Our verdict
Is Essential Foods the BEGINNING PÂTÉ a good dog food?
We score it 74/100 (Good). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete wet paté food for puppies, with duck, chicken and chicken heart as the main ingredients.
Declared analysis sits below the FEDIAF minimum for calcium, phosphorus.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for puppies
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list beef, turkey, lamb, venison, pork as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists chicken
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists salmon oil
- Your dog avoids duck: the label lists duck
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
- You are limiting fat: 31.8% on a dry-matter basis is in the high band
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Nutrition and feedingProtein 9.50% · Fat 7%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9.50% |
| Fat | 7% |
| Fibre | 0.80% |
| Ash | 2.30% |
| Moisture | 78% |
| Calcium | 0.20% |
| Phosphorus | 0.15% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin A 1000 IU; Vitamin D3 300 IU; Zinc 12.5 mg; iron 10 mg; manganese 3 mg; iodine 0.8 mg
Ingredients (18)25% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- meat 65.0%
- fibre 14.3%
- supplement 10.7%
- veg 7.0%
- carb 2.0%
- oil 1.0%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duck meat (26%) | Duck | meat · medium | 26 | 26.0 |
| 2 | chicken meat (18%) | Chicken | meat · medium | 18 | 18.0 |
| 3 | chicken hearts (12%) | Chicken Heart | meat · good | 12 | 12.0 |
| 4 | chicken gizzards (9%) | Chicken Gizzard | meat · good | 9 | 9.0 |
| 5 | apples (2%) | Apples | veg · good | 2 | 2.0 |
| 6 | pea flour (2%) | Pea flour | carb · medium | 2 | 2.0 |
| 7 | salmon oil (1%) | Salmon Oil | oil · good | 1 | 1.0 |
| 8 | cranberry (1%) | Cranberries | veg · good | 1 | 1.0 |
| 9 | blueberry (1%) | Blueberries | veg · good | 1 | 1.0 |
| 10 | goji berry (1%) | Goji Berry | veg · good | 1 | 1.0 |
| 11 | blackberry (1%) | Blackberries | veg · good | 1 | 1.0 |
| 12 | lignocellulose | Lignocellulose | fibre · medium | - | 14.3 |
| 13 | calcium carbonate | Calcium Carbonate | supplement · medium | - | 10.7 |
| 14 | kelp (0.2%) | Kelp | veg · good | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 15 | green tea (0.2%) | Green Tea | veg · good | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 16 | marigold (0.2%) | Calendula | veg · good | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 17 | ginger (0.2%) | Ginger | veg · good | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 18 | spirulina (0.2%) | Spirulina | veg · good | 0.2 | 0.2 |
- 1. Duck meat (26%)26% declared26.0% estimated
- 2. chicken meat (18%)18% declared18.0% estimated
- 3. chicken hearts (12%)12% declared12.0% estimated
- 4. chicken gizzards (9%)9% declared9.0% estimated
- 5. apples (2%)2% declared2.0% estimated
- 6. pea flour (2%)2% declared2.0% estimated
- 7. salmon oil (1%)1% declared1.0% estimated
- 8. cranberry (1%)1% declared1.0% estimated
- 9. blueberry (1%)1% declared1.0% estimated
- 10. goji berry (1%)1% declared1.0% estimated
- 11. blackberry (1%)1% declared1.0% estimated
- 12. lignocellulose14.3% estimated
- 13. calcium carbonate10.7% estimated
- 14. kelp (0.2%)0.2% declared0.2% estimated
- 15. green tea (0.2%)0.2% declared0.2% estimated
- 16. marigold (0.2%)0.2% declared0.2% estimated
- 17. ginger (0.2%)0.2% declared0.2% estimated
- 18. spirulina (0.2%)0.2% declared0.2% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-08-22
Brand and contact: Essential Foods
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-08-22
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- essentialfoods.com
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
The overall score is 74 out of 100. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +5.4 points, and the meat content contributed +3.9 points. Ingredients without printed percentages reduced the score by -2.6, while being labelled nutritionally complete added +2.3 points.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.45 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 40.3% | 0.096 | +3.87 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 4.0% | -0.115 | -0.46 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.2% | -0.092 | -0.20 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 3.3% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 21.8% | -0.012 | -0.27 |
| Undeclared quantities | 25.0% | -0.106 | -2.64 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | yes | 0.707 | +0.71 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 33.786 | +33.79 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | yes | -0.672 | -0.67 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.45 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 40.3% | 0.096 | +3.87 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 4.0% | -0.115 | -0.46 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.2% | -0.092 | -0.20 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 3.3% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.163 | +0.00 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 21.8% | -0.012 | -0.27 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.375 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.027 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 0.0% | -0.065 | +0.00 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 0 | -0.876 | +0.00 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 0.0% | 0.060 | +0.00 |
| Undeclared quantities | 25.0% | -0.106 | -2.64 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | yes | 0.707 | +0.71 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | no | -3.158 | +0.00 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | 0.00 | 0.222 | +0.00 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 33.786 | +33.79 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | yes | -0.672 | -0.67 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- -0.08
