IntelliBowlBETA
Brand Comparison · 2026

Nom Nom vs Wellness CORE

Nom Nom (fresh-cooked subscription acquired by Mars in 2022; partial WSAVA) and Wellness CORE (higher-protein boutique kibble with partial WSAVA compliance) compared head-to-head on WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, AAFCO substantiation, monthly cost, and which dog each is best for in 2026. Both brands meet 2 of 5 WSAVA criteria. Wellness CORE is roughly 62% less than Nom Nom.

The verdict

Boutique kibble versus fresh-cooked food, with matching WSAVA scores. Wellness CORE meets 2 of 5 WSAVA criteria, owns its plants through Wellness Pet Company, and emphasizes higher protein at $55-95/month, but uses formulation-only substantiation with no full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Nom Nom, acquired by Mars Petcare in 2022, meets 2 of 5 with owned manufacturing and, by its own account, board-certified formulators, still formulation-only, at $150-240.

Pick Nom Nom for fresh-cooked palatability and a major parent company behind it, if budget allows. Pick Wellness CORE for higher protein at a much lower price and shelf-stable convenience. Both meet 2 of 5 WSAVA criteria, so format decides: on protein density and economy, Wellness CORE holds its ground.

Key differences at a glance

Quick comparison

DimensionNom NomWellness CORE
Parent companyMars PetcareWellness Pet Company
CategoryFresh-cooked subscriptionBoutique dry kibble
WSAVA criteria met2 of 52 of 5
AAFCO substantiationFormulation onlyFormulation only
Full-time veterinary nutritionistPartialPartial
Credentialed formulatorYesPartial
AAFCO feeding trialsNoNo
Owns manufacturing plantsYesYes
Quality control programPartialYes
Typical monthly cost (50 lb dog)$150 – $240 / month$55 – $95 / 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 ↗

Wellness Pet Company

Wellness CORE

Higher-protein boutique kibble with partial WSAVA compliance.

Strengths

  • Higher-protein formulations than mass-market alternatives
  • Owned manufacturing through Wellness Pet Company
  • Consistent ingredient sourcing

Watch-outs

  • Formulation-only AAFCO substantiation
  • No full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist on staff
  • Not among the 16 brands the FDA's June 2019 update named most often; some individual complaints name grain-free CORE recipes

Best for: Owners who want higher protein content and accept partial WSAVA compliance.

Avoid if: Your dog is at risk of diet-associated DCM or you specifically want feeding-trial-substantiated food.

Visit Wellness CORE ↗

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. Wellness CORE is the better choice when: Owners who want higher protein content and accept partial WSAVA compliance.

On cost, Wellness CORE is roughly 62% less than Nom Nom at the midpoint of typical premium spec for a 50 lb adult dog. On WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, both brands tie at 2 of 5.

Checking one brand rather than the pair? See is Nom Nom WSAVA-approved or is Wellness CORE WSAVA-approved.

Where to buy

Made your pick?

Check current pricing on whichever brand fits your dog. Prices and promotions change frequently, so it is worth comparing both before you commit to a bag or a subscription.

Shop Wellness CORE on Chewy →

Disclosure: these are affiliate links and IntelliBowl may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commission does not influence the comparison above. See our methodology.

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.