Nom Nom is a fresh dog food delivery service that ships gently cooked, vet-formulated meals to pet owners across the 48 contiguous US states. Founded as NomNomNow and acquired by Mars Petcare, the brand prepares all six of its recipes in a Nashville, Tennessee kitchen and ships them frozen.
Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, formulated every Nom Nom recipe to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages. Six recipes are available, from Beef Mash to Lamb Pilaf. Reviewers report improved digestion and greater meal enthusiasm after switching from kibble. Pricing starts at approximately $4.86 per dog per day.
This review covers every angle of the Nom Nom dog food experience: ingredients, pricing, competitor comparisons, and safety profile. Pet owners who read to the end will have a clear, data-backed answer to whether fresh delivery food is worth the cost for their specific situation.
What Is Nom Nom Dog Food?
Nom Nom is a fresh dog food delivery service that ships gently cooked, vet-formulated meals directly to pet owners across the contiguous United States. The brand was founded as NomNomNow and later rebranded. It now operates under Mars Petcare and prepares every recipe in a Nashville, Tennessee kitchen using whole, real ingredients.
Dr. Justin Shmalberg developed all Nom Nom recipes. He holds board certification as a veterinary nutritionist in the US. Each formula meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including growth requirements for large-breed dogs over 31.75 kg (70 lb).
Nom Nom ships to the 48 contiguous US states with free delivery. Meals arrive frozen and ready to thaw. Pet owners select recipes during signup and receive a personalized feeding plan based on their dog’s breed, age, weight, and activity level. The plan recalculates as the dog’s profile changes over time.
How Does Nom Nom Dog Food Work?
Nom Nom operates as a subscription service that delivers personalized, pre-portioned meals on a recurring monthly basis based on each dog’s nutritional profile. Pet owners complete an online questionnaire about their dog. The brand’s algorithm calculates daily calorie requirements and packages meals at the correct portion size automatically.
Each meal pack is individually sealed and labeled with the recipe name and serving size. Packs are portioned into 200 g (approximately 1 cup) servings. The meals arrive frozen and stay fresh in the freezer for up to six months, or in the refrigerator for up to five days after thawing.
Subscription management is handled through Nom Nom’s website. Pet owners can pause, cancel, or modify their plan at any time. A $20 sampler pack is available for first-time users who want to test multiple recipes before committing to a full monthly subscription. Here’s the thing: that sampler is one of the smartest ways to start.
Is Nom Nom Dog Food Prepared Fresh?
Yes. Nom Nom prepares all meals fresh in its Nashville kitchen using whole, real ingredients before freezing them for shipment. The gentle cooking process uses low temperatures to preserve nutrients without preservatives. Every batch clears quality checks before it leaves the facility.
The gently cooked method differs from both raw feeding and standard kibble production. It eliminates harmful bacteria that raw diets can harbor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC and animal nutrition experts actively recommend against raw dog food diets due to pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria.
Visible whole ingredients distinguish Nom Nom meals from most competitors. Reviewers consistently report seeing identifiable chunks of meat and vegetables in every pack. This ingredient transparency is one of the most frequently cited strengths across independent Nom Nom dog food reviews. Bottom line: what you see on the label is what’s in the bowl.
What Are the Ingredients in Nom Nom Dog Food?
Nom Nom uses real, whole-food ingredients as the primary base in every recipe, with named protein sources listed first on every label and no artificial fillers or by-products anywhere in the lineup. The Turkey Fare recipe starts with ground turkey, brown rice, egg, carrots, and spinach. Every ingredient is identifiable on the label.
Every recipe includes a proprietary nutrient blend developed by Nom Nom’s board-certified nutritionists. This blend supplies Vitamin D, E, B1, B2, and B12, plus Iron, Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Choline, and Taurine. Chelated minerals are used throughout for superior bioavailability compared to inorganic mineral sources.
Fish oil appears in every Nom Nom recipe as a source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. These fats support brain, skin, and coat health. Taurine is included across all formulas. Veterinarians consider this beneficial given evidence linking taurine deficiency to dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs on grain-free diets. In fact, Nom Nom’s inclusion of taurine is a proactive nutritional safeguard.
Is Nom Nom Dog Food Nutritionally Complete?
Yes. Nom Nom meets AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth requirements for large-breed dogs over 31.75 kg (70 lb) — the most comprehensive AAFCO certification a dog food can carry. Dog Food Advisor rates the full Nom Nom product line at a 5-star average. All six recipes carry an ‘A’ AAFCO nutrient profile rating.
The Turkey Fare recipe contains 32.8% protein, 15.6% fat, and 34.4% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. Across the full product line, average protein sits at 31.8% and average fat at 19.5% on a dry matter basis. These figures place Nom Nom above most commercially available kibble options by protein density.
