Essential foods nautical living has proven to be a perfect match with my dogs well being. After meeting Essential foods at a dog show over 3 years ago I have only given the dogs nautical living. They... See more
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Review summary
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We have used Essential Foods for our dog for some time now. We’ve found the service excellent, and the free treats enjoyed by our cairn terrier Brodie. The recommended food is tailored to the size an... 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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Our breeder did their research and chose Essential, we stuck with it and 3 years later have a very happy, healthy golden retriever. The ordering process is easy and efficient and love the fact you get... 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
1k reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 90% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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Efficient all round prompt delivery…
Efficient all round prompt delivery once ordered. A guide line to delivery time and always on time.
12 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Eileen,
Thank you so much for your review.
We are delighted to hear that you have found the whole experience efficient from start to finish. Providing clear delivery expectations and ensuring orders arrive when promised is something we take great pride in, so it is wonderful to know that this has been your experience.
Thank you for choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS and for taking the time to share your feedback with us.
Warm wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Easy ordering and…
Easy ordering and communication.Reasonable delivery. However, I buy into having my order delivered to my front door as I am unable to carry a 10kg sack. Bring repeatedly leave it by the postbox on the road which makes it difficult for me.
10 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi,
Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience with us. We’re pleased to hear that ordering and communication have been smooth, but we’re sorry that the delivery service has not always met your expectations.
As mentioned in my email following your review, we have contacted our delivery provider to ensure that your future deliveries are made directly to your door. We understand how important doorstep delivery is, especially when ordering larger bags, and we truly appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention.
With warm regards,
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
My dogs love their deliveries
I have been feeding my dogs Essential Foods dry dog meal for 3 years. Before this, I fed a raw diet. I am very impressed with the quality of products and also the service. If you have a question, you can call the expert team who are knowledgeable and very helpful. Delivery is straight to your door, usually the day after order, depending on the time you order. The extra touch of treats is very nice. I have recommended this feed to a number of friends who also feed the dry dog meal. My eldest dog is a fussy eater and would often miss a couple of meals a week until I fed her this. A firm favourite is the nautical. They also love the treats, again my eldest likes the sea crackers. My dogs appear healthy and this has been commented by the vet at their yearly health check. I can highly recommend this food.
11 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Clare,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for being part of the ESSENTIAL FOODS family for the past three years.
It is incredibly rewarding to hear how well your dogs have done on our meals and that the quality, service, and support from our team have made such a positive impression. We are especially pleased to hear about your eldest dog. When a previously fussy eater starts looking forward to mealtimes and enjoys eating consistently, it is always fantastic news.
We are delighted that NAUTICAL LIVING has become such a favourite and that the treats are also a hit. Hearing that your dogs are thriving and that their health and condition have been positively noted during their annual veterinary check-ups is exactly the kind of feedback that inspires us every day.
Thank you as well for recommending ESSENTIAL FOODS to your friends. There is no greater compliment than customers who share their positive experiences with others, and we truly appreciate your trust and support over the years.
Warm wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Seems good but had a few issues.
My dog likes the food and it hasn’t caused any colitis like previous foods but the quantities recommended are nowhere near enough for him. He has lost a lot of weight and I’ve gradually had to increase the amount I give him. I’ve managed to stabilise his weight but he needs to put some back on because his ribs and hips stand out. I think he needs about 50% more than the recommendation despite this being the STAMINA variety which is high protein and high fat. I am going to stick with it for now to see if things improve because his stools are much better than previous foods.
2 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Jen,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
I'm genuinely delighted to hear that your dog is enjoying his meals and, even more importantly, that he has not experienced the colitis issues you encountered with previous foods. Digestive comfort can make an enormous difference to a dog's wellbeing, so it is wonderful to hear that you have already seen such positive changes. The improvement in his stools is particularly encouraging and suggests that the food is agreeing with him well.
Our Nutritional Advisors are always here to help, and we have already reached out to you in the hope of learning a little more about your dog's situation. While our feeding guides are carefully developed and work well for the majority of dogs, they are ultimately recommendations. Every dog is unique, and factors such as age, activity level, metabolism, body condition, and underlying or previous digestive challenges can all influence how much food an individual dog requires.
This is exactly why we offer personalised nutritional guidance. We would love the opportunity to better understand your dog's needs and help ensure he maintains a healthy body condition while continuing to enjoy the digestive benefits you have already noticed.
We hope to hear from you soon and would be delighted to help.
Warm regards,
Sofie
Head of Nutrition at ESSENTIAL FOODS🐾
Great products, Always quick delivery service
Always quick delivery service. Our breeder sent us home with a bag of puppy food back in Jan 2023 when we took our fur baby home. 31/2 years later we are still using this food albeit we went from puppy to adult & now contour kibble & pate since being speyed. We have had no need to change as our dog is healthy & happy, her coat is so shiny everyone comments on it.Although she is a typical lab who will eat almost anything, We know she is getting all the goodness she needs. The discount for 2 large bags is much appreciated, Keep doing what you are doing it works for us. Thank you.
