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Brand Comparison · 2026

Nom Nom vs The Farmer's Dog

Nom Nom (fresh-cooked subscription acquired by Mars in 2022; partial WSAVA) and The Farmer's Dog (fresh-cooked subscription with the largest market share; meets 4 of WSAVA's 5 questions, with a feeding-trial affidavit but partner-kitchen production) compared head-to-head on WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, AAFCO substantiation, monthly cost, and which dog each is best for in 2026. The Farmer's Dog meets 4 of 5 WSAVA criteria. Nom Nom is roughly 3% less than The Farmer's Dog.

The verdict

Nom Nom and The Farmer's Dog are both fresh-cooked subscriptions with premium pricing ($150-240/month versus $150-250). The key difference is WSAVA standing and ownership: The Farmer's Dog meets 4 of 5 criteria, with on-staff board-certified veterinary nutritionists and an AAFCO feeding-trial affidavit for its Chicken Recipe, but cooks in partner kitchens and leads the category with published digestibility studies. Nom Nom meets 2 of 5, with owned manufacturing and Mars Petcare's backing since 2022, but formulation-only substantiation.

Choose The Farmer's Dog for the category leader's track record, a single refined recipe, and a finicky dog. Choose Nom Nom for owned kitchens backed by a major parent company. Both trade shelf stability for fresh palatability, so a kibble may suit a travel-heavy household better.

Key differences at a glance

Quick comparison

DimensionNom NomThe Farmer's Dog
Parent companyMars PetcareThe Farmer's Dog Inc.
CategoryFresh-cooked subscriptionFresh-cooked subscription
WSAVA criteria met2 of 54 of 5
AAFCO substantiationFormulation onlyMixed
Full-time veterinary nutritionistPartialYes
Credentialed formulatorYesYes
AAFCO feeding trialsNoYes
Owns manufacturing plantsYesNo
Quality control programPartialYes
Typical monthly cost (50 lb dog)$150 – $240 / month$150 – $250 / month

Mars Petcare

Nom Nom

Fresh-cooked subscription acquired by Mars in 2022; partial WSAVA.

Strengths

  • Acquired by Mars Petcare (2022) adds scale
  • Says its recipes are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists (none named)
  • Strong palatability and owned kitchens

Watch-outs

  • Formulation-only substantiation
  • Publishes only a one-line testing claim
  • Premium subscription pricing
  • Limited recipe variety vs Ollie

Best for: Owners who want fresh-cooked food backed by a major parent company.

Avoid if: You prefer to avoid Mars-owned brands or want feeding-trial substantiation.

Visit Nom Nom ↗

The Farmer's Dog Inc.

The Farmer's Dog

Fresh-cooked subscription with the largest market share; meets 4 of WSAVA's 5 questions, with a feeding-trial affidavit but partner-kitchen production.

Strengths

  • Higher digestibility than typical kibble (published studies, 5-10 points higher)
  • Board-certified veterinary nutritionists on staff (Renee Streeter, Joe Wakshlag, Susan Wynn)
  • Vet-formulated with documented nutrient targets
  • Strong palatability for finicky eaters

Watch-outs

  • 2-6x more expensive than premium kibble per calorie
  • AAFCO feeding-trial affidavit covers the Chicken Recipe; other recipes are not confirmed to have one
  • Food is cooked in partner kitchens rather than owned plants
  • Cold-chain shipping complexity
  • No long-term outcome data

Best for: Owners with the budget for the price premium, finicky dogs, or dogs with mild transitional GI issues.

Avoid if: You travel frequently or board your dog often; budget cannot sustain $150-250/month.

Visit The Farmer's Dog ↗

Which is better for your dog?

The right pick depends on your individual dog. Nom Nom is the better choice when: Owners who want fresh-cooked food backed by a major parent company. The Farmer's Dog is the better choice when: Owners with the budget for the price premium, finicky dogs, or dogs with mild transitional GI issues.

On cost, Nom Nom is roughly 3% less than The Farmer's Dog at the midpoint of typical premium spec for a 50 lb adult dog. On WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, The Farmer's Dog meets 4 of 5 vs 2 of 5 for Nom Nom.

Checking one brand rather than the pair? See is Nom Nom WSAVA-approved or is The Farmer's Dog WSAVA-approved.

Personalized recommendation

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Compare these brands against others

Methodology: WSAVA criteria reflect each brand's publicly documented manufacturer-quality practices as of October 2026, scored against the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee's 5-question rubric. AAFCO substantiation reflects the dominant method used across the brand's main retail product line. Monthly cost reflects typical US 2026 retail for a 50 lb adult dog at premium spec, before autoship discounts. Recommendations are editorial and not influenced by affiliate relationships. See our recommendation methodology for IntelliBowl's quiz-engine ranking logic.