Dog Food Advisor analysts specifically praised chelated minerals and taurine in Nom Nom formulas. These ingredients are typically found in premium-tier pet foods only. The site noted that fish oil freshness and purity directly affect omega-3 quality, and flagged Nom Nom’s use of fish oil as a commendable addition to every recipe in the lineup.
What Flavors Does Nom Nom Dog Food Offer?
Nom Nom currently offers six dog food recipes that cover multiple protein sources and dietary approaches for dogs with different preferences and nutritional needs. The six flavors are Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Pork Potluck, Turkey Fare, Turkey and Chicken Cookout, and Lamb Pilaf. The last two recipes launched in April 2025.
Nom Nom Dog Food Recipes:
- Beef Mash: ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
- Chicken Cuisine: chicken as primary protein with vegetable blend
- Pork Potluck: ground pork, russet potatoes, squash, green beans, kale, cremini mushrooms
- Turkey Fare: ground turkey, brown rice, egg, carrots, spinach
- Turkey and Chicken Cookout: dual-protein, grain-free recipe
- Lamb Pilaf: lamb-based, grain-free recipe
Nom Nom also sells single-ingredient treats. Options include Beef Jerky, Sweet Potato Chews, and two Wafer flavors: Beef and Blueberry, and Chicken and Cranberry. A sampler pack lets new subscribers test multiple recipes before selecting a permanent plan. Probiotic supplements are also available as add-ons.
What Are the Benefits of Nom Nom Dog Food?
Nom Nom delivers whole-food nutrition with formulas designed to support digestion, coat health, weight management, and long-term vitality in dogs of all life stages and sizes. Fresh ingredients and gentle cooking retain more nutrients than the high-heat processing used in kibble manufacturing. This nutritional advantage is the brand’s core value proposition.
Fish oil across every recipe supports brain development and skin health through omega-3 fatty acids. Chelated minerals improve nutrient absorption compared to inorganic mineral sources in most standard dog foods. These functional ingredients reflect the vet-led formulation approach Nom Nom applies across its full product line and every serving size.
Multiple reviewers noted that their dogs showed dramatically increased enthusiasm for meals after switching to Nom Nom. Stool quality improvements are among the most commonly reported benefits. The pre-portioned format also removes guesswork around daily feeding amounts, which helps maintain consistent calorie intake for weight management.
Does Nom Nom Dog Food Improve Digestion?
Yes. Nom Nom improves digestion in many dogs by using gently cooked whole ingredients that are easier to break down than the processed starches and by-products in standard kibble. One reviewer reported that her French Bulldog Milo produced firmer, more regular stools within weeks of switching. The Turkey Fare recipe is specifically marketed for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Nom Nom offers optional probiotic supplements that support gut health alongside its food line. The Full Spectrum Probiotic targets overall wellness, while the GI-Targeted formula focuses on balanced microbiome function. Pet owners can add both directly to their subscription for a single-vendor digestive health approach.
The brand also offers an at-home gut microbiome testing kit. This kit measures microbiome markers that indicate overall health status. Nom Nom recommends it for dogs experiencing weight fluctuation, vomiting, or diarrhea. The data it generates informs specific dietary adjustments rather than requiring trial-and-error diet changes.
Does Nom Nom Dog Food Support Healthy Weight?
Yes. Nom Nom supports healthy weight management through personalized portion sizing calculated by veterinary nutritionists based on each dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. The brand’s algorithm determines exact daily calorie needs rather than using a generic feeding chart. This precision prevents both underfeeding and overfeeding.
Pet owners who want to reduce costs while maintaining health benefits can use Nom Nom as a half-portion supplement. The half-portion option replaces 50% of the dog’s current food with Nom Nom at a 42% savings compared to full meals. This approach maintains caloric control while adding fresh nutrition to an existing diet without a complete transition.
Nom Nom also works as a meal topper at a serving size of 60 ml (one quarter cup) per 4.5 kg (10 lb) of body weight daily. This option adds fresh ingredient density to kibble without requiring a full diet switch. Nom Nom’s feeding guide, developed by its PhD-led nutrition team, provides exact ratios for every serving format it offers.
What Do Nom Nom Dog Food Reviews Say?
Nom Nom receives consistently strong ratings across independent review platforms, with Dog Food Advisor awarding the full product line a perfect 5-star average across all six recipes. Multiple reviewers tested the product with their own dogs. The consensus across platforms is positive for ingredient quality, palatability, and stool quality improvements within the first few weeks.
Amazon customer reviews reflect similar sentiment. The variety pack earns 4.9 stars from 31 reviews. The Turkey Fare and Chicken Cuisine each earn the platform’s top rating. Beef Jerky treats carry 4.4 stars from 60 verified purchasers. These figures represent hands-on buyer feedback rather than editorial content.
