Invited
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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Review summary
Based on reviews, created with AI
Based on these reviews
Invited
I have been using Essential dog food for over 8 years for my Alaskan Malamute ( Miska). I find that the Estate living and the Superior living works for her alternating between lunch and tea time meal... See more
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Invited
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... See more
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Invited
It's a pleasure dealing with this company. Delivery is very prompt. The food is excellent according to our 2yr old lab. She is thriving on the Nautical Living range and gets many compliments on her c... See more
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Invited
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 super... See more
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Invited
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 fo... See more
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Invited
Excellent delivery service. Free bag of treats or can of food with each order! Dogs love it (all flavours but nautical is favourite) . Price may be higher than some brands but feed far less per day m... See more
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Invited
Ive found this company great very helpful when an order was undelivered they promptly answered my email and re sent another. Ive been using this product for over 2 years my dog loves it and recen... See more
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Invited
I have been giving my 4 year old border collie essential Dog food since having her at 2 months old she is thriving super fit looks extremely well and her coat is gleaming. I have had many comments on... See more
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Invited
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... See more
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Invited
I would highly recommend Essentials Dog food. I have used their Working Dog beginner, then moved onto Superior Living. I have a young Black Labrador who has thrived. Her energy levels are always sp... See more
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Invited
My hounds love Estate Living kibble and have thrived on it for the past 8 years. It is the only kibble I would ever buy as it is so pure and highly nutricious. Very reasonably priced and always a qu... See more
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Invited
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... See more
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Verified
Prices are high but I have in the past been happy because of quality and prompt service. The service has changed recently. Orders are taking longer, there are fewer notifications and on the last... See more
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Invited
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 h... See more
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Invited
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 equal... See more
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Merged
I had a problem with ordering because of changes to the company website. When I rang I spoke to Kevin, who kindly cancelled the order I had started, manually created a new order with the correct detai... See more
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Invited
Excellent quality cat food that does not cost a fortune. Far more cost effective than other premium brands for example Acana and Orijen. Very good ingredients if you look up on pet food expert. We hav... See more
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Invited
This was the food the excellent breeder we got our puppy from weaned them on to. She really rates it and we've found the company super. Our working lab loves it (okay, she's a lab, she'd like anythi... See more
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Invited
This dog food is amazing! My dogs love it they look incredible and there we are going to try your cat food too. I wouldn’t choose any other brand now. Packaged perfectly, we’ve even had free gifts wit... See more
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Invited
Excellent customer service - we started buying direct when our local pet shop did not have stock. Despatch and delivery is super fast. On the last occasion, we were ordering a bag to be delivered to... See more
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Invited
Very good food that my dog loves, she’s on Contour kibble but has also tried and liked Nautical Living. I like the comprehensive ingredient list and delivery is incredibly quick (next day). I also li... See more
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Invited
Very quick response and arrives promptly. Many different foods to choose from. Our golden retriever doesn't suffer from stomach upsets and eats his food with gusto. It always smells nice. Great value.... See more
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Invited
My choccy lab came to us on Royal Canin - I knew it was not the best food but she always had sloppy poops so I had to find an affordable alternative. We found Essentials in December 2019 and have not... See more
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Invited
We were recommended this food by a behaviourist as we were having problems with our dog. We put her on the nautical living range and she absolutely loves it and being on the one protein has definitely... See more
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The ingredients are high quality but my dog gradually ate less and less to the point of losing some weight. I also tried both the rabbit and boar delight chews and my boy turned his nose up at both.... See more
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Invited
My dogs absolutely love the essentials contour for small dogs . They always eat it all up. It's full of nutrition but also helps to maintain their weight with them both having been spayed . Would d... See more
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I have two active mixed-breed dogs, which I fed with Essential food for approximately four years. Everything seemed fine, they ate the food eagerly, but it eventually turned out that one dog had eleva... See more
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Invited
My dogs love this food. Quality ingredients can only be found when you open the bag. My oldest dog always had a dull coat but now she shines. She was also a bit fussy with food until we swapped. If yo... See more
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Invited
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 con... See more
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Invited
My puppy is doing very well on The beginning- good growth, sleek coat, happy and energetic. My query was dealt with very quickly, even over a weekend. Delivery is very quick and the food is well p... See more
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Invited
Good range of products, excellent customer service team when queries raised with orders. Free gift with orders and discount applied when ordering two bags, Food storage tubs very useful.
