Banner for ESSENTIAL FOODS

ESSENTIAL FOODS Reviews 859

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the high quality of the products, noting significant improvements in their pets' health, coat condition, and energy levels. Many appreciate the ease of ordering and the consistently prompt delivery service, often highlighting the thoughtful inclusion of free treats or gifts with each order. However, some customers experienced issues with delivery companies, leading to difficulties with heavy packages or incorrect addresses. A few also mentioned that their pets did not take to the food, and one customer raised concerns about the suitability of the food for their dogs.

What people talk about most

Product

Consumers find the product to be highly satisfactory. Many reviewers praise the quality of the dog food,... See more

Quality

Users describe positive interactions with quality, consistently praising the high quality of the food and... See more

Delivery service

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of delivery service, consistently praising its speed and efficiency.... See more

Service

Reviewers mention positive feedback about service. Customers consistently praise the exceptional service,... See more

Order

People report positive experiences with order. Customers consistently praise the ease of the ordering process... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was recommended Essential Foods by my friend who had done a lot of research into how nutritious dog foods actually were. My young Collie was quite ‘loose’ when she was young & they could be messy!... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My dog Rolo absolutely loves this high quantity product (superior living kibble) and we so enjoy our surprise gift with every purchase. Well he does, I like to see that it is. Albeit the price is hig... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our Labrador came from the breeder already on Essentials . We also had a border collie on another dry food but often had issues with gut health once changing him on to it noticed massive improvem... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Animal Feed Store
  2. Feed Manufacturer
  3. Food Manufacturer
  4. Food Products Supplier

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

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

Promotion box for ESSENTIAL FOODS

One mission

To improve and prolong the lives of dogs and cats

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

859 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

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.

Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Extremely pleased with this product

Extremely pleased with this product - I have it on a subscription. It’s appears to be of an high quality with a lot of ‘real’ products rather than fillers etc. Our dog enjoys his meals and there is rarely any waste.

7 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Ray

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. 

It is wonderful to hear that your dog is enjoying his meals so much and that there is hardly any waste. That kind of consistent appetite and good digestion is a sign that everything is working just right for your dog. 

We are also really pleased to hear that the quality and composition stand out to you. Carefully selected ingredients of the highest quality and a focus on real ingredients is at the heart of everything we do, and it means a lot that this comes through in everyday feeding.

Great to hear you are happy with the subscription as well. Having things run smoothly and reliably makes life just that bit easier.

Best regards
Sofie from ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have used this food and company since…

I have used this food and company since 2020. Its very good quality and suits my dogs very well. They changed supplier last year and it didnt suit my dogs. I called them and they shipped out their original formula and have continued with that source. Customer service is great, food is great and delivery great

7 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for being with us since 2020. 

It is really great to hear that your dogs continue to thrive on the meals and they have remained a good fit for them over the years. Every dog is different, so it means a lot to know that the right balance has been found for yours.

We are also very pleased that our team could help you quickly when you reached out. Being able to listen, adapt and find the right solution is something we care deeply about, and it is wonderful to hear that it made a difference for you. We will keep doing what we do.

Thank you as well for your kind words about both the meals and the overall experience, including delivery. We truly appreciate your continued trust and please let us know if there is the least we can help you with in the future. 

Best regards
The team at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

So far the best dog food that I have…

So far the best dog food that I have found for my growing Hovawart puppy, thank you Essentials!

7 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Dear Annelie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear that ESSENTIAL FOODS has been the best choice for your growing Hovawart puppy. It means a lot to us to be part of such an important stage in your pup’s development, and also that you have put your trust in us to supply you with your puppy's diet.
We wish you both many happy, healthy, and adventurous moments together – and we’re always here if you need anything along the way!

Kind regards,
Team Essential Foods

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Healthy, happy dog

Swapped to Essential Foods and our pug's digestion, coat, appetite etc has been spot on ever since. No more hunger, sloppy poos, bad teeth etc. We've been using it for 5 years now and whilst the price has gone up like everything, we're still happy customers.

11 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Oliver

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is fantastic to hear how much of a difference the switch has made for your pug over the years.

Digestion, appetite, coat and overall wellbeing are all closely connected, and it is great to know that everything has settled so well. Those everyday improvements, from firm digestion to healthy teeth and a satisfied dog, are exactly what thoughtfully composed meals aim to support.

