8 Things smalls vs nom nom fresh cat food What Your Cat Needs

When considering premium nutrition options for felines, many pet owners evaluate subscription-based services that deliver gently cooked, human-grade meals.

This type of analysis involves comparing two distinct brands that operate within the fresh pet food market, focusing on their ingredients, recipes, and service models.

For example, a cat owner might compare a company that specializes exclusively in feline nutrition with another that offers meal plans for both cats and dogs.

The goal of such a comparison is to determine which service best aligns with a specific cat’s health needs, dietary preferences, and the owner’s budget and lifestyle.

This decision-making process requires a thorough examination of each brand’s formulation philosophy, protein sources, customization options, and overall value proposition as an alternative to traditional commercial cat food.

smalls vs nom nom fresh cat food

The landscape of feline nutrition has evolved significantly, with two prominent names, Smalls and Nom Nom, emerging as leaders in the direct-to-consumer fresh cat food space.

Both companies champion the use of high-quality, human-grade ingredients, moving away from the highly processed fillers often found in conventional kibble and canned foods.

Their shared mission is to provide cats with species-appropriate, nutrient-dense meals delivered directly to a customer’s door.

However, despite these similarities, the two brands differ in their specific approaches to recipe formulation, food texture, subscription models, and overall brand focus, making a detailed comparison essential for discerning cat owners.

A primary point of differentiation lies in their ingredient sourcing and recipe philosophy.

Nom Nom formulates its recipes with the guidance of board-certified veterinary nutritionists, emphasizing a balanced blend of whole-food ingredients, including muscle and organ meats alongside beneficial vegetables.

Smalls also prioritizes high-quality, sustainably sourced proteins but markets itself with a strong focus on a high-protein, carnivore-centric diet that closely mimics a cat’s natural eating habits.

This distinction is crucial, as one brand may appeal more to owners seeking a vet-formulated, balanced meal, while the other resonates with those prioritizing a protein-rich, “ancestral diet” approach.

Food texture and variety present another significant contrast that can influence a cat’s acceptance of a new diet.

Smalls offers a wider range of textures, including smooth pt, ground, and pulled-style foods, which can be particularly beneficial for picky eaters or cats with specific dental needs.

Nom Nom, on the other hand, typically provides a single, uniform texture that resembles a finely minced or ground consistency across its recipes.

For owners of finicky felines, the textural options provided by Smalls might offer a distinct advantage in finding a palatable choice for their pet.

The process of personalizing meal plans is a core feature of both services, yet their execution varies.

Both brands utilize an online quiz to gather information about a cat’s age, weight, body condition, activity level, and health issues. This data is used to calculate portion sizes and recommend specific recipes.

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Nom Noms system is known for its precise, individually portioned meal packs, which simplifies feeding time and ensures caloric accuracy.

Smalls also provides customized plans but may require the owner to portion the food from larger containers, offering a different kind of convenience and potentially more flexibility in adjusting meal sizes day-to-day.

Regarding the cooking process and food format, both companies employ gentle cooking methods to preserve the nutritional integrity of the ingredients, a stark contrast to the high-heat extrusion used for kibble.

The meals are cooked in USDA-inspected kitchens to ensure safety and quality. After cooking, Smalls’ food is typically frozen to maintain freshness during shipping and storage, requiring thawing before serving.

Nom Noms meals are delivered fresh and refrigerated, designed to be served within a specific timeframe or frozen by the customer for longer storage, which may appeal to those who prefer not to handle frozen products regularly.

Subscription management and packaging are practical considerations that impact the user experience. Both services offer flexible subscription models that allow customers to adjust, pause, or cancel their deliveries.

Nom Nom is often praised for its user-friendly online portal and clear communication regarding order management. In terms of packaging, both brands are mindful of environmental impact, utilizing recyclable or partially recyclable materials.

The convenience of pre-portioned packs from Nom Nom can reduce food waste, while the bulk packaging from Smalls might be seen as more space-efficient in the freezer by some households.

Cost is an undeniable factor in the decision-making process, and both Smalls and Nom Nom represent a premium investment in a cat’s health.

Generally, the price of both services is comparable and significantly higher than traditional cat food, reflecting the quality of ingredients and convenience of delivery.

The final cost depends on the cats size, caloric needs, and selected recipes.

Prospective customers should carefully calculate the weekly or monthly expense for each service to determine which option provides the best value within their budget while meeting their cat’s nutritional requirements.

Finally, brand reputation and overall focus contribute to the choice. Smalls is a cat-centric company, meaning its entire research, product development, and marketing efforts are dedicated exclusively to felines.

This singular focus may appeal to cat owners looking for specialized expertise.

Nom Nom serves both dogs and cats, which allows them to leverage broader research in pet nutrition but may be perceived as less specialized by some.

Examining customer reviews and testimonials for both brands can provide valuable insights into product consistency, customer service effectiveness, and the real-world health benefits other pet owners have observed.

Key Distinctions for Cat Owners

1. Recipe Formulation and Protein Focus:

   A fundamental difference is the core nutritional philosophy behind the recipes. Smalls champions an explicitly high-protein, carnivore-focused diet, formulating its meals to contain minimal carbohydrates and reflect what a cat would naturally consume.