Company replied
Verified
Food arrives very quickly. Good quality ingredients, Dog does very well on it. Excellent customer service when needed, eg if courier messes up
Company replied
Amazing! Är såååååå nöjd! Verkligen superfoder och otroligt bra service. Ni har 3 nya stammis Corgis från sverige :)
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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 e... See more
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Invited
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.
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Invited
The quality of our dogs coat is commented on so often by both dog lovers and general members of the public. It has to be down to the quality of the ingredients in the food
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Invited
Firstly, and most importantly, the Essentials food is just the very best. From small delicious treats to big bags of kibble. It is not often you tip out a bag of kibble and find not one speck of dus... See more
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Invited
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, t... See more
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Invited
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 a... See more
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Verified
Always a super fast delivery and extremely helpful staff, my dog really likes the little treats that come with his food 😊
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Invited
Our two black labs have eaten this food since pups, they absolutely love it! I think they eat better than us! I love the fact we get 10% off when buying more than one bag and a free gift! Excellent... 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
- [email protected]
- www.essentialfoods.com
One mission
4.6
Excellent
769 reviews
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 48 hours
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
Invited
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.
3 February 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
Invited
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.
22 January 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
Invited
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.
28 January 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
Invited
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!
27 January 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
Invited
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.
27 January 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
Invited
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
Invited
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.
27 January 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
Invited
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 .
27 January 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
Invited
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.
30 November 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
Invited
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.
27 January 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
Invited
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.
27 January 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
Invited
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
27 January 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
Invited
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!
27 January 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.
26 January 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
Kidney Issues Possibly Linked to High Protein Content
I have two active mixed-breed dogs, which I fed with Essential food for approximately four years. Everything seemed fine, they ate the food eagerly, but it eventually turned out that one dog had elevated blood creatinine, and the other had creatinine at the upper limit. Veterinarians and I suspect that these kidney problems were caused by excessive protein intake from this food. The values normalized when I switched to a different brand. I thought it was important to share this experience, considering that it was confirmed in both dogs.
24 December 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Nina,
First I want to say I am very sorry to hear both your dogs have experienced heightened creatinine levels, but I am glad to hear a different diet helped bring them back down.
It is important to note that this health issue amongst dogs is not caused by the protein content in a food, nor by a specific brand of dog food.
Extensive scientific studies have been made regarding this exact issue, taking a very close look into how protein affects the kidneys when fed in high quantities. The results of these studies were that if the dog is healthy then the kidneys are not affected by recipes with a high protein content, whereas if the dog is predisposed to kidney disease or have an existing kidney disease then it can affect the creatinine levels.
When we guide our customers in terms of which foods they wish to feed their dogs, we always recommend consulting with a veterinarian if the dog has any existing illness that needs to be kept in mind. Our foods are designed for healthy dogs and we will always refer our customers to their vet if there are pre-existing diagnosis. Naturally, we cannot know if there are any conditions the dogs are predisposed to, but then it is important to do as you did and react to help your dogs.
In conclusion, it is an issue that becomes apparent when a dog predisposed to this issue gets fed food with a higher protein content that what is optimal for that dog - the food does not cause the health issue in the dog
I hope that the new food keeps them in balance and that my reply to you helped shed a bit of light as to what may be the cause to this unfortunate experience.
Should you ever have questions then do not hesitate reaching out to us on [email protected].
Kind Regards,
Katja
Essential Foods
Invited
Great food for sensitive dog..
Great food for sensitive dog... great delivery and offers, but rather expensive unfortunately.
7 April 2025
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Jonas,
Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave us a review, it means a lot to us!
Feeding a sensitive dog is no easy task, so it brings us great joy that your dog is thriving on our products. It is always our highest priority to deliver quality meals to our customers and their pets. This is, as you point out, not a cheap mission, but we are happy that you still choose us as your supplier of pet food.
Should you ever need assistance or have questions then you are always welcome to contact us directly on [email protected] or by telephone on +46 8 446 890 97.
Thank you again, and happy holidays!
- Team Essential Foods
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I have been using Essential dog food…
I have been using Essential dog food for over 8 years for my Alaskan Malamute ( Miska). I find that the Estate living and the Superior living works for her alternating between lunch and tea time meals .She has always been full of energy, vitality and has a healthy coat admired by all that meet her.I can order Wednesday afternoon and it is delivered Friday without any delays within the 1 hour time specified. Well done Essential for the best service that anyone could ask for
4 December 2025
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi William,
Thank you ever so much for this review, it really warms our hearts to hear Miska is enjoying our products!