It also means a lot that you have stayed with us for so many years. That kind of long term trust is something we truly value.

Best regards from the entire team at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent quality

I was recommended Essential Foods by my friend who had done a lot of research into how nutritious dog foods actually were. My young Collie was quite ‘loose’ when she was young & they could be messy! Since using ‘Estate Living’ - she has always eaten well and has perfect poops! I would recommend it to anyone.
Also, people say how glossy her coat looks.

2 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Catherine

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It is a real pleasure to hear how your Collie has developed since switching to Estate Living.

A well functioning digestion and those “perfect poops” make such a difference in everyday life, and it often reflects exactly what we aim for with our meals. Carefully selected ingredients, high meat content and balanced composition that supports stability from the inside and out.

And then there is the glossy coat. It is one of those visible signs that everything is working as it should, and it is always lovely when others notice it too.

It means a lot that you would recommend the meals, and that your journey started from thoughtful research and has led to something that truly works for you both.

Best regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great company to deal with

Great company quick delivery and a quality product

2 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi John

Thank you for your kind words. We are really pleased to hear that both the delivery and the quality of the meals meet your expectations each time you buy from us. 

We put a lot of care into ensuring a smooth experience from ordering through to delivery, alongside maintaining the high standard of our meals, so it means a lot to know this comes through. We will keep doing what we are doing!

Thank you again for your support.

Best regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great quality dog food, fast and reliable shipping.

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 really quick and I’ve always found they’ve been helpful with any queries. Would thoroughly recommend 🙂

31 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Katherine
Thank you so much for your lovely review. It is wonderful to hear that your Springer Spaniel has been thriving on the meals for so many years!
We place great emphasis on creating meals with carefully selected ingredients and recipes that dogs can truly enjoy and benefit from, so it means a lot to hear about the positive difference it has made for your dog. It is equally great to know that ordering, delivery and support have all been smooth and helpful along the way.
Thank you again for your recommendation and for being with us for so long.
Best regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Happy customer enjoying a good experience with Essential Foods

First, the service from Essential Foods is brilliant. It is easy to order. Sometimes the order arrives within 24 hours. I've rarely had a problem in the 5 years I've been using this company.

Second, the food seems to be good quality. My dog enjoys his food and the treats. He is healthy. To be fair, he'd eat anything, so I'm not in a position to say this food works when other doesn't. But I chose Essential Foods because it scored highly on an independent dog food website (All About Dog Food).

The price is perfectly reasonable and compares well with others.

I'm a happy customer.

1 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi James

Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. It really means a lot to hear from someone who has been with us for so many years.

We are delighted that the ordering experience and delivery continue to meet your expectations, and that everything has been running smoothly over time. Consistency is something we care deeply about, so your words truly resonate with us.

It is also great to hear that your dog is thriving and enjoying both the meals and treats. We focus on carefully selected ingredients and transparent compositions, so it is reassuring to know that this aligns with what you were looking for when you first chose us.

We are very grateful to have you as part of the ESSENTIAL FOODS family and look forward to many more years ahead!

Best regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Rolo’s Review

My dog Rolo absolutely loves this high quantity product (superior living kibble) and we so enjoy our surprise gift with every purchase. Well he does, I like to see that it is. Albeit the price is higher than the high street, the quality is evident. We will continue to purchase.

1 April 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Dear Susan and Rolo

Thank you so much for the great review. It is wonderful to hear that Rolo loves his Superior Living meal and that the little surprise gift in each order bring extra joy to both of you.

We put a lot of care into ensuring the quality of our ingredients and meals, so it is great to hear that it makes a noticeable difference. Knowing that you appreciate the overall experience, from meals to the extra touches, means a lot to us.

Give Rolo an extra treat from us today. 

Best regards from the team at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Here I found people who really realize…

Here I found people who really realize how important is the healthy of our dogs. As I advise from improvment is that can be some offers for the people how are ordering montlhy or free shipment. I know that I am from Europe,but maybe there can be find a solution. Thank you for existing and do you best.

31 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi there!

Thank you so much for the 5-stars. We appreciate it more than you know. 

We are so happy that our enthusiasm and passion about ensuring dogs love a long and healthy life shines through in all that we do. That means we are doing something right!

We would love to hear a bit more about what kind of offers you would like us to have. Please do let us know and we will do our best to see what solutions we can offer. We're always looking to improve, and one of the best ways for us to achieve this is from getting feedback from our values customers. 

