Ollie vs Nom Nom: Which Is Better in 2026?
Ollie and Nom Nom are two of the most recognized names in fresh human-grade subscription. Both have loyal followings, strong retail footprints, and decades of brand equity — but they take meaningfully different approaches to ingredients, pricing, and what they optimize for. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make the right call for your dog.
Quick verdict: Ollie is our top pick for most dog owners — its fresh human-grade subscription offers Only major fresh food brand with a fish (salmon/herring) recipe. Nom Nom is the better choice for owners specifically needing Gut health research program; microbiome studies with UC Davis, or if owners wanting fresh food with microbiome research; dogs with food sensitivities is your primary concern. Both are solid options; the right choice depends on your dog’s needs and your budget.
| Category | Ollie | Nom Nom |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 (NYC) | 2015 (Nashville, TN) |
| Type | fresh human-grade subscription | fresh human-grade subscription |
| Price (monthly est.) | $80–$120 | $85–$125 |
| Protein % | 28% (as-fed) | 28–32% (as-fed) |
| First Ingredient | Whole turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, or fish as primary ingred | Beef, chicken, pork, or turkey as primary ingredient |
| Grain-Free Options | No grains; sweet potatoes or peas as carb source | No grains; rice in some recipes |
| Availability | Direct-to-consumer subscription only | Direct-to-consumer subscription only |
| Recall History | None to date | None to date |
| Customer Rating | 4.7/5 (Trustpilot, 3k+ reviews) | 4.6/5 (Trustpilot, 2k+ reviews) |
| Best For | Fresh food with fish-based option, budget-conscious fresh food buyers | Owners wanting fresh food with microbiome research; dogs with food sensitivities |
| AAFCO Status | Complete and balanced | Complete and balanced |
| Parent Company | Ollie Pets, Inc. | NomNomNow (now under Purina as of 2022) |
Ingredients & Nutrition
Ollie — Ingredient Profile
Primary protein source: Whole turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, or fish as primary ingredient
Protein: 28% (as-fed) | Fat: 7% (as-fed)
Ollie’s formulation approach centers on Only major fresh food brand with a fish (salmon/herring) recipe. Fish recipe option; resealable pouches; half-portion plans available The brand is fresh human-grade subscription that positions itself for Fresh food with fish-based option, budget-conscious fresh food buyers.
Grain status: No grains; sweet potatoes or peas as carb source
Nom Nom — Ingredient Profile
Primary protein source: Beef, chicken, pork, or turkey as primary ingredient
Protein: 28–32% (as-fed) | Fat: 6–9% (as-fed)
Nom Nom differentiates itself through Gut health research program; microbiome studies with UC Davis. Operates a pet food microbiome research program; backed by Purina’s R&D resources since acquisition As fresh human-grade subscription, it is optimized for Owners wanting fresh food with microbiome research; dogs with food sensitivities.
Grain status: No grains; rice in some recipes
Key Nutritional Differences
The most important ingredient differences between Ollie and Nom Nom come down to protein sourcing and processing method. Ollie uses Whole turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, or fish as primary ingredient, while Nom Nom relies on Beef, chicken, pork, or turkey as primary ingredient. Both meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, but their ingredient philosophies differ in meaningful ways that can matter for dogs with sensitivities, weight issues, or high-activity lifestyles.
When evaluating either brand, check the specific recipe’s ingredient list rather than relying on brand-level generalizations — individual recipe quality can vary significantly within a brand’s lineup.
Price & Value
Both Ollie and Nom Nom land in different pricing tiers, making budget a significant factor in the decision.
Ollie pricing:
- Estimated cost per pound: $3.50–$7/meal
- Estimated monthly cost (medium dog): $80–$120
- Availability: Direct-to-consumer subscription only
Nom Nom pricing:
- Estimated cost per pound: $4–$8/meal
- Estimated monthly cost (medium dog): $85–$125
- Availability: Direct-to-consumer subscription only
The price difference between these two brands reflects their different production methods, ingredient quality, and target markets. When comparing cost, factor in digestibility — higher digestibility means your dog absorbs more nutrients per calorie, which can offset some of the cost premium for higher-quality foods. A dog eating 20% less food because it absorbs nutrients more efficiently reduces the real cost gap.
Consider the total cost of ownership: premium food may reduce veterinary costs from diet-related conditions over time, though this is difficult to quantify for individual dogs.
Check Price“>Get Ollie →
Check Price“>Get Nom Nom →
Variety & Flavors
Ollie offers No grains; sweet potatoes or peas as carb source with primary focus on Only major fresh food brand with a fish (salmon/herring) recipe. The brand’s recipe range covers Fresh food with fish-based option, budget-conscious fresh food buyers.
Nom Nom’s product lineup emphasizes Gut health research program; microbiome studies with UC Davis with options designed for Owners wanting fresh food with microbiome research; dogs with food sensitivities.
