As more pet parents move away from traditional kibble in search of better nutrition, fresh dog food brands like NomNom and The Pets Table have become standout contenders. These brands aim to bring high-quality, nutrient-packed meals straight to your door, offering a fresh approach to canine health that feels more personal and trustworthy.
But while they may seem similar at first glance, there are important differences worth considering. From ingredient sourcing and vet-formulated recipes to convenience and customer support, this side-by-side breakdown explores how NomNom and The Pets Table stack up—and which one might be the better fit for your pup’s needs and your daily routine.
Company Overview
NomNom
Founded by veterinary nutritionists and animal health experts, NomNom began in 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. The company’s mission is to provide fresh, pre-portioned meals that are tailored to each dog’s unique profile, accounting for age, weight, breed, and activity level. What truly distinguishes NomNom is its science-backed approach: the brand also offers gut health testing and veterinarian-designed supplements to promote long-term health.
The Pets Table
The Pets Table is a relatively new entrant in the fresh pet food market, created by the same team behind the meal kit giant HelloFresh. It launched with a vision to make premium pet nutrition as convenient and accessible as weekly meal delivery for humans. With multiple plan types and fresh or air-dried formats, The Pets Table focuses on transparency and flexibility to appeal to busy dog owners who want healthier food without added hassle.
Key Features and Benefits
| Feature | NomNom | The Pets Table |
| Vet-Formulated Recipes | Yes – Created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists | Yes – Developed with veterinary experts |
| Meal Customization | Personalized to weight, breed, age, and health concerns | Based on a simple pet quiz |
| Product Types | Fresh meals only | Fresh and air-dried options |
| Additional Health Tools | Gut microbiome test, probiotics, and supplements | None currently offered |
| Packaging | Pre-portioned packs | Multi-day packs with feeding instructions |
NomNom’s strong focus on health and diagnostics gives it an edge for pet parents who value detailed personalization and supplemental support. The Pets Table, however, caters well to pet owners looking for convenience and flexibility in formats.
Quality of Ingredients
NomNom emphasizes restaurant-quality meats and fresh produce sourced in the U.S. All meals are cooked gently to preserve nutrients and are tested in FDA-compliant kitchens. No fillers, artificial preservatives, or meat meals are used. The result is a clean-label meal that prioritizes digestibility and transparency.
The Pets Table also uses human-grade, whole-food ingredients, listing items like beef, chicken, sweet potatoes, and peas prominently. Their air-dried line features minimally processed ingredients, although the nutritional breakdown isn’t as extensively documented as NomNom’s. While the brand offers quality food, NomNom provides greater transparency with full nutrient profiles and lab-tested meal safety.
If you want a full overview of how NomNom handles ingredients and food safety, detailed third-party evaluations and customer experiences are available online for further exploration.
Unique Recipes
NomNom Menu:
- Chicken Cuisine
- Beef Mash
- Turkey Fare
- Pork Potluck
Each recipe is designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a leading veterinary nutritionist, and balanced to meet AAFCO guidelines. NomNom’s limited yet well-formulated options allow pet parents to test and identify meals that work best for their dog’s specific sensitivities, as detailed in this in-depth analysis of NomNom that breaks down its recipe philosophy and nutritional value.
The Pets Table Menu:
- Chicken & Sweet Potato (Fresh)
- Beef & Lentil (Fresh)
- Turkey & Brown Rice (Fresh)
- Chicken & Barley (Air-Dried)
- Beef & Chickpea (Air-Dried)
The Pets Table’s variety across both fresh and air-dried options gives it broader appeal for pet owners who want a shelf-stable alternative or variety in texture. However, NomNom’s vet-crafted consistency and formulation standards remain a top draw for dogs with sensitive stomachs or chronic health needs.
Pricing
Pricing depends heavily on your dog’s size, caloric needs, and the type of plan selected.
- NomNom starts at around $2.40 per day for a small dog (10–15 lbs) on a full plan. It also offers half-portion plans and trial discounts.
- The Pets Table starts at $2.50 per day for small dogs, with different pricing tiers based on whether you choose fresh, air-dried, or a combination plan.
NomNom may offer better value for fresh-only customers, especially those who take advantage of trial discounts or multi-pet subscriptions. For a closer look at how NomNom’s pricing compares to other leading brands, visit this complete NomNom review for further breakdowns and user insights. The Pets Table is competitively priced, especially for those interested in the longer-lasting air-dried format.