Best regards from the team at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My dog loves this food

My dog loves this food, and makes such a difference to my German shepherd her condition and her coat shines which we always get so many comments on.

Can recommend this feed merchant enough :-)

30 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Mandy

Thank you so much for your review. It is wonderful to hear that your dog is thriving on our meals and that her coat is shiny and healthy. The compliments is a real testament that it is just the right meal for her. 

We always strive to ensure that our ingredients are of the highest quality and that every meal contributes to your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Knowing that it makes a real difference for both you and your dog means a lot to us.

Best regards and wishes from the ESSENTIAL FOODS team🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easy website to use

Easy website to use, great product, fast delivery service

30 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Caroline

Thank you so much for your review. It is great to hear that you find the website easy to use and that both the meals and delivery live up to your expectations.

We aim to make everything as simple and seamless as possible when ordering from us, while never compromising on the quality of our meals or service. Knowing that you experience both convenience and high quality is exactly what we strive for, and it truly means a lot to us.

Best regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best dog food ever!

Great dog food. Our pups love it! Always delivered very fast.

26 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Mrs. Cuddles
Thank you so much for your lovely review. It is fantastic to hear that your pups enjoy every meal and that delivery has been quick and smooth.
We always aim to provide high-quality meals that dogs love and that make mealtimes something to look forward to. Knowing that your pups are happy and thriving on our food really means a lot to us.
Best regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My lab puppy is thriving on Essentials

My lab puppy is thriving on Essentials, lovely coat & she loves it. The breeder gave me a supply to carry on with when I picked her up. At first I thought it was going to be a pain to have to order it on line & not just go to a shop. Not so, it arrives incredibly fast & I’ve been really impressed.

24 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Dear Gina,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your Labrador puppy is thriving and enjoying Essentials—especially with that lovely, healthy coat!

It’s great to know that your breeder gave you a good start, and we’re even happier that ordering online has turned out to be easy and convenient for you. Fast delivery is something we truly prioritize, so it’s fantastic to hear that it’s made a positive difference.

Wishing you and your puppy many happy, healthy moments together!

Kind Regards
Team Essential Foods

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Love Essential Foods:)

We have been already using Essential Foods for our cat for some time- both dry and wet food and the treats:) Rio loves all of them!
And we also love them due to their clean and healthy ingredients.
We were buying them from the pet stores directly; this time, for the first time, we ordered it through its own website. The ordering process was very easy. The order delivered to us in a short period of time. And to be honest, we got surprised about the quality of the delivery. The packaging and all the materials used was very high quality. The order was packed in a very meticulous way.
Last but not least, I would like to say that now the cartoon box is one of best joy for Rio:) Even though she has many toys and cat accessories, cartoon boxes are her favorite. I made the box like a small cat home. She plays and even sleeps there:)
Thank you very much Essential Foods:)

23 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Merve
What a lovely review - thank you so much for sharing!
We’re truly delighted to hear that Rio loves the meals, the treats and… yes, the cardboard boxes too. We know all too well how entertaining a simple box can be (sometimes even more exciting than the treats themselves!). It’s so sweet that you’ve turned it into her very own little kitty-hideaway 🐱
It also means a lot to us that you notice both the ingredients and the overall experience around ordering and delivery. We put great care into every step – from what goes into the bag to how it arrives at your door – and it’s an experience we are committed to continuing to deliver for you.
Thank you again for choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS. Please give Rio an extra cuddle from us 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best decision ever!

After speaking to the amazing team on the crufts stand this year (special shoutout to the guy with the Salukis - sorry we forgot your name) we decided to go for it and purchased nautical living, estate living and two bags of the beginning. Plus a load of treatos!

Instantly we noticed a change in our dogs, their toilets were more solid ( no more messy clean ups!), much happier and so much energy! Both our Collie cross and Gsd cross can’t wait for meal times! And pleasant surprise the delivery was super quick too!

The treats have been such a great training aid for our 9 month Gsd x, he especially loves the venison sausages And the fish rolls have lasted a little long for our doggy hover (the collie)! the thank you bag of treats is a super cute extra touch!