10 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for being part of the ESSENTIAL FOODS family for over three years. It means a lot to hear that your dog has thrived through every life stage on our meals and that she continues to be healthy, happy, and full of vitality.
We're delighted that both the food and the savings on larger orders work so well for you. Thank you for your trust and support.
With warm regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Purchased treats this time
Purchased treats this time. I was given a starter bucket with my pup last October and purchased more but sadly both my older dog and pup went off the food both tinned and dry. The beginning they liked we tried another type then highland which gave the pup the trots - I believe there is beef in it which he cannot handle We eventually gave up but that was only 2 fussy sealyhams. To me the smell and look of the food is far superior to many I have since tried them on and if I could get them back to it I surely would. A sensible dog would love it all.
10 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear that the food didn’t quite work out for your two Sealyhams, despite trying different recipes. Every dog is unique, and sensitivities can sometimes make finding the right match a little more challenging. I hope that the food alternatives I suggested after hearing about your experiences will work well for your dogs. We are always striving to offer food that suits all types of dogs, including the most selective eaters.
We truly appreciate your kind words about the quality of our meals and treats, and we’re delighted that the treats were enjoyed.
Warm regards,
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Excellent dog food
Excellent dog food, nothing left in bowel. Easy to use web site and fast efficient delivery.
8 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Margaret,
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear that your dog is enjoying the food so much that there’s nothing left in the bowl after mealtime - that’s always wonderful to hear!
It’s also great to know that you found our website easy to use and that your order arrived quickly and efficiently. Providing both exceptional nutrition and a smooth customer experience is something we work hard to achieve every day.
Thank you again for your kind words and support.
Best regards,
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Mrs L Harrison,
Thank you so much for your review.
We are delighted to hear that your experience with ESSENTIAL FOODS was easy, quick, and hassle-free. We believe that ordering your dog's favourite meals should be as simple and convenient as possible, so it is wonderful to know that this was exactly your experience.
Thank you for choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again.
Best wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Fast delivery
Fast delivery. Although the ordering process and website is a bit clunky.
I am however really shocked by the price hike. I buy to bags of food at a time and they aren’t large bags to try and save a little in order to stay loyal. Despite this I am starting to seek an alternative source of food for our Labrador.
8 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Karen,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
I'm delighted to hear that your order arrived quickly as we want to ensure fast delivery to avoid empty food bowls! We put an enormous amount of care into creating meals of exceptional quality, and it means a great deal to us when customers trust us to nourish their dogs day after day.
Thank you also for your feedback regarding our website and pricing. We continuously work to make our website as accessible and easy to use as possible, and customer feedback is an important part of that process. I recently tried reaching out by phone. We would love the opportunity to better understand your experience and thoughts so please do give us a call back if you would be interested in this.
Thank you again for your support. We truly appreciate it and hope to continue serving both you and your Labrador for many years to come.
Warm regards,
Sofie from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi,
Thank you so much for your review.
We are delighted to hear that your order arrived promptly and that you are pleased with the quality of the meals. Providing exceptional quality is at the heart of everything we do, so it is always rewarding to know it is appreciated.
We are also pleased that you enjoyed the little gifts included with your order. We love adding those extra touches as a way of saying thank you for choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS.
Warm wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
I have a cat with hyperthyroidism and I…
I have a cat with hyperthyroidism and I was recommended to try Essential foods by a dog owning friend because the regular food I was using which is labelled as a high quality product contains ingredients that are known to not be in balance with a cat's dietary requirements.
It has been trial and error finding flavours which he enjoys and as a returning customer to Essential foods I am 100% confident that this food has made a huge difference to his temperament and overall health and well being.
8 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Japple,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
We’re delighted to hear that ESSENTIALS has made such a positive difference to your cat’s temperament, health, and overall well-being. Finding the right food can sometimes be a journey of trial and error, especially when there are specific health considerations involved, so it’s wonderful to know that you found flavours he enjoys and that the results have been so encouraging.
We’re also grateful that you chose to give us a try based on a recommendation and even more pleased that you’ve become a returning customer. Hearing stories like yours reminds us why we are so passionate about creating meals made with carefully selected, high-quality ingredients.
Thank you again for your trust and support. We wish you and your cat many more happy and healthy years together.
Best regards,
Team ESSENTIAL FOODS
Excellent service.
I have been feeding my 3 dogs Essential nautical for several years and wouldn’t change to any other dog food as not only do they all really enjoy their meals they are all doing really well on it. Excellent service and food delivered to my door within days.
5 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Nicola,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for your loyalty over the years.
It is fantastic to hear that all three of your dogs continue to thrive on NAUTICAL LIVING and enjoy their meals just as much today as when they first started. When customers stay with us for many years, it is a testament to the trust they place in the quality of our recipes, and we never take that for granted.
We are also delighted that our delivery service continues to meet your expectations. Knowing that your meals arrive quickly and conveniently, ready for three happy dogs to enjoy, is exactly the experience we aim to provide.
