When it comes to fresh dog food, two names dominate the conversation: NomNom and The Farmer’s Dog. Both brands focus on improving canine health through balanced, real-food recipes designed by veterinary nutritionists. But how do they stack up against each other? This in-depth comparison looks at everything from company values to delivery experience to help you decide what’s best for your pup.
Company Overview
NomNom
Founded in 2015 by a group of pet lovers and scientists, NomNom’s mission is simple: improve pet health through better nutrition. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the company emphasizes transparency and science-backed formulations. NomNom stands out by offering detailed health tracking tools and personalized recommendations based on your dog’s health profile.
To see how NomNom stands out in the broader fresh food space, check out our complete review of NomNom here.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog launched in 2014, inspired by a pet parent’s search for a healthier option after traditional kibble failed. The New York-based company focuses on real food made fresh, using USDA-approved ingredients and minimal processing. Their mission is to bring peace of mind to dog owners by making pet health less complicated and more accessible.
Key Features and Benefits
NomNom
- Vet-formulated, pre-portioned meals
- Personalized health insights and microbiome testing
- Ingredient traceability and nutrition transparency
- In-house board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- User-friendly interface with meal tracking tools
- Offers additional supplements for joint and gut health
The Farmer’s Dog
- Human-grade, USDA-certified ingredients
- Nutrient blends tailored to AAFCO standards
- Subscription-based plans that adapt to your dog’s growth
- Sustainable packaging and eco-conscious practices
- Wide delivery coverage with flexible order adjustments
Both brands are subscription-based and emphasize the importance of consistency in canine nutrition. NomNom’s added health testing and precision feeding tools give it a slight edge in science-backed customization.
Quality of Ingredients
NomNom prides itself on sourcing premium, restaurant-quality ingredients. Each dish is made with identifiable proteins like chicken, pork, or beef, paired with vegetables like carrots, spinach, and squash. Meals are cooked gently and tested in NomNom’s lab to ensure optimal nutrient retention.
The Farmer’s Dog also uses fresh, whole ingredients fit for human consumption. Their focus is on USDA-certified meats and fresh veggies, ensuring your dog gets real nutrition without fillers or preservatives.
NomNom incorporates more rigorous quality control with lab-tested formulations and transparent sourcing. Their meals also tend to have more detailed nutritional labeling, giving you deeper insight into what goes in your dog’s bowl.
Unique Recipes
NomNom Recipes:
- Chicken Cuisine
- Pork Potluck
- Beef Mash
- Turkey Fare
NomNom’s recipes are built around single-source proteins, making it easier to avoid common allergens. Each dish is formulated with a specific balance of proteins, fats, and fiber, targeting digestive health and supporting muscle development. These recipes are gently cooked to preserve nutrients and come with full nutritional transparency, making it easier for pet parents to make informed choices.
Additionally, NomNom allows users to request samples or try out different recipes before committing to a full plan—ideal for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The Farmer’s Dog Recipes:
- Turkey & Parsnip
- Beef & Lentil
- Chicken & Broccoli
- Pork & Sweet Potato
The Farmer’s Dog focuses on pairing high-quality proteins with hearty vegetables and legumes, resulting in recipes that are both flavorful and filling. While the brand offers fewer options for specific sensitivities, their meals are still considered nutritionally complete and are approved by veterinary professionals.
The brand’s philosophy leans toward simplicity, which resonates with owners looking for basic, wholesome meals without added supplements or extensive customization.
The Farmer’s Dog excels in flavor diversity, but NomNom’s consistency in nutritional values, limited-ingredient options, and advanced customization features give it the upper hand for dogs with dietary requirements or medical conditions.
Pricing
NomNom pricing depends on your dog’s weight, age, and health needs. For a small dog (around 15 lbs), plans start around $3/day. Larger dogs can expect prices to rise accordingly. NomNom occasionally offers half-off trials and bundles that include bonus treats or supplements.
The Farmer’s Dog offers similar pricing, starting around $2/day for small dogs. They also provide trial discounts, and their flexible delivery schedule allows budget-conscious owners to reduce meal frequencies.
NomNom’s added features, like gut health testing and nutritional consultations, help justify the slightly higher price. For more detailed comparisons and pricing breakdowns, visit our NomNom review page.
Delivery and Convenience
Both companies offer free shipping and auto-renewed deliveries that can be paused or canceled anytime.
NomNom packages arrive with pre-portioned daily packs, making mealtime exceptionally easy. Their packaging is 100% recyclable, and insulation keeps the meals cold for hours after delivery. The packs are compact and clearly labeled, which is especially convenient for pet sitters or travelers.
The Farmer’s Dog also delivers frozen, pre-packed meals in eco-friendly boxes. Their feeding guide is comprehensive, and meals are easy to store in your fridge or freezer. However, some users report that portions can occasionally vary in consistency.
