and 10ml Flax oil.
The little freebie extras which Essential Foods send with each delivery are his training treats - soft and meaty and ideal. He has buffalo horn to chew for his teeth and gum health.
I thoroughly recommend Essential Foods.
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Marilyn,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It’s wonderful to hear that your Labrador has enjoyed our foods from puppyhood right through to adulthood, and that he loves all the flavours we offer. We’re especially pleased that his digestive health is thriving – that’s exactly what we aim for with our carefully balanced recipe, and it shows that quality counts every time.
We’re glad the little free gifts we include in every order are helping with his training and can be gives as an extra snack. We are in no doubt that he is a fantastic dog and should be rewarded for it. Hearing that these small touches make a real difference for you and your dog is fantastic.
We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide meals that keep your Labrador healthy, happy, and excited at mealtime.
With the kindest regards
Sofie
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
Essential food is worth every penny.
I have been using essential food for my border collie since she was two months and now over four years.
She is super fit and looks extremely well with a shine on her coat I have had border collies for over forty years and I honestly believe this the best dog food I have used .
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Mr. Peters,
Thank you so much for your amazing review. It’s wonderful to read that your Border Collie has thrived on ESSENTIAL FOODS for so long - all the way from puppyhood and into adulthood. Your dog is fit, healthy, and has a shiny coat, and thi is exactly what we aim for with every recipe.
It means a lot to hear that, with your forty years of experience with Border Collies, you consider our food the best you’ve ever used. That kind of feedback really makes all our hard work worth it!
We look forward to continuing to keep your dog happy, healthy, and full of energy for many more years to come. Let us know if you ever think of something we can help with to make the experience with us even better.
Wishing you a lovely day!
The team at ESSENTIAL FOODS
The product is superb
The product is superb, but the delivery company is dire. Our first order was not delivered to the property although we were in. It was dropped off at a local collection point which is in a small supermarket on the main road with no parking. It meant 2 eighty year olds struggling to carry a heavy box, We like the product so on our next order had it delivered to our son, Not ideal because he then has to take time out to bring it to us.
November 30, 2025
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Nicholas,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and tell us about you most recent experience with ordering from us.
We totally agree with you that our meals and snacks are top-quality and we are so proud of it. However, it is also important to us to ensure that every customer has a top-notch experience every time they order from us. Everything from the ordering experience, delivery and the dog/cat tasting our meals and everything in between is important and must also be top-notch.
We are constantly evolving and finding new ways to provide a better all-around experience for our customers, and your review helps us with this.
Thank you again from the team at ESSENTIAL FOODS
High quality ingredients which my Lab loves
I have been feeding my beloved lab essential food products since she was a puppy. Back then essentials was offering limited products, their range has grown organically and thoughtfully. The products are high quality and I have not had a reason to switch away and I haven’t. My Jan loves the dried food the variety is great as well rotate through them and can I say the tinned food is so good also. When you open the can it really does not smell like dog food. We order directly from the site and we have never had an issue with deliveries. The communication around the order and delivery is good. The treats are varied and really great. My lab loves them all. It’s a nice touch that we get given a treat with the order and also a sample of any new product that is coming out. It all is much appreciated. The claim about weight management holds true. Labs are notorious for putting on weight easily but we have maintained our labs weight really well, and she loves her food. Her coat is glossy and gleaming and she is as excitable as she was when she was a puppy. They aren’t the cheapest but you get what you pay for and you really do get good quality ingredients across the board here. We do not hesitate in recommending Essentials and as long as the attention to quality stays then we will continue to purchase.
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Hemita,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we are passionate about creating meals and pâté that are not only delicious but also carefully balanced to support dogs’ health and wellbeing. Seeing dogs thrive, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight is exactly what we aim for with every recipe.
We take pride in ensuring the highest quality of ingredients and meals and offering a wide range of options so every dog can enjoy meals they love. Our treats and small extras are designed to bring a little extra joy to mealtimes, because we believe that happy dogs make happy owners.
It’s wonderful to hear from long-term customers like you, and your feedback inspires us to continue developing meals and snacks that dogs and their families can rely on for years to come.
With warm regards from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS
A superb food!
My Labrador puppy was on a raw food diet when she came into our lives. However, she had a run in with something yucky and was violently sick. After that she refused to eat raw food. On the advice of her breeder we put her into Essentials, she has thrived! Even after slaying her condition is superb and she has not put on weight.
