7 Copycat Nom Nom Recipes for Fresh Meals at Home

This recipe is a gentle, lean, and easily digestible meal perfect for dogs with sensitive tummies or those watching their weight. Ground turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, while brown rice provides sustainable energy and fiber. It’s a simple, wholesome bowl of goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon fish oil (rich in omega-3s)
• 1/4 cup water
• Recommended canine multivitamin supplement (as per package instructions)

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a large skillet or pot over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
2. While the turkey is cooking, steam or boil the finely chopped carrots until tender-crisp.
3. Once the turkey is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked brown rice, tender carrots, and the 1/4 cup of water to the pot. Stir to combine everything.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly without overcooking it.
5. Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. This is very important to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
6. Once cool, stir in the fish oil and the recommended dose of your chosen canine multivitamin supplement. Mix well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This Turkey Fare copycat is the go-to recipe for dogs needing a simple, low-fat diet. It’s a winner for senior dogs, pups with pancreatitis history (with vet approval!), or any dog that thrives on a gentle, clean meal.

For the active, energetic dog, our Beef Mash-inspired recipe is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients. Beef is rich in iron and protein, essential for muscle development and energy. The addition of potatoes and peas makes this a satisfying, rib-sticking meal that will fuel your dog’s adventures.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 2 oz beef liver, finely chopped (optional, but nutrient-dense)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Recommended canine multivitamin supplement

Instructions:

1. Boil the diced potatoes in a pot of water until they are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and finely chopped beef liver (if using) over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add the shredded carrot to the skillet with the beef and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it softens.
4. Add the cooked potatoes and frozen peas to the skillet. Gently stir or ‘mash’ everything together until well combined. The peas will cook from the residual heat.
5. Let the mixture cool completely.
6. Once cool, drizzle with olive oil and mix in the necessary supplements. Serve it up!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This hearty meal is perfect for young, active dogs, working breeds, or any canine that needs a little extra fuel in their tank. It’s a flavor-packed dish that will have even the fussiest eaters cleaning their bowls.

Chicken is a classic for a reason. It’s a lean, high-quality protein that most dogs adore. Paired with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and squash, this recipe is a well-rounded, vibrant meal that supports everything from digestive health to a shiny coat. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 small yellow squash, diced
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• Recommended canine multivitamin supplement

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed sweet potato in a pot, cover with water, and boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and lightly mash.
2. While the sweet potato is boiling, cook the diced chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat until it’s cooked through. You can poach it in a little water for extra moisture.
3. Once cooked, you can shred the chicken with two forks or leave it in chunks, depending on your dog’s preference.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the diced yellow squash for 5-7 minutes until it’s soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, cooked chicken, and sautéed squash.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach, which will wilt into the warm mixture.
7. Let the food cool to a safe temperature, then mix in the melted coconut oil and supplements.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a fantastic, balanced meal for the average adult dog. Its blend of lean protein and complex carbs provides steady energy, making it a reliable and delicious choice for daily feeding, provided your dog has no chicken allergies.

Pork is a wonderful ‘novel protein,’ meaning it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions than common proteins like chicken or beef. This makes our Pork Potluck-inspired recipe a fantastic choice for dogs with itchy skin or food sensitivities. It’s a flavorful and comforting meal that offers delicious dietary variety.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup chopped green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
• Recommended canine multivitamin supplement

Instructions:

1. Boil the diced potatoes until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, cook the ground pork over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly.
3. Add the chopped green beans (if using fresh) and zucchini to the pot with the pork. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. If using frozen green beans, add them in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
4. Stir in the cooked potatoes, gently mixing everything together.
5. Remove from heat and let the meal cool down completely.
6. Once cool, stir in the flaxseed oil and any necessary supplements before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for pet parents looking to find a solution for a dog with food sensitivities. It’s also a great way to add some exciting variety to any dog’s meal rotation to keep them interested in their food.

While not one of Nom Nom’s core four, a fish-based recipe is a staple for dogs with significant allergies or skin issues. This recipe is inspired by that need, using flaky white fish packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. It’s the ultimate meal for promoting healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or pollock), skinless and boneless
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1 tablespoon fish oil (like Nordic Naturals) or phytoplankton
• Recommended canine multivitamin supplement

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil the cubed sweet potato until very tender. Drain and mash.
2. You can cook the fish by either baking it at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until it flakes easily, or by gently poaching it in a shallow pan with a little water for about 7-10 minutes.
3. Steam the green beans until they are tender-crisp.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato and steamed green beans.
5. Flake the cooked fish with a fork and gently fold it into the vegetable mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Let the mixture cool to a safe temperature.
7. Before serving, gently stir in the fish oil and supplements.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the number one choice for dogs suffering from allergies, hot spots, or dull coats. The anti-inflammatory properties of fish make it a soothing, healing, and delicious meal that tackles skin problems from the inside out.

