You and I’ve one thing in widespread. I assure it. We each love canine, and we each need what’s finest for them. On this latter level, I made a decision to begin taking a look at wholesome, freshly-made meals choices for my pups. However let’s face it – as a lot as I really like them and wish what’s finest for them, I simply don’t have time to cook dinner selfmade meals for them day-after-day. For these of you that make this occur, I applaud you. However for the remainder of us, I wished to see if there was an possibility. A wholesome, simple possibility. Delivered to my door.
I at the moment feed my canine Kirkland Signature Nature’s Area Canine Meals. The substances appear to be principally wholesome. They’ve a very good document with out recollects. I really feel prefer it’s a well-balanced meals for them. I’m positive everybody can have an opinion about my alternative, however that is what I feed my pups. However I do know it’s not the most effective.
Simply being lazy like good canine
So I began doing a little analysis on-line for firms that put together freshly-made meals for canine – form of like Dwelling Chef for people. I used to be shocked to discover a handful. A few of the standards I used to slim down my search have been:
The Search Standards
High quality Substances (transparency) – Do I perceive the substances record? Is each ingredient there for a purpose AND helpful to my pup? Is all of it sourced right here within the USA?
Recipes – Will this be meals my canine will like? Are there choices for canine with allergy symptoms, like gluten-free?
Monitor Report – Have there been any recollects or well being scares related to the meals/firm?
Worth – Pricing for all the house supply pet food providers was comparable. I can inform you that for Nom Nom and the opposite firms, the value will rely upon how a lot your canine weighs and exercise ranges. Nom Nom
is nice as a result of they provide value breaks for those who order bi-weekly or month-to-month, versus weekly.
Comfort – Dwelling supply is essential. Plus, I don’t need to measure meals – pre-portioned, particular person meals are key.
With this in thoughts, I lastly got here to the conclusion that Nom Nom checked all of the bins. They’d great-sounding recipes primarily based on the photographs (which additionally turned out to be actual – see the video), and so they gave the impression to be probably the most clear. The recipes are all formulated and examined by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist – NOT only a vet.
Apparently, there are fewer than 100 veterinary nutritionists within the US. They’re vets, however additionally they spend extra time finding out animal diet. Who higher to provide you with wholesome meals to your canine? I used to be happy.
Nom Nom has services in California and Tennessee, which is a giant deal, particularly while you’re speaking about freshly-made meals that’s being shipped. I’m in Washington, so my meals arrived inside just some days of inserting my order. Nom Nom
additionally prepares all the meals in their very own services. They’ve whole management.
Earlier than beginning the Nom Nom 30-day check
Signing Up.
This was fairly simple and simple. I merely went to the Nom Nom web site, answered just a few questions on every of my canine (weight, age, beginning date), chosen the recipes I wished to strive, and entered transport & cost data. That was it. Nom Nom
additionally has a product known as Insights, which is a microbiome testing package for canine and cats. You accumulate a fecal pattern and ship it again to Nom Nom
. They analyze the pattern and supply insights into your canine’s intestine micro organism.
I didn’t go for this, however I want I had. I feel it could have given me a fair higher take a look at the well being of my canine previous to attempting the freshly-made meals program. It’s not completely vital, however it could have been good to know the way my earlier pet food was performing.
Meals is Shipped.
After finishing my on-line order, the primary meals cargo arrived rapidly. It took about 4 days from order day to arrival. It was two weeks’ price of the six varieties Nom Nom gives:
Beef Mash
Pork Potluck
Turkey Fare
Rooster Delicacies
Lamb Pilaf, and
Turkey & Rooster Cookout
The Meals.
Let’s discuss slightly in regards to the meals. There are pictures on the web site. Glamour pictures, proper? Effectively, what I obtained seemed precisely just like the pictures. It wasn’t a mashed up model. It’s whole-food substances. I may see the meat, the egg, peas, all the things – to be sincere, it seemed like one thing I’d make and eat myself.
As a retired firefighter, I’ve cooked my justifiable share of meals, so I’m no stranger to criticism in terms of meals. These items truly seemed actually good. I discussed how every meal was formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and it reveals. In truth, the Nom Nom meals exceed the requirements set by the AAFCO. They’re charged by legislation to manage the sale and distribution of animal feeds (together with canine and cat meals) and animal drug treatments. So that they set requirements, and Nom Nom
exceeded that. That made me really feel fairly good.
One different focal point: the meals got here pre-portioned for every meal. There was no measuring, and partially used meals couldn’t be saved. It’s what we name within the enterprise, firefighter-proof. Easy.
Day 0 – Pre-Problem Test Up – The Vet
Earlier than I began the 30-day problem/check with my pups, I wished to take my pups to the vet for his or her annual check-up, in addition to a full blood workup and fecal check. I wished to verify there weren’t any underlying points beforehand. As anticipated, they have been in comparatively glorious well being. I used to be advised my feminine, Sandy, was slightly over regular weight – however nothing severe. The blood check outcomes would take just a few days.
“You’re putting the thermometer where?” -Scout on the vet
“Please tell me we’re leaving!” -Sandy loves the vet
Day 1 – It Begins!
The meals arrived yesterday. Time to unpack the field and get began. I used to be more than happy with the way it was packed – positively chilly, which is large contemplating you’re coping with pork, rooster, and different high quality substances. Included within the field have been two free luggage of single-ingredient canine treats – I’m massive on single-ingredient treats.
