NomNomNow Cat (and Dog!) Food: FRESH "Recipes Made With Care" Delivered FRESH to your Door!

The name got you didn't it? C'mon admit it, the name lured you in, just as it did me. I hadn't heard of NomNomNow FRESH cat and dog food until a few weeks ago when a dear cat blogging friend and I were talking and she told me about an email she had received from them.

I went into the NomNomNow website   and was COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY.

Cody (and Dakota) are now 11 years old. For Dakota's entire life he ate one brand of food exclusively, Cody ate the same brand in dry form and another brand for his wet food. One concern of mine for Cody was that he is about one pound too heavy.

While "the boys" and myself loved their former brands of food, I couldn't help but notice that when I would cook an occasional meal for them from scratch, they would literally lose their minds. Dakota would run back to his bowl to see if there was more, and Cody would "cry" to have some more fresh food.

Lightbulb Moment

I was becoming increasingly concerned by the amount of kibble that BOTH boys were eating over the course of their lives and knew that a change would probably be beneficial to them.

While I knew cooking fresh would be a great option, who in the world has the time to do that? Certainly not me. Enter:

Problem Solved

NomNomNow DELIVERS FRESH, INDIVIDUALLY PORTIONED FOOD TO YOUR DOOR (based on your pet's age, activity level  and weight. ***Check the website for places they will deliver to)

The photos above were taken from my box

The meals are individually portioned and  weighed to the gram. They figure out  exactly how many calories your cat and/or dog receives with each meal and can carefully monitor changes over time.

The above photo are the meals I received for both Cody and Dakota

All ingredients are transported and warehoused under USDA, California State, and FDA human food safety regulations.

NomNomNow tests their food and are more vigilant than a lot of commercial food kitchens for humans!

• All food is human grade, vitamins are all-natural.
• All recipes meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
• Recipes are made of a handful of ingredients: meat, vegetables, healthy oils, and vitamin and nutrient blend. No additives, no artificial ingredients.

All recipes are formulated by one of the country's leading veterinary nutritionists, Dr. Justin Shmalberg

Signing up online to begin our trial was super easy! You simply enter your cat and/or dog's weight, activity level and age and follow the instructions.

Our delivery arrived bright and early on a Wednesday morning, in a box with contents that ensured that the food stayed COLD!!   I laughed when it arrived because Cody was IMMEDIATELY intrigued.

As with ALL changes in pet food it is recommended that you transition your cat and/or dog over at least a few days to make the switch. I mixed Cody's current wet food with his new food for a few days, (Dakota was transitioned over a period of seven days)

All of the recipes are: 

"Care-grade"

(adjective)

"Going above and beyond for our pets because it is time to be the pet parents they think we are. Every meal is prepared, delivered, and served fresh, perfectly portioned for your pet's unique calorie needs. One bag. One meal. Rip. Serve. Enjoy."

NomNomNow offers a Care-grade guarantee: if customers don’t see the difference that the fresh NomNomNow diet can make after 30 days of eating,  NomNomNow will buy their next pets next order ($40 limit).

The flavor that Cody received (along with sample packs of some others) is Chicken Chow-Meow (the name alone is just too cute and it is HUMAN GRADE FOOD! It looks DELICIOUS!

Even your pickiest feline friends will be purring for more of this protein-rich recipe, which is full of ingredients to keep their eyesight razor sharp for stalking.

Chicken thigh, breast and liver: Tasty source of protein, vitamins, and minerals (iron, copper, vitamin D)

Asparagus: Excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium to keep your cat’s heart healthy

Carrot: Vitamin A - and more - for keeping eyes healthy

Spinach: Superfood that boosts the immune system and strengthens the digestive system

Cantaloupe: Packed with beta carotene, potassium, amino acids, and antioxidants—plus that melon flavor cats can’t resist

NomNomNutrient Mix: Expertly formulated nutrition blend

There are also a variety of recipes for cats and dogs that you can select from and alternate between to provide variety in the amount of nutrients and flavors, while still feeling confident that you are getting the best nutrition for your cat or dog. NomNomNow offers greater convenience than traditional cat and dog foods, and more balanced nutrition than most home-cooked diets-- without all of the guesswork and labor.

What Did I Think?
I love that I can clearly see and RECOGNIZE the chicken (that is not swimming in unhealthy "gravy"). I can see REAL vegetables, REAL egg, etc.

I love the ease of the pre-portioned packets. Each vacuum sealed package is the proper amount to be served for each meal (during the transition period I used half of each serving mixed with their former food).