- Additives declared on label
- +1 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 73.7
- Final score
- 74/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Score history across model versions
The score shown above is always computed with the latest published model. Earlier scores are kept for the record and are never edited or deleted; a scoring change ships as a new model version with a public write-up on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for puppies and growth. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
Scored against FEDIAF growth minima; puppy scoring is under review.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 9.5 | 43.2 | 100 |
| Fat | 7 | 31.8 | 100 |
| Calcium | 0.2 | 0.9 | 63.6 |
| Phosphorus | 0.15 | 0.7 | 53 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.3 | 1.3 | 100 |
Scored over 5 declared nutrients (combined weight 70); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
Declared fortification: 6 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin A 1000 IU
- Vitamin D3 300 IU
- Zinc 12.5 mg
- iron 10 mg
- manganese 3 mg
- iodine 0.8 mg
Medium confidence: the full five-part analysis is on file; where moisture was not declared it was estimated from the food type.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (75% of the recipe mass) (voluntary) | 15/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) | 15/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) - not on file | 0/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) | 5/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Feeding guidance given).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
See all current recalls we track.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
50/100 · limited — 2 checkable claims: 1 consistent, 1 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "Rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and an excellent source of vitamin C." — the declared label says otherwise on high fibre.
Consistent with the label
- "GRAIN-FREE" — supported by the declared grain-free data.
22 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Limited: at least one claim contradicts the declared label, or a recent upheld ASA ruling applies.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck meat not only tastes fantastic, but it is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, along with healthy essential fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| A grain-free diet helps sensitive digestion (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| BOF ensures the stability of your dog’s sugar levels. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Serving ESSENTIALS positively will affect the mental balance of your dog. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Rich source of flavonoid antioxidants which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals in the body. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart and joint health in dogs. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Research suggests that cranberries may have one or more preventive, therapeutic, or otherwise beneficial effects on conditions such as urinary tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Kelp is rich in essential minerals, including iodine, calcium, and magnesium, and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, supporting overall health and well-being. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains antioxidants which help contribute to overall health and well being. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and an excellent source of vitamin C. (on page) | Nutrient | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| Our high fresh meat content and the low preparation temperature means your dog gets exceptional nutritional values vs. mass-branded pet foods. (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| A complete meal or a mouthwatering topping for puppies of all breeds and sizes. (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| GRAIN-FREE (on page) | Free-from | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chicken is a lean protein source rich in essential amino acids. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| ESSENTIAL the BEGINNING PÂTÉ is our delicious pâté with meat pieces of duck and chicken. (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| The small, red goji berries are packed with antioxidants and are particularly rich in fibre, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Thought to help in controlling the bacteria which may contribute to poor oral health. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Source of Potassium to help with nerve and muscle function and a good source of Calcium which helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| It offers superior nutrient absorption as the nutrients are delivered in ‘wet form’. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| It’s easier to chew, has an easier passage through the stomach, and on top of that is easier to break down – all resulting in a gentler digestion. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Thanks to its high water content, pâté naturally helps your dog to stay hydrated. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains a high level of the important antioxidants. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Spirulina is an algae that is particularly rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low in starch, rich in meat and cooked at a lower temperature, our pâté is more than BOF-approved with the aim of keeping your dog’s blood sugar levels stable. (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
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