PetPlate vs Nom Nom (Purina) Dog Food (2026): Fresh Subscription Comparison
Quick Verdict
| Category | PetPlate | Nom Nom (Purina) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Delivery Model | USDA-certified fresh, subscription | Science-backed fresh, Purina research |
| Price (monthly avg) | ~$65–$160/month | ~$75–$200/month |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Personalized fresh delivery, USDA human-grade | Vet research-backed, microbiome testing |
Brand Overview
PetPlate was founded in 2016 by a Cornell-trained food scientist. All meals are prepared in USDA-certified human food facilities. PetPlate offers chef-inspired recipes with real whole-food ingredients. It’s fully subscription-based with personalized portions.
Nom Nom was acquired by Nestlé Purina in 2022, bringing fresh dog food into the Purina portfolio. Nom Nom’s differentiator is the microbiome testing (NomNomNow Gut Health Test) paired with food recommendations. Backed by Purina’s research infrastructure.
Ingredient Comparison
PetPlate Beef Dish features USDA ground beef, brown rice, carrots, peas, potatoes, and a vitamin/mineral blend. All human-grade. Recipes developed with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Nom Nom Beef Mash features USDA ground beef, russet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, butternut squash, sunflower oil, fish oil, and a NomNomNow nutrient blend.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | PetPlate Beef Dish | Nom Nom Beef Mash |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 13% | 13% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 8% | 8% |
| Moisture (max) | 70% | 72% |
| Calories (per oz) | ~40 | ~40 |
Pros and Cons
PetPlate
Pros
- USDA human food facility preparation
- Chef-inspired recipes
- Veterinary nutritionist-formulated
- Competitive pricing for fresh category
- Good flavor variety
Cons
- Smaller brand with less research infrastructure
- No microbiome testing feature
- Less name recognition
Nom Nom
Pros
- Backed by Purina’s nutritional research team
- Microbiome gut health testing add-on
- Strong ingredient quality
- Wide recipe variety
Cons
- Purina acquisition concerns some independent brand fans
- Premium pricing
- Subscription only
Best For
Choose PetPlate if: You want USDA human-grade fresh meals at competitive pricing with chef-inspired recipes.
Choose Nom Nom if: You want Purina’s research backing, the option for microbiome testing, and premium fresh food with strong scientific credentialing.
Alternatives
- [JustFoodForDogs vs Farmer’s Dog](/compare/justfoofordogs-vs-farmers-dog)
- [Spot and Tango vs Farmer’s Dog](/compare/spot-and-tango-vs-farmers-dog)
- [Full PetPlate Review](/reviews/petplate-dog-food)
- [Full Nom Nom Review](/reviews/nom-nom-dog-food)
FAQ
Is Nom Nom still independent after Purina acquisition? Nom Nom operates as a separate brand with its own formulations and team, though backed by Purina’s research. Most consumers see this as a positive (stronger science) rather than a negative.
What is Nom Nom’s microbiome test? It’s an at-home gut health test where you send a fecal sample for microbiome analysis. Results are used to refine food recommendations. It’s optional and not included in the base subscription.
Is PetPlate grain-free? PetPlate offers both grain-inclusive (with brown rice) and grain-free (potato-based) recipes.
How do both brands compare to The Farmer’s Dog? Farmer’s Dog is the most recognized brand in this category. PetPlate and Nom Nom are comparable quality—see specific price comparisons on their websites for your dog’s weight.
Can I cancel PetPlate or Nom Nom anytime? Yes. Both offer no-commitment subscription models with easy pause and cancel.
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