Smalls vs Nom Nom: Top Fresh Cat Food Comparison
Discover which premium fresh cat food service—Smalls or Nom Nom—best matches your feline's health needs with our in-depth analysis.
Choosing between Smalls and Nom Nom means selecting from two leading fresh cat food delivery services that prioritize human-grade ingredients and tailored nutrition for cats. Both brands offer subscription-based meals designed to mimic a cat’s natural prey-based diet, emphasizing high protein and minimal carbs.
Understanding Fresh Cat Food Benefits
Fresh cat food stands out from traditional kibble or canned options by using gently cooked, whole-food ingredients without preservatives or fillers. Cats, as obligate carnivores, thrive on diets rich in animal proteins, moderate fats, and low carbohydrates, much like their wild counterparts. According to nutritional guidelines, adult cats require at least 26% protein on a dry matter basis, with kittens needing 30% or more to support growth. Fresh foods like those from Smalls and Nom Nom typically exceed these standards, providing essential amino acids such as taurine and arginine that prevent deficiencies.
Key advantages include improved hydration from high moisture content (often 75-85%), better digestibility, and palatability that encourages picky eaters. Studies and veterinary recommendations highlight wet or fresh formats over dry kibble, which can be four times more caloric per gram and higher in carbs that disrupt blood sugar. For breeds prone to weight gain like Persians or Chartreux, these diets help maintain lean mass.
Overview of Smalls Cat Food
Smalls delivers customized fresh meals portioned for your cat’s profile, including age, weight, and activity level. Recipes feature real meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken, turkey, or beef, combined with organs and broth for complete nutrition. They avoid grains, fillers, and artificial additives, aligning with AAFCO standards for all life stages.
- Recipe Variety: Options like Chicken and Duck Pâté or Turkey with Salmon focus on single-protein sources to minimize allergies.
- Customization: Quiz-based personalization calculates daily calories, often recommending 2-3% of body weight for adults.
- Packaging: Vacuum-sealed pouches arrive frozen, thawing in the fridge for easy serving.
Smalls emphasizes sustainability with recyclable packaging and U.S.-sourced ingredients. Pricing starts around $2-3 per pouch, with bundles reducing costs for multi-cat homes.
Overview of Nom Nom Cat Food
Nom Nom crafts vet-formulated fresh recipes using whole proteins like beef, chicken, or pork, enriched with vegetables for fiber and antioxidants. Each meal is cooked in small batches, hand-packed, and shipped fresh or frozen nationwide.
- Recipe Variety: Standouts include Chicken Cuisine and Beef Mash, with grain-free formulas balancing macros for optimal feline health.
- Customization: Detailed quizzes factor in breed-specific needs, such as higher protein for Maine Coons or fiber for Persians.
- Packaging: Portion-controlled trays or pouches with clear feeding guides based on 2-3% body weight.
Nom Nom invests in research, publishing data on palatability and stool quality improvements. Plans range from $6-9 per day for a single cat, with discounts for subscriptions.
Ingredient and Nutritional Breakdown
Both services prioritize meat-heavy formulas, but differences emerge in sourcing and additives. Smalls uses USDA-approved meats with minimal processing, boasting 10-12% protein on an as-fed basis (around 50-60% dry matter). Nom Nom recipes often hit similar marks, with added superfoods like kale for vitamins.
| Aspect | Smalls | Nom Nom |
|---|---|---|
| Protein (Dry Matter) | 50-60% | 45-55% |
| Fat (Dry Matter) | 20-30% | 25-35% |
| Carbs (Dry Matter) | <10% | <15% |
| Calories per oz | 25-35 | 30-40 |
| Moisture | 78-82% | 75-80% |
These profiles suit obligate carnivores, providing taurine for heart health and omega fatty acids for coats. Nom Nom includes more veggies, beneficial for fiber in long-haired breeds, while Smalls keeps it stricter meat-focused for starch-sensitive Bengals. Both meet or exceed AAFCO for essential nutrients.
Pricing and Subscription Details
Cost is a major differentiator. Smalls offers better value for budget-conscious owners, with starter boxes at $35-50 for a week’s supply and ongoing plans at $1.95-$3.25 per meal. Nom Nom, positioned as premium, charges $7-12 daily for one cat, justified by vet nutritionist oversight.
- Smalls Pros: Flexible pause/cancel, free shipping over $35, trial packs.
- Nom Nom Pros: Auto-ship savings (up to 50% off first box), gift options.
Long-term, Smalls suits multi-cat households, while Nom Nom appeals to those prioritizing clinical backing. Factor in waste: precise portions reduce overfeeding.
Customer Experiences and Feeding Trials
Users rave about both for resolving picky eating and improving coat shine. Smalls scores high on convenience, with 90% repeat customers citing softer stools and energy boosts. Nom Nom users note veterinary endorsements and allergy relief, though some mention higher costs.
In home trials, kittens on Smalls gained steadily on 4-8% body weight protocols, while adults maintained weight on 2-3%. Nom Nom excelled for seniors needing joint support via glucosamine-rich recipes.
Which Service Fits Your Cat’s Needs?
Select Smalls for affordability and simplicity, ideal for everyday feeding in active adults or kittens. Opt for Nom Nom if your cat has specific health goals like weight management or breed traits requiring extra fats. Transition gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Smalls and Nom Nom?
Smalls focuses on ultra-affordable, meat-centric pouches; Nom Nom offers vet-backed trays with more variety and research support.
Are these foods suitable for all cat breeds?
Yes, custom quizzes adapt to needs like high protein for Ragdolls or low-carb for Bengals.
How much should I feed my cat?
Adults: 2-3% body weight daily; kittens: 4-10% adjusting by age. Use service calculators for precision.
Can I mix fresh food with kibble?
Possible in moderation (mostly fresh), but vets prefer 100% fresh/wet for optimal hydration and nutrition.
Do they ship internationally?
Both U.S.-only currently, with nationwide refrigerated delivery.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Premium Fresh Cat Food
Smalls and Nom Nom elevate feline dining beyond standard pet foods, delivering tailored nutrition that supports longevity. Weigh your budget, cat’s preferences, and health priorities to decide—both outperform kibble in protein quality and moisture. Consult your vet for personalized advice, especially for medical conditions.
References
- What nutritional needs depend on the cat’s breed? — Ziggy Family. 2023. https://ziggyfamily.com/en/blogs/cats/nutritional-needs-depending-on-the-cat-s-breed
- The Ultimate Cat & Kitten Feeding Guide with Charts & Schedules — Bella & Duke. 2024. https://www.bellaandduke.com/raw-feeding/our-complete-guide-to-cat-and-kitten-feeding-with-charts-weights-and-schedules/
- Cat Diet Guide: What Should I Feed My Cat? — Chewy. 2025. https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/cat-nutrition
- CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf — CatInfo.org. 2018. https://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf
- Cats are not Small Dogs: Unique Nutritional Needs of Cats — Tufts University Petfoodology. 2018-12-18. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2018/12/18/cats-are-not-small-dogs-unique-nutritional-needs-of-cats/
- Cat Nutrition: Guide to Cat Food Nutrients — PetMD. 2024. https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/cat-nutrition-what-makes-nutritional-cat-food
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