Highly highly recommend Essentials dog food! Going to have to stock up on some more treats soon!
A big thank you from Molly and Scout

9 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Dear Joanna,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear about your experience—from meeting the team at Crufts to seeing such a positive change in Molly and Scout. It’s fantastic that both your Collie cross and GSD cross are enjoying their meals so much and that you’ve noticed improvements in their energy and digestion—that’s exactly what we hope for!
We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to the team (and especially the Saluki enthusiast). It’s also great to hear the treats have been a hit—especially the venison sausages and fish rolls—and that they’re helping with training too!
Thank you again for your recommendation and for trusting us with your dogs’ nutrition. Give Molly and Scout a big pat from us—we look forward to keeping them well-stocked with their favourites!

Kind regards,
Your Essential Foods Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Veterinary Surgeon recommending this diet

My animals have been fed Essential Foods throughout their lives, and it is clear that this is a very high-quality diet for both dogs and cats. Moreover, delivery is consistently prompt, usually arriving within one to two days. Communication has always been excellent as well. I would highly recommend this to my clients, particularly as a veterinary surgeon.

19 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Hi Barbora
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. It truly means a great deal to us that ESSENTIAL FOODS is trusted as part of everyday nutrition for both dogs and cats, especially from someone in a role as important as yours. The work you do is of vital importance to so many cat and dog owners, and we genuinely value that you choose and recommend our meals in your professional capacity.
We are dedicated to creating meals with carefully selected ingredients and a transparent approach to nutrition, supporting long-term wellbeing across all life stages. Knowing that this aligns with your standards and experience is incredibly meaningful to us.
We’re also pleased to hear that the overall experience, from communication to delivery, continues to meet expectations. We will keep doing what we do. 
With warm regards from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My 5.5 yo boy was very pick and quite…

My 5.5 yo boy was very pick and quite uninterested by food before we found Essential. Would still leave some in his bowl - very unusual for a Flatcoat. Then his niece arrived who was ravenous. Now both have to have bowls with baffles in them! And the skin and beef delights they each get one a week. So happy.

18 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Dear Robert,

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear how ESSENTIAL FOODS has made such a positive difference for your boy — and what a lovely twist that his niece has joined the family with such enthusiasm for food! It sounds like mealtimes have become a whole new experience for both of them.
Hearing that even a previously picky eater is now finishing his meals (and that you’ve had to introduce baffle bowls to keep up!) truly means a lot to us. And we’re so glad they’re both enjoying their weekly skin and beef delights—what lucky dogs!
Thank you again for your kind words and for trusting us with their nutrition.

Kind regards,
Team Essential Foods

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

I have been using Essential Foods for my 3 dogs for a few years now. The service is exceptional and the deliveries so prompt I feel surprised each time. The quality of the food is excellent and all 3 are fed different food. My senior dogs are 13 and 16 and I credit Essential Foods hugely for keeping them healthy and strong. It took me a while to find the perfect food for them and Essential Foods hits the mark for all three dogs.

18 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Dear Nicola,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review!

We’re truly honoured to have been part of your dogs’ lives for several years now. It means a great deal to hear that ESSENTIAL FOODS has helped support your senior dogs in staying healthy and strong at 13 and 16 - that’s incredibly special.

We also really appreciate your kind words about our service and delivery. Knowing that we can provide both high-quality nutrition and a smooth, reliable experience is exactly what we strive for.

It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve found the perfect match for all three of your dogs with us. Thank you again for your trust and continued support—it means the world to us!

Kind Regards,
Team Essential Foods

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Loved the idea of an Easter egg hunt…

Loved the idea of an Easter egg hunt for our dog. We play 'hide the treat' (hide and seek with treats!) but liked the idea of a little change of game. Bought the egg along with some treats, and the egg had some treats in too! They are a nice meaty rosemary smell which are very tantalising for our dog (smell so good I would probably eat them lol) and he picked up the game very quickly! Have tried a few of the treats, and the dog loves them, and they smell good. Happy dog, happy owner 😍

16 March 2026
ESSENTIAL FOODS logo

Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS

Dear Jay,
Thank you so much for sharing this. Creating little moments of joy and play around mealtimes and treats is something we truly love, so it’s wonderful to hear how much fun and enjoyment the Easter egg hunt has brought you and your dogs!
At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we put great care into developing treats that are not only enjoyable but made with quality ingredients and appealing textures and aromas. Hearing that both the experience and the treats themselves were such a hit makes us very happy and only encourages us to keep prioritizing it. 
It’s those small, playful moments that make everyday life with dogs so special.
With warm regards from everyone at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.

Learn more about other kinds of reviews.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look