Nom Nom Dog Food Copycat Recipe: 2 Homemade Versions Your Dog Will Inhale
Snickers was sprawled on the kitchen floor, giving me the classic “feed me now” look, and I was scrolling through Nom Nom’s website. Their meals were tempting: chicken with sweet potatoes and spinach, perfectly portioned and delivered straight to your door. But for Snickers’ size, it was over $60 a week. That price wasn’t happening in my household.
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I studied their recipes closely—ground beef, potatoes, carrots, peas—ingredients I could easily grab at the grocery store for a fraction of the cost. I decided to replicate their meals at home. After a couple of trial runs adjusting textures, Snickers finally devoured my third batch, and I knew I had a winning formula.
In this guide, I break down how to make two homemade dog food recipes inspired by Nom Nom, including beef and chicken options. I’ll share exact ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, storage tips, and serving sizes based on dog weight.
By cooking separately, like Nom Nom, you preserve nutrients and create textures dogs love. These meals are cost-effective, customizable, and nutritionally balanced when paired with a supplement.
What Nom Nom Actually Puts in Their Recipes
I analyzed all five Nom Nom recipes. Each follows a simple formula: one protein, one starch, and two or three vegetables, plus fish oil, eggs, and their vitamin/mineral blend. Here’s the breakdown:
| Recipe | Protein | Starch | Vegetables | Grain-Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Mash | Ground beef | Russet potatoes | Carrots, peas | Yes |
| Chicken Cuisine | Diced chicken | Sweet potatoes | Squash, spinach | Yes |
| Turkey Fare | Ground turkey | Brown rice | Carrots, spinach | No |
| Pork Potluck | Ground pork | Russet potatoes | Squash, green beans, kale, mushrooms | Yes |
| Lamb Pilaf | Ground lamb | Brown rice | Carrots, peas | No |
Nom Nom cooks everything separately: protein in one pan, starch in another, and veggies steamed. This preserves nutrients and keeps textures appealing. That’s the method I follow at home too—it only adds a few extra minutes but makes a noticeable difference.
Recipe 1: Homemade Beef Mash
This grain-free, high-protein recipe is my go-to for Snickers. Dogs consistently love it, and it’s simple to prep once you understand the steps.
Ingredients:
- Lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) – 2 lbs
- Russet potatoes, diced – 2 large
- Eggs – 3 large
- Carrots, diced – 2 medium
- Green peas – 1 cup
- Fish oil – 1 tbsp
- Sunflower oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – pinch
- Dog vitamin/mineral supplement – per package directions
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: Dice potatoes and carrots. Thaw peas if frozen. Gather pots for separate cooking.
- Boil Potatoes: Simmer 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain well.
- Cook Carrots & Peas: Steam carrots 8–10 minutes, add peas in the last 3 minutes. Drain and mix in bowl.
- Brown Beef: Cook beef until no pink remains. Keep fat for 90/10 beef; drain partially for higher fat content.
- Scramble Eggs: Cook fully and chop into small pieces.
- Mix: Combine beef, eggs, veggies, oils, and supplements (after cooling).
- Light Mash: Press gently to keep a chunky texture.
- Store: Cool, portion, refrigerate 5 days, freeze up to 3 months.
Serving Guidelines:
- 10 lbs – ¾ to 1 cup
- 25 lbs – 1.5 to 2 cups
- 50 lbs – 3 to 3.5 cups
- 75 lbs – 4 to 5 cups
Recipe 2: Homemade Chicken Cuisine
This lighter, grain-free option uses sweet potatoes, squash, and spinach. I rotate it with beef to keep Snickers interested.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – 2 lbs
- Sweet potatoes, diced – 2 medium
- Butternut squash, diced – 1 cup
- Fresh spinach – 2 cups
- Fish oil – 1 tbsp
- Sunflower oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – pinch
- Dog vitamin/mineral supplement – per package directions
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: Dice sweet potatoes and squash; chop spinach; pat chicken dry.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: 10–12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain.
- Steam Squash: 8–10 minutes; drain.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in 2 tbsp water for 1–2 minutes; keep bright green.
- Cook Chicken: Poach gently for 20–25 minutes to internal temp 165°F; dice once cooled.
- Combine: Mix chicken, veggies, oils, and supplements (after cooling).
- Texture Check: Keep chunky; mash for puppies or senior dogs if needed.
- Store: Refrigerate 4–5 days, freeze 3 months.
Serving Guidelines: Same as beef, adjust slightly for leaner protein.
Homemade vs. Nom Nom: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Homemade | Nom Nom |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per meal | $1–2 | $3–5+ |
| Convenience | Cook it yourself | Delivered frozen |
| Nutrition | Complete with supplement | Vet-formulated |
| Freshness | Made same day | Made in Nashville, shipped |
| Customization | Full control | Limited to 5 recipes |
Homemade meals are ideal if you enjoy kitchen time and want full control over ingredients. It takes 30–40 minutes twice a week, but the benefits—freshness, savings, and happy pups—are worth it.
Back to the Kitchen Floor
Snickers now waits by the stove instead of his bowl, tail wagging in anticipation. Making his meals at home is quick, affordable, and gratifying. With a few pots, fresh ingredients, and a bit of patience, you can feed your dog wholesome, tasty meals without a subscription.
Pro Tip: Always consult your vet when feeding homemade food long-term to ensure your dog gets all essential nutrients.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade dog food saves money while giving you control over ingredients.
- Cooking ingredients separately preserves nutrients and improves texture.
- Rotating proteins and veggies keeps dogs engaged and nourished.
- Portion meals based on weight, age, and activity, and supplement for complete nutrition.
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