I love that the food can be stored in the freezer (you just take out the number of packets you will need for a few meals and store them in the fridge where they stay fresh for approximately 8 days, in the freezer they remain fresh for up to 6 months.)

• All meals are delivered fresh, not frozen.
• Always free delivery—with weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly options available depending on location to all 48 contiguous US states
• “Better food, better health. The best decision since bringing them home”
• Auto-delivery as a subscription.
• All packaging is recyclable.
• Customers can pause, update, edit, or cancel anytime.

I also LOVE how much my boys LOVE NomNomNow!

Look at that adorable little tongue eating up every bit!

I was also impressed by the lack of hesitation that was exhibited by my contact when I asked a myriad of questions. Each and every question I had about the food was answered promptly in a professional, caring and knowledgeable manner. (Well of course because he happens to be a "Cat Daddy" himself!!!) Cody is simply loving his NomNomNow and we are hoping to continue on with this food for quite some time!

My Only "Con"

Yes, the food is a bit pricey, but it is FRESH food made and SHIPPED FRESH with your pets in mind. You are not sent a "one size fits all" type of a food. Veterinarian bills from the "less pricey" foods are quite "pricey" themselves!

What Did Cody Think?

Just before writing this blog post I went into the kitchen to open another pouch for him, (Cody was in the living room at the time). I didn't call him AT ALL, he had his eyes on me and when he saw what I was doing he came FLYING into the kitchen.

 Once I approached Cody with the bowl, he had to start "LOVING" on it!

Then, it was time to chow down!! Turn your volume up so you can hear all of the "nom-nomming!!"!!



As a devoted pet Mom (which I know all of you are too, ok, men, you are devoted pet Dads or pet humans!), I know you can relate to how happy it makes you feel to know not only that your pets are EXCITED about their meal, but that you are feeding them a product that is excellent for them! Both Cody and Dakota start "spinning" and "crying" now at mealtime, it is completely hilarious!!

Now that I have made you ravenously hungry,  high-tail it over to the NomNomNow website NOW to start your trial of the food. NomNomNow has a special limited time offer of 50% off customer’s first order that includes samples of all the recipes to make sure it is the right fit

You will be as smitten as we are!

About NomNomNow

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Oakland, CA, NomNomNow delivers healthy and nutritious cat and dog meals made with the freshest, restaurant-quality ingredients—all with the convenience of home delivery and free shipping. NomNomNow meals are cooked weekly in the company’s local FDA-compliant kitchen, individually proportioned, tailored to meet the specific nutrition needs of each dog, and ready to serve with no preparation. Learn more about NomNomNow on the "team" section of their website.

Accolades for NomNomNow

NomNomNow was rated the #1 dog and cat  food delivery service by Reviews.com

Get Social With NomNomNow!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

In Full Disclosure:

** I received an approximate 14 day supply of food for both Cody and Dakota (we were running out so NomNomNow is being kind enough to send us more), I waived my normal fee for my first two reviews (Cody and Dakota are each doing one review). I received no monetary compensation for this review.

**Both Cody and Dakota have been eating NomNomNow for approximately two weeks, it is too early to accurately assess any changes physically since they have been eating this food. I am hoping to  have them continuing to eat NomNomNow.

Bloggers Meet Purina-Video

Finally! It's here!!! From Purina!!

Bloggers Meet Purina from CHECKMARK on Vimeo.

"The Highlight Of My Year" Part III "Meet Purina! "

If you have been reading Part I and Part II of "The Highlight Of My Year", you are aware that my trip to Purina for their "Meet Purina Blogger Summit" was indeed, the highlight of my year!  If you missed Part I you can read it here and to read Part II click here.

The people at Purina couldn't have been more welcoming, informative, open, and accommodating, there wasn't a need that went unmet. They also never stopped feeding us!

We were treated to a most interesting lunch in the Purina Culinary Center where Chef Amanda Hassner creates dishes that are "pet-inspired" and later become the flavors in much of the Purina pet food that you see in the stores today!

Chef Amanda Hassner was a complete joy!
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

I must be part dog because my favorite dish was the inspiration for Chef Michael's Carvery Creations, Beef Short Ribs Flavor.

Check out the waffles
 and the maple glazed BACON!!Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

I never stopped laughing and smiling
on that trip!
Dan Koehler and I laugh at
something Diane Silver of
To Dog With Love said
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

My least favorite was believe it or not the inspiration for Friskie's Tasty Treasures and it was made with chicken, tuna and cheese in gravy. Great for cats, for me? Not so much.