Dietary accommodation:
- Ollie: No grains; sweet potatoes or peas as carb source
- Nom Nom: No grains; rice in some recipes
For dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, recipe variety and the availability of limited-ingredient options matters more than the overall catalog size. Dogs that react to chicken or beef specifically need a brand with a reliable alternative protein source (salmon, lamb, venison, duck) in its lineup.
Dogs without dietary restrictions benefit from occasional recipe rotation — switching between protein sources every 3–6 months can reduce the risk of developing new food sensitivities and ensures dietary variety. Both Ollie and Nom Nom offer enough recipe variety for rotation feeding.
Recall History & Safety
Recall history is one of the most important safety signals when choosing a dog food brand. A brand with multiple recalls, especially for contamination issues, warrants scrutiny of its manufacturing controls.
Ollie: None to date
Nom Nom: None to date
Both the FDA’s recall database and the Dog Food Advisor’s recall tracker are useful resources for staying current on any new recalls. Manufacturing recalls are often brand-wide or facility-wide events, so knowing which facility manufactures a brand’s food is useful context — some brands manufacture in their own facilities while others use co-manufacturers that produce multiple brands simultaneously.
When a brand has experienced a recall, the key follow-up question is: what manufacturing controls were changed as a result? Brands that have responded to recalls with transparent root cause analysis and documented process improvements are generally more trustworthy post-recall than brands with no explanation.
Who Should Choose Each Brand
Who Should Choose Ollie
- Dogs whose owners prioritize fresh food with fish-based option, budget-conscious fresh food buyers
- Owners who value Only major fresh food brand with a fish (salmon/herring) recipe
- Households that buy from Direct-to-consumer subscription only
- Dogs thriving on fresh human-grade subscription nutrition
Who Should Choose Nom Nom
- Dogs whose owners prioritize owners wanting fresh food with microbiome research; dogs with food sensitivities
- Owners who value Gut health research program; microbiome studies with UC Davis
- Households looking for fresh human-grade subscription at $85–$125 per month
- Dogs that need owners wanting fresh food with microbiome research; dogs with food sensitivities
The Bottom Line
Neither Ollie nor Nom Nom is universally superior — the right choice is highly dog-specific. A healthy, active 3-year-old Labrador has different nutritional needs than a senior Beagle with kidney disease or a Frenchie puppy with food sensitivities. Start with your dog’s specific requirements, then evaluate which brand’s product lineup best addresses them at a price point you can sustain long-term.
Both brands have earned their positions in the market. Whichever you choose, consistency matters — switching foods frequently can cause digestive disruption. Once you find a formula your dog thrives on, stick with it unless your vet recommends a change.
Related Pages
- Ollie — Full Ollie review
- Nom Nom — Full Nom Nom review
- Fresh Food — Best dog food for fresh food
- Senior Dogs — Best dog food for senior dogs
- Puppies — Best dog food for puppies
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ollie or Nom Nom better for puppies?
A: Both brands offer puppy-specific formulas that meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth. For large-breed puppies, look specifically for formulas labeled “Large Breed Puppy” — these have controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratios that support proper bone development. For small breeds, standard puppy formulas are fine. If your puppy has known sensitivities, choose whichever brand offers the protein source your puppy tolerates.
Q: Can I mix Ollie and Nom Nom together?
A: You can mix dog foods, but it’s rarely recommended outside of a gradual transition period. Mixed feeding can make it harder to identify which food caused a reaction if your dog develops digestive issues. If you’re switching between Ollie and Nom Nom, do a 7–10 day gradual transition: 25% new food / 75% old for days 1–3, 50/50 for days 4–6, 75% new for days 7–9, then full switch.
Q: Which brand do vets recommend more — Ollie or Nom Nom?
A: Veterinary recommendation rates vary significantly by brand category. Science-backed brands with extensive feeding trial data (Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin) receive the highest veterinary recommendation rates. Natural and premium brands generally receive fewer formal vet recommendations but may be suggested for specific conditions. Ask your specific veterinarian — their recommendation will be based on your dog’s health history and their clinical experience.
Q: How do I know if my dog is doing well on Ollie or Nom Nom?
A: After 4–6 weeks on a new food, healthy dogs typically show: firm, well-formed stools (not too hard, not loose); stable or appropriate weight; good energy levels and interest in meals; healthy coat with minimal excessive shedding or dandruff; no chronic digestive symptoms (gas, bloating, loose stools). If you see improvements in these markers after switching, the food is working for your dog. If markers worsen, consider the alternative.
Q: Are there any dogs who should avoid Ollie or Nom Nom?
A: Dogs with specific medical conditions (kidney disease, liver disease, urinary tract issues, severe food allergies) should eat prescription veterinary diets formulated for those conditions, regardless of the quality of over-the-counter foods like Ollie or Nom Nom. For healthy dogs, both brands are appropriate choices. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet if your dog has been diagnosed with any health condition.
Q: Where is the best place to buy Ollie and Nom Nom?
A: Ollie is available at Direct-to-consumer subscription only. Nom Nom is available at Direct-to-consumer subscription only. Auto-ship subscriptions through Chewy or direct brand sites typically offer 5–35% discounts versus one-time purchases and ensure you never run out of food.
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