Dr. Marty vs. Nom Nom: Is Your Dog Better Off with Freeze-Dried or Fresh?

February 26, 2026

Choosing what to put in your dog’s bowl feels like a high-stakes decision lately. We’ve all moved past the era where we just grabbed the biggest, cheapest bag of kibble at the grocery store. Now, it’s about longevity, energy, and—let’s be honest—trying to find something your dog will actually eat without you having to hand-feed them like royalty.

If you’ve been scrolling through premium options, you’ve likely run into Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend and Nom Nom. Both are massive leaps forward from the brown-pellet status quo, but they work in completely different ways. One is about the science of raw, freeze-dried nutrition, and the other is basically a personal chef for your pup.

Plus, with everyone feeling the pinch lately, the fact that you can Save up to 54% on your order at Dr. Marty or snag 50% off your first Nom Nom delivery makes the “premium” price tag a whole lot easier to swallow.

The Breakdown: What’s the Real Difference?

The biggest hurdle is understanding the form of the food.

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is the brainchild of Dr. Marty Goldstein, a vet who’s been preaching the “raw food” gospel for decades. It’s freeze-dried, which is a fancy way of saying they took real, raw ingredients and sucked the moisture out without using high heat. This locks in the nutrients and makes it shelf-stable. You don’t need a fridge; you just need a cupboard.+1

Nom Nom, on the other hand, is “fresh-cooked.” Think of it as a Sunday roast, but formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. It’s gently cooked, portioned out into tear-open packs, and arrives cold at your door. It looks, smells, and feels like “people food” because, well, it mostly is.+1

Nutrition: Raw Power vs. Kitchen Fresh

If you’re a “label reader,” you’ll be happy with both. You won’t find mystery “meat meals” or weird fillers here.

Dr. Marty is heavy on the protein—beef, turkey, salmon—mixed with superfoods like ginger and blueberries.Because it’s never cooked, the enzymes and vitamins stay intact. Most owners notice that their dogs’ stools get much smaller and firmer (a huge win for whoever’s on poop-scoop duty).+1
Nom Nom is all about balance and digestibility. It’s perfect for dogs who might have sensitive stomachs that react poorly to raw diets. You can see the actual peas and carrots in the mix. It meets AAFCO standards, so you know it’s a complete meal, not just a topper.+1

The “Picky Eater” Test

We all have that one friend whose dog eats literal rocks, and another whose dog turns their nose up at prime rib.

If your dog is the “I’m bored with this” type, Nom Nom usually wins the taste test. The aroma of freshly cooked chicken or beef is hard for any dog to ignore. That said, Dr. Marty has a unique, crunchy texture and a very concentrated “meaty” smell that many dogs find addictive. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can serve it dry like kibble or add a splash of warm water to turn it into a soft, savory mash.

Convenience: Cupboard vs. Fridge

This is where your lifestyle makes the choice for you.

Go with Dr. Marty if: You travel a lot, have a tiny fridge, or just don’t want to deal with a subscription. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and doesn’t spoil if you leave it out for ten minutes. It’s the ultimate “low-maintenance” premium food.
Go with Nom Nom if: You love the “set it and forget it” nature of a subscription. It’s great if you have the freezer space and don’t mind a bit of “thawing” prep. It feels more like a ritual, and the pre-portioned packs mean you never have to guess how much to feed.

Let’s be real: neither of these is “cheap.” They are investments in your dog’s health. However, they are a lot more affordable than they used to be.

If you’re on the fence, use the current promos to do a “taste test.” You can Get 50% Off Your Order at Nom Nom to see if your dog thrives on fresh meals, or Save up to 54% at Dr. Marty if you want to try the freeze-dried route.

Quick FAQ

Are these foods suitable for picky eaters? Nom Nom’s fresh aroma and cooked texture often appeal strongly to picky eaters. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend also has a rich smell and unique texture that many dogs enjoy, but Nom Nom may have the edge for very fussy pets.
Which dog food is healthier — Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend or Nom Nom? Both brands use high-quality ingredients and avoid fillers like artificial preservatives. Dr. Marty focuses on raw, nutrient-dense meals, while Nom Nom’s fresh cooked recipes may retain moisture and digestible nutrients that appeal to picky eaters.
Do I have to add water to Dr. Marty? You don’t have to, but many dogs prefer it rehydrated. It also helps with hydration!
Can I use these as toppers? Absolutely. If you aren’t ready to go 100% fresh or freeze-dried, both work amazingly well mixed in with your current kibble to boost nutrition.
Which is better for old dogs? Nom Nom is often easier for seniors to chew because of its soft, moist texture. But Dr. Marty’s nutrient density is great for maintaining muscle mass in older pups.

The Verdict? If you want the absolute easiest way to feed a high-quality raw diet, Dr. Marty is your winner. If you want the most “human-like,” palatable meal for a picky dog and don’t mind the fridge space, Nom Nom is the way to go.

Either way, your dog is going to be very, very happy with you.