My Subscription Addiction gave Nom Nom a full positive write-up based on hands-on testing. Reviewer Megan K. reported that her dog Tucker responded visually to the recognizable whole ingredients in the Beef Mash pack. She described the meals as looking like ‘real food’ — a contrast she found meaningful compared to the mush consistency of other premium brands she had tried.
What Do Positive Nom Nom Reviews Report?
Positive Nom Nom reviews consistently highlight three outcomes: improved digestion, higher meal enthusiasm from dogs, and confidence in knowing exactly what ingredients are in each portion. The BoredMom review described Addy licking the bowl spotless and looking for more food after her first Turkey Fare serving. This enthusiasm appears repeatedly across platforms from reviewers with dogs of different breeds and sizes.
Commonly Reported Benefits:
- Firmer, more regular stools within the first two to four weeks
- Fresher breath reported by long-term subscribers
- Shinier coat and reduced allergy symptoms within nine weeks
- Renewed enthusiasm for mealtime after switching from kibble
- Visible whole ingredients that build trust in the product
Reviewer Kieran Beckles of Life with Klee Kai highlighted Nom Nom’s visible ingredient quality as the key differentiator. His Alaskan Klee Kai dogs showed clear preference for Nom Nom. Dog Food Advisor’s Mike Sagman gave Turkey Fare a 5-star rating and called Nom Nom ‘highly recommended’ based on its ingredient and nutrient profile analysis.
What Are the Common Nom Nom Complaints?
The most frequent Nom Nom complaints center on price increases, the absence of pre-portioned single-serving pouches, and the storage requirements that demand meaningful refrigerator or freezer space. Kieran Beckles paid $291.76 per month for two dogs in 2025, up from just over $150 in 2018 when he first subscribed. That’s nearly double in seven years.
Common Nom Nom Cons:
- Price is among the highest in the fresh dog food segment
- Meals are not pre-portioned — a scooper or measuring cup is required
- No meal container or scooper included with deliveries
- Frozen storage takes up significant freezer space for large dogs
- Thawed meals must be used within five days
Beckles flagged the missing meal container as a practical oversight. Competitors often include storage accessories as a new-subscriber value-add. For multi-dog households, the storage requirement alone can be a genuine logistical barrier. These cons do not invalidate the product’s quality, but they are real friction points for daily use.
How Does Nom Nom Compare to Other Fresh Dog Foods?
Nom Nom sits in the mid-to-high price range among fresh dog food services, offering six recipes with strong nutritional credentials but less pre-portioning convenience than some competitors in the same space. The three brands most frequently cited alongside Nom Nom in reviews are The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and JustFoodForDogs. Each targets the same health-conscious pet owner market.
Fresh Dog Food Brand Comparison:
| Brand | Recipes | Daily Cost (per dog) | Monthly Cost (2 dogs) | Portioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Farmer’s Dog | 4 | $4.18 | $251.04 | Pre-portioned pouches |
| Nom Nom | 6 | $4.86 | $291.76 | Manual measuring |
| Ollie | 5 | $5.18 | $310.80 | Scooper |
Nom Nom offers the widest recipe range of the three brands. The Farmer’s Dog provides four options but costs $40.72 less per month for a two-dog household. Ollie charges the highest monthly rate while sitting in the middle on recipe count. For picky eaters or households with dogs on different protein sources, Nom Nom’s six-recipe lineup offers the most flexibility.
Is Nom Nom Better Than The Farmer’s Dog?
No. The Farmer’s Dog outperforms Nom Nom on price and pre-portioning convenience, which are the two factors most frequently cited in direct comparison reviews between the two brands. Reviewer Kieran Beckles tested both with his Alaskan Klee Kai. The Farmer’s Dog cost $251.04 per month vs. Nom Nom’s $291.76 for two dogs — a $489 annual difference.
The Farmer’s Dog delivers meals in pre-portioned individual pouches, eliminating the need for measuring at each feeding. Nom Nom requires manual measuring with every serving. For multi-dog households managing daily feeding routines, that convenience gap is a meaningful differentiator that adds up in practice every single day.
On palatability and ingredient quality, Beckles found both brands performed similarly with his picky Klee Kai. So what does that mean for you? If budget and portioning convenience matter most, The Farmer’s Dog is the stronger choice between the two. If recipe variety matters more, Nom Nom’s six options are the advantage.
Is Nom Nom Better Than Ollie Dog Food?
Yes. Nom Nom delivers comparable fresh food quality at a lower monthly cost than Ollie while offering one additional protein recipe across its full lineup. The comparison data shows Ollie costing $310.80 per month for two dogs, while Nom Nom comes in at $291.76. That $19.04 monthly difference adds up to $228.48 annually for the same basic service level.