Thank you for choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS year after year. We truly appreciate your trust and support.
Warm wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Rachael,
Thank you so much for your review.
We are delighted to hear that your puppy loves the meals and that your deliveries have been arriving smoothly. There is nothing better than knowing a young dog is enjoying every mealtime and getting off to a great start.
Thank you for choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS. We look forward to being part of your puppy’s journey for many years to come.
Warm wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
My dachshund loves his superior living…
My dachshund loves his superior living dog meal. He finally started to enjoy his food again after years of being a picky eater and leaving his food for hours untouched. Now he can’t wait to get his meals. The only improvement I see is to be a little bit more transparent with the ingredients, meaning to show what the % of the dry protein is, once water from the meat is removed in the drying process, as this tends to confuse and mislead when it reads “x % fresh chicken” for example. This would help immensely in the comparing process when looking for a high meat content.
5 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Tanja,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback.
We are delighted to hear that your Dachshund is enjoying his SUPERIOR LIVING meals so much. Helping dogs rediscover their enthusiasm for mealtimes is one of the most rewarding things we can hear, especially when they have previously been selective eaters. Knowing that he now looks forward to every meal is wonderful.
We also appreciate your comments regarding ingredient transparency. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we place great importance on openness and helping our customers make informed choices, so feedback like yours is incredibly valuable. We understand how comparing recipes and assessing meat content can be challenging, and your suggestion regarding the presentation of protein content after the drying process is both insightful and helpful. We will be sure to pass your thoughts on to the relevant team.
Thank you for your trust in ESSENTIAL FOODS and for sharing both your positive experience and constructive feedback. It is customers like you who help us continue to evolve and improve.
Warm wishes from Sofie and the rest of the team at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Highly recommend
Easy to order and quick delivery. Really good quality products. Max absolutely loves the cod twists treats. The Nautical Living and Balance has really helped with his tummy issues. Would highly recommend products
3 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Sue,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
We are delighted to hear that ordering has been easy, delivery has been quick, and that Max is enjoying his meals and treats so much. It is especially rewarding to know that NAUTICAL LIVING and BALANCE have helped support his sensitive tummy and contributed positively to his overall wellbeing.
At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we are passionate about creating meals and treats made with carefully selected ingredients and exceptional quality, so hearing feedback like yours means a great deal to us.
Please give Max an extra NORTH SEA CHEWY FISH DELIGHT from us, and thank you for your recommendation and trust in ESSENTIAL FOODS.
Warm wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Highly recommended
I first came across Essential Foods at Crufts this year. I was looking for a working dog food for my Hungarian Viszla, and I wanted a single protein. Essential foods had just what I required and I have been very satisfied with the product. Delivery of the food is very quick and efficient. My dog appears to enjoy it and is in excellent condition. I would highly recommend this food.
1 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Dear Gail,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience.
We are delighted that you discovered ESSENTIAL FOODS at Crufts and found exactly what you were looking for. Choosing the right meals for an active dog is an important decision, and it is wonderful to hear that your Hungarian Vizsla is thriving, enjoying every meal, and maintaining such excellent condition.
It is also great to know that our delivery service has met your expectations. We believe that exceptional ingredients, carefully crafted recipes, and a seamless customer experience should always go hand in hand.
Thank you for your recommendation and for placing your trust in ESSENTIAL FOODS. We wish you and your Vizsla many more happy and active years together.
Warm wishes from all of us atESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Fantastic experience throughout
Fantastic experience throughout, their food is amazing and my cat has a shinier, much healthier coat and is morw lively too!
1 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that your cat is enjoying the meals and thriving, especially when it shows in both a healthier coat and more energy in everyday life.
With warm regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Great product
I’ve been feeding my dog with estate kibble for 6 years. He’s has had no health issues in that time, his weight is consistent and toilet habits regular and normal. We both like this product. It is easy to order, always comes with some extra treats and delivered very quickly. Thank you Essential Foods
1 June 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi
Thank you for your wonderful review and for your loyalty over the past 6 years. It means a lot to hear that your dog continues to thrive on ESSENTIAL FOODS and that both the meals and overall experience have been such a positive part of everyday life.
We truly appreciate your kind words.
With warm regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi,
Thank you for your lovely review. We’re so pleased that Hester enjoys ESSENTIAL FOODS and that both the products and the little extra gift were appreciated.
With warm regards
ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
Great experience
The website is easy to understand, the delivery was smooth, and my dogs are delighted with their new food.
15 May 2026
Reply from ESSENTIAL FOODS
Hi Ana,
Thank you so much for your lovely review.
We are delighted that you found the website easy to navigate and that your delivery arrived smoothly. While we dedicate a lot of time to ensuring that ordering and delivery goes smoothly, we are most happy to hear that your dogs are enjoying their new meals. Creating a great experience from the moment you visit us to the moment the bowl is served is something we care deeply about.
Thank you for choosing ESSENTIAL FOODS. We hope your dogs continue to look forward to every mealtime.
Warm wishes from all of us at ESSENTIAL FOODS 🐾
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