Premium, healthy dog food is far from a fleeting fad. According to pet food industry experts, the healthiest dog food options are here to stay and will continue to flood the market for years to come. So, if you’re pondering a new healthy diet for your pup, you’re certainly not alone. And the good news is that you have more options than ever.
Among the most expensive options in this space are subscription-based fresh dog food delivery services like Nom Nom. These premium pet food companies personalize your pup’s unique dietary needs based on age, size, and many other factors.
But is Nom Nom your best option for your pup’s health and your budget? We explore everything this popular fresh-frozen dog food brand has to offer your furry family member, from recipe choices to nutritional value, cost, and much more.
At A Glance: Nom Nom Dog Food Favorites
Chicken Cuisine
Sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, sunflower oil, and fish oil
Turkey Fare
Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, and fish oil
Beef Mash
Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas, and fish oil
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to NomNomNow.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Brand History
Founded in 2014, Nom Nom was started in a small San Francisco apartment by Alex Jarell and Nate Phillips. When their Australian Shepherd, Harlee, became ill, their vet recommended a fresh, healthy diet to get Harlee’s immune system back in shape. Dismayed by the lack of fresh dog food options on the market, Jarell and Phillips decided to fill in the gap.
As Jarell puts it, “you know when you eat better, you feel better, so why shouldn’t we think it would be the same for our pets.” She and Phillips teamed up with Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a leading Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist and a former Google engineer, to create the healthiest possible dog food and an innovative platform to make it convenient for owners to get nutrition-packed fresh dog chow.
Fast forward nearly a decade later, and Nom Nom is now one of the leading direct-to-consumer fresh dog food brands on the market, along with The Farmer’s Dog and Ollie. And in 2022, they partnered with PetSmart to make nutritious dog food even more accessible in select PetSmart stores and through the nationwide chain’s website.
Recall History
Pet food is recalled either by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which governs pet food standards, or voluntarily by the brand themselves. This typically occurs when there’s a potential risk of contamination or another quality issue.
In 2021, Nom Nom voluntarily recalled specific lots of their Chicken Cuisine cat food produced between March 8, 2021, and May 17, 2021, because of a recall issued by their supplier, Tyson Foods Inc. Certain chicken products produced by Tyson were potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Nom Nom acted quickly with full transparency to inform their customers of the potential contamination.
Fortunately, there were no reports of cats becoming ill from Nom Nom’s food. (Nom Nom has discontinued its cat food offerings since then, but this decision was unrelated to the recall.) This is the only recall issued in Nom Nom’s history, and their dog food has met all of the quality standards so far, which is reassuring for us dog owners.
Range Of Recipes
Unfortunately, for dogs who are allergic to these commonly used proteins, you’ll have to look elsewhere. All their recipes meet the nutrient standards for all life stages set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Although they don’t offer specific puppy or senior dog food, Nom Nom tailors the nutrients, calories, and portions for your furry friend’s dietary needs at all life stages and ages. They accomplish this based on your dog’s profile you submit, which includes his age, current weight, ideal weight, activity levels, breed, and more. This means your pup will get the nutritionally complete and balanced food that he needs, whether he’s a puppy, adult, or senior.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| In-house board-certified vet nutritionists create personalized meals | Limited range of formulas |
| Grain-free and grain-inclusive options | On the pricey side compared to some other fresh meal brands |
| Recipes cooked in small batches to ensure ideal nutrition and quality | Requires enough freezer storage for a month's supply of meals |
| Meals are conveniently pre-packed and pre-portioned | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Free nationwide shipping | |
| Eco-friendly packaging and deliveries | |
| Good customer support with access to pet nutritionists via live chat, phone, and email 7 days/week |
Nom Nom Recipes
Nom Nom prides itself on scientifically formulated recipes created by two Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. All recipes feature carefully sourced fresh, whole ingredients and never contain fillers, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. Every meal is prepared fresh and slow-cooked in small batches in kitchen facilities they own and operate in Nashville, TN, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Chicken Cuisine Recipe
Chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, water sufficient for processing, spinach, sunflower oil, canola oil, natural flavor, vinegar, dicalcium phosphate, citric acid, calcium carbonate, fish oil, salt, choline bitartrate, taurine, vitamin E supplement, iron amino acid chelate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement
Healthy Animal Protein. A healthy dog food starts with real meat as the first ingredient, and Nom Nom doesn’t disappoint. Another plus is the exclusion of any meat meals or meat by-products. The beef and turkey recipes also include eggs, which are high in protein, vitamins, and fatty acids. The chicken and pork recipes only include one animal protein. Using a single protein can make the food easier to digest, especially for pups with sensitive stomachs. It’s the same approach used in most limited-ingredient dog foods.