Delivery and Convenience
NomNom
- Ships meals biweekly in insulated, recyclable boxes for freshness and eco-conscious delivery
- Fresh meals arrive pre-portioned by day, making feeding time simple and mess-free
- Easy-to-use online dashboard allows pet parents to pause, update, or customize plans at any time
- Microbiome test kits and nutritional supplements can be added directly to your subscription for convenience
- Meals are stored easily in the fridge or freezer with clear labeling for hassle-free organization
The Pets Table
- Delivers meals weekly or biweekly, depending on your subscription preferences
- Fresh food is shipped in bulk portions with clear feeding instructions, ideal for those who prefer meal prep flexibility
- Air-dried meals are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration, offering added convenience for travel or busy routines
- The account dashboard allows quick edits to plans, recipe swaps, and scheduling adjustments
- Lightweight packaging makes deliveries easy to store and unpack, particularly for smaller living spaces
While The Pets Table offers added convenience through its shelf-stable air-dried meals and bulk packaging, NomNom excels in making mealtime effortless with pre-packaged, daily-portioned meals. This ease of use, paired with health-focused add-ons and streamlined digital tools, makes NomNom especially appealing to busy pet parents who prioritize simplicity without sacrificing nutritional quality.
Reviews
NomNom
NomNom receives consistent praise for noticeable health improvements, especially in digestion, coat condition, and energy levels. Many pet parents share that their dogs show more excitement at mealtime and display improved stool consistency within just a few weeks of switching. The meals’ gentle cooking methods and limited-ingredient recipes are often highlighted by owners of dogs with allergies or chronic sensitivities.
In addition to food quality, NomNom is frequently recognized for its outstanding customer service. Users appreciate the proactive communication, user-friendly online portal, and flexible subscription options. The ability to access microbiome test kits and probiotic add-ons is another standout point in reviews, with several customers noting their dogs experienced better digestive balance after incorporating these tools.
The Pets Table
As a newer brand, The Pets Table is steadily building a positive reputation. Many dog owners complement the convenience of flexible meal plans, particularly the air-dried option, which reduces the need for freezer space and prep time. Reviews frequently mention the ease of ordering, fast delivery, and the overall value for money, especially for those trying fresh food for the first time.
While the brand is backed by HelloFresh and benefits from strong logistical support, some reviewers have noted a desire for more detailed nutritional information and improved batch consistency. The simple pet quiz is appreciated for onboarding, but some customers feel that the personalization doesn’t go quite as deep as with more established brands like NomNom. Still, the brand’s appealing packaging and quality ingredients receive high marks from dog owners looking for a straightforward switch from kibble.
Pros and Cons
NomNom
Pros:
- Vet-designed meals tailored to each dog
- Microbiome testing and probiotic supplements offered
- Fully pre-portioned packs simplify feeding
- High ingredient and nutrient transparency
- Great for dogs with health concerns or allergies
Cons:
- No air-dried or baked options
- Slightly fewer recipe choices
- No physical retail presence
The Pets Table
Pros:
- Offers both fresh and air-dried formats
- Backed by the HelloFresh brand
- Flexible subscription options
- More variety in meal formats and rotation
- Affordable entry points with meal kits
Cons:
- Less robust personalization compared to NomNom
- No advanced health testing tools
- Newer brand with fewer long-term reviews
Choosing the Right Fresh Dog Food Brand for Your Pup
Both NomNom and The Pets Table offer compelling options for pet parents seeking healthier, fresher alternatives to traditional dog food. But they cater to slightly different needs. NomNom’s approach leans into advanced veterinary science, offering tailored meal plans, full transparency, and health-focused extras like microbiome testing and probiotics. This makes it a standout for those who want to go beyond nutrition and support their dog’s long-term wellness from the inside out.
On the other hand, The Pets Table brings convenience and variety to the forefront, especially with the inclusion of shelf-stable air-dried meals. For households looking to balance quality with storage flexibility, or for pet parents who value the familiarity of a HelloFresh-style delivery model, The Pets Table checks many of the right boxes.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities as a dog owner. If you want science-backed personalization, targeted health support, and ready-to-serve convenience, NomNom is likely the better fit. If you’re seeking flexibility in meal formats and a slightly broader recipe selection without compromising ingredient integrity, The Pets Table may better suit your lifestyle.
No matter which path you choose, both brands contribute to a growing movement of pet wellness—one bowl at a time. If you’re still weighing your options, consider exploring more customer experiences and independent evaluations to help guide your decision.
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.