NomNom’s interface also allows you to track shipments and modify plans more intuitively, which helps ensure your dog never runs out of food.
Reviews
NomNom
Pet owners rave about NomNom’s impact on their dogs’ coats, energy, and digestion. Many reviews highlight noticeable health improvements within weeks. The customer service team is praised for being responsive and helpful, especially when tweaking meals for sensitivities.
NomNom is especially favored by pet parents of dogs with IBS, allergies, and other chronic issues. The brand’s scientific approach to pet nutrition makes it a trusted partner in long-term health management.
The Farmer’s Dog
Reviews for The Farmer’s Dog are equally positive, particularly regarding the freshness and appeal of the meals. Dogs with allergies or digestive issues have shown improvements. However, some users noted issues with shipping delays or difficulty modifying subscriptions.
Users praise The Farmer’s Dog for ingredient quality, but some feedback points to a lack of clarity on precise nutritional information, which can be a concern for dogs with medical needs.
Pros and Cons
NomNom
Pros:
- Scientifically formulated meals: Every NomNom recipe is crafted by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, ensuring that each meal meets or exceeds AAFCO standards. This gives dog owners peace of mind that their pets are getting science-backed nutrition tailored to their specific needs.
- Microbiome and health testing options: NomNom offers additional services like gut microbiome testing and health kits, which help pet parents monitor their dog’s internal health and make adjustments to diet as needed. These tools can catch potential issues early and support preventative care.
- Pre-portioned daily packs: Convenience is key, and NomNom delivers with perfectly portioned meal packs labeled for each day. No measuring, scooping, or guessing—just open, pour, and serve.
- Transparent sourcing and nutritional labels: NomNom is highly transparent about where their ingredients come from and what’s in each meal. Detailed labels and sourcing info make it easier for pet parents to choose recipes aligned with their dog’s sensitivities or preferences.
- Additional products like probiotics and joint supplements: NomNom goes beyond food with a growing range of supplementary products, such as full-spectrum probiotics and joint health chews, allowing for a more holistic approach to wellness.
- Outstanding customer support: Customers frequently highlight the responsiveness and professionalism of NomNom’s support team. Whether updating a subscription or asking for dietary advice, the assistance is personalized and prompt.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors: The scientific rigor and premium ingredients come at a higher cost, which may not fit every pet parent’s budget.
- Currently limited to dogs (no cat food line): While some fresh food brands offer options for both dogs and cats, NomNom is currently focused solely on canines, which might be limiting for multi-pet households.
The Farmer’s Dog
Pros:
- Human-grade USDA ingredients: The Farmer’s Dog uses only USDA-certified meats and vegetables, processed in human-grade kitchens. This ensures exceptional freshness and safety for your dog.
- Broad recipe variety: The brand offers a diverse menu with options for dogs with various taste preferences, making it easier to rotate meals and keep picky eaters engaged.
- Flexible subscription model: Pet owners can easily adjust the delivery frequency, pause shipments, or switch recipes through a simple online interface. This level of flexibility supports changing needs and busy schedules.
- Eco-conscious packaging: Their use of biodegradable insulation and recyclable packaging materials reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact—a key consideration for sustainability-minded consumers.
- Attractive to picky eaters: Many reviews praise The Farmer’s Dog for creating meals that even the pickiest dogs devour, reducing waste and frustration at mealtime.
Cons:
- Occasional shipping and fulfillment delays: Some users have reported minor issues with delayed deliveries or shipment inconsistencies, which could disrupt feeding schedules.
- Limited transparency on some nutrient data: While ingredients are clearly listed, detailed nutritional breakdowns for each meal (e.g., amino acids, micronutrients) aren’t always readily available, which may concern owners of dogs with complex health issues.
- No supplementary health services or testing: Unlike NomNom, The Farmer’s Dog doesn’t currently offer microbiome testing, bloodwork, or diagnostic kits. This may limit the level of insight pet parents can gain into their dog’s health.
Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for Your Dog?
Choosing between NomNom and The Farmer’s Dog comes down to your priorities. If you value scientific oversight, advanced health testing, and convenience, NomNom is a strong contender. For pet parents focused on ingredient simplicity, flexible delivery, and sustainability, The Farmer’s Dog is a great pick.
Ultimately, both are excellent choices. However, NomNom’s commitment to data-driven nutrition and personalized health insights may give it the edge for long-term canine wellness. To explore more about what makes NomNom stand out, take a closer look at the features discussed above.
Meet Sofi Dzneladze, a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience dedicated to the well-being and care of our furry companions. Sofi’s expertise spans dog grooming, training, and behavior management, making her a trusted authority in the field of canine care. Sofi began her journey with a passion for understanding dogs on a deeper level: their appearance, behavior, needs, and unique personalities.