Reviewer Kieran Beckles taste-tested Nom Nom alongside Ollie, The Pets Table, and The Farmer’s Dog on his YouTube channel. He rated Nom Nom’s flavor above Ollie’s in that head-to-head tasting. This finding aligns with palatability reports from multiple Nom Nom subscribers who describe strong and consistent preference from their dogs over time.
Ollie uses a scooper portioning system similar to Nom Nom’s manual approach. Neither brand matches The Farmer’s Dog on portioning convenience. But between Nom Nom and Ollie specifically, Nom Nom’s lower price and wider recipe range give it a practical edge for budget-aware buyers seeking premium fresh dog food delivery.
Are There Any Nom Nom Dog Food Side Effects?
Nom Nom may cause temporary digestive adjustment symptoms when dogs transition from kibble to fresh food, including loose stools or changes in stool frequency during the first one to two weeks of use. This response is typical of any significant dietary change in dogs, not specific to Nom Nom. The brand provides a transition guide with every first delivery box.
The recommended transition method starts at 25% Nom Nom mixed with 75% existing food. Pet owners increase the Nom Nom ratio by 25% every one to two days until the dog eats 100% Nom Nom. This gradual approach reduces the likelihood of digestive disturbance and gives the dog’s gut time to adapt to fresh ingredients.
Long-term side effects from Nom Nom are not documented in independent reviews. No recalls appear in the public record for the brand. The inclusion of taurine in all Nom Nom formulas specifically addresses one documented risk in grain-free diets: taurine deficiency linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in some breeds and individual dogs.
Is Nom Nom Dog Food Safe for All Dogs?
Yes. Nom Nom is formulated for all life stages including puppies and large-breed dogs over 31.75 kg (70 lb), meeting the most comprehensive AAFCO safety and nutritional certification available in the US pet food market. This ‘All Life Stages’ approval covers every dog from eight weeks old through senior years without requiring a separate formula or feeding plan adjustment.
Nom Nom’s gently cooked process eliminates the bacterial risks associated with raw food diets. The CDC specifically recommends against raw diets due to Salmonella and Listeria contamination risks. Nom Nom’s cooked preparation removes those risks while retaining more nutrients than the high-heat extrusion process used to produce standard kibble.
Dogs with specific health conditions should consult a veterinarian before any diet change. Nom Nom’s formulas are general-wellness recipes, not therapeutic diets. Pet owners managing dogs with kidney disease, diabetes, or other metabolic conditions need guidance from a licensed veterinary nutritionist before switching to any new food product, Nom Nom included.
How Much Does Nom Nom Dog Food Cost?
Nom Nom starts at approximately $30 per week or $4 per day for a single dog, with actual pricing varying by the dog’s size, breed, age, weight, and the recipes selected in the subscription plan. A subscription for two medium-sized dogs costs approximately $291.76 per month in 2025. Larger dogs or premium recipe selections push the monthly total higher.
Nom Nom Pricing Options:
| Option | Description | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full Meals | 100% Nom Nom diet with personalized portions | $4.86/day per dog |
| Half Portions | 50% Nom Nom mixed with current food | 42% savings vs. full meals |
| Meal Toppers | 60 ml (one quarter cup) per 4.5 kg (10 lb) body weight daily | Lowest cost option |
| Sampler Pack | Multiple recipes to test before committing to a subscription | $20 one-time |
Price has increased significantly over time. Kieran Beckles paid $150 per month for two Alaskan Klee Kai dogs in 2018. By 2025, that same subscription cost $291.76. Nom Nom regularly offers first-time subscriber promotions of 50-60% off the first order with free shipping. These deals make the initial commitment lower risk for new customers.
Is Nom Nom Dog Food Worth the Price?
Nom Nom is worth the price for pet owners who prioritize vet-formulated fresh nutrition and are willing to pay a premium for documented improvements in digestion, palatability, and ingredient transparency over standard kibble. Reviewers including Felecia from Consumer Buddy and Megan K. from My Subscription Addiction both concluded the quality justified the cost after hands-on testing with their own dogs.
For large dogs or multi-dog households, the full subscription becomes harder to justify. A household with two large dogs can easily exceed $350 per month. The half-portion option at a 42% savings represents a practical entry point for budget-constrained pet owners who still want fresh food benefits without the full subscription price tag.
The sampler pack at $20 lets pet owners test palatability before committing. Is it worth the $20? Absolutely. Dogs that dislike one or more recipes can identify preferences early and avoid wasting money on a full subscription they might reject. That $20 investment protects against a much larger financial misstep and makes the decision data-driven rather than a guess.
Why Should You Try Eat Proteins?
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