Lamb is another excellent novel protein that is also calorie-dense, making it ideal for highly active dogs, working breeds, or dogs that need to gain a bit of healthy weight. It’s a rich, savory, and satisfying meal that provides the high-octane fuel some dogs require to be at their best.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 tablespoon hemp seed oil
• Recommended canine multivitamin supplement

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Lamb can be fatty, so be sure to drain off all the excess grease.
2. While the lamb cooks, lightly steam the finely chopped broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green.
3. Add the cooked brown rice, grated carrot, and steamed broccoli to the pot with the cooked lamb. Stir everything together.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let the food cool down completely.
6. Once cooled, mix in the hemp seed oil and the necessary supplements.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect meal for the canine athlete. If you have a working dog, a dog that competes in agility, or a breed that just never stops moving, this Lamb & Rice Power-Up will give them the nutritional support they need to perform and recover.

Sometimes, you want more control, or perhaps you get great deals on different proteins each week. This recipe is a nutritionally packed, protein-free base that you can customize. It’s a fantastic way to ensure your dog gets a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Simply add your own cooked protein of choice to create a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 3 cups water or low-sodium bone broth
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 zucchini, finely diced
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/4 cup blueberries (optional, for antioxidants)

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils, rinsed quinoa, and water or bone broth. Bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the lentils are soft.
3. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the finely diced carrot and zucchini.
4. Once all the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and stir in the spinach and blueberries (if using). The heat will wilt the spinach.
5. Let the mixture cool. You can store this base in the fridge for up to 4 days.
6. To serve, mix a portion of the veggie and lentil base with an appropriate amount of your dog’s favorite cooked protein (e.g., shredded chicken, ground beef, flaked fish) and your chosen healthy oil and supplements.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is for the dedicated DIY pet parent. If you enjoy tailoring every aspect of your dog’s diet and want a foolproof way to ensure they get their veggies and fiber, this customizable base is the perfect tool for your meal-prep arsenal.

Transitioning to homemade dog food is an incredible act of love, but it’s more than just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. To do it safely and effectively, you need to approach it with care and knowledge. Here’s what every aspiring canine chef needs to know.

Always, Always Talk to Your Vet

This is the most critical step. Before you even buy your first ingredient, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Every dog is an individual with unique needs based on their age, breed, size, activity level, and health history. Your vet can help you determine if a homemade diet is appropriate, recommend specific ingredients or supplements, and calculate the precise caloric intake your dog needs.

Achieving Nutritional Balance

A common pitfall of homemade diets is nutritional imbalance. While our recipes are a great start, long-term feeding requires precise ratios of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Simply cooking chicken and rice is not enough and can lead to serious deficiencies over time. You must ensure your dog receives adequate calcium, omega fatty acids, and other essential micronutrients. This is often achieved by adding a high-quality supplement powder specifically designed for homemade dog food, such as Balance IT or Just Food For Dogs’ DIY Nutrient Blends. These products take the guesswork out of balancing the meal.

Ingredient Quality and Sourcing

The beauty of homemade food is your control over quality. Opt for human-grade ingredients. Choose lean cuts of meat (e.g., 93% lean ground turkey, skinless chicken breast). Buy fresh or frozen vegetables, as they retain more nutrients than canned versions. Organic ingredients can be a great choice to minimize pesticide exposure, but the most important thing is that the ingredients are fresh and wholesome.

Safe Storage and Handling

Food safety is just as important for your dog as it is for you. You can cook large batches of food to save time, but you must store it properly. Portion the meals into individual airtight containers and refrigerate what you’ll use in the next 3-4 days. Freeze the rest immediately. Frozen meals can last for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw a frozen meal in the refrigerator overnight—never on the counter. You can warm it slightly before serving, but make sure it’s not hot.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

You don’t need a professional kitchen, but a few key items will make the process much smoother:

• A Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking everything together.
• A Food Processor: Great for finely chopping or pureeing vegetables for better digestion.
• A Kitchen Scale: For accurately measuring ingredients to ensure consistency.
• Airtight Storage Containers: For refrigerating and freezing portions.

Is it really cheaper to make my own dog food?

It can be, but it depends. If you’re comparing it to a premium fresh food service like Nom Nom, then yes, DIY is almost always more affordable, especially for larger dogs. However, if you’re comparing it to dry kibble, the cost of fresh, human-grade ingredients can be significantly higher. The price will fluctuate based on the quality of ingredients you choose (e.g., organic, grass-fed meat vs. conventional). The main benefits are control over quality and freshness, with cost savings as a potential bonus.

How do I make sure the meal is nutritionally complete for long-term feeding?

This is the most important question. While our recipes are balanced with whole foods, ensuring they meet 100% of AAFCO’s (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for long-term health requires extra steps. The best way is to work directly with a veterinary nutritionist who can formulate a custom recipe. The next best option is to use a pre-formulated vitamin and mineral supplement designed specifically to balance homemade diets. Products like Balance IT allow you to input your recipe, and they provide a custom supplement blend to fill any nutritional gaps.

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

Portion size is crucial and varies greatly between dogs. A general guideline is to feed about 2-3% of your dog’s ideal body weight per day. For example, a 50-pound dog might eat 1 to 1.5 pounds of food daily, split into two meals. However, this is just a starting point. A highly active Border Collie will need more calories than a sedentary Basset Hound of the same weight. Your veterinarian is the best resource for determining the exact daily caloric needs and portion sizes for your specific dog.