Nom Nom Review 2026: Fresh Food With Microbiome Science
GetPetPros Score: 8.7/10
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Quality | 9.0/10 |
| Nutritional Completeness | 9.0/10 |
| Value for Money | 7.5/10 |
| Delivery Experience | 9.0/10 |
| Microbiome Research | 9.5/10 |
| Palatability | 9.5/10 |
Quick verdict: Nom Nom (now officially NomNomNow, owned by Nestlé Purina since 2023) is a top-tier fresh dog food with a genuine research differentiator — an active microbiome science program that offers gut health testing and ongoing nutrition research. Recipes use restaurant-quality whole ingredients. The Purina acquisition raises some clean-label purity questions but has not materially changed the formula as of 2026.
Best for: Dogs with digestive issues, owners interested in microbiome health tracking, fresh food buyers who want science backing rather than just marketing, dogs who need high palatability.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious owners, very large dogs (cost becomes high), owners concerned about Nestlé Purina ownership of a “clean” brand.
Check Price“>Try Nom Nom →
Company Overview
Nom Nom was founded in 2015 by Zach Phillips and Nate Phillips in Nashville, Tennessee. The company distinguished itself early by hiring board-certified veterinary nutritionists to develop recipes and by investing in microbiome research — partnering with scientists to understand how diet affects dog gut health at a microbiological level. In 2023, Nestlé Purina acquired Nom Nom, which provides access to Purina’s extensive research infrastructure while raising questions about independence.
Key differentiators:
- Active microbiome research program — Nom Nom has collected one of the largest microbiome datasets from companion dogs
- Gut health testing available as an add-on product
- Recipes formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- USDA-certified production facility (human-grade)
- Zero recalls as of March 2026
Recipes and Ingredients
Beef Mash
Beef, russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, beef liver, fish oil, Nom Nom Nutrient Mix
Protein: ~28% | Fat: ~10% | Calories: ~960 kcal/lb
Chicken Cuisine
Chicken, brown rice, carrots, spinach, chicken liver, fish oil, Nom Nom Nutrient Mix
Protein: ~26% | Fat: ~8% | Calories: ~900 kcal/lb
Porky Parm
Pork, white rice, carrots, kale, pork liver, fish oil, Nom Nom Nutrient Mix
Protein: ~25% | Fat: ~9% | Calories: ~940 kcal/lb
Heartland Turkey
Turkey, brown rice, broccoli, butternut squash, turkey liver, fish oil, Nom Nom Nutrient Mix
Protein: ~27% | Fat: ~8% | Calories: ~920 kcal/lb
Notable about the ingredient lists:
- Identified organ meats (liver) as secondary protein and micronutrient source
- Fish oil in every recipe for omega-3 DHA and EPA
- The “Nom Nom Nutrient Mix” is a proprietary vitamin-mineral premix — complete and transparent in composition
- Rice-based (not pea/legume) carbohydrates — relevant given FDA DCM investigation context
Pricing
| Dog Size | Full Plan Monthly Cost |
|———-|———————-|
| Small (10–15 lbs) | $45–$70 |
| Medium (30–40 lbs) | $75–$105 |
| Large (55–70 lbs) | $110–$150 |
| Very Large (80–100+ lbs) | $160–$230 |
First order discount: typically 50% off. Add-on gut health testing kit: ~$85.
Delivery and Packaging
Nom Nom delivers refrigerated meals in pre-portioned individual packs, labeled with the dog’s name and feeding day. Packaging is largely recyclable. Delivery intervals are customizable. The app allows easy pausing, skipping, or adjusting delivery schedules.
Pros
- Genuinely research-backed microbiome science differentiator
- High-quality whole ingredients with no artificial anything
- Excellent palatability — dogs consistently love it
- Rice-based carbohydrates avoid legume/DCM concerns
- USDA human-grade production standards
Cons
- Premium pricing, especially for large dogs
- Nestlé Purina acquisition creates brand identity tension for clean-label buyers
- Fewer recipe options than Farmer’s Dog (4 vs. 4 but no mixed protein option)
- Microbiome testing add-on is expensive and the actionability of results is limited
Who Is Nom Nom Best For?
Nom Nom is ideal for owners who want fresh food with scientific credibility beyond marketing claims. The microbiome research program is a genuine differentiator — if gut health data matters to you, Nom Nom is the only fresh food brand actively building this dataset and using it to improve formulas. For owners focused purely on ingredient quality without the science angle, Farmer’s Dog is equally strong.
Alternatives
- Nom Nom Vs Farmers Dog
- Nom Nom Vs Ollie
- Check Price“>PetPlate — Similar price range, slightly more recipe variety
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did the Nestlé Purina acquisition change Nom Nom’s recipes?
A: As of March 2026, Nom Nom’s publicly available ingredient lists remain unchanged from pre-acquisition. The production facility and veterinary nutritionist oversight are maintained. However, long-term formula evolution under Purina ownership remains to be seen.
Q: What is Nom Nom’s microbiome testing?
A: For approximately $85, Nom Nom will send you a microbiome test kit. You collect a small fecal sample and mail it to their lab. Results characterize your dog’s gut bacterial composition and are compared against Nom Nom’s dataset. The clinical implications are limited currently, but the science is real and developing.
Q: Does Nom Nom offer a topper option?
A: Yes — you can configure a partial plan (20–50% of daily calories) to supplement your dog’s existing kibble. This significantly reduces cost while providing fresh food benefits.
Q: Is Nom Nom safe for puppies?
A: Nom Nom’s recipes are formulated for adult dogs and do not specifically meet AAFCO “growth” requirements. Contact Nom Nom’s veterinary team before feeding exclusively to puppies, particularly large-breed puppies with specific calcium:phosphorus requirements.
GetPetPros.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.