Additionally within the field have been all six forms of Nom Nom meals. Some extra literature and clarification of the transition interval feeding have been included, as nicely. For the primary week, I’ll be giving my canine a 50/50 mixture of Nom Nom
meals and their common kibble. This simply helps their tummies alter to the brand new meals.
I’ve to say, I’m actually happy with 1.) the small 50% pre-portioned luggage and a couple of.) the labels on these luggage, which notice that they’re for the transition interval. The meals smelled and seemed actually good, like one thing I’d eat. Even my choosy son wished to have a chew. No shock—my canine wolfed it up. 30-day problem…we’re off to an important begin.
Consuming the transition 50/50 combine – instantly!
Day 3 – Canine Love Nom Nom
I acquired the blood check outcomes again from just a few days in the past. Nothing to notice – nothing irregular. In order that’s good! I haven’t actually seen a lot of a change within the canine – which to be anticipated this early…besides the canine are cracking me up. They’re actually digging the Nom Nom meals. Every morning (and night) they collect within the kitchen the place we prep the meals. They sit (with out being advised) like good little pups. So good. Ready! They LOVE these things.
Patiently ready
Day 8 – Transition Interval Ends
With the transition interval over, at this time I’m feeding my pups 100% Nom Nom meals. The earlier week was very easy due to the pre-portioned transition packs. The canine are nonetheless very enthusiastic about every meal for his or her Nom Nom
. It may simply be the brand new meals, however they positively appear to be extra energetic, particularly round mealtime. Go determine. I used to be slightly apprehensive that there could be a difficulty with diarrhea since I used to be altering up the meals my canine have been used to, however I’m happy to announce that there haven’t been any points or accidents.
Day 11 – Potty Speak
Okay, so we’re into the check over every week and three days post-transition, and I can say one factor I’ve observed – the canine’s stools are smaller. Not bizarre small, however it simply looks as if they’re processing extra. The poop can be tremendous simple to choose up. Very agency. Okay, no extra discuss poop. I don’t need to gross anybody out, however this appeared noteworthy for positive.
Day 15 – Pet Love
So we’re slightly over two weeks into the check. Each canine positively appear to be extra energized. Pet-like. They’re solely 5 years previous, however I’ve observed them bounding round extra, taking part in with one another, and wrestling. It’s truly fairly enjoyable to look at. I’m attempting to maintain an open thoughts, so I’ve been counting on my children to present their opinions, as nicely. They’re humorous – they discuss as if we now have totally different canine. So possibly not the most effective sources.
Day 20 – I Would possibly Be In Hassle
For nearly three weeks, my furry little mates have been devouring the Nom Nom meals. It’s clear to me that this should be a everlasting change—I’ll be dealing with a mutt mutiny! Stools are nonetheless smaller and firmer (for these protecting monitor). Vitality ranges are positively greater. I do know I’m not imagining this. I’ve to say, their coats additionally appear slightly shinier.
Day 27 – Huge Adjustments
I scheduled my follow-up vet appointment at this time. I’m excited to see what, if something, has modified. I’ve positively observed Sandy appears slightly healthier. She’s positively extra energetic, in order that’s nice! I don’t really feel just like the pictures actually do justice to the change I’ve seen in my canine. I’m not an expert photographer, and I shot these pictures on my cellphone. However I actually see a distinction in my canine. Their coats are shinier and softer. And as I discussed, they’re a lot extra energetic.
They may NOT let me cease throwing the ball. Or cease shifting for a photograph!
Day 30 – The Final Day
The ultimate day! Wow, that was simple. I’ve already acquired my subsequent two weeks of meals within the fridge. I simply didn’t have the center to return my canine to the previous meals I used to be utilizing. I can’t even think about the outrage. My pups are simply as excited for mealtime at this time as they have been on Day 1. I’m bought. Freshly-made meals is the best way to go. I really like Nom Nom Perhaps not as a lot as my canine. I do know some will say – after all, freshly-made meals is finest – however this problem wasn’t about simply freshly-made meals. It was about getting my canine wholesome, freshly-made meals – that I didn’t need to make. When you’ve got time to make meals, by all means, go for it. It’s all about giving our canine the most effective we are able to.
Nonetheless simply as keen for his or her scrumptious meals!
What Did I Be taught?
The ultimate vet check-up got here again nice. The vet commented that the canine are nonetheless in glorious well being. Sandy misplaced 2 kilos. So she’s nearer to her wholesome weight. I feel the more healthy meals and elevated exercise are positively to credit score for this. General, I’m actually pleased with Nom Nom meals.
It was very easy – pre-portioned luggage made this so easy, and the house supply was so handy. No extra lugging massive luggage of meals from the shop. Not as soon as did I query whether or not or not this was good for my canine. I actually admire the work that went into developing with these recipes. It’s comforting understanding that I’m giving my canine great-tasting, wholesome meals.
Day 30 – Sitting fairly
Over the previous 30 days, my canine have positively benefited. Thoughts you, they have been in good well being to start with, so I’m not claiming some miraculous transformation. However from their look to their exercise ranges, I positively see enhancements. I can solely think about how this freshly-made meals may gain advantage a much less wholesome pup.
Don’t take my phrase for it. Give Nom Nom a strive. You received’t be dissatisfied. So give it a attempt to see the distinction it makes in your canine.