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Henrietta,
Thank you for sharing your story. We’re so pleased to hear that your Labrador is thriving and in such great condition. Seeing and hearing that ESSENTIAL FOODS dogs are happy, healthy, and full of energy is exactly why we do what we do.
It’s wonderful to know that she’s enjoying every meal and maintaining her weight so well. Our team works hard to continually make recipes that dogs love and that support their wellbeing, and hearing that it’s made a real difference for your puppy is fantastic.
We hope she continues to flourish and enjoy her meals for many years to come.
With best wishes from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS
Estate living was recommended for my…
Estate living was recommended for my Great Dane and I have complete confidence as I have had many compliments on how well Nellie looks. She is full of energy with bright eyes and a shiny coat which I put down to Estate Living. When I moved house, I had to place orders via email and I have been impressed with the site and delivery service you provide
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Linda,
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear that Nellie is thriving on Estate Living and that she is healthy and full of energy. A shiny coat, bright eyes and a healthy dog are exactly what we hope our recipes can help achieve, so it’s fantastic to hear such positive feedback.
We’re also glad that our website and delivery service made things easy when you moved house. Making sure your orders reach you reliably is something we take very seriously, and it’s great to know it made a difference.
It means a lot to us that you trust Estate Living for Nellie, and we look forward to keeping her happy, healthy, and full of energy for many years to come.
Please let us know if we can do anything better in the future.
With the kindest regards to both you and Linda from
ESSENTIAL FOODS
Essential Foods is fantastic - I recommend.
I have fed my Labradors food from Essential Foods from day one and I can’t recommend it enough. The quality of the dry food and pate is remarkable. It’s such good quality. The treat range is equally excellent. My girls absolutely adore it all and most importantly they look great on it. Bright eyes and shiny coats!
January 27, 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Melanie,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review. We’re thrilled to hear that your Labradors have loved everything from the meals and pâté to the treats. Knowing that they’re not only enjoying their food but also looking so healthy with bright eyes and shiny coats is wonderful to hear.
It’s especially meaningful to us to have customers like you, who have trusted ESSENTIAL FOODS from day one. Building that long-term relationship and seeing the positive impact on your dogs over the years is exactly what we aim and work every day for. Your continued support and recommendation mean the world to us.
With warm regards from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS
The best kibble in the UK
Our 20kg mixed breed (Labrador Retriever X Belgian Malinois) thrives on the Highland Living mix. We choose the Working dog variant.
After a few months on this food my dog has amazing energy levels, great digestion with firm stools, and a very soft coat. Minimal shedding, fresh breath and always eager to learn.
If you have an active dog or a hard keeper, I definitely recommend trying this brand.
The kibble biscuits are slightly larger in size, which is great for a medium / large dog. It's not too greasy, there are no crumbs in the bag, and the kibble smells pleasant without having a strong odour. I love that the bags are easy to reseal.
Essential customer service is also brilliant. Delivery is fast and with dpd in my area, with easy collection options available. We tried the Estate living and it didn't suit my dog, after a quick email they dispatched Highland living at no extra cost and suggested to donate the bag of Estate living. So kind and much appreciated.
I haven't tried the Nautical living yet, but plan to order some soon.
My dog always struggled to put on weight as a puppy and teenager. Because of this, I've tried many other kibble brands, and even some 'premium' options didn't help my dog to keep condition. He always looked skinny. Since moving to Essentials, he has also gained at least 3kg and continues to put on muscle.
I am looking forward to seeing my dog thrive on this food for hopefully many years to come.
January 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Katy,
Thank you so much for the lovely words about your experiences with ESSENTIAL FOODS so far.
We are so glad to hear that your dog is thriving on our Highland Living meal! It is a unique combination of free-range turkey, Scottish salmon and wild birds, and it sounds like it is really resonating well with your dog!
Some times you do have to try a few different meals to find your dog's favorite. We are so pleased that we could help you find the favorite with help from our satisfaction-guarantee, but we also look forward to hearing what he thinks about Nautical Living. Maybe that is the new favorite?
Please reach out to us if there is anything we can help you with in the future.
Wishing you all the best,
The team at ESSENTIAL FOODS
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