It was a really tough time for me when my sweet dog Cora was struggling with gas and diarrhea. I turned to her vet, who recommended a new salmon-based diet, versus her previous chicken-based diet. So we switched Cora to a salmon kibble brand. At first we saw improvements in her stomach issues. But by the time our first bag was gone, she was again back to experiencing painful diarrhea.
Desperate for a solution, I knew it was time to search for other alternatives.
The Pitfalls of Kibble
All along I had never given a lot of thought to what Cora ate. I’d assumed kibble was a good choice, but it turns out, I was very wrong. Kibble is basically the dog-food equivalent of humans eating highly processed chicken nuggets every single day.
Sure, I ate my fair share of fast-food chicken nuggets as a kid. But as an adult, I learned that highly processed food wasn’t exactly the best choice for my own personal well-being.
Why did it take me so long to make the same connection to what I was feeding Cora?
Here are just some of the less-than-impressive facts I learned about kibble:
- Kibble is heavily processed, with preservatives, additives, and other chemicals.
- There is a wide array of ingredients in pet food...not all of it whole food meat ingredients. Just take a look at your bag.
- Ingredients in kibble can cause issues like inflammation and poor digestion. Corn, wheat and meat byproducts are often used. Other foods than kibble have been proven to be more digestible! I never would have thought about it.
All this research was eye-opening and it didn’t take me long to type “kibble alternatives” into my web browser in my quest for something healthier. And that’s how I discovered Nom Nom, a subscription company that delivers FRESH dog food.
Getting Started With Nom Nom
I learned that Nom Nom makes nutrient-packed meals crafted by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. What really piqued my interest were their studies showing that freshly cooked pet food is more digestible than kibble.
So you know that I had to sign up for a trial to see if this was the solution we needed for Cora.
I was first asked to complete a quick online quiz so they could customize her perfect meal plan based on her breed, weight, and activity level. Nom Nom has a variety of recipes (Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Pork Potluck, Turkey Fare) and the portions are pre-packaged and personalized for Cora’s caloric needs – so no chance of over- or under-feeding.
To ensure a smooth transition to fresh food, the quiz results recommended feeding “transition” portions with her current diet. In other words, they recommended combining Nom Nom with her current diet and gradually work up to full portions, helping to prevent any further dietary distress.
Another thing I liked about the quiz was that it suggested Nom Nom probiotics that can be added to the delivery to help improve Cora’s overall digestive health.
Cora’s First Nom Nom Meals
The first few meals with Nom Nom were rewarding – for Cora and me.
Cora is obsessed – and I mean obsessed – with her Chicken Cuisine. The moment I placed the bowl down, Cora was eating with frenzy. She begged for seconds but I knew that her Nom Nom meals are portioned just for her, so she’d just have to wait til the morning for another helping.
As her mom, it brings me such a sense of comfort seeing the ingredients and nutritional profile. It’s healthy food that looks like REAL food! (All Cora cares about? That satisfying bowl of chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, and spinach!)
Additionally, after switching from kibble, Cora is more excited about meal time. Now she goes crazy whenever she sees me take out a Nom Nom packet from the freezer.
The Nom Nom Difference
With Nom Nom, I never have to weigh or figure out how much to feed Cora – I was ALWAYS guessing with kibble. With Nom Nom, I know that one pack equals one meal, so it takes the guesswork out of feeding time.
Also, this might sound odd, but Cora smiles more – probably because her stomach isn’t upset anymore. After switching to Nom Nom meals, some of the differences I’ve noticed in Cora:
- Improved breath
- Smaller, solid yet moist poops
- More energy (she’s more playful)
- Softer coat
- More excitement for meal time
Freshly Cooked Meals On Our Doorstep
I’m enjoying the convenience of having freshly cooked meals delivered to my doorstep. Deliveries arrive at monthly intervals so that Cora is never without fresh food. I keep her food frozen and thaw a day at a time or so to preserve flavor and nutrition.
After our trial, we now receive shipments on a schedule specific to Cora’s mealtime needs. My subscription is charged every 4 weeks and it’s super easy to reschedule, adjust, or cancel future orders online.
Shipping is free, and boxes are packed with dry ice to keep them chilled until I’m home.
The Healthier Road Ahead
I can’t go back in time and change the fact that I fed Cora less-than-nutritious kibble for years. Sure, it was convenient. But now that I know better, I’m doing better for Cora. Most importantly, I know my princess is getting the right nutrients and calories she needs while eating wholesome foods that improve her diet and health. Cora means the world to me and she deserves the absolute best.
If you ask me, Nom Nom should be the go-to dog food for every dog parent who wants to try freshly cooked meals with their furry babies!
