Farmer’s Dog vs. Ollie vs. Nom Nom: Which Fresh Food is Best?

The Brand Promise: Vet-Developed, Personalized Nutrition

The Farmer’s Dog was one of the first to disrupt the market with its direct-to-consumer model, promising personalized meal plans based on your dog’s specific profile (age, weight, activity level, health issues). Their core philosophy is that real, fresh food, formulated by veterinarians, is the key to a longer, healthier life for our companions. They emphasize simple, clean recipes that look like real food because they are.

The ‘First 5 Ingredients’ Truth (Turkey Recipe)

The first five ingredients on a label tell you 90% of what you need to know. Let’s break down their popular Turkey recipe:

1. USDA Turkey: An excellent, lean source of protein. This is whole meat, not a ‘meal’ or ‘by-product’, which is a significant quality indicator.
2. Chickpeas: A source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. A far superior alternative to corn or wheat fillers.
3. Carrots: A whole-food source of Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A) and fiber.
4. Broccoli: A nutrient-dense vegetable providing vitamins C and K, and fiber.
5. Spinach: Packed with iron and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Verdict: This is a clean list. It’s dominated by a high-quality protein source and supported by nutrient-dense legumes and vegetables. There are no red-flag fillers, artificial preservatives, or mystery meats. This is the kind of transparency we’re looking for.

Cost Per Day Analysis

For a moderately active 50lb dog, you can expect the cost to be approximately $8.00 – $9.50 per day. While this is a premium price point, you are paying for human-grade ingredients and the convenience of customized, pre-portioned delivery.

Recall Check

As of late 2023, The Farmer’s Dog has a pristine safety record with zero recalls. This is a critical data point for any pet owner, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality control and safety protocols in their kitchens.

Hacker Tip: The Farmer’s Dog’s personalization algorithm is highly responsive. If your dog is gaining or losing weight, be diligent about updating their profile. The company will adjust portion sizes accordingly, ensuring you’re not over or under-feeding, which also helps manage your costs.

The Brand Promise: Human-Grade Food with Superfood Boosts

Ollie positions itself as a premium wellness brand, focusing on minimally processed, human-grade ingredients. They offer a bit more variety in texture, including ‘Fresh’ (their classic cooked recipes) and ‘Baked’ (a healthier kibble alternative). Their recipes are known for including what they call ‘superfoods’ to provide an extra nutritional punch.

The ‘First 5 Ingredients’ Truth (Beef Recipe)

Let’s examine their Beef recipe, a favorite among many dog owners:

1. Beef: A high-quality source of protein and essential amino acids. Again, this is real, whole muscle meat.
2. Peas: A common source of carbohydrates and fiber in grain-free recipes.
3. Sweet Potatoes: An excellent complex carbohydrate, rich in Vitamin A and fiber, providing sustained energy.
4. Potatoes: Another source of carbohydrates and potassium.
5. Carrots: Provides essential vitamins and fiber.

Verdict: Ollie also presents a very clean ingredient panel. The combination of sweet potatoes and peas provides a solid carbohydrate base without resorting to cheap fillers. The inclusion of organ meat like beef liver further down the list adds a significant boost of vitamins and minerals.

Cost Per Day Analysis

For a moderately active 50lb dog, Ollie’s fresh recipes are priced similarly to The Farmer’s Dog, typically falling in the $8.50 – $10.00 per day range. Their baked options are more affordable if you choose to mix.

Recall Check

Ollie also boasts an excellent safety record with zero recalls to date. This level of consistency among the top fresh food brands is reassuring and sets a high standard for the industry.

Insider Secret: Ollie often includes nutrient-dense extras like chia seeds for omega-3s, and blueberries for antioxidants. While these are further down the ingredient list, their purposeful inclusion shows a holistic approach to formulation that goes beyond just the basics.

The Brand Promise: Scientifically Formulated for Gut Health

Nom Nom sets itself apart with a strong emphasis on the science of nutrition. Their recipes are formulated by a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, a credential that carries significant weight. They focus heavily on digestibility and gut health, even offering a microbiome testing kit. Their food is prepared in small batches to ensure quality and consistency.

The ‘First 5 Ingredients’ Truth (Chicken Cuisine)

Let’s put their popular Chicken Cuisine recipe under the lens:

1. Diced Chicken: High-quality, whole chicken meat. An easily digestible protein for most dogs.
2. Sweet Potatoes: A fantastic source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates.
3. Yellow Squash: A low-calorie source of vitamins A and C.
4. Spinach: Adds iron and other vital nutrients.
5. Sunflower Oil: A source of omega-6 fatty acids, important for skin and coat health.

Verdict: Nom Nom’s ingredient list is impeccably clean and straightforward. The ingredients are finely diced, which they claim aids in digestibility. The formulation feels purposeful and precise, reflecting their science-backed approach. The inclusion of specific oils for fatty acid balance is a nutritionist’s touch.

Cost Per Day Analysis

For a moderately active 50lb dog, Nom Nom is often the most expensive of the three, with costs ranging from $9.00 – $11.00 per day. This premium is likely due to their small-batch cooking process and the direct oversight of veterinary nutritionists.

Recall Check

Like its main competitors, Nom Nom has maintained a perfect safety record with zero recalls. This commitment to safety is a cornerstone of the premium fresh food category.

Hacker Tip: Nom Nom’s single-serving packaging is a game-changer for convenience and portion control. Each meal is perfectly portioned and easy to peel open and serve. This eliminates guesswork and is ideal for busy owners or those with pet sitters.

Now that we’ve dissected each brand individually, it’s time to put them head-to-head. The truth is, all three of these companies offer a phenomenal product that is leagues ahead of traditional processed kibble. The ‘best’ choice depends entirely on your dog’s specific needs, your budget, and your personal preferences. Use this table to make your final call.