   In contrast, Nom Nom, while still protein-forward, adopts a whole-food, balanced approach developed by veterinary nutritionists, often including carefully selected vegetables for vitamins and fiber.

   This means an owner must decide between a diet that more strictly adheres to an ancestral model versus one that embraces a professionally balanced, whole-ingredient formulation.

   Each approach has its merits and may be better suited for different cats depending on their specific health profile.

2. Variety in Food Textures:

   The texture of food is a critical factor for many cats, especially those known for being selective eaters.

   Smalls offers a significant advantage in this area by providing multiple textures, including ground, smooth pt, and pulled consistencies. This variety increases the likelihood that a picky cat will find an appealing option.

   Nom Nom’s recipes typically come in a single, soft, ground texture, which is highly palatable for many cats but offers less choice for those with strong textural preferences.

   Therefore, for cats that have previously rejected foods based on how they feel in their mouth, Smalls provides a more diverse toolkit for transition.

3. Brand Specialization:

   The scope of each company’s focus is a notable point of comparison. Smalls is a “cats-first” brand, dedicating all its resources and research to feline health and nutrition.

   This specialization can be very appealing to owners who want a service that lives and breathes cat wellness.

   Nom Nom provides meals for both cats and dogs, positioning itself as a comprehensive fresh food provider for multi-pet households.

   While their feline recipes are developed with the same high standards, some consumers may prefer the dedicated expertise of a cat-exclusive company.

4. Packaging and Portioning System:

   The daily feeding experience is shaped by each brand’s packaging and portioning. Nom Nom excels in convenience with its individually portioned, vacuum-sealed meal packs that are clearly labeled for each mealtime.

   This system eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent caloric intake. Smalls typically ships its food in larger tubs or logs, requiring the owner to measure out each portion.

   While this requires an extra step, it also offers greater flexibility to slightly adjust meal sizes as needed without opening a new pre-portioned pack.

5. Food State Upon Arrival:

   The state of the food upon deliveryfrozen versus freshimpacts storage and preparation. Smalls’ food arrives frozen and must be thawed in the refrigerator before serving, which requires some planning ahead.

   This format is ideal for long-term storage in a freezer. Nom Nom’s meals are delivered fresh and refrigerated, ready to serve immediately.

   This can be more convenient for immediate use, but the meals have a shorter shelf life in the refrigerator and must be frozen by the consumer if not used within a few days.

6. Cost Structure and Value:

   While both are premium services, subtle differences in their pricing models can affect the overall cost.

   The final price for both is determined by a cat’s specific needs, but it is always advisable to get a quote from each company’s website.

   Sometimes, one brand may offer a more cost-effective plan for smaller cats, while the other might be more economical for larger or multi-cat households.

   The perceived value will also depend on what a customer prioritizes: the convenience of pre-portioned packs from Nom Nom or the textural variety from Smalls.

7. Inclusion of Additional Products:

   The product ecosystem extends beyond just the main meals. Smalls has expanded its offerings to include freeze-dried raw food, treats, and even cat litter, positioning itself as a more comprehensive cat care subscription service.

   This can be a convenient, all-in-one solution for cat owners looking to streamline their pet supply shopping.

   Nom Nom remains more focused on its core offering of fresh meals for cats and dogs, along with a line of probiotics and microbiome testing kits, emphasizing a health and wellness-centric approach.

8. Veterinarian Involvement:

   Both companies emphasize the health benefits of their food, but their marketing of veterinarian involvement differs slightly.

   Nom Nom prominently features its team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists who formulate and oversee the recipes, a strong selling point for owners who prioritize expert-led formulation.

   Smalls also consults with veterinary nutritionists to ensure its food is complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards, but its marketing often places a greater emphasis on the high-quality ingredients and carnivore-centric philosophy itself.

   This subtle difference in messaging may appeal to different consumer mindsets.

Tips for Choosing the Right Fresh Food Service

• Request a Trial or Sample Box

  Before committing to a full subscription, it is highly advisable to order a trial box from both Smalls and Nom Nom.

  This is the most effective way to determine which food a particular cat prefers, as palatability is a highly individual factor.

  A trial allows an owner to observe their cat’s reaction to the different recipes and textures offered by each brand.

  It also provides a firsthand look at the packaging, portion sizes, and overall quality of the product without a long-term financial commitment, making it a crucial first step in the decision-making process.

• Consult With Your Veterinarian

  A conversation with a trusted veterinarian is an invaluable part of any dietary transition.

  The vet can offer personalized advice based on a cat’s specific health history, age, and any existing medical conditions, such as kidney disease, allergies, or gastrointestinal sensitivities.

  They can review the nutritional information provided by both Smalls and Nom Nom to help determine which brand’s formulation might be more beneficial.

  This professional guidance ensures that the switch to a fresh food diet supports the cat’s overall health and wellness goals.

• Evaluate Your Cat’s Current Preferences

  Consider a cat’s established eating habits and preferences when weighing the options. If a cat has always favored pt-style wet food, Smalls’ variety of smooth textures might ensure a smoother transition.

