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Essence vs Freshpet

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc., and Freshpet by Freshpet, Inc., and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Essence and Freshpet both average 8.3 out of 10. Freshpet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Essence is not.

Essence and Freshpet compared

Essence Freshpet
Manufacturer Pets Global, Inc. Freshpet, Inc.
Parent company Independent Independent
Founded 2010 2006
Headquarters Valencia, California, USA Bedminster, New Jersey, USA
Products listed 13 43
Serves Cats & dogs Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$$ $$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
No No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
No Yes
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
8.3 (avg of 13) 8.3 (avg of 43)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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Essence vs Freshpet: how they compare

Scores

Essence and Freshpet average the same KibbleLab score, 8.3 out of 10, across 13 and 43 scored foods. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc., an independent maker, based in Valencia, California, USA, founded in 2010. Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., an independent maker, based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA, founded in 2006.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Freshpet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Essence is not. KibbleLab lists 13 Essence foods and 43 Freshpet foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Essence or Freshpet?

Essence and Freshpet average the same KibbleLab score, 8.3 out of 10.

Who makes Essence and Freshpet?

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc. Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Freshpet has 43 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 13 for Essence.

Where is each brand based?

Essence is based in Valencia, California, USA. Freshpet is based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA.

Are Essence or Freshpet PSC Accredited?

Freshpet is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.

Have Essence or Freshpet been recalled?

Neither Essence nor Freshpet has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: Essence and Freshpet .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.