Was Tamar texting her kitties about the food?
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

The "cat food" I didn't love that much
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

That wasn't the end of the food! That evening Purina treated us all to a delicious and fun dinner at Sqwires. I greatly enjoyed not only the meal, but dining with my friends and having a wonderful conversation with Adrian Palensky who is Vice President of Quality Assurance for Nestle Purina.

Left to right:Dorian, Tamar, Angie, me
and in the middle, Jaime

Friday morning greeted us with a torrential downpour that lasted the entire day. That didn't dampen our spirits though. We were headed to Purina Farms!

I'm the one that looks like a bag lady
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

At Purina Farms we were treated to presentations informing us about the purpose of the Farm, how Purina is involved with working with breeders and shelters and a discussion about "why pets make us better." As if we didn't already know :)

We toured Purina Farms and the Event Center, enjoyed a fabulous Cat Training Demonstration and a Dog Frisbee Competition!

You think that only CATS
love Brian's Home (Terry?)
Think again.
He was the "Poodle Whisperer!"
while Candy Caciolo,
the Portfolio Director for
Specialty, Breeder & Pet Acquisition
at Nestle Purina PetCare
was giving her presentation.
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

See what I mean?
Don't let the kitties of
Brian's Home
see this!
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

Have no clue what I was babbling about
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

Love this photo!
Left to right: Paris, me, Anastasia, Jaime, Felissa
and Terry in the middle!
Wish I could remember what we
were reacting to
Photo Courtesty of Nestle Purina PetCare

This dog performing is a rescue dog!
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

It was pouring rain
and nothing stopped these dogs!
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

Who says cats can't learn tricks?
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

More kitty tricks!
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

Even more kitty tricks!
Photo Courtesy of Nestle Purina PetCare

After lunch in the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge VIP tent, Tamar (I Have Cat) Angie, (Catladyland) and I were given an impromptu tour of the incredible Cat Tower at Purina Farms!

Hey! What's a dog doing there?
Left to right: Tamar, me, Angie
and unnamed woofie

Cat Tower at Purina Farms
I had blogged about it in October
read about it here

Most of the cat bloggers, including this cat blogger, left on Friday, but a number of people stayed for events that took place on Saturday that were primarily dog related. Much of Saturday was involved in giving back to the community and helping pets. You can read about how Purina is deeply entrenched in animal welfare here.

I had the joy of sharing a ride back to the airport with Angie and Tamar,  just reading those names you know it was a good time!  Sadly, Tamar had a plane that left from a different part of the airport, so she missed me getting stopped by security and having my entire suitcase emptied (probably all of that Purina swag we received, but the security agent at Delta,  was kind enough to repack for me after I fussed about how hard it had been for me to get everything in there!). Tamar also missed a delicious hummus snack that Angie and I shared along with a double Bloody Mary for me (the nervous flyer! Angie had wine which thankfully unlike BlogPaws 2011 I didn't spill it on her. But I DID spill coffee on her at breakfast the day before!) 

Now do you see why it took me so long to blog about this trip? There was so much to write about, and there is so much more I could write about, but this was already longer than I had intended. THANK YOU to all of you for reading, and a HUGE THANK YOU to Nestle Purina for a trip that will always be appreciated and will never be forgotten!


Disclosure: Nestle Purina PetCare completely paid for my trip, accommodations, travel, etc. All opinions are my own.

Animal Shelters! Join the NEW Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program in 2013. Submit your application now!

Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love^TM is excited to open a new program in April 2013.

Since 2002, Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love^TM has helped more than 7 million pets find a new home and continues to work every day with nearly 1,000 shelters to feed their pets 365 days per year.

The new Partner Program is accessible to eligible animal shelters that are not benefiting already from the current Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love^TM program.

Join Hill's new program at a Partner level and:

-          Enable your shelter pets to enjoy the benefits of Hill’s Science Diet nutrition consistently 365 days a year

-          Obtain exclusive discounts on Hill’s Science Diet nutrition to feed your shelter pets

-          Access Hill's exclusive resources for your shelter and staff on their dedicated website

-          Offer your new adopters exclusive Hill’s Science Diet offers

Submit your shelter application today via this link and see if you qualify to start immediately in April 2013.

Hill's is looking  forward to you joining their Food, Shelter & Love^TM program and enabling them to help give millions more pets a home.