Turkey Fare Recipe
Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, citric acid, vinegar, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, salt, water sufficient for processing, fish oil, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, iron amino acid chelate, taurine, natural flavor, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement
Grain-Inclusive Option. While three of Nom Nom’s recipes are grain-free, the Turkey Fare recipe features brown rice as the second ingredient. So this formula is a great option if you’re concerned about grain-free diets and the potential link to heart disease. Brown rice is a nutrient-rich, gluten-free whole grain that’s easily digestible for most dogs. It’s higher in nutrients than white rice and a good source of complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
Beef Mash Recipe
Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, natural flavor, citric acid, vinegar, calcium carbonate, taurine, fish oil, sunflower oil, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, water sufficient for processing, iron amino acid chelate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement
Vegetables, Vitamins & Minerals. Every recipe includes a generous blend of whole vegetables to provide dogs with carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They differ by the recipe, ranging from carrots, peas, spinach, and kale to squash, sweet potatoes, and cremini mushrooms (and more).
All recipes are also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, carefully chosen to benefit our canine companions. The nutrient mix is developed by their on-staff veterinary nutritionists and Ph.D. nutritionists to ensure meals are completely balanced. Each recipe includes a custom mixture of vitamins D, E, B1, B2, B12, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, choline, and Taurine to complement each whole food ingredient.
Pork Potluck Recipe
Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale, cremini mushrooms, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, natural flavor, vinegar, citric acid, fish oil, taurine, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, iron amino acid chelate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement
Omega Fatty Acids. Finally, every Nom Nom recipe includes fish oil, an excellent natural source of healthy omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Omegas are essential for a well-balanced diet and overall wellness. They have multiple health benefits for dogs, including maintaining healthy skin and coats, supporting joint health and mobility, boosting the immune system and brain health, reducing inflammation, and more.
Nom Nom Variety Pack
- Excellent option for picky eaters
- Includes all 4 recipes — Beef, Chicken, Turkey, and Pork
- 200 grams of each
- No subscription required
- Affordable way to test our their food
If you’re not sure which recipe is right for your pup, you can trying each one out with the Sample Variety Pack. Nom Nom is one of the only fresh-frozen dog food delivery services to offer this feature. It’s a fantastic option for those of you with picky dogs who never know what your pup will prefer.
How Does Nom Nom Compare Nutritionally?
According to Dog Food Advisor, the four recipes offer an average protein content of 34%, a mean fat level of 20%, and 38% carbohydrate content. The fat-to-protein ratio is 61%. These figures suggest that Nom Nom has above-average protein and fat content and below-average carb content when compared to other moist dog foods. And compared to other fresh dog foods, Nom Nom is above average for its overall nutritional content.
How Does Nom Nom Work?
To get started, you create a profile of your doggo on Nom Nom’s website. They first ask you for your pup’s basic information, including name, gender, breed, age, and weight. Then you input your dog’s current body condition (underweight, ideal, or overweight). Finally, they ask whether your pup has any health conditions (food allergies, sensitive stomach, dry or flaky coat, arthritis or joint pain, and if he’s a picky eater).
You then choose up to two of the recipes you’d like to order for your pup. Before calculating your dog’s meals, they ask you for your name, email address, shipping address, and phone number. For dogs 40 pounds or more, you have the option of choosing half or full meals.
Once you choose, they calculate exactly how much food your dog needs. You then enter your payment information and are on your way to a healthier path for your pup. You’ll receive your two-week trial within a week to 10 days of placing your order. After that, you receive food (and are auto-billed) every four weeks.
One of the benefits of Nom Nom is that they pre-portion the meals based on your pup’s daily calorie requirements, making mealtime a breeze. They freeze the food as soon as it’s made to preserve freshness. The box ships with your frozen food packets kept cold with dry ice.
Nom Nom Probiotic Support
- Helps balance your dog’s gut microbiome
- Improves digestion and immune system health
- Contains 20 billion CFUs & 7 full-spectrum probiotic strains per serving
- Made with top-quality ingredients at FDA-registered facilities
- 25% off when added to your subscription
- 30-day supply
Nom Nom also gives you the option of adding on one of their probiotic supplements to your subscription before you check out, or you can go into your account anytime and add one to your recurring deliveries. In addition to their regular probiotic powder featured above, they also offer a GI-targeted probiotic (in powder or capsule form). It’s formulated specifically for dogs after antibiotic use or those who are experiencing chronic digestive problems, such as diarrhea or a frequent upset tummy.
