Since bringing home my golden retriever Oliver four years ago, I’ve absolutely spoiled him. From daily park trips to new toys to belly rubs all day long, I love to see him happy.

That’s why I knew it was time to make the switch to freshly made dog food. There are a few options out there, but I decided to try Nom Nom first. It’s developed by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists, and to be honest, it’s the only one that looked like real food (and not mush!)

I’m so glad I did – making the switch to Nom Nom has been the best decision I’ve ever made for Oliver. Since he started eating Nom Nom, he’s had so much energy and has actually been excited for mealtime. I’ve never felt more confident about the food I’m giving him. 

To learn more about why switching to Nom Nom has had such an impact on Oliver, I spoke to an expert of my own: Certified Pet Nutritionist Jennifer Baird. Read on for our experience with Nom Nom and whether making the switch is right for your dog.

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Why Freshly Made Dog Food?

Jennifer broke down the benefits of freshly made dog food. 

Freshly made dog food “preserves the natural nutrients in the ingredients,” says Baird. Many fresh dog food brands also “use higher quality ingredients and more animal protein than canned or kibble diets.” 

You know how much better you feel after a home-cooked meal vs. fast food? It’s the same for dogs – which is why I decided to make the switch for Oliver. 

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Great Energy

When we first got Oliver as a puppy, he was the most active dog I’d ever met. But as he’s moved into adulthood, he’s started to slow down. I always attributed this to age – but after switching to Nom Nom, I realized his diet might be the culprit. 

Within a week after transitioning fully to Nom Nom, Oliver’s puppy-like energy was back. He was so playful and engaged at home, and seemed to really enjoy his time with other dogs at the park.

That’s because dogs better metabolize freshly made food into energy compared to processed foods.² Baird explains that this is because of nutritional bioavailability in fresh dog food, which is maximized by “cooking each ingredient separately and then combining just before freezing – the way Nom Nom prepares recipes.”

Even though it’s left me much more tired at the end of each day, I’m so glad to see Oliver’s energy back.

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Confidence in His Health

I can’t imagine my life without Oliver, so of course I’ll do everything to keep him healthy and happy.

I compared the ingredient list from his old food to Nom Nom – and it wasn’t even close.

His kibble used additives like sodium hexametaphosphate, commonly used in processed foods that “may lead to undesirable health issues”³, and artificial food colorings including red #40, blue #2, and yellow #5.  The nutrient breakdown was much less healthy than Nom Nom’s – our kibble contained 26% crude fat, compared to just 6% in Nom Nom’s chicken recipe.

Baird explains why switching to fresh food can help support digestion and overall health: “Fresh food provides necessary moisture and nutrients to provide maximum support to organs and the digestive system.  She adds, “Dogs on overly processed foods frequently have weight gain (or loss), dental problems, and digestive issues.”

In short, Nom Nom’s gently-cooked recipes support Oliver’s gut health and overall health, and are also highly digestible. 

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More Mealtime Excitement

When our first shipment of Nom Nom arrived, I was a little nervous – what if Oliver didn’t actually like freshly made dog food? Would we end up with a bunch of leftover packs in our freezer?

As soon as I tore open the first pack of Chicken Cuisine, those concerns vanished. Oliver instantly perked up and started sniffing the counter. As soon as the bowl was on the ground, he devoured his meal. 

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As a proud dog mama, seeing Oliver’s newfound mealtime excitement made my heart happy. He used to beg for scraps from the dinner table before reluctantly moving to his kibble – but after switching to Nom Nom, he can’t even be bothered to wonder what we’re eating. And if chicken’s not your dog’s jam, Nom Nom also offers beef, turkey, and pork recipes.

He devours his Nom Nom so quickly that we had to get a lick mat for his dinners. That not only slows him down to aid digestion, but Rebecca tells us that it also provides intellectual stimulation, reduces stress, and benefits dental health⁴.

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Conclusion

After seeing the benefits of Nom Nom on Oliver’s health, energy, and overall happiness, there’s only one negative: that I didn’t start Oliver on Nom Nom sooner 🙁. But better late than never, and after consulting with Jennifer, our Certified Pet Nutritionist, I’m so confident that we made the right choice.

Ready to try Nom Nom for your pup? TCD readers get 50% off their first order:

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References

1. https://www.gapfa.org/files/download/9_GAPFA_Factsheet_How_pet_food_is_made.pdf
2. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/nutrition/pet-food-ingredients/article/15638587/raw-fresh-dog-foods-outperformed-extruded-diet-digestibility
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10666150/
4. https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-lick-mat-do-i-need/