  Conversely, if a cat enjoys shredded or chunkier foods, the ground texture of Nom Nom might be more akin to what it is used to.

  Paying attention to these existing preferences for both protein sources (e.g., chicken vs. fish) and textures can significantly increase the chances of successfully switching to a new, healthier diet.

• Assess Your Freezer and Refrigerator Space

  The practical logistics of storing fresh pet food should not be overlooked. Smalls’ food is delivered frozen, which means an owner needs to have adequate freezer space to store the shipment.

  Nom Nom’s food arrives fresh and requires refrigerator space, with the option to freeze portions for later use.

  It is important to assess current storage capacity and decide which system fits better with one’s lifestyle and kitchen setup, as this will directly impact the convenience and usability of the service.

Exploring the Broader Context of Feline Nutrition

The movement toward fresh, human-grade pet food is driven by a growing awareness among pet owners about the impact of nutrition on long-term health.

Many are seeking alternatives to traditional kibble and canned foods, which often undergo extensive processing and may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality protein sources.

Fresh food services aim to bridge this gap by offering minimally processed meals made from recognizable ingredients, mirroring the principles of healthy eating that humans apply to their own diets.

This shift reflects a deeper understanding of pets as family members deserving of high-quality, thoughtfully prepared nutrition.

From a nutritional science perspective, fresh diets offer several potential benefits for obligate carnivores like cats. High-quality animal protein is more digestible, leading to better nutrient absorption and potentially less digestive upset.

The high moisture content in these diets is also critically important for feline health, as cats have a low thirst drive and often do not consume enough water on their own.

Proper hydration supports kidney function and urinary tract health, helping to prevent common issues like crystals and urinary blockages that can be exacerbated by dry kibble diets.

Transitioning a cat to a new food, especially from a highly palatable, additive-laden kibble, can be a significant challenge. Cats are notoriously neophobic, meaning they are often resistant to new things, including food.

A slow and gradual transition over a period of one to two weeks is essential to avoid digestive upset and encourage acceptance.

This involves mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food and gradually increasing the proportion of the new food over time.

Patience and consistency are key to helping a cat adapt to and embrace a healthier diet.

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the sustainability of pet food packaging has come under scrutiny.

Fresh food delivery services face the challenge of keeping products cold and safe during transit, which often requires insulated boxes and ice packs.

Both Smalls and Nom Nom have made efforts to use recyclable or partially recyclable materials in their packaging.

Consumers interested in sustainability should investigate the specific materials used by each company and follow the provided instructions for proper recycling to minimize their environmental footprint.

Understanding regulatory standards is important for ensuring a pet’s food is safe and nutritionally sound. In the United States, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets guidelines for pet food nutrient profiles.

Both Smalls and Nom Nom formulate their recipes to be “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO standards for all life stages or for adult maintenance.

This designation ensures the food provides all the essential nutrients a cat needs to thrive, offering peace of mind that the diet is not just fresh, but also nutritionally comprehensive.

The connection between diet and common feline health issues is well-documented. A diet rich in moisture and high-quality protein can have a profound impact on a cat’s overall well-being.

Many owners who switch to fresh food report significant improvements in their cat’s health, including a shinier and softer coat, increased energy levels, improved digestion, and better weight management.

For cats with specific health concerns like food allergies or sensitivities, a limited-ingredient fresh diet can make it easier to identify and eliminate problematic ingredients, leading to a noticeable reduction in symptoms.

Proper food handling and storage are crucial for ensuring the safety of fresh cat food. Because these meals do not contain artificial preservatives, they must be handled like fresh human food.

Portions should be kept refrigerated and used within a few days, or stored frozen for longer periods. Owners must practice good hygiene, such as washing hands and bowls after each feeding, to prevent bacterial growth.

Following the storage and serving instructions provided by the manufacturer is essential for maintaining the food’s safety and nutritional quality.

Beyond the product itself, the quality of customer service can be a major deciding factor when choosing a subscription service.

A responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful support team can make a significant difference, especially when dealing with issues like shipping delays, order adjustments, or questions about the transition process.

Reading reviews that specifically mention customer service experiences can provide insight into how each company handles problems and supports its customers. A positive support experience contributes to the overall value and satisfaction with the service.

The evolution of pet nutrition is not stopping at fresh food. The future likely holds even greater personalization and a deeper focus on preventative health through diet.

Innovations may include meal plans tailored to a pet’s genetic markers or gut microbiome analysis, with customized recipes and supplements designed to address specific health predispositions.

As technology and nutritional science advance, services like Smalls and Nom Nom are at the forefront, paving the way for a future where pet food is as personalized and health-focused as human nutrition.

Ultimately, the choice between any two premium food brands depends on a careful alignment of priorities.

An owner must weigh factors such as ingredient philosophy, their cats specific health needs, their own budget, and the practicalities of storage and feeding.

One household might find the pre-portioned convenience of one brand to be the deciding factor, while another may prioritize the textural variety of the other to please a finicky eater.

Both services represent a significant step up from traditional pet food, and the best choice is the one that leads to a healthier, happier cat.

Frequently Asked Questions