INNOVA Holistic Pet Food: "Pet Food Made Right So You Can Feed Them Right" Give-Away!

I was excited to be contacted by INNOVA and afforded the opportunity to tell you about their pet food and treats that are made with natural, high-quality proteins, whole grains and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.


"INNOVA was launched in 1993, based on the philosophy that including whole, natural and fresh ingredients is better for pets. INNOVA originated from a deep commitment to improve the lives of pets through superior nutrition."

INNOVA pet products are made under strict manufacturing standards at their plant in Fremont, Nebraska. The plant has been awarded with third-party food safety and quality accreditations every year since it opened in 2003. They also have their own standards of quality that must be met.

The package they sent to me surpassed my expectations, my mouth literally fell open when I saw the stunning/professional  visual presentation. The presentation was so clear, crisp, vivid, appetizing and inviting that it made ME want to eat the treats!

This is what arrived in the mail (please ignore my messy desk in the background):

This is how the box looked
BEFORE I opened it
to find the goodies inside
This is some of the most
inviting and appetizing
packaging I have ever seen

I delved deeper into the box and continued to be blown away by their presentation.

The goodies
inside the box

They even include a measuring cup
to ensure proper measuring of their food

 I was candid when I explained to the nice woman that contacted me from INNOVA  that Cody is on a limited ingredient diet which would make it impossible for me to honestly say whether or not he liked the treats that were mailed to him.

The cat treats that we received

INNOVA CAT TREATS ARE:

• Rich in essential fatty acids
• Preserved with Vitamin E, an important antioxidant
• Incorporates turkey and chicken, cottage cheese, vegetables and fruit, along with whole ground grains to create a cat treat with exceptional nutritional benefits

They also mailed Dakota dog treats which he DID  eat and LOVES! The folks at INNOVA were super compassionate about the fact that I did not want to switch Dakota from his regular dog food in order to try the  INNOVA dog food.

I

The tasty (according to Dakota)
dog treats that we received

INNOVA HEALTHBAR BAKED DOG TREATS

• Rich in essential fatty acids
• Preserved with Vitamin E, an important antioxidant
• Baked to ensure a more uniform and evenly prepared treat

Why Feed Innova Holistic Pet Food?

Innova holistic pet food has been formulated using only fresh, natural, wholesome pet food ingredients from each of the five food groups. And our innovative cooking methods ensure pet foods unequalled in healthful, nutritional benefits.

Innova cat food and dog food recipes are based on the most advanced research in animal health. The latest findings in orthomolecular medicine (the study of substances found in the body to achieve optimal health) are mirrored by the enhancements in our natural formulations.

• Enhanced levels of EPA + DHA help with brain and eye development
• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help improve joint health in older pets and large breed dogs
• Pumpkin, a "SuperFood," is a fantastic source of antioxidants
• Live, naturally-occurring microorganisms found in a healthy digestive tract are included in Innova to improve overall digestive health
• Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative and protects cells and tissues from oxidative damage

Innova offers different products for each stage in a pet's life, but also has a number of formulations ideal for all life stages.

Here comes the super fun part! We are having a GIVE-AWAY!! Our wonderful friends at INNOVA sent us 3 coupons to give to  3 readers of CAT CHAT (that's one coupon each! I apologize to our overseas friends but this contest is open to U.S. & Canada only) Guess what? WOOFIES can enter too! This give-away  isn't just for the kitties!

But... since Cody can't eat the kitty treats I have decided that one lucky kitty winner will receive the pouch of kitty treats that Cody cannot eat.

Entering is super easy, just please leave a comment telling me you would like to be entered. That's it!

DEADLINE FOR ENTERING is MONDAY, JULY 25TH at 12AM EST. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY, JULY 27th.

GOOD LUCK!!


In full disclosure I was not compensated in any way for this review. I was given the INNOVA kit which contained the items photographed above. 


Also, I have worked with a number of companies and I have to commend INNOVA again for their professionalism, understanding  and consideration. They are a complete and utter joy to work with. Kudos to their marketing department for the superior display of their sample kit (which INCLUDED STAMPED envelopes for me to mail the coupons to my winners! A FIRST!!)  AND their in-store displays.


I went to PetSmart last weekend and saw their display and was greatly impressed. I had also mentioned them to my vet when I saw him last week and he mentioned that a number of his clients are eating INNOVA and are thrilled with it!


I sooo wish Cody could eat INNOVA, I'm not done investigating to see if there is a way that he can!