How Much Does It Cost?
While plans start at $2.40 per meal, your price depends on several factors, such as your dog’s age, weight, and body condition. Every plan is personalized to your pup’s unique dietary needs. Shipping is free nationwide (excluding Hawaii and Alaska), and they offer a multi-pet discount.
To give you a rough idea of the cost, we ran a profile. For a four-year-old, 40-pound dog with no health issues and an ideal body condition, the cost is around $8 to $9 per day for full meals. (Prices also vary by the recipe you choose, with Beef Mash as the most expensive and Chicken Cuisine as the least pricey.)
Yes, fresh dog food doesn’t come cheap, but with dog chow, you often get what you pay for. Inexpensive food doesn’t match the quality of ingredients and nutritional content that Nom Nom delivers. If you can fit it into your budget, it’s an excellent choice.
We love that Nom Nom offers half-meal options for larger dogs (40+ pounds). This is a fantastic way to improve your dog’s diet while decreasing costs. You can mix it with your existing food for a daily nutrient-rich boost. It’s one of very few fresh dog food brands that gives you this option.
Our readers can save 50% off your first order of Nom Nom; no promo code needed. Use this link to get started!
Our First-Hand Experience
I’ve been a kibble pet parent for years, so I couldn’t wait to see how he’d react to higher quality (and surely tastier) food.
First, I took a quick survey where they ask for your dog’s name, gender, age, breed, weight, and any digestive or health needs.
Once I submitted that information, they asked for your recipe preference and if you want to add any probiotics to your subscription.
They processed my order and emailed me the delivery date. It arrived at my doorstep on time, as expected.
I selected the beef recipe for Tiny, but they also sent me samples of their variety pack of four other recipes to try out (and the probiotics too).
Tiny’s first meal was a big hit. The food came well-sealed, and all the ingredients looked and smelled very fresh. He was beyond excited to see what all this fuss was about and gobbled up everything in no time. We mixed half Nom Nom with half of his current kibble on the first try (to help him transition).
Tiny is still a huge fan of his Nom Nom meals after a week of transition meals. I was worried about potential digestive issues with a pretty drastic diet change, but the side effects were surprisingly minimal. On day three, his tummy seemed a bit unsettled, but by day four, he was back to normal. After a month, Tiny still loves his new diet, and I’ve even noticed that his coat is looking healthier than ever!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions pup owners ask most often about Nom Nom in case you’d like even more information.
Is Nom Nom human-grade?
Technically, no. While they use fresh, whole ingredients in all of their recipes, Nom Nom doesn’t prepare meals in USDA-certified kitchens (or kitchens licensed for human food production). This is currently one of several guidelines for a pet food brand to be able to call its food human-grade.
Is Nom Nom’s packaging environmentally friendly?
Yes, their boxes, meal packs, and premium insulating liners are all either recyclable or made from recycled materials.
What if my dog doesn’t like the food?
Nom Nom offers a generous full money-back guarantee if your dog doesn’t like the food or you don’t see a difference in your pet after 30 days on their diet. Based on the many customer reviews we’ve found online, most pup parents say their dogs love the food. However, if your pup turns his snout up at it, you can donate it to an animal shelter and perhaps try another Nom Nom recipe.
Can I change my order at any time?
Nom Nom makes it easy to make changes to your plan through your account on their website. You can change your recipe(s) and pause or skip orders. You can also cancel your subscription anytime — just make sure you do before they auto-bill you for another four weeks.
Does Nom Nom offer other pet products?
Yes, Nom Nom carries premium probiotics for dogs. You can save 20% off the price if you add it to your dog food order. It’s an excellent supplement for pups with digestive problems and helps maintain overall health.
Final Thoughts
Sure, Nom Nom is more expensive than premium kibble or wet dog food, but we think it’s a fantastic choice if you can fit it into your budget. You’ll have the peace of mind that your doggo is getting the ideal nutrition for his specific dietary needs. And the convenience of having pre-cooked, pre-portioned meals delivered right to your front door is another huge plus. Finally, your pup will likely love the tasty and fresh whole-food ingredients, making mealtime a fulfilling experience for everyone.