It is one of our greatest missions to deliver the best service we can. Great service, enthusiasm and quality products are the most important values for us, and should you ever have questions or need help from us you are always welcome to contact us directly in customer service.
Give Miska some scratches from us and have a merry Christmas!
- ESSENTIAL FOODS
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I would highly recommend Essentials Dog…
I would highly recommend Essentials Dog food. I have used their Working Dog beginner, then moved onto Superior Living. I have a young Black Labrador who has thrived. Her energy levels are always spot on, together with her weight. People often comment on her shinny coat. I have found the company to be very helpful and responsive. If you love your dog, try this food, you won’t regret it.
15 November 2025
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Jane,
Thank you so very much for this beautiful review of us and our products - it means the world to us that you have taken the time to write us, but also that you have chosen Essential Foods!
It sounds like you have a dog who is absolutely thriving and that is shows, which is exactly what we aim for with every meal we deliver to you and our other customers.
Should you ever be in the need of assistance or have questions about any of our products, then you are always welcome to contact us on [email protected] or directly by phone on +44 1904 211600
Thank you once again!
Kind regards,
Team Essential Foods
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This is genuinely an excellent
This is genuinely an excellent, ethically sourced, clean & healthy top quality food!
I've been feeding both my labs Essential since they were pups, they started off with the Beginning for large breeds and I can honestly say they have both had zero problems with any stomach, teeth or toileting issues since then.
They're both now on adult food, I'm not a fan of feeding dogs kibble by any means, but this seems on the moister side of dry and since they're both doing so well on it I've kept them on it, and Essential make a tinned food now as well in the same flavours which has exactly the same high quality ingredients so they are on a mix of both - all the flavours go down well except one of my dogs didn't seem very keen on the salmon/trout Nautical one, otherwise their bowls are empty in about 3 seconds flat!
I did contact customer services to ask if they wanted me to return the Nautical bag as I only intended to use it the once, but they were very understanding and suggested I either keep it for the other dog or donate it to a rescue (which I did), and he sent me an alternative flavour bag instead without charge, amazing!!
I also buy all the treats & chews from Essential too as they don't have additives & other nasties either, and there is always a discount for large orders, which mine always seem to be!
Quick mention about the staff and the website too, there's a feeding & training advice section which is actually really useful, and any questions sent from there are answered within a day. I can't not include the customer service here because it's so different from 99% of other companies who need you to listen to 18 options on a recorded message then use your keypad to reach the infinite knowledge of a bot - bad times, and personally speaking the old skool quality of customer care is another of the reasons I've stayed loyal to Essential for a number of years and fully intend to continue.
The vet is really pleased with both dogs; coats are clean and shiny, teeth spotless and gleaming white (especially since both dogs are black!) and both fit and lean so I'm happy to recommend without hesitation.
26 September 2025
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Phil,
Thank you so, so much for this absolutely astounding review. We cannot put into words how grateful we are for the time you have taken to sit down and write this - we truly appreciate it!
Nothing brings us greater joy than to hear that our customers are this pleased with our products and services, it is incredibly important to us that we do everything we can to solve the issues brought to us in any way we can. The best part though is hearing how your dogs thrive on the products. It is a true joy and the exact reason why we do what we do, why we put the amount of time and love into our products, and why we focus on only the highest quality in every meal served.
Should you ever need our assistance with an order or a product again, you know where to reach us and we are more than happy to be of assistance. Happy customers and pets is the goal, and hearing your story is beyond what we could hope for.
Thank you again, Phil!
Sincerely,
The Essential Foods Team
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Best food for my girls
My choccy lab came to us on Royal Canin - I knew it was not the best food but she always had sloppy poops so I had to find an affordable alternative. We found Essentials in December 2019 and have not looked back. We weaned her litter of 9 pups on it and they all continue to thrive on it as does our girl. It is great food and the treat bag with each order is lovely.
20 September 2025
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for your kind words and review. It means the world to us, here at Essential Foods, to know that our customers are happy with the products they receive for their furry companions.
It's amazing to know that not only does your dog thrive on the food, but also her puppies - absolutely wonderful!
If there is ever anything we can help with, in terms of our products, you know where to reach us!
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
